n

n

nThe next day, a package was sent to the Forester household, personally sent by Adele's team and is adressed to Estelle who was very surprised from the sudden visit.

n

"Are you sure that you got the right person?

" She couldn't help but to ask the people who delivered the package.

n

"Yes, Lady Estelle,

" was the response of the head courier.

nEstelle was flustered just from hearing the courier calling her a lady in a respectful manner. She wasn't used to it which was the reason for her being tongue tied for a second.

nIt felt strange hearing someone calling to her respectfully. It was rare for her to hear it.

n

"I don't remember buying anything,

" she rebuked as she stared at the big wooden box on the table. It looked really fancy that she's even scared to touch it.

nShe was seriously skeptical about it because it came from a famous boutique. It means that the item would certainly cost a fortune and Estelle don't have anything valuable to her at all. She wouldn't get to pay for that!

n

"It is a gift from an esteemed person. Lady Estelle should not worry about the payment,

" he answered her again.

n'But why? Why would they do that? And who is this someone?'

nShe eyed the package sitting atop the table warily then back to the unmoving courier.

nIt's strange, yes. She does not even know whether to get more confused or be happy first.

n

"Can I know who had sent this so I could thank them?

"

nThe courier shook his head,

"It was the esteemed person's request to not divulge their identity.

"

n

"Is that so?

" She quietly murmured and got silent for a moment--

"Then please thank them on my behalf instead.

"

nEven after they all had left, Estelle was still confused why anyone would send her something.

nShe glanced at the box before she nervously opened the package. The first thing that greeted her eyes was a folded card atop the silk wrap which she then picked up to read.

n'Come to the ball and fulfill your lifelong dream.

n-En'

n

"Huh?

" Was her reaction. It was a straightforward letter and she immediately understood what it meant.

nAre they talking about her plans of changing the future?

n'The person even knew about that? Who are they?'

nThere are only two people who knows about her dream and they were both Nine and Vivienne. It couldn't possibly be Vivienne because she won't afford a single thing at a high-end boutique.

n'Was it Nine then?',

nShe then remembered her trivial statement yesterday and her hunch pretty much solidified.

nBut Nine is a not of nobility and it's also impossible for her to afford it. Given that she only lives off of her bookshop.

n'Ah. But I really don't know Nine that well even after all these years…'

n'So was it Nine or not?'

nShe then absentmindedly unraveled the silk wrap and pulled the dress out of its confines. Her arms raised high in the air as she let the dress unfold in front of her.

nShe then stared at the golden masterpiece for a solid minute, gawking at it.

n

"Woooww…

"

nThere was a childlike wonder in her emerald eyes. She was so enchanted by how beautiful it was that she bagan to flush red.

nShe had never owned such a fine dress before, and a very expensive one as that. Just from the material and the branding alone, she is certain that this is no ordinary piece.

nHer eyes then drifted to the embroidery in the innerside of the neckline which had caught her attention.

nElen.

nEstelle' arms began to shake from shock that she almost dropped the gown from her hands. She clearly knew of that name and she's very familiar with it. It was why she was feeling light headed all of a sudden.

nShe was not crazily interested over these type of things because there was no reason for her to be. She only have 3 decent dresses in her possession and they are all outdated and old.

nEstelle who grew up not having the lavish life did not once wished or got jealous of other people's clothes. She is aware that having those ugly feelings wouldn't make her situation any better.

nBut she truly knows of the esteemed mysterious designer who is always the talk of the town. All of her creations would always be a trend after it gets out, and every single noble ladies out there are like thirsty birds waiting to flock.

n

"W-why?

" She spluttered out in awe. She blinked once, then twice, confirming what she's seeing.

nElen's dresses are something that is not acquired so easily. She heard that there's always a bid and costs a fortune. Estelle knew all of that, hence she also knows that the person who sent this is not a joke.

n

"They must be a very very rich person...

"

nTo be able to afford this and then give it away…

nAgain, there came her question as to why. Why would someone give this to her and why would they waste money on her?

nEstelle carefully placed the dress back to the box and slowly sat down, feeling dazed.

n---***

nThere was a knock on the door before a uniformed man discreetly lets himself inside the big spacious room. It was grand, fit for a royalty. Everywhere you look, a valuable pieces can be found.

nThere was a sweet smelling scent that wafts all over the place, intoxicating anyone who would breathe it in for too much.

nA slender figure of a woman was sitting in front of the vanity table, looking at her reflection as one of her maidservants brush her long dark hair. She was wearing nothing else but a red silk robe that accentuated her curves graciously.

nThe man cleared his throat before speaking.

n

"There's a letter from Forcas, Your Majesty,

" he said.

n

"Hmm…

" was her only response.

nThe man then got closer and offered it to her.

nThe woman's equally dark eyes stared at the envelope for a second before her hands reached out and grabbed it.

nA smile made itself known from her thin ruby lips as she read what it said. She felt extremely pleased by the contents of the letter, eyes dancing in merriment.

n

"It seems like everything is falling into places, Albert,

" she breathed out.

nHer maid acted as if she does not hear anything nor see anything, just as what she was trained to do.

nThe woman then leaned forward to the mirror and touched her smooth white skin on her cheek.

n

"I will have them in my hands soon.

"

nAlbert did not answer, he doesn't need to. There was a considerably long silence that pervaded the bed chamber before he broke it.

n

"Is Her Majesty going to attend the Founding Ball?

"

nHer dark eyes dimmed for a second, mood getting damp out of the blue. The maid felt it and she couldn't help but be anxious.

nIf Her Majesty gets angry, it would end up ugly.

nHer head then tilted to look at Albert and let out a small chuckle.

n

"I am a Regina, a queen. So of course, I would.

" The woman turned to the mirror, admiring herself once more--

"Isn't it time to let myself known again? It's the Empire's Founding Event after all.

"

nAlbert, like the competent butler that he is, nodded.

n

"Understood. I will prepare everything Her Majesty needs.

"

nAlbert then bowed in respect and tactfully reatreated from the room, leaving them.

nThe woman raised her hand, dismissing her maidservant who heeded her command.

nLeft alone in that wide expanse of a grand bedroom, the woman stared at the same face who was looking back at her. The reflection looked cold but beautiful. Her dark magnetic eyes sharply glinted, showing a deep resentment. To whom? Only her knows.

nShe then stared at the big portrait of Emperor Mikhail which was hanging just in front of her bed. She deliberately had it put there, so every single time that she would open her eyes, he would be the first face that she would see.

nShe then would be reminded of him and her hatred.

n

"My Emperor… I bet you had already forgotten about me…

" she whispers.

n