n

n

n

"Blue.

" Stated Freesia and raised what she was holding.

n

"I disagree, it should be black!

" Lily interjected.

n

"Guys,

" Mari called out and looked at them with a serious expression--

"Vibrant colors suit milady more. Gold! Gold is classy!

"

nThe air got tense as the three of them started throwing out suggestions at the same time. It was a whirlwind of nonsense.

n'They are just basically throwing out the colors of their hair.'

nSo you might be all wondering what the hell is happening right now. Let us go back from the very start, shall we?

nIt was the day before the grand celebration.. Countess Miller had given me this day to rest. Meaning, I could laze all I want without worrying about dance lessons. So I spent my time in the garden, drinking tea, and enjoying the view. At the same time, I was also listening to my maid's reports about the rumors in the capital regarding my name.

nThe whole nobility was in a buzz for the event tomorrow. People are apparently calling it the birthday of the year or something like that. It was cringe, okay.

nAnyways, all the preparations are set. The whole mansion got even tighter in their schedule than before. Even though they are literally done with everything. George was triple checking all the jazz, like the competent butler that he is.

nThe great hall is already decorated with fancy stuff that I only see in movies with old settings. I had peeked earlier while the servants were going to and fro. It sparked my curiosity because it was, after all, my birthday. And oh dang, my eyes almost watered from the sight.

nSeeing that all the hard work was paying off and everything was slowly being put together, it finally dawned on me. I'm going to be 16 tomorrow! It's finally going to happen!

nOne month of absolute craziness leads us up to this day.

nI felt the excitement thrum in my blood. I was seriously looking forward to tomorrow.

n

"Milady, Miss Adele is here,

" Mari announced which definitely hooked my attention.

n'Oh! My dress! My dress is finally here!'

nI am actually curious as to how she and her team did it. What would the finished piece look like? With spring on my steps, both I and my attendants made our way to the west hall to meet her there. As soon as I got inside, my eyes instantly zeroed on the humongous thing in the middle of the room that was covered in a white sheet.

nOooh, shrouded in mystery huh. Suspenseful!

n

"Good Afternoon, Lady Nadia.

" greet Adele who was also as excited-looking as me.

n

"Good afternoon,

" I greeted back and stared at the mysteriously covered dress.

"Is that it?

"

nAdel's eyes sparkled,

"Yes! I am so excited to present it to you!

"

nShe's practically gushing. From how animated she's being, my excitement just reached sky-high.

nShe then led me closer to it and let me stand there in front of the dress, giving me a clear view. Her eyes held fire in them, like an excited child who wants to proudly show their parents what they drew.

n

"The greatest masterpiece I have ever done!

" Adele exclaimed and grasped the sheet in her hands.

n'Well, if she says so…'

nShe then completely shrugged it off, revealing her so-called masterpiece to our eyes. I gawked at it. Not just me, but all the other people who were with us too. Erin was even gaping at it with a slack jaw.

nOne look at it and I was in love.

nWho wouldn't? This might be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life!

nIt was the same as my design, but way better! My drawing doesn't have this awe factor that would leave everyone breathless. The oomph aspect, I'll say.

n

"Damn…

" I muttered and marveled some more.

nThere in front of us was the finest dress one could see in their life. Being displayed there in all its magnificent glory.

nJust as what I preferred, it was a dress with puffy long sleeves made from black tulle, that is worn separately from the main body. The corset top has a sweetheart neckline embedded with tiny crystals and intricate embroidery that I wouldn't dare ask how they did it. The a-line skirt has a long train, and when I touched it, while a little scared of course, felt awesome in my hands.

nIt was multicolored. The base layer has the color of vibrant rose gold with flounce laying on a white satin underskirt. The middle layer was reddish-grey and over it was a black shimmering volumetric layer with folds. All made from tulle. It was absolutely breathtaking.

n'What can I say? It was… it was…'

nMy eyes turned to Adele who was smiling widely as she took in all our expressions. She also sported a proud look on her face which was understandable.

n

"Adele… This is perfect!

" I uttered and almost hugged her out of happiness.

nShe just went wild with this dress! I mean, look at it! Even I want to cry from how awesome this looks.

n

"It's because of Lady Nadia's idea that we could make such an extraordinary piece. Making this had changed my life and my visions greatly,

" she uttered and smiled at me--

"I had never thought that a dress could be like this. It's a breath of fresh air amongst all I have done so far. Thank you for giving me this opportunity,

" she added.

nI felt the sincerity in her voice. It made me slightly flustered, especially from how her words contained great admiration.

n'I just saw the dresses in my real world and incorporated it here, you know. It's not entirely my idea…'

nBut dang, this whole spiel was embarrassing me. It made me shy all of a sudden.

nMy eyes darted to the dress again, and for the second time, I fell in love with it. It's so (excuse to my french) fvcking beautiful!

n'And I am going to wear it tomorrow night!'

nThat thought made me giddy. Suddenly, all I want for this moment was for tomorrow to come quickly so I can flaunt it. Show it to the world out there and feel beautiful while doing so. After all, this is the type of dress that would make you feel like that and more.

n------------**

nThe next day, I woke up in a snap. My whole body automatically jolted awake like some machine. My eyes caught sight of the ceiling and stared.

n'It's my birthday!' screamed my mind.

nThat was when I just noticed that my maidservants were all running around like headless chickens. Erin was supervising everyone as to what to bring, and what to do. They were inside the bathroom, of course, filling the tub with water and some rose petals that Amy had dumped.

nI sat up on the bed and watched them get busy, especially Mari and Freesia who were in a heated talk on which scented oil is better.

n'Wow, they're so fired up…'

nErin's head then suddenly swiveled in my direction and saw me sitting there while silently observing.

n

"Milady!

" she exclaimed and went to me,

"It's time for your bath!

"

n'Huh?! This early?!'

nErin tugged me away from the bed and guided me inside the bathroom with hurried steps. I even almost tripped on my way there from how fussy she was. The five of them instantly stripped me off and pushed me down on the tub.

nThe whole ordeal was filled with bewilderment as they started washing me from head to foot. And it wasn't the same way as before, they were more meticulous than normal.

nAll I did was sit there in the bathtub which was filled with rose petals, dazed and confused. They bathed me for like three times in a row and scrubbed my body until I felt like I had gained brand new skin. They also lathered me with sweet-smelling oil all over and made me lie on a slab, which I have no idea where it came from, and massaged my whole body.

nI admit that it was actually refreshing despite how ridiculous the whole thing was. Erin said I should sleep for three hours and I was like, what? How could I sleep just like that? But the massage started and halfway through, I drifted back to dreamland.

nI woke up and the next thing I knew, I was being washed for the nth time today. I swear to the heavens, after all of that, I felt like I'm a new person. The amazing thing was when I looked at the mirror, I was practically glowing. My skin complexion looked so healthy that girls in the real world would get jealous if they see me.

n'Why do I keep saying 'real world' like this world isn't real at all?'

n

"Everyone, what color do you think is better?

" Erin asked and presented the chest box filled with colorful hair ornaments.

nMy attention went to them as they all huddled together. They were also comparing one accessory to another and would sometimes put it over my hair, as they all decide if it looks good or not. Lily had probably brushed my hair hundreds of times already trying to make it shinier.

n'Is this how rich people experience every day? Getting pampered a lot…'

nLike I could talk! Didn't I experience this as well? I got used to it by now though, unlike the first time.

nIf I ever got back, will I be the same? Could I get back to how I was before? That's the real question…

n