Chapter 13 - Tea Party With Daddy

I was sure that I wasn't going to make it through class. I was so hungry all I could think about was food. I may have even chewed on my book at one point.

When Lona came to get me, I begged her to carry me. She refused until I laid on the ground and refused to move. After that, she carried me out to the carriage.

Ah, it's so nice having a maid.

"Little Miss. I think you're gaining too much weight. You're heavy now."

Ouch. Okay. Maybe a maid isn't that great. I should work out more...

I arrived back home and dragged myself inside. I collapsed on the nearest seat and buried my face in the cushions.

Ugh. So... hungry... can't... continue...

I felt someone tap my shoulder. I looked over at Lona.

"Little Miss. Your father would like you to join him for tea."

I mumbled weakly, "Will there be food?"

She sighed, "Yes."

I jumped up quickly, "Excellent! Lead the way!"

I followed Lona outside to a small white table under a gazebo. My father sat reading a book and looking very mature. The sun reflected off of him making him look godlike. I had to smack my face to remind myself that he was my father.

He noticed me and smiled brightly. He rushed over, picked me up, and swung me around. I tried to hide my annoyance. He put me down.

"Daddy missed you so much!"

I literally just saw you this morning.

I smiled, "I missed Daddy more~"

"I doubt that." He chuckled and we both sat down.

Yeah, I doubt it too.

Lona filled our tea glasses and set out some small tea cakes. I took them excitedly and began to devour them. I noticed Lona stood off to the side and watched us. I've always hated eating in front of all of the servants.

I looked at her, "Lona, would you like to have some too?"

She looked at me shocked. She quickly shook her head, "No little Miss. I couldn't possibly."

I frowned, "Why not?"

She glanced at my father hesitantly. "Well, I'm working right now. It wouldn't be proper."

I sat back and crossed my arms in irritation. "Working? All you're doing is standing there. Why can't you just sit at the table and enjoy the tea?"

Lona was at a loss for words and looked down. Whenever Seri acted like this, she knew it didn't do any good to keep trying to turn her down. Usually she would have joined her already, but she was having tea with her father. Everyone feared him because he was easily angered. She had only seen him smile when he looked at his daughter.

"Lona, was it?"

Lona bowed to my father, "Yes my lord."

My father smiled at her, "It seems that my daughter really likes you."

Lona hesitated, "I suppose so. I have been her personal maid for a while."

"I'm glad to know she has someone who cares about her. Why don't you sit down with us?"

She quickly protested, "I couldn't do that my lord."

He smiled at her, "It's alright. I give you permission."

"But-"

His tone grew stern, "Please don't make me repeat myself."

She bowed. "Yes, my lord. Thank you."

She sat down and gracefully began to drink her tea. I couldn't help but watch her. Although she had average looks, she was so graceful. She was almost like a princess.

Her face twitched under my gaze. "Little Miss. Is there something on my face?"

"No. I was just realizing how beautiful you were."

She choked on her tea and started coughing. She grabbed a napkin and gently blotted her lips. "Little Miss must be mistaken."

"I'm not." I slumped over and looked at my tea pouting, "I hope I can become beautiful like you when I'm your age."

It will take a lot of work to make Seri a heart throb, but if I could be beautiful when I am older, I could easily manipulate men into doing what I wanted. Maybe even women.

"Little Miss resembles the missus. I'm sure you will become beautiful."

I frowned, "Ew. I don't want to look like her. I want to look like Lona."

My father laughed causing us to both look at him. I almost forgot he was there.

"You two are really close."

Well, not really. I only wanted her to sit down so badly because I could use her as my buffer against his lolicon behavior.

He continued, "I will have to talk to the head maid about giving you a raise."

Lona looked at him surprised, "Thank you, my lord."

He nodded at her before turning his focus back on me. "So, how was school today?"

I smiled at him, "It was very fun."

"Oh? Did you have fun with Prince William?"

Ugh. This again?

I sighed, "No."

He looked at me still clearly jealous, "Well. Good. Don't forget what I said earlier."

Lona looked at me questioningly. I just shook my head to tell her not to ask.

"Anyways, I wanted to have tea with you before your birthday tomorrow. Unfortunately, I will have to leave the day after your party."

He's leaving soon? Finally. I thought I would have gray hair coming in if he stayed any longer.

"Is there anything you'd like for your birthday?"

Well, I would love to have the new book that is coming out in the Lovely Prince book series. But, seeing as it's an 18+ book, I realized I probably shouldn't bring it up.

"Didn't you already buy me dresses?"

He chuckled, "I bought that for you since you needed new clothes. Surely there is something you would like?"

"No Daddy. I am happy just to be with you!"

He smiled happily, "Aw! Daddy is happy to be with his baby girl as well!"

My face twitched from my fake smile. Thankfully I only have a few more days with this man. My facial muscles were beginning to ache.

I sipped on my tea after engorging myself with more food. Ah, I just really love sweets.

"Are you excited to see your friends at the party tomorrow?"

I raised my eyebrow, "Friends? I don't have any friends."

He glanced at Lona. Lona spoke, "What about Miss Millie? You've been spending time with her at school since Queen Luna's tea party."

Had me and Millie not hung out with each other prior? Since she stood up for me that time, I just assumed that her and Seri were friends.

"Your Daddy was very happy to hear that you've made friends with someone your age."

Why would I want to be friends with children? They are too annoying. Also, just how much of a social recluse was Seri before this?

"You're mistaken. We aren't friends. We just help each other out."

"I see." My father sat back deep in thought. "Well, I suppose we should invite more children your age. It's not good for a young girl to have no friends."

I ignored his mumbling and went to take another piece of cake. As soon as I grabbed it, someone lifted it from my hand. I looked over at Lona who had taken away my cake.

"Little Miss. You've had enough. Don't forget you still need to eat dinner."

I pouted, "Just one more?"

"No."

"But I've only had a few!"

"You've had seven."

I frowned, "Why are you paying such close attention."

Knowing that I couldn't win, I looked over at my father, "By the way, Daddy, there's something I'm curious about."

"Yes? What is it?"

"What do you do for work?"

"You don't remember? Your Daddy is one of the leading merchants in the kingdom. Aren't you proud?"

I looked at his smug face. To be honest, I was a little impressed. "What do you sell?"

He shrugged, "We mostly sell alcohol and chocolate but we do some other things on the side."

My mouth watered. Ah, chocolate and alcohol. What a winning combination.

He saw my face and smiled, "Would you like to come with Daddy to see my factory?"

"Yes!" I shouted enthusiastically.

He chuckled, "Alright. Next time I will bring you."

I cheered happily. After we finished, we ate dinner together inside. I noticed that my mother was not at the dinner table. I wondered if my father had something to do with it. He must be really mad at her. Well, whatever. That's not my issue.

Afterwards, I dragged myself up to bed and collapsed. Why am I always so tired?

Lona followed me and began to bring out my night clothes. She smiled at me, "Little Miss has changed so much."

"Hmm? How so?"

"You used to hide from your father whenever he came home. We all thought that you were scared of him."

Somehow I can understand why Seri did this. If I would have known, I would have done the same.

I shrugged, "Really? Well, I don't think I was ever scared of him. He just annoys me."

She smiled tenderly, "Even so, I'm happy that you are closer to him. I can tell he is overjoyed as well."

I felt a strange feeling in my stomach. I fidgeted trying to get rid of it.

I saw an unusual expression on her face. Usually she was so stoic she looked like a statue. However, now her face was pinched up.

"I was really worried about you."

I shifted uncomfortably. I groaned and reached my hand out to pat her head. "There, there. You don't need to worry about anything. Believe it or not, I'm actually quite amazing. No one could possibly mess with me." I tossed my hair, "If anyone tried, they would regret it."

She chuckled, "Is that so?"

"Of course! So you don't need to worry about a thing. I can't have my most beautiful maid getting wrinkles."

I smiled at her and she stood up shaking her head, "My little Miss never ceases to surprise me recently. First, she gets nearly perfect grades and now she seems too mature for her age."

I smiled smugly. That's right, I am pretty amazing, aren't I?

She bowed, "Well, good night little Miss. I will see you in the morning."

After she left I snuggled into bed. Ah, finally. I am so exhausted from today. As I got comfortable, I couldn't help but feel like I forgot something important.

F*ck.

My eyes snapped back open. I completely forgot to get dirt on Dante.