Preparations and Bonds Before the Big Day

“Okay, okay, okay! I'm sorry, Lanna. But please let go of my ear.”
“No! You always run away, and this time I won’t let go. You’re going to get measured and prepare for your birthday tomorrow.”
“But—”
“No buts! Or I’ll tell Miss Yuna.”
“Noooo! Anything but that, please!”

“Then stop resisting and stay still.”

I was dragged into the big dressing room, where all the top tailors in the kingdom were waiting. As I looked around, they all stared at me with those eyes.
“What a cute young master,” one said.
“He’ll have all the girls chasing after him when he grows up,” another added.

These kinds of remarks kept flying around as they tailored me and chose the perfect outfit. My outfit was meant to match my father’s—it's tradition, after all.

At least Father dresses well. I actually don’t mind matching with him. It’s just that I hate those flashy parties filled with nobles. Most of them try to cozy up to me just because I’m the next heir of the largest Duke family. So many nobles are scum.

Of course, not all of them are bad. Marquis Ravenshade and Duke Thalorin, for instance—they’re decent people with good kids. I like them. But someone like Duke Arclaine? He’s always been jealous of Father’s achievements and his close relationship with the king.

And his heir, Lucian Arclaine, is even worse. He always picks on noble children from families with lower status because he knows no one can retaliate. I can’t stand nobles like him. At least tomorrow he won’t try anything funny. Thanks to royal law, no one can ruin or overshadow the celebrations of a noble child’s fifth birthday. And with Prince Alistair attending, Lucian definitely won’t dare to pull anything.

Still, I’d rather not go at all.

Lanna caught on to my thoughts immediately and scolded me. “You’d better not try to slip away tomorrow, young master, or you’ll really be in trouble.”

Defeated, I reluctantly nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. At least you understand that you absolutely cannot try to escape tomorrow.”

Why is everyone so stuck on traditions anyway? It’s not that important to me.
“One day, it will be, young master. Just bear with us for now. We’re almost done.”

“So I can go play?” I asked eagerly.
“No, young master. After this, you’ll eat dinner with your family. The Duchess specifically requested your presence.” Lanna imitated my mother’s voice, “‘My cute little baby needs to be there. I specially made this for him.’”

“Haaa... Alright.”

After a few hours, it was finally time for dinner. Lanna escorted me to the dining hall, where my parents and big sister were already seated.

“Come sit here, Vel!” Yuna called out, patting her lap.
“Haaa... Big Sis, I’m too big for that now.”
“Look at this little rascal. Come here!”

Out of nowhere, my sister caught me using magic. “Really, Big Sis? Magic?!”
“Yes, really. You’re not escaping me feeding you.”
“Dad, Mom, you’re not going to say anything?” I pleaded.
“I think it’s good for siblings to bond, right, honey?” my mom said with a smile.
“Yes, Muri, you’re absolutely right.”

“See? No one’s stopping me, Vel, so you’re not escaping!”

“Fine, at least release the magic binding me to you.”
“I will if you promise not to try to escape.”

“Okay, okay, I promise I won’t. Just let me go, and I’ll let you feed me. Happy now?”
“Yes!”

Finally, Yuna released her magic, but I still ended up stuck on her lap. I was beginning to wonder if she had some sort of brother complex.

“So, what do you think about your outfit, Vel?” Mom asked.
“Well, I do like that Dad and I are matching, but I don’t like those fancy parties.”
“He’s the complete opposite of us, Mom,” Yuna chimed in.
“Yes, he’s just like his father. You both hate parties,” Mom teased.

“Wait, Dad, you don’t like parties either?” I asked, surprised.
“No, I don’t,” he said plainly. “I attend them because it’s my duty as Duke, nothing more, nothing less.”

“Huh. I guess I understand a little. Still, tomorrow is your big day, Vel. At least be happy that everyone who cares for you will be there.”

“Alright, Dad. I’ll go and just think of it as a nice gathering of close friends and family.”

“Good. Now eat up and get some rest—you’ve got a long day ahead of you.”