18 Chapter 16: A Smile To Depart...

< Gloria's POV >

I couldn't help but sigh at each page turned. It had been days... months, since he was gone. That bird of his didn't bother about seeing me either. So, by far, all I could do was write empty letters and stash them in an album book. I missed him so much.

If it had been J... I'd know instantly whether he was lying to me or not... but with Fred, it was always different. He was always a step ahead of me. And this horrible feeling of being in the dark, wrecked my mind so.

Even though I smiled everyday, even though everyone was here, I knew deep inside how utterly useless all this ended up as.

The only good news I'd come across was that one invitation to the ball held by the King at the Imperial Palace. He had invited me, by name, while also suggesting to take my family. Indeed... he was pleased by my logical thinking instead of an emotional one.

"Gloria," Helen lightly knocked on the door before entering my room, "it's almost time. Are you ready?"

I jumped out of the chair and took the secret diary and hid it under my pillow. While I was panicking over my messed up hair and all the clothes that had been scattered across the room, the door flung open.

I saw mom. Her smile of wrath was frightening!

"Young lady," she spoke in monotone, "what is all this mess? Why aren't you ready yet? Hmm... hmm!"

Her demands seemed to be getting more and more ridiculous lately. She was always nagging at me about manners and etiquette. Each and everyday since the last seven months!

"I'm just wondering which one is more suitable..." I tried to lie, glancing towards Helen for some backup.

"Well, you know mother, it is a ball the king especially invited her to... it's kinda obvious that she'd be nervous, right?" Helen suggested.

"Oh, come now!" Mom grabbed ahold of my hand and dragged me away while I thanked Helen for the help. All she did was smile.

I was dragged down the stairs and all the way until the dining room where the boys and Carmine waited. When they all saw me, they looked a bit pale, but understood what was going on.

Carmine looked pale and panicking. Dad was out of words while George stood silent, observing first. Charles chuckled with a mischevious smirk and 'innocently' asked what was wrong.

Our mother... who had been doting over Charles for the past few months, saw no problem in telling him exactly what was going on.

Charles listened and nodded. The rest of us stood speechless.

I mean, it's okay to ask him about which clothes I should wear and what is the King's favourite colour... but why must she ask him about what underwear I should wear, huh!? Where's the logic in that! Besides I'm a girl now! Isn't it better to ask Helen or Carmine... or even a maid...! Why him of all people?

"Well, dear mother," Charles spoke very politely, "isn't it fine for her to wear pink?"

"Pink what!" I held back my thought, almost bursting with fury.

"You hear that!" Mom turned towards me, "At least someone gets me! That's right... pink dress and undergarments for you, young lady...!"

Her voice was so loud, not to mention the entire place echoed, I bet the entire castle heard it!

I had never been as humiliated in both my lives as I was today... besides, the only one wearing pink today would be me. Anyone can guess who she was talking about...!

"I HATE BEING A GIRL!" I ran upstairs to my room and shouted afterwards.

"..."

Sadly, I picked up the pink dress and put it on. It was very frilly. Not to mention that the zip at the back was getting stuck with my hair all over the place.

"Glow?" the door creaked open a little and I fell down, utterly embarrassed at my current situation.

"He-Helen?" I turned my eyes above me, over all these messy hair and smiled nervously.

"At least wear something underneath... you'll hurt your skin." she seemed concerned.

"What could happen? I'm just fine... I don't wanna wear the pink undergarments too... its embarrassing!" I whispered each time, my voice decreasing more and more in volume.

"Pfft!" She laughed out loud and couldn't stop, "was that you?"

"Hmph." I had to agree.

"Here, hold still." Helen gently took care of the knotted hair while I sat, pouting.

"I'll have to cut a few strands. Or else you will stick out like a caveman!" She teased me.

"Do what you want... but I get to choose my... you know..." I could feel my face blush and burn with just the thoughts.

"Okay, okay. Aren't you a mature lady!" Helen joked around.

"I'm not a baby, you know?" I told her, a bit irritated.

"Of course ~ of course ~" Helen went along with it.

"Okay! Done." Helen seemed satisfied with her work, "Take a look!"

"Whoa~!" I marveled myself at the mirror, "Cool."

"It is a very boring way to go with a bob cut, especially one that's so long and so overdue in fashion, so I improvised. Yep," she winked at me in the mirror, "now you're ready."

"But isn't it weird that my bangs on the sides are way too long compared to the back which is breezy?" I asked, a bit curious.

"That's what makes a child so cute!" she simply pointed, "Its a charm."

"Yeah... sure." I ignored her statement despite its accuracy. I mean, I may be a child, but I'm still an adult however you put it.

"Now, as for what you should wear..." Helen continued, much to my further disgust.

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"I tell you," I whispered to Charles, bored and exhausted, but still wearing a smile, "everything is so exquisite... I'd like to puke."

"Go right ahead." Charles whispered back as I looked at him, stunned, "Then people can confirm that you're nothing, but a child."

"Heh~" I cringed my teeth, still forcing a smile, "how about I puke on you instead?"

"Death penalty. That's what I call law." He winked and walked away.

"[You damn loser!]" I used telepathy mixed with emotion.

I thought this would teach him a lesson or two... but boy was I wrong. He stuck to his princely regime and continued to chat with various nobles.

Meanwhile, here I was, completely alone.

"Parties really aren't my thing." as I sighed and almost left the enchanting ballroom, an announcement stopped me short.

"The Great King Warnaveer - VIII, his royal highness, Sir Azerer Warnaveer Melendor Von Hearth Arc, has arrived! Please be in accordance." a clear loud voice boomed all across the ballroom and everyone just stopped all their gossips with seconds.

The entire place was pin drop silence. Nobody mentioned a word and looked at the host with great interest. After all, royal balls in this kingdom never happened 'for fun'. There was always a reason behind it. And only those who were involved knew what was going on.

"Ah..." I thought to myself, "much better."

I stood straight up just like mom had been teaching me for the past few months. Honestly, this was no different than military training, so I was quite good at it. After J died, I had to go through HELL, in order to forget him... Vel was very persistent.

I found myself gaping at him, pop-eyed. Even my posture looked average and I wasn't proud of that. One thing I did notice though, was this giant man's intriguing aura. One look at him and anyone would know... he isn't someone to mess with.

I giggled a bit, "If someone else from my world saw him, right here, right now instead of me... they'd definitely pee their pants! He's a FREAKIN' BEAR!"

Surprisingly, the King saw me while I happened to be giggling. And so, without any hesitation whatsoever, he asked, "You there, GIRL!" he pointed his large muscular finger at my direction, his voice as crystal clear as ice, "What are you laughing at?!"

The entire audience shifted their gazes from him to me. Nobody said anything, probably in fear, but I felt their hardcore stare.

Without my mental strength as I had developed over the years in my previous life... at this very moment, I'd be doomed.

"Excuse me your royal Highness, Great King Warnaveer - VIII," I didn't hesitate to question him back and bowed politely, "but do I have the permission to speak?"

He waved his ginormous hand and only ordered, "Hmm."

I could understand his personality by that one gesture. I used to be a professional, after all!

This guy wasn't normal. He was most likely the strongest man here, other than his prodigal son who outshone him, otherwise, this man was calm and calculating. He didn't so much as flinch when he saw my perfect and fearless behaviour.

On the other hand, the audience had been filled with awe. They were keen and wanted to see what I'd do next. The only one who was similar to the king, was Charles, but that's only because he knows me in a certain way.

"This is a first." I thought to myself, still bowing, since the king had only agreed to let me answer, not stand up or look back at him in the eye.

He didn't even demand anything. Just calmly sat atop his marvelously decorated, golden throne. It was bright and dazzling,alright. So much so that even as I stared at the floor, I could see the glimmers it made.

"I was, but awestruck by your magnificence and your presence. I apologize beforehand if my behavior just now, seemed rude. I am, but five years old, your majesty, I have a lot to learn..." I stayed on my feet, uncomfortably in the same position, my voice soft and smooth.

"You may rise, GIRL." the oh so mighty king spoke.

I bowed graciously once again after standing up. To thank him.

I didn't look up at him, but calmly stared at the glimmer on the floor. It helped me concentrate.

"What is your name?" He asked.

"Yes, your majesty," I replied politely before I spoke my name, "Pleased to be in your presence. My name is Gloria Gale Windstorm, the 5th daughter of the Head Windstorm Family, as well as the 7th and youngest child."

"Hmm..." I heard him say.

"Oh how badly do I want to see his expression! Urgh! This is why I so despise formalities..." I thought to myself.

"Very well then," he claimed, "You! Boy!"

A young boy, slightly older than Fred, panicked and replied, "Y-ye-yes! Your majesty?"

"Do not disappoint me. Go and bring forth the medallions!" The King's voice sounded slightly irritated.

"So you are the girl I invited?" his voice boomed for everyone to hear.

"I, thank you, your highness. This is my very first ball." I had to bow a third time and stand up straight again, not to mention that I couldn't even look up.

Seriously. This felt like an exercise routine... and this little body was not used to it. So my tiredness just increased.

"At ease, my fellow nobles." the king demanded and by now, the hot gossip began to flood the entire ballroom.

"Look up to me, girl," he ordered.

However, even I didn't flinch this time. I refused to do as a doll would. So I remained as I was.

"Girl, have you not heard the king?" The king proclaimed a second time, but I stood my ground.

While I saw the glimmers below shift from side to side, I realized that the king had, had moved! I figured he would grow impatient by this point... but this was far from any torture at all.

Of course I'd be amused!

"GLORIA GALE WINDSTORM! Do you not hear me?! I order you to look at me! Now ANSWER!!!" King Azerer furiously ordered, his voice roared like thunder, instantly shutting up every one of those gossip makers.

"Oh? Pardon my rudeness your majesty," I replied, slowly fixating my gaze upwards, without a hint of fear in them, nor minding anybody else.

"Because I had been gazing downwards and I hadn't the slightest idea which 'girl,' you might be referring to in the entire ballroom, I hadn't the slightest idea you were speaking to ME."

My voice was clear, confident and bitter. Everyone gasped. After all, it wouldn't take a fool to figure out that I was merely threatening the King/Emperor of the Kingdom.

"I'm not just some girl... I'm Gloria. He'd better get that in his brain!" I smiled angelically as I thought to myself. From the corner of my eyelids, I saw Charles grin widely.

"Are you perhaps threatening me?" The king asked, his voice a little less angry, yet seemingly amused.

"How would I? Your majesty. You are the most powerful person I've met!" I answered him, without the need for his permission.

"You have been Pardoned. However, there won't be a next time." the king said.

"Hopefully not. Thank you, Your Majesty." I smiled once again.

...

After receiving both the medals of bravery and justice, hearing the King's grand speech regarding my heroism, along with all the applause... I stepped aside.

Even while leaving the King's presence graciously, I had to bow all the way until I left a certain point. In all honesty, this ritual cost me severe back pain and my neck went sour.

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Yet, after all that drama, I had to endure a crowd of nobles and their bombarding questions! Of course I had to smile exactly on time everywhere!!

"Nobles of all ages, I have gathered you all here not only because of the bravery of Gloria Gale Windstorm... but also!" The king proclaimed as the entire flock of nobles once again shut their bickering.

"He's up to something..." I guessed.

"For the announcement of my one and only heir," to which he made a clear point, as if a dagger were intended for those who might even think of opposing, "Charles Melendor Von Hearth Arc's fiancée."

Tiny whispers began to float throughout the entire ballroom. Indeed, there had been a few candidates other than Carmine who were a little bit more older. The candidates were motioned to gather in a certain location and the king already knew whom he would pick.

"I'll have to comfort her later..." I thought, biting my lower lip, hoping she won't fall into tears if she isn't chosen.

"Take this, my son." The king easily gave a pendant to Charles, "This is for the future of you and the kingdom. Choose wisely."

For a moment, despite his smile, I saw a glint of sadness in Charles. As if he had been told of a burden, not something to be proud of, "Thank you, my King." he stated, magnificently.

All the candidates held back from squealing with joy. They all had perfect posture and were beautiful.

Charles walked twice around them in a circle and finally stopped. Everyone was quite shocked at the outcome. Out of those several pretty, charismatic and well-mannered flowers, Charles picked my sister... it was Carmine?!

"The least likely candidate..." I gulped a huge lump down my seemingly almost dried throat, "out of all of them?"

The king himself sat for a while without a word. I couldn't guess what he was thinking, so I simply stood there.

"Ehh~?" a gorgeous young lady voiced out, amongst the candidates, "If I may, Your Highness, why did you select the youngest candidate?"

Charles smiled at Carmine, gave her the necklace and then turned to the other candidate, "Because, unlike many here, Miss Carmine here doesn't disapprove of my decisions. Neither does she talk back against me."

"Ah- ah, I'm terrible sorry, my Lord." the woman backed off.

"Really! What is he thinking?" I couldn't think straight anymore.

"Is this your final decision?" the king asked.

"Yes, My King." Charles gave a sharp reply, without any explanation or doubt in his voice.

The father and son duo shared an eye-to-eye contact for quite a while. Then the king gave into his son's wishes, "Very well."

Thus, the soon-to-be crown princess was declared until Carmine is of age and receives her title. Once she is strong and passes the B.U.C.M, she will be eligible enough to marry Charles.

"... great!" I thought to myself, "here comes another problem. I just hope we don't have to fight for the throne later on... that'd end up in a disaster!"

An instinctual feeling was curling within me, hoping that whatever I was thinking now, does not become a reality. After all, I can fight the Dark Guild, but Carmine will have to face much more...

"But that's impossible. I'm from the direct descendents of the Windstorm Tribe, not to mention the Head Family," I happily smirked, feeling relieved, "and since a member of the Windstorm Tribe cannot ascend to the throne, directly... then it's all in the clear. Ah~ freedom is such a good thing! I don't have to worry about that wild child anymore...!"

"I swear to protect her." I vowed then and there.

"So will I." a voice startled me from behind.

It was Helen!

"For now, let's leave. Dad and George will accompany the prince and Carmine later." she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me away, "Its safer that way."

"Eh?" I thought I heard something unpleasant, "What. What do you mean?" I asked.

"..."

Silence. Helen didn't utter anything for a while and when we reached the carriage to where mom, Ririna and Britney were, all she said was, "Nothing... just forget about it."

She lightly brushed her fingers against my hair and hopped into the horse drawn carriage. Mom picked me up and put me inside, "Don't use your mana here."

Throughout the entire way, everybody seemed distant and no one said anything.

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I quickly shut the door behind me as soon as I reached my room. The darkness all over reflected me just right!

But did it make this awful mood go away? No!

So I dimly lit the room and closed the balcony doorway where the chilly winds seemed to be playful. I sneezed a couple of times and my head felt uncomfortable too.

"Oh gosh no." I almost bit my tongue hoping it was not a fever.

Apparently it was. So I had to heal myself with magic.

I took off all those frilly stuff and wore something much simple. I gray skirt with no designs whatsoever, and a warm, cozy t-shirt. I wondered why there weren't any ladies pants here... I mean, I'm a kid either way! It's not like wearing pants, like guys, will switch my gender automatically, anyway.

Besides, even if it does, I don't particularly care.

I sighed. Skirts were so much harder to adjust... everytime I would have to mind my posture and change my outfit accordingly. Long skirts for winters, short skirts for summer and a medium skirt with tight leggings if I had to go out hunting. That's not all, there are more regulations, but I just cannot fix my brain to remember all that stuff. Its relatively boring.

While glancing my eyes all over the place, I noticed something odd. My diary... on the desk, was missing!

"Where are they? All my letters to Fred!!" I panicked, scouring every nook and cranny of the room.

I searched the desk, the chair, the cabinets, the wardrobes and even under all objects in my room. Only frustration piled up more and more.

"Freakin havoc!" I shouted, angry and impatient.

I slumped myself onto my cozy bed and stayed there for a while. It felt so very lazy to get up, or even to sleep properly on the bed.

"Who cares," I mumbled, "let's just get the pillow."

I reached out to grab hold of the pillow, when something bit me!

"Ouch!" I exclaimed.

Slowly, I backed off for a while. thinking it to be a magical beast or an insect. However, there was no movement at all.

"Okay...?" I stated, ranging closer and closer towards the pillow.

"Aha!" I pulled the pillow towards me, hoping to find the culprit.

It was totally out of my expectations when I saw a yellow rose and a letter addressed to me.

"That's strange..." I stated, picking up the letter and doubting, "didn't I... wah- it can't be!"

I hurriedly open up the letter, but made sure not to scratch it or anything. My eyes ran through all over, but the envelop had no name except mine.

"It couldn't be... could it?" I asked myself, confused and emotional.

"Dear G," the letter began, "I cannot tell you about myself right now, but all you need to know is that whatever I'm doing, it's not wrong. Hopefully you have recovered and doing fine by now. I took the liberty of taking this baggage filled with letters along with me. For some strange reason, they were all addressed to me."

"It is..." I exclaimed, certain that Fred had left this letter under my pillow.

"There are two things I so desperately wanted to tell you before I left. One, I hope you have a wonderful family life and may your life be filled with happiness. Two, you should never get yourself involved with either Charles, or the Dark Guild. Stay away from trying to find me, meet me, or getting me back. It's all for your own good."

My eyes were glued into that one page, unable to keep my eyes off. Nothing had made my stomach churn and twist as vomit, than how this letter made me feel. Indirectly, as it may, he was telling me how utterly useless and helpless I was now.

"As for your present, before my farewell, here are a pair of magically enhanced contact lenses." the letter stated, "I'll leave them in this ocean blue colored contact case on top of the drawer beside your bed..." the letter went on.

"Oh? These then..." I took the case and opened it. A surge of magical energy almost blinded me by surprise!

A pair of beautiful golden contacts came into view. Even in that dim lit room, they were sparking like gold itself.

"These will provide a disguise for you. Your naturally gifted blue eyes are actually a reflection of your vast mana pool. However, the books in the tiny library back home never mentioned anything. So I made these for you with a little help." Fred's handwriting definitely reflected some confidence, "Don't worry, the contacts are perfectly safe and not embedded with dark magic. The case is... another story. If should you ever break the contacts or somehow lose them, then order the case. It will provide you with innumerable help."

The letter then ended, "From your lifetime brother, Fred."

That was it. No emotions, nothing. Only instructions were poured into that one piece of paper.

Anger flushed across my face, I felt the urge to beat the crap out of him, "WHO THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE IS!!?!"

My voice shrieked to a maximum volume, "The fu*k is he orderin' ME for!!"

Suddenly, a few dozen knocks bammed loudly on the door behind me. Quick as a flash, I threw the good-for-nothing letter into the drawer along with the yellow flower and the contact case. Closed the drawer and flinched back.

The door thrashed open due to the pressure created from the outside and everyone fell together on top of the broken door.

"Why do the doors break so easily even in this world?" I sarcastically remarked, thinking to myself.

"He-hey honey, you alright?" Dad asked from under the pile of people.

"Haha," I let out a nervous laugh.

"Ah-" Charles and George looked at me and then looked away, "Excuse us!"

They got up and ran away in a hurry as I stood dumbfounded at what these guys were doing here in the first place.

"Here," Helen covered my front with a shawl, so I looked down.

"What the-?!" I exclaimed, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

I had forgotten to pin my shirt all the way up. The part above my chest area was wide open because I preferred it that way, but apart from two or three buttons, buttoned tightly together, the rest were loose and so my entire tummy could be seen all the way until my navel.

"Uh, oh." I looked up, frightened by the angry witch-like figure in front of me.

"YOUNG LADY!" her voice made me feel nauseous again, "Before you head off tomorrow, let me reprimand my teachings of manners and etiquette onto you!"

Mom's smiling face was extremely cold and cruel. She reminded me about something back on Earth too... but it slipped my mind. The figure in front of me was THAT MUCH horrifying...!

"N-n," I stuttered, my eyes droopy wet with tears, being dragged across the hallway, "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

"This woman is insane!" I thought to myself, struggling and whimpering to break free from her grasp, "Who on earth demands a guy who just reincarnated 5 years ago into a fantasy world as a girl, nonetheless, to dress properly??"

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"Bye, bye~ Sweetie!!" My parents shouted happily from a distance.

"Have a safe trip!" My mom screamed twice as loud, once again, "And don't forget your manners!"

I gazed at the small group of people waving at me, with zombie eyes, all bundled up together.

I was dead tired from last night's session. I yawned and waved back lazily towards them. They seemed happy...

"They're glad to be rid of me... huh?" I thought to myself, sighing with more and more exhaustion, "Nah. That's not like them."

I mumbled to myself, lifting my eyes up at the sky and then after a final look behind me, dozing off to sleep.

"Thank you." was the last thought that went through my brain before it shut down to sleep mode.