Chapter 20

“Yui.”

“W-what?”

“…Is it me or has Yuri been avoiding me a lot lately?”

“…It’s your imagination.”

Ah, my cute little pet, you are terrible at lying to me.

But you’re cute, so I’ll forgive you and go along with your lies.

I could take a reasonable guess as to what was happening - my 15th birthday was coming up.

No doubt, like always, they were planning to try and ‘surprise me’.

At first, Yui did her best by herself, but once she became able to speak with Yuri, they stated scheming together. Well, scheming might be a bit of a harsh word, but it was that sort of thing.

Sometimes, Yuri would actually be helpful.

Others…well, let’s say that it’s the thought that counts.

That and giving Yuri the delightful reward of my oni-face.

Still, I wouldn’t think too hard about it.

I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.

Anyway, whatever they did, I’d be happy.

Of course I would.

I loved them both deeply.

Since those dark days when I was unable to see Yuri, she had changed.

For the better, of course.

She smiled more, seemed relaxed when she was by my side, hummed and sung, and she was overall more expressive…perhaps the word ‘free’ might be better. Before, I’d always suspected that Yuri had been holding herself back in some regards, but not anymore.

I was happy about that.

She seemed to get along very well with Yui, though I could not help noticing times where sparks flew between them.

Mother was still speaking to Yuri too, though she had to use one of us as a translator.

Father knew of her existence but said he’d leave her to us.

“I look forward to the day I might see her too.”

Well, Victora knew lots about Yuri too, but she didn’t seem bothered by her existence, nor did she shoot lightning at her like Yui did.

I was more than content with my current life, however-

As rare as it became, that voice would resurface from time to time, threatening me with anxieties and worries for the future.

When those intrusive thoughts did crop up, I promptly cut them down but a lingering, faint fear remained.

Thankfully, just being near the girls I loved was enough to dispel the remaining doubts.

The power of love I wonder?

I giggled.

What an embarrassing notion.

I spent the day studying and playing with Yui. Teles brought us refreshments every so often, but Yuri remained absent. I also did not get a glimpse of my parents.

Whatever was planned for my birthday this year, it was going to be big.

***

“Happy Birthday, Lady Raena!”

Applause, cheers and small toasts followed my father’s long speech dedicated to me. The band played my favourite orchestral piece, presents and refreshments lined the far walls, and only those my family and I approved of were in attendance tonight.

An incident similar to the one with Lady Carrow was not going to happen here tonight.

We had additional security inside and out, all to keep my special day safe.

Unlike previous birthdays, I, along with my family, were sat upon grand chairs on a raised platform that guests had to come to in order to greet us.

Given the number of attendees, it would likely take over an hour before we were done.

The first to approach was Lord Cain.

“Many warm wishes and blessings to you on this day, Lady Raena.”

“Thank you, my prince.”

Time had been kind to him.

As Yuri had spoken off long ago, Prince Cain had become a very handsome man. As a practitioner of the sword, I knew at a glance how hard he had trained, but I could tell he was somewhat uncomfortable to be back in our family’s estate once again.

Lady Carrow’s attempted assault had brought on a different scar to that from the original scenario - he wasn’t good at dealing with blood or those who were stronger than him.

His father’s brutal ‘punishment’ of Lady Carrow lingered on, which was probably what made him so determined to get stronger.

I heard rumours that his majesty had proposed a marriage between myself and the prince, but Lord Cain himself had been the loudest voice against the match.

I wonder, did he watch my duel with Lord Michael?

Speaking of.

“Happy Birthday, Lady Raena.”

“Lord Michael.” I smiled. “It has been quite some time.”

“Indeed.” He gave me a slightly arrogant smile back. “While this might not be the appropriate time, I’d like to say I have not yet given up on Victoria.”

“My, even though she has barely spent a few hours with you since that day?”

“There is always time to rectify our wrongs.”

I gave him a heartfelt smile. “I’m pleased to hear that.”

Those were my honest feelings.

Of course, I wouldn’t hand Victoria over to him.

She also likely harboured no lingering romantic feelings for Lord Michael.

Next to visit was Lady Victoria herself.

“Happy Birthday, Raena.”

“Thank you very much, Victoria.”

“I know that it is very much not keeping with common manners, but may I approach to give you my present?”

“Of course. What is it”

“A locket with an empty picture frame, perfect for forever holding what’s dear to you close to your heart.”

“What a thoughtful gift.”

I beckoned her over and presented my neck to her. Eagerly, perhaps a bit too keenly, Victoria came close and slowly put my new accessory on.

“How’s the mood?” I whispered so softly only she could hear.

“There are a few rumours from the girls you told me to watch, but nothing more than that,” Victoria answered. “Aside from those few posts, everyone is enjoying themselves.”

“Good. Keep sweeping.”

“I will. Raena, um, about Lord-”

“Whatever you decide, I’ll support…is a lie.” I giggled. “I know he wishes to have you, but.” I leant back so my head was on her chest. “You’re mine.”

Ah, that blush confirms everything I needed to know.

Apologies, Lord Michael.

I’ll find you someone not quite as good as an apology.

The rest of the time passed very uninterestingly for me until I was finally permitted to stand and mingle.

Or that’s what I’d like to have done.

“Onee-sama, it’s time for your first dance.”

“Right. Well, I’m happy to have this year’s with you-”

“Tonight, it’s not me who will have that honour.”

“Oh? Then-?”

“R-Raena! Ow-! Bit my tongue-!”

I knew that voice, but wait-

Hang on.

Yui was smiling so brightly at me, perhaps enjoying my startled expression.

I could hear mother chuckling and deduced what their big surprise was.

Waiting at the top of the grand staircase was an unfamiliar face wearing a white ballgown.

A girl with short brown hair and eyes, a few freckles on her cheeks highlighted by the vibrant red cheeks searing from embarrassment. She had mother’s pearl earrings and silver necklace on, and brand-new high heels.

I have never seen her before, but I’ve known her for years.

Even without the green hair and being her normal size, I knew it was Yuri.

She looked-

“H-hey, R-R-Raena.” She was fidgeting in place. “A-a bit of a s-surprise, right? I mean-”

“Yuri.” She shrieked as father came up behind her. “Don’t keep your partner waiting.”

…I was, for the first time in a long time, dumbstruck.

I nearly laughed but I didn’t want to upset Yuri.

So.

“Yuri.”

I held my hand to her.

“It’s not nice to make a lady wait.”

“Who’s a-?!” She cut herself short and sighed, some of her nerves gone. “Y-yeah.”

She tried to hurry down to me but nearly fell right at the end, so I caught her.

“Are you alright?”

And she’s burning up.

“That was definitely on purpose.”

Yui, my dear, was that meant to be under your breath.

“I-I-I’m-I-I’m-!”

I hugged her gently. “Take some deep breaths.”

“O-Okay!”

Oh dear, I made it worse. And Yui appears to have cracked her fan in four. And Victoria’s smile reminds me a little of Yuri’s favourite oni-face.

…Yuri smells nice.

Lavendar? No, it’s a blend - probably one of mother’s-

“R-Raena! People are staring!”

“…It’s your fault.”

“That’s unfair!”

Everything was your fault though.

“Thank you, Yuri.”

“…eh? What’s-?”

I separated us a little, took her hand and led her to the centre of the ballroom.

“Come on, let’s go.”

The music started as I positioned us correctly, and we danced.

My, I expected her to be a bit shaky, but mother and Yui must have taught her well.

I can’t help but be a little proud of her.

She was matching my movements and pace perfectly and we were clearly a good match. I did see and hear a few unsavoury things, but I would take my time dealing with all of them, one by one.

“…Were you disappointed?”

“With what?”

“W-well…me?”

“Hmm, your manners leave a lot to be desired.”

“That’s not-!”

I giggled as our bodies drew closer.

“I know.” She blushed again before we drifted apart. “You look beautiful.”

“…You’re lying.”

“How rude.”

“B-but! You have to be! I-I’m not - or it’s the makeup that’s-!”

“I’m not lying.”

“…But when I first came down, you weren’t-”

“I was taken back by how great you looked.”

“…Liar.”

I couldn’t hold back my laughter. “Are all women in your world like this when complimented sincerely?”

“…You really aren’t lying?”

“After all the time we’ve spent together, you still doubt me. Well then, let me prove it to you.”

The music came to its climax and right before we moved to curtsey, I brought Yuri in close and stole her lips.

Many a shriek and gasp emerged, but they didn’t matter.

Except I did see father nearly faint as I kissed Yuri.

…Mother never told him then.

Oh dear, that’s going to be a fun conversation.

…and Yuri has fainted.

And there’s plenty of shrieking young maidens and-

Yui, my dear - that face you’re making is not befitting of an Armina.

Victoria…that smile does not reach her eyes.

Oh my.

I giggled as I cradled Yuri.

***

The party had died down and, outside of our family, there was only one guest left, someone who had waited until everyone else had gone to grab my waist and take my lips.

Victoria Highland.

To say she was being ‘passionate’ would be an understatement.

I pried her off me and she grinned.

“This is what you get for making me jealous, Lady Raena.”

I laughed. “Hardly a punishment.”

With that, she left.

I returned to my bedroom and found Yui waiting for me inside.

Needless to say, she expressed her jealously in a similar matter and then demanded that we slept in the same bed that night, something I was happy to allow.