As Adelina spend more time visiting Fiona and vice versa, they bonded over the past few months from their mutual interest in books-particularly the ones about romance.

"To think even Lady Adelina would read such books, I'm surprised." Fiona teased, flipping a page from the book she was currently reading. It is heavily frowned upon nobles to read romance novels and considered a huge scandal if they were to get caught, so nobles such as Adelina and Fiona must be extremely careful with reading books about romance.

Adelina frowned and huffed in reply, turning her head away from her. "You know, you're treating me a lot differently from how we first met. Where did that sweet and shy girl go?"

"Then let me apologize for disappointing you," Fiona replied cheekily and mocked a clumsy curtsy. She chuckled when Adelina gave her an unimpressed look. "As an apology, how does a trip to the local town sound?"

The town? Adelina raised her eyebrows slightly, interested. "I have never been there, but..." she mumbled softer this time, "I will take that offer." 

Satisfied with her reaction, Fiona closed the book and stood up, smiling. "I should probably get going, father might be worried."

Adelina giggled, recalling the times Viscount Rennes would stand outside their house, waiting anxiously for his daughter to arrive home. "I suppose we should not keep him from waiting too long."

"Let's meet the day after tomorrow," Adelina said to Fiona while waving enthusiastically, who nodded and waved back with the same level of energy before entering the carriage. She stayed outside and watched until the carriage left her sight.

"Milady, shall we head back inside?" Mary set a large scarf over her, covering the upper half of her body. "It is getting cold now...Would you like a cup of hot chocolate milk?"

"Yes, please. Thanks, Mary."

--------

"Papa, can I go visit the town with Fiona?" Adelina asked hopefully, tiptoeing on her feet to reach the desk covered with numerous letters. She was inside her father's study room and curiously noted how the place was messier than usual. Maybe father has been busy with his work lately.

But no, she shook her head, determined. I have been spending too much time inside. I need to go out, meet the locals, explore!

"Adelina, this is your third time asking and it is still a no." replied her father, his voice giving away the tiredness from working late. He lowered the piece of paper he was reading and was faced with her dejected expression. In an instant, he felt a pang of guilt. He should be taking her out on a trip once in a while, yet he never got the chance to do so. If only there was some way...

"Okay," he answered in defeat, leaning back in the chair. "I will let you go, but only on one condition. I will accompany you on the trip."

Adelina released a sigh of relief. "Of course, that would be great. Thank you so much papa!" She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and left the room, humming a happy tune as she walked in the hallway. She was too excited to think back on the condition her father has come up with.

Unbeknownst to her, she was going to regret making that decision.

--------

"Good morning father," Adelina greeted once she stepped inside the carriage, seeing her father sitting on the side. "It is great weather for an outing today."

There was no response from him.

"Papa?"

"Ah," he coughed, looking away from her. "Yes, the weather is extraordinary. Makes you want to leave as soon as possible, right Adelina?"

"....Right, of course." Adelina doubted his words but shrugged them off, distracted by the thought of going outside. 

--------

"Adelina, you're here!" A pair of arms reached out to her and Adelina was engulfed in a tight hug. Fiona was still smiling as she let go of the hug but froze when she noticed the duke standing next to Adelina.

"A-Ah, I'm so sorry. I should have greeted you first, Duke Corbet." She said and dipped into a formal curtsy.

Her butler masked his laugh with a cough.

"It is an honor to meet the friend of my daughter, Lady Fiona. The shops should be open by now. Should we get going?"

"Yes!" the girls both replied.

--------

Fiona took a slice of cake and stuffed it in her mouth, ignoring the scolding she received from her butler for her manners.

"Woah, this is super tasty!" she commented, taking another bite.

Together with Adelina's father and Fiona's butler, the two girls were sitting in the outdoor space of a café, relishing the cakes said to be popular in town.

Adelina tasted the blueberry cheesecake her father had bought for her and nodded, staring at the cake in awe. Delicious. It's soft and fluffy. I want to eat more...

Her father saw the look in his daughter's eyes and smiled.

I should buy some to bring back home.

--------

"The people seem to be satisfied with the costs of living." a young boy muttered, engrossed in his thoughts. "The tax on stall owners is within the suggested amount, quality of the food is decent, but could be better. Next, how to improve-"

The sound of laughter interrupted his line of thinking. He turned to the source and saw a group of four sitting outside of a café, smiling and laughing as they were engaged in a conversation. The two girls in the group appeared to be the ones doing the most talking, while the adults they were with simply listened and chuckle occasionally.

Upon closer inspection, he noticed that one of the girls was Lady Fiona, the girl who was neglected by nobles in parties and other gatherings. She was always standing in the corner, hiding in the dark where no one would approach her. He heard the rumors about her origin and pitied the girl who could not stand up for herself.

He blinked his eyes, astonished that the rumored viscount's daughter was much different from when he first met her. What changed?

I got it now, he thought, seeing how Fiona paid attention to the other girl, her face radiating from genuine happiness.

From where he was standing, he could only see the girl's red hair. If only she would turn around and show her face-

"Your high-I mean Leo!" someone exclaimed, running towards him. His friend placed his hand on his shoulder and tightened his grip, feeling slightly out of breath from running around. "Can you please stop leaving my sight. We were able to sneak out because you promised me you will stay undercover!"

"Oh Kyle, you're back."

"Leo!"

--------

author's note:

I really had lots of fun writing this chapter, mainly because I wanted Adelina to enjoy the things she can as a kid again. I don't have a solid plot yet so I'm going along with the flow.

anyway, thanks for reading!

-theorangelover