Chapitre 8: Chapter 8

The first day of the parade was a spectacle to behold, filled with the vibrant colors of banners and the joyous sounds of laughter echoing through the air. Most of the nobles that lived within the borders of the main Empire were present, as they were closer and more accessible than those from distant lands. Their carriages, adorned with elaborate designs and pulled by magnificent steeds, arrived one after another with a flourish. Crowds of people gathered along the streets, cheering and shouting with enthusiasm, while confetti and flower petals rained down like a colorful shower, adding to the festive atmosphere.

"Are you enjoying the parade, Princess?" a voice broke through Annabel's thoughts, pulling her attention away from the scene below. She turned to see Rose, standing beside her on the balcony. Annabel's gaze remained fixed on the carriages as they rolled in, each noble stepping out with an air of importance, their lavish garments flowing like silk in the breeze.

"Not really," Annabel replied, her voice barely hint of emotion within them. As the nobles stepped out, their servants hurriedly unpacked the carriages, but the nobles themselves hardly acknowledged the grand occasion. They walked into the palace without so much as a backward glance, their indifference stark against the backdrop of the jubilant crowd. It was something she was not used to.

Then again, what was she expecting? Annabel couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation amidst all the celebration. She had grown accustomed to the lack of genuine warmth from people due to her upbringing. That had been why she was not used to the actions of those within the palace. The maids, butlers, cooks, gardeners, and even the knights would drop everything the moment she came into sight just to greet her, their smiles sincere, their actions filled with a sense of duty that bordered on devotion. That was something that Annabel hadn't really gotten used to; it was both comforting and unnerving. These devoted servants worked tirelessly to ensure that she, the child of their employer, was happy with their work.

A gentle breeze rustled her hair, and she closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers that had been strewn across the path. It reminded her of times when she would walk through a park and hear the sounds of laugher all around her, but she would feel nothing upon them because it was something she was not used to. Annabel opened her eyes again, to glance back to the nobles.

"There are quite a lot of nobles," Alison, one of the main maids beside Annabel at all times, stated with a hint of surprise, her eyes wide as she took in the spectacle before her. "Even the Founding Day's event does not have this many nobles."

"I cannot be helped. Everyone is excited that our beloved princess has finally reawakened!" Samantha, another of Annabel's loyal attendants, chimed in, her voice brimming with pride as she puffed up her chest. This statement was punctuated by the continued procession of noble carriages rolling through the grand palace gates, each one more lavish than the last, adorned with elaborate coats of arms and gilded decorations.

Annabel, however, had a more cynical view of the situation. "I would say it's more that they want to get on my good side," she remarked casually, raising her teacup to her lips, savoring the warmth of the brew prepared just for her. As she took a sip, she couldn't help but reflect on the myriad of books and shows she had consumed over the years, all filled with tales of nobles and their intricate machinations. She had come to understand that, more often than not, these aristocrats were primarily concerned with their own interests rather than any genuine affection for her or her well-being.

The only reason Annabel had chosen to watch the parade of nobility today was due to her curiosity. She hoped to catch a glimpse of someone she might recognize from her vivid dreams. Rose, one of her most trusted companions, pointed out each noble house that arrived, and Annabel diligently recalled the information she had gleaned from her dreams as well as the lessons imparted by Countess Winter. These lessons, while steeped in the nuances of high society, often revolved around the whispers and rumors that floated through the air like autumn leaves. In the world of the elite, such rumors carried significant weight, and Annabel had learned that many of them were rooted in truth.

"That is Baron Shellford," Rose said, gesturing toward a particularly impressive carriage. "He earned the title himself after the War of Wubrebet." This war, which had occurred about a century ago, was a striking chapter in the empire's history. It involved a small kingdom that had surprisingly attacked the mighty Albuquerque, leaving many scratching their heads in confusion. The unexpected nature of the assault had caught the empire off guard, resulting in a swift and decisive defeat for the aggressors. Yet, as Annabel listened intently, she felt that there was something peculiar about the entire affair… something that lingered just out of reach, as if a hidden truth awaited her discovery.

In the first few weeks following Annabel's awakening in Cassandra's body, she devoted herself to gathering as much information as possible, driven by an insatiable curiosity and an urgent need to understand her new reality. Despite her efforts, she quickly discovered that the household staff seemed to have been placed under some sort of unspoken gag order. It was as if they were bound by a mysterious pact, a silencing spell that prevented them from discussing events that had transpired before her unexpected awakening. This frustrating barrier only deepened her sense of isolation, yet she persisted in her quest for clarity. Through whispered conversations and cautious observations, she managed to piece together fragments of Cassandra's life, learning that around the same time as the infamous War of Wubrebet, Cassandra had inexplicably fallen into a deep slumber. Coincidentally, it was also during this tumultuous period that her mother had passed away, a loss that left an indelible mark on Cassandra's story. Yet, amidst this accumulation of knowledge, Annabel sensed that something crucial was missing, a vital piece of the puzzle that could potentially illuminate the darkness surrounding her situation.

Then, a chilling realization struck her: none of these revelations mattered in the grand scheme of things, as the world itself was on the brink of destruction. A weighty thought, it both galvanized her and filled her with despair.

As she stood amidst the bustling arrival of noble carriages, Annabel's attention wavered. "Those are Count and Countess Surdieu, they're a third-generation house. And that is House Ginetillon, a viscount…" A voice droned on, providing a litany of names and titles that should have fascinated her. However, Annabel found her mind drifting, her focus slipping away from the opulent spectacle before her. Instead, her gaze wandered skyward, where birds flitted gracefully, seemingly unburdened by the complexities of her life.

In that moment, Annabel couldn't help but contemplate the motivations of the Emperor. Why had he gone to such extravagant lengths for a single event, all in honor of a daughter who was, in reality, not truly his? Was this how all doting parents behaved, or was that just him? The thought gnawed at her, exacerbating her feelings of inadequacy and confusion. She felt like a mere shadow of the girl he longed to see and embrace once more. This reflection spiralled into another question: where was the real Cassandra, and what had become of her?