1 Lady Catherine of House Faucigny

A chilly morning greeted a young lady in her mid-'20s as she walked down the stairs leading to the dining room. Gazing through a big french window, she could see gardeners tending to flowers and on her left peripheral vision, she could see the maids running around busying themselves preparing breakfast. With a smile, she entered the dining room. A lavish room with a big dining table in the middle that could accommodate 10 guests. And at the end of the table sat a man in his 40's, seated in a cold and calm manner, presume from his aristocratic nature, with a face that shows experience. On his left sat a Lady in her mid 30's, despite the age, she maintained her sophisticated beauty like time itself has stopped.

"Father, Mother, Good morning."Catherine smiled as she sat in her seat. She thanked the maid who handed her a wet towel.

"En." her father, Lord Frederick only nod at her greeting then turned to the butler standing beside him.

"Where's Hendrix? Is he up yet?"

"He's on his way Sire." the butler replied.

"This man, when would he learn to take everything seriously and not cause the family trouble?" Lady Isabella sighed before drinking her tea.

Catherine didn't make any comments. The table fell into silence for a while before it was broken with the arrival of the First Child of the Faucigny Family, Young Master Druex Hendrix Faucigny.

"Did I come too late?" a man in a jovial mood, probably in his early 30's took a seat in front of Catherine and started eating.

"What impudence! Take a look at your behaviour, Do you think that's how you're supposed to act?!" Lord Frederick's voice echoed throughout the room. The maids excused themselves to give them privacy.

"…"

Catherine shakes her head at her brothers' attitude. Although her brother is known as a well mannered young lord, he causes troubles from time to time. Being ignored by his son, the Duke eats begrudgingly. Silence once again dominated the room. Only after the desserts served that the duke spoke up again. This time, it was official business.

"By the way, Hendrix, Catherine... there will be a masquerade ball at the royal palace this weekend, but since both I and your mother are away on a business trip, you two shall attend on our stead."

"Yes, father." both Catherine and Hendrix nodded.

The breakfast was can be considered pleasant. At least for the food, but the atmosphere, definitely not. Catherine was long used to it. So long used to it that she feels numb inside. All smiles, but not sincere. With a heavy heart, she went back to her room to change clothes, ready to go out to tailor a dress for the upcoming ball.

The ride was short. In front of a luxurious tailor store, Catherine slowly walked out of the carriage, checking her clothes and after making sure everything is perfect, she thanked the coachman before heading inside the building. The inside was lively, chatters from left and right were heard throughout the room. The head seamstress notices Catherine and walks over.

"My Lady, your beauty still amazes me, it leaves me speechless every time we meet." she bowed to Catherine as a sign of respect. In return, Catherine only nodded to her.

"I presume you're here to get a dress for the party? I have the latest design for the autumn collection, I'm sure you'll like it." the head seamstress winked.

"Can't wait to see it"

Both of them walked to a room further inside the building and chatted along the way. As they arrived at the room, Catherine was awed by the gowns insight. One was in the colour red, the other blue, black, And much more. But there was one thing that truly caught Catherine's attention. The green gown is on the cabinet by the centre room.

"Jacqueline, Can I try this on? I like this dress."

"You truly have an eye for fashion, Catherine. That dress is the masterpiece for the Autumn Collection entitled 'Emerald Mademoiselle' I bet it will look good on you. Go on, try it."

Jacqueline pushed Catherine to a changing room and gave her the dress. After a while, Catherine walked out of the dressing room wearing a very beautiful green dress with a diamond and emeralds embedded on the dress itself. Everyone was in awe after seeing the piece.

"You looked perfect. As if this dress is tailor-made for you. Would you like to choose this dress to wear on the ball? I can reserve and improve it for you?"

"Please do. I like it very much. It feels comfortable. But don't change the size, just make it more beautiful."

"You got it."

After finishing her business at the tailor, Catherine, without looking outside, pushed the door open wide, causing it to accidentally bumped into a man with arms full of groceries.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry sir, I didn't mean it. I didn't look where I was going. I'm so sorry, Are you hurt somewhere?" Catherine helps the young man stand up and started picking up the fruits that had fallen through the bag.

"I'm alright. I wasn't hurt or anything, I'm fine." the man also kneels down to help gather the fallen fruits.

"You don't have to do this mademoiselle, I can take care of this."

"No, it's my fault after all. Take this as my compensation, Sir?… what should I call you?" Catherine curiously gazed at the man.

"Where are my manners, I'm Louis. Please, call me Louis."

"What a nice name. A pleasure to meet you Sir Louis" Catherine accepted Louis' handshake.

The two talked more before parting ways. Catherine went back to the mansion in a jovial mood, even helping the maids in their chores which left them petrified and gushed her to stop and go back to her chambers. Left with no choice, Catherine left the kitchen and went to the study. As she enters the room, she found her brother in a corner drinking tea with a book in his hand. Staring far ahead seemingly absentminded to the things around him. he only came to consciousness when Catherine cough out twice.

"You're here." Hendrix only looked at her for a second before facing the windows again. Catherine paid it no heed and went to sit beside him, grabbing a pot of tea. The both of them were just gazing outside as the room filled with silence, but rather than a gloomy one, the silence felt rather comforting.

"Brother, don't you ever think about the things life has to offer? Like, do you even think aside from being the heir, you are meant for greater things?" Catherine was to break the silence.

"It is not that I do not think for them. I just don't dare to. It is a big decision and a responsibility thinking about something you're not supposed to be." Hendrix then faces Catherine with a very serious and sombre look.

"I've always noticed you tend to dislike the way we handled things. I also know you sometimes snuck outside with foods to give to the commoner-- don't give me that look, I won't interfere on what will you do with your life, as long as my interests aren't compromised, I'll support you." they both fell to a stale silence until Catherine spoke up again.

"Since when have you known I've snuck out foods?" a timid smile appeared on her face.

"The first time you did it."

"HUH? You're kidding" Catherine was so shocked that she stands up.

"I'm not kidding. If I am kidding, how would I know that you had used the west gate to snuck outside the manor?"

"..."

"It seems you have forgotten the owner of the room in the west corner of the second floor." Hendrix just chuckled then took a sip of tea.

"Right, it's your bedroom." Catherine held her temples in embarrassment and just smiled sheepishly at her brother who is looking at her right now with a wry smile.

"Don't sweat it, sister. I won't tell anyone. It is admirable of you to have such desire and perception, 'Helping the poor'. I could never have the thought."

Hendrix stands up, ready to leave the study when he paused. He taps Catherine on her shoulder before saying.

"Truly admirable to have such dreams, but whether you have the courage, it is the question of time itself. As for advice my dear sister, do what you think is right and what makes you happy. Regardless of what factors is ahead of you, with your perseverance and passion to achieve, it will prevail." after saying his words, he left.