A few days later.
Thanks to the healing water I've been casting onto myself every chance I have, the excruciating pain from my sore muscles have finally subsided. It was just in time since the whole family will be visiting the palace and meeting with the royal family.
I was pretty excited to go since I haven't seen Lily in a while. I've been very busy with my combat and magic training, and I haven't got the chance to visit her.
Alex, though, has been visiting me at least once every two or three days. He's been helping me a lot when I'm stuck on my bed because of my muscle pain. Yes... This is what a true prince should be like. Not only should they be shining and romantic when they're outside, but also caring, warm, and gentle when they're alone.
Umu, as the prince of the drama club, I give him my stamp of approval!
I started the morning earlier than usual since we have to arrive to the castle before lunch.
I did my yoga and also trained a bit of my magic while Anne helped me take a bath. This time, Anne took extra care while bathing me for this special occasion.
That morning, I suffered from a ticklish hell as Anne washed me...
"Hah... Hah... Anne... You're being so cruel this early in the morning..."
"Please stop exaggerating and let us put you in the dress we've prepared! We still need to style your hair and put light makeup on you, my lady. Time is of the essence!"
"U-Uuuh... Okay..."
Once again, or rather, this is already the usual ritual for Anne and the servants mother assigned to me, to dress me up like a doll and style my hair in an extremely beautiful style that's really too fancy for me...
A beautiful white dress with floral patterns embroidered with golden threads hugged my young child's body. My long silver hair was braided and let rest over my left shoulder. Anne then applied a thin layer of makeup that accentuated my soft, white, baby skin and little light blue eyeshadow.
Even though I'm not really fond of dressing up like this, I couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that it does feel good, once in a while.
I look... even more beautiful than I usually do.
...What? It's the truth! Alterisa's specs are naturally super high! She looks very feminine and her boobs are big too!!! Like, super big! Only second to Evelyn! The only reason why she's the villainess is because of her rotten attitude!
Wait... who am I making an excuse to...?
Am I that bored from Anne and the servants dressing me up that I begin to talk to myself now?!
Hah... My feminine power is still so low huh~?
"Alright! We're done, my lady. Now please head to the living room to wait for the master and mistress. I believe the young master is already present."
"Okay~ Thank you very much Anne, everyone."
Anne smiled softly at me and bowed. But behind her, I could see all the maids swooning as they stared at me.
Ufufufu~ They are so proud of their work, rightfully so. They're all so skilled with this!
Hm~ Maybe I'll give them a shampoo and conditioner set for free after I finish my conditioner! Mm! I want to reward them with something for their troubles!
I then make my way to the living room, Anne following close behind. When I arrived, I saw Lu-nii sitting on the couch sipping a cup of tea and a dark-brown haired man with a handsome face and elegant posture serving him. It was his personal butler, Lloyd.
"Ah, good morning Lu-nii~ Lloyd too~!"
"Good morning, Risa. Heh~ Seems like Anne and the others went all out with you again today, huh?"
"Good morning to you as well, my lady."
"Ufufufu~ Yes they did~ They did such a good job, right~?"
"I am humbled by your praise. Thank you very much, young master, my lady. I am sure the others would be pleased by it as well."
Ara~ Anne, you don't need to blush you know~ Well, it's not that I can't understand. Being praised by such a handsome young guy like Lu-nii would make anyone swoon even if you don't hold any romantic feelings for them. Ufufufu~
I jumped up onto the couch with an oomph and sat beside him.
"Hey, you shouldn't jump around like that. You're a noble lady."
"It's fine~ We're alone with Lloyd and Anne~ It's going to be okay, right~?"
I look towards the two and they smiled helplessly at me.
What? Why are you looking at me like I'm some lost cause?
"I will not say anything, my lady. But if the mistress ask, then..."
"Eh?"
"I shall not say anything as well. However, if the question is asked to me, then I have no choice but to confess the truth."
E-Eh? What's going on? W-Why are the two of them ganging up on me?!
"Y-Y-You won't do that, right everyone?"
W-What? D-Don't just giggle! Say something!
You too, Lu-nii! Turning your face away doesn't hide anything! I could still see your shoulders trembling!!!!
"Ara~? What are you all giggling about~?"
I froze and slowly turned towards the hallway leading into the living room.
"O-Oh~ It's nothing mom, dad~? U-Ufufufu~"
They looked at me strangely and turned towards Lu-nii, Anne, and Lloyd.
"It's nothing, mother, father. We were simply having a conversation about Risa's muscle pain."
Lu-nii said with a calm smile as Anne and Lloyd stayed silent.
L-Lu-nii... Thank you! Anne and Lloyd too!! You guys are the best!
"T-That's right!"
They looked at me for a moment, then smiled.
"Is that so?"
"Ufufufu~ You shouldn't be teasing your sister too much, Lucas~ I know she's cute, but keep it in moderation, alright?"
Mm, that's right! Well said, dear mother!
"I will try my best."
Oiii, don't' just try your best! Just don't tease me!
"Then, shall we head out?"
We all nodded and head to the carriage.
The trip to the royal palace didn't take long. Or at least, it didn't feel that long since we have often visited it.
In the carriage, I sat on the best seat in the house. My mother's lap~
Ufufufu~ I feel so happy~ She feels so soft, so warm, and smells so good~ My neck also rests perfectly on her heavenly pillows~ It's a truly luxurious experience~
Then before I knew it, we reached the royal palace...
You know, now that I'm sitting on mom's lap, I would've liked the trip to be slower.
But alas, we exited our carriage and we headed into the royal palace led by the royal guards.
They seem to already know about our family's appointment with the royal family and lead us without asking any questions.
I see. So this is what it feels like to get a face pass for everything. Hehe, it feels good~
As usual, my dad and mom were greeted along the way by the passing royal guards, civil servants, etc. as we walked.
Lu-nii and I were mostly known as their children, but some did recognize me and Lu-nii from our own achievements that somehow got spread.
Heh~ I wonder if I'll get a face pass for everything too when I grow up~
We walked through corridors after corridors and turned corners several times, heading deeper and deeper into the royal palace until finally, we reached before the enormous, beautifully decorated, double doors of one of the inner chambers used by the royalties to welcome close family members and friends for private meetings.
One of the royal guards knights approached the double doors, knocked, and announced our arrival.
Soon, we heard a deep, regal voice filled with dignity front within, allowing our entrance.
The two guards pushed open the doors, revealing to us the entire royal family sitting on the couches with smiles on their faces.
The king nodded after we entered and waved towards the guards who immediately saluted and closed the doors behind us.
"Welcome, everyone. Please take a seat. There is no need for formaliti-"
"Lisa~!!! I've missed you~!!"
"Sonia~!! I've missed you too~!!!"
Suddenly, without even waiting for his majesty to finish speaking, mom and queen Sonia just run and hugged each other.
M-Mom... I-I know you're all best friends but we're still with the king, you know...?
"Sonnyaaa...?"
Kiara muttered while she was in my arms and looked curiously at the queen.
"Ara~!!! How cute~~!!!! Is this your second daughter~?"
"Mm~! Her name is Kiara~ Kiara, say hello to mommy's best friend~"
"Helloooo~ My name ish Kiara~! I want to be like my big sister when I grow up!"
AAAAAAHHHHH!!! SO CUUUUUUTTTEEE!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHH!H!! I'M DYYIIIINNNGG~!!!!!!!
The way she raised her hand and wave. The way she smiles. AAAAAHHHH!! IS THIS HEAVEN?!?!?!?!
"Kyaaah~ How cute~!!!"
"Hehehe~ It tickles~"
"S-Sonia-sama...!"
Sonia-sama suddenly hugged both of us and rubbed our cheeks with hers.
"A-Ahem. Sonia, will you save this for later...?"
His majesty, Luke-sama, cleared his throat awkwardly while my dad sighed helplessly.
"Eeeehh~? You're no fun, Luke. Fine. Let's play again later, okay~?"
"Yeeessh~!"
"Y-Yes. I would be honored..."
What? I-I can't very much reject the queen's invitation like that. I-It's not like I lost against her beaming, irresistible smile, okay?!
She let us go and stood up then turn towards Lu-nii.
"It is nice to see you again, Lucas. I've heard plenty about your achievements. I am impressed."
"Thank you very much for your praise. It is an honor."
Lu-nii bowed elegantly and accepted her praises with humility.
Heeeh~ So you can act like that too huh?
I immediately turn my attention away and looked at Lily who was sitting beside Alexus.
I waved and smiled at her, and she smiled and waved back at me too.
Ah~ If it's not for being in his and her majesty's presence, I would've rub those soft and mushy marshmallow cheeks of hers~
Though, why is Alexus frowning at me? A frown like that ruins your good face you know?
I looked at him and tilted my head confusedly, and his face turned into a warm, beaming smile immediately.
Ooh~ That's a quick change of expression! He's so interesting, hehehe~
Today is going to be so fun~
Afterword:
Blood sugar level increasing... Be ready.