DINNER 2
622 Words
In the evening, Lilac was lazily reclining on a chaise lounge when
"Knock, knock."
She heard someone at the door.
"Come in," she called, allowing the person outside to enter.
"Good evening, Lady Lilac. You are invited to dinner by the duchess," the maid said, bowing politely.
"Hmm..." Lilac hummed, amusement flashing in her eyes. "The duchess 'invites' me to dinner. How interesting. Since when were children 'invited' to dinner?"
The maid immediately became flustered.
"Um... that..."
"Don't worry," Lilac interrupted with a small chuckle. "Tell her I will be there."
She rose from the chaise lounge and entered the changing room.
A few minutes later, Lilac stepped out of the courtyard and made her way toward the dining hall.
As she entered, she noticed that her father, the duke, was already seated there.
She stopped for a moment.
Then, with a small smile, she continued walking toward the seat at the end of the table, directly opposite the duke's chair.
"Oh..." the duchess gasped.
"Lilac, quickly stand up. That is a very important seat," she gently scolded.
Not only the duchess, but her two daughters as well, stared at Lilac in disbelief, wondering where this strange, veiled girl had come from.
"Why should I stand up?" Lilac asked innocently.
"Silly girl, don't you know that by sitting directly opposite your father, you are implying that you are his equal?"
Lilac tilted her head slightly.
"How do you know he isn't actually my equal?" she mused.
"Enough."
The silent duke finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the room.
"It is just a seat. Let her sit there if she likes it."
He glanced at the table.
"Now, let's eat."
After dinner, the duke noticed that Lilac had not touched the food in front of her.
"Why haven't you eaten?"
"Me?" Lilac pointed at herself, feigning surprise.
"I know better than to remove my veil and scare the life out of the great general," she said with a cheerful laugh. "Imagine the punishment the Emperor would give me."
Her laughter carried no trace of fear, making it clear that punishment was the least of her concerns.
After the dishes were cleared, the duke cleared his throat. His expression became serious.
"Lilac, as the first daughter of this mansion, you should know that you have certain duties to fulfill."
"Hmm... duties, huh?" Lilac murmured, spinning a fork between her fingers.
"The Royal Selection is approaching. Each of the princes will choose their princess, including the First Prince."
The duke continued, guilt flashing briefly across his face as he quickly drank a glass of water.
"So..." Lilac drawled. "What exactly do you want me to do?"
She stopped playing with the fork and looked at the people before her—the selfish family she was supposed to call her own.
"Everyone knows that the Third Prince has the greatest chance of ascending the throne. However, the First Prince has made it clear that he has his eyes on our family, and the only person of marriageable age is your eldest sister."
The duke looked up, searching Lilac's eyes.
Perhaps he expected anger.
Perhaps reluctance.
Instead, he found only chilling amusement and cold indifference.
The First Prince was a notorious figure.
He was known for his ruthless nature and his lack of mercy. Once, he led a thousand soldiers against an army of ten thousand and emerged victorious. A brilliant strategist and a meticulous man, his achievements were undeniable.
Yet, despite all his accomplishments, the Third Prince remained the Emperor's favored son.
Lilac stared at her father emotionlessly.
Then she suddenly burst into laughter.
"Dear father..." she said, her voice filled with amusement.
"You brought me back here to be a replacement for your daughter?"
- Writer
