It was 10 in the morning and Via, along with her family members were currently in the drawing room of their mansion in the capital. They were talking about her activities in school and the recording she did with the girls when the butler arrived.
"My lord, my lady, a card has arrived." The butler announced as he presented the silver tray with a lone card.
Everyone in the room, save for Via, wondered who would send them a card for a visit at this time.
Countess Vivien picked up the calling card. The card was rectangular in shape embellished with gilded edges. The name was embossed in gold letterings. "Kylo Louis?" she read.
Earl Vernon furrowed his brows, the name sounded familiar, but he can't seem to recall who it was. Anyway, must be no one of importance. "Just send it back in an envelope. We can't accept visitors now as we'll be leaving back to the county later."
Thankfully, Victor recalled who Kylo was since he was sitting beside him last night. "Father, he's the prince from Alighieri. Remember? He was introduced to us last night."
"Oh, I recall now. But why would he send his card?" Vivien wondered.
Then, everyone turned to Via. Well, she's the one who knew him the most they assumed.
Via turned red. "Uh… father, mother… the visit is a formal call for me... ah… well…"
Victor almost choked on his own spit as he tried not to laugh. "You!? Did he get hit on the head or something?" what? His sister was so masculine and for him, he thinks that there's nothing attractive about her. She's like an amazon.
Everyone in the room glared at him.
Vernon frowned. "Why would that boy be giving you a formal call?"
"Hush now Vernon. I think our daughter has found herself a suitor." Vivien admonished as she smiled at her daughter. "Baston, is the one who sent the card still outside?"
"Yes, my lady. A servant from the house of Lord Morris is still waiting for a reply at the lobby." Baston, the butler, replied.
"Alright. Send a card back to let his highness know that our house accepts his visit. Further, inform the servant to send the message that we start receiving guests at 2 in the afternoon." Vivien instructed.
"Yes." Baston replied as he bowed before exiting the drawing room.
--
At 11 in the morning Charlton was awakened by the loud knocking. Groggily he stood up from the bed and opened the door. Just as he expected, it was Kylo.
"Charlie, I got a card in return and I'm so nervous." Kylo said as he entered the room without waiting for Charlton to invite him in.
Charlton was still tired and sleepy, but he knew that this was important to Kylo, "Isn't that a good thing? Then your call has been accepted. Anyway, what time will you be visiting?"
"The servant told me that they will receive me at 2 in the afternoon. You have to accompany me. I have never done anything like this in my life."
"I don't think that you, having company for that, would make for a good impression." Charlton advised and he's not just saying that as an excuse.
"But what to do? What if they don't like me? It's not like I'm a prince of Militeia."
Charlton shook his head, "No matter, just show that you're sincere. I believe when Via's family see that, then they will definitely not have anything against you. Have you prepared what to bring?"
"Just trinkets I bought from Windsor before heading here…"
"Perhaps you should add bringing some flowers and fruits. I haven't done anything similar myself but if I were the one doing it, that's what I would do."
"Ugh… alright. Thanks. Anyway, our hosts invited us for lunch, and I heard they will be leaving after. But I still have much to prepare so just extend my apologies, alright? Anyway, wish me luck and see you later." Kylo said as he walked himself out of the door.
--
At 5 minutes before 2 in the afternoon, Kylo was already outside the mansion of Via's family. As a prince, he feels a bit inadequate and unprepared with just a carriage lent by Gizel's family. If they were in Alighieri, he would be able to make a grander entrance with the royal guards, and servants. But here in Militeia, he has none of that. He sighed. Really, he should have been much more prepared. Perhaps brought his own escorts at the very least.
Anyway, the gates were opened, and the carriage entered the mansion. When the carriage door was opened, Kylo alighted to see that only the butler was there to welcome him.
Again, as a prince, given that he sent a card beforehand, he normally would have been welcomed with much more fanfare, and all the family members would be outside the house. Though he should be offended, he was not. In fact, he rather felt better since it feels a little embarrassing to arrive the way he did.
The butler bowed and greeted him, "your highness. The lord and the lady are in the drawing room. Please let me announce your arrival."
Kylo stood straight and nodded his head while he was helped by Jack, who Charlton instructed to join him, off of his frock coat.
After a while, the butler came back and guided him to the room. Kylo left Jack at the lobby, so he himself was carrying the things he brought. The butler offered to help him, but he declined, thinking that perhaps he should be the one handing them to Via's family himself.
"His highness, prince Kylo Louis of Alighieri." The butler announced and everyone in the room turned to face him.
Kylo felt awkward as he entered the room. He was carrying a bouquet of flowers on his left hand, while on his right he was carrying a basket of fruits with another paper bag with the trinkets he brought. He felt like he looked so stupid with each and every single of Via's immediate family inside the room staring at him like he has two heads. Belatedly, he wondered, why was every single person in Via's family there? Was paying a call like this in Militeia? He has no idea.
--
TBC