The Only Daughter Of Lancaster
Part Five: Celine

Every morning, the Lancaster family would always have breakfast together. We will tell each other their plans. At breakfast, papa will make sweet bread while mama makes juice. As much as possible for breakfast, my mother wanted to take care of it herself.

"Tell me what your plans are today." Said papa while cutting his sweet bread.

Eli excitedly raised his hand and started telling stories. "Today I will visit Viscount Hutger's house. Vincent and I are gonna buy some supplies for rehearsal later."

Papa nodded, meaning he gave permission. "Oh, meet Mr. Felix and ask him when he'll refill the army supplies."

"I'll do it."

"I'm going to the palace to see the prince." This time it was Alec's turn. "The prince wants to discuss some things."

"Do it well." Papa's message. "What about you, Bel?"

"I'll study with Sir Reginald and by noon I want to go downtown." I said while looking at papa.

Papa seemed to think for a while before nodding. "What are you going to buy?"

"Paper and ink, as well as some things I'll think about later." My answer. I honestly don't know what I want to buy, but I need paper and ink to write.

"alright. Be careful on the road." Mama finally spoke after listening to her children's plans. "I'm going with your father to Gerhozi for a few days. Take care of yourself and your brothers."

The three of us nodded. After finishing the meal and hugging the two, we returned to our respective rooms to prepare. "Bel, do you want to enter the palace?" Alec's question was so sudden.

"Hm, I'm just curious because people say the palace is so beautiful. I'm just curious. It doesn't matter if I just go in and look around, it's just that I don't plan on staying." My answer.

On my left side Eli chuckled, "Bel, you freak. I thought the girls were competing to enter the palace, but you're not."

I smiled at Eli. "There's not necessarily anyone who loves me like you."

I glanced at papa, mama, Alec, and Eli who were now silent and then looked at each other. With a heavy weight I pushed the empty plate, "i've thought of living as Amabel Rosemary Lancaster until I die."

I heard Eli choking, but he didn't drink or eat. Papa and mama glanced at each other confused while Alec was just silent. I know exactly what I mean. Living as a Lancaster to death means not getting married. "I-i"

Papa cleared his throat, made me stop talking. His eyes were shady yet sharp. It was as if I was in the courtroom. Suddenly I shriveled. "Bel, that choice was too rushed. You are young, so think again. I'm leaving now."

I nodded and papa walked out of the dining room followed by mama who could only smile at me. "Enjoy your time, dear."

My breath sounded, making Alec approach. "Bel, sometimes I don't know exactly how old you are. Take care, the Prince must have waited."

Now it is just me and Eli sitting next to each other without a sound. Eli is still finishing his breakfast. From the end of my eyes Eli finally flipped his cutlery, indicating he was done. Eli then drank and leaned his body on the bench.

His eyes glared, making me look up at our family portrait. "Bel, I'd love to live with you, you know? But, there will be a time when you will be lonely. Your decision was enough to keep. I, no, we'll assume you're looking for your identity. Also, don't let anyone else know about it, okay?"

We walked through the corridor with various paintings on the right and left sides. Eli clasped my hand tightly without speaking. When I got to the front of the study, Eli's hand was on my shoulder. "Learn good, I go first."

I nodded and looked at Eli who was running while waving his hands at me. I took a breath before opening the door, "good morning Sir Reginald."

Sir Reginald, my teacher is from a commoner. Just like Cerland, he earned a peerage for hard work. Sir Reginald was a teacher at the Hugsun academy, an academy focused on science. Sir Reginald taught at Hugsun after he finished giving me general knowledge.

"Good morning, Lady. If you're ready, I'd like to re-listen to what you got at the previous meeting." The opening I've memorized.

At Sir Reginald's request, I repeated the material of the previous meeting. A History of Yerkink. "But, sir, how could the demonic forces rule this land before? Also, how could the nobles in the past defeat that demon lord?"

Sir Reginald nodded, then showed a book with a front page made of red velvet. The title is sewn with a golden thread, Yerkink: A Land of Heaven Conquered by Devils.

"Nobody can be sure if this is just fiction or fact. However, every point in this book is related to the history told and believed by the community." Sir Reginald showed me the book. "Before Yerkink was formed, this land was ruled by the devil. People were made slaves to serve them. Arnaka Hamilton, Yasreen Lancaster, Theo Walcote, and Lalisa Celine declare war on the demon kingdom. Say, a reformation. The four pillars had magic abilities and with that ability they captured this land."

I nodded, "Sir, who is Lalisa Celine? I never knew there was a noble by the surname Celine."

Sir Reginald opened the book he was holding then showed me a picture of a woman in front of me. I nodded, that face was not a stranger. I've seen him. Wait, I grabbed the book and brought it closer. That's .. I.

Nope. I mean, it was me before I reincarnated as Amabel. Also his name is Lalisa. That is, my name when I was on earth.

Sir Reginald seems to think of my behavior as a student's curiosity. "Nobody knows the origin of Lalisa Celine. One thing is certain, however, is that he is the greatest wizard. He can not only fight demons, but also control time."

Wait for. Too much information. Sir Reginald handed the book to me. "This is a gift for you. Finish the book and report to the next meeting."

I nodded then saluted Sir Reginald who walked out of the study room. Lalisa Celine, Lalisa, and Amabel Lancaster. What exactly is this all about?

I stared out the window. The leaves begin to fall off. It was about to enter the autumn and I started to forget my previous identity. If I hadn't been hit, who was Amabel Lancaster?

My eyes closed. A suffocating feeling of guilt arose. Did I just take someone else's life?

"Miss, the train's ready." The ribbon pulled my consciousness making me turn and nod.

Whether I'm Lalisa or Amabel, the one I know is what I currently have to look after. This family, I must take care of.

"Miss, are you okay? You look pale."

I quickly shook my head at Pita's worries. "I'm good. Come on, let's go downtown."

It's not just paper and ink that I'm going to buy. I need a book that's only found on the black market.