My mother shook her head, "The answer is no. Now come on, lets get ready to greet the guests. Don't forget to thank Queen Luna and the King for allowing you to use their Palace for your party."

I groaned and stomped my foot, "If I'm an adult, why am I not allowed to make decisions for myself?"

My father patted my shoulder to placate me, "It's because you are still our little girl."

My mother sighed as she muttered to herself, "If you drink I am sure I will have failed as a mother."

I bit on my cheek spitefully as I looked ahead in irritation. My father leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Do not worry baby girl. As long as you wait until later, Daddy will give you the best bottle of whiskey his company has ever made."

I looked at my father grinning ear to ear. I whispered back, "You are the best Daddy."

Everyone started coming in and I was forced to greet them one by one. Most of the time the older men would just talk my ear off for no reason. I was practically falling asleep. Finally, Millie came over with Mary in tow. Mary was bobbing with a large smile. I smacked my forehead seeing her carefree face.

Mary came over to us and twirled, "Look Seri! Isn't this dress beautiful on me?"

My mother looked at her carefully, "Seri... Isn't that one of your old dresses?"

My mother glanced at me and I shrugged in response. Mary giggled in excitement, "It is! It is! Isn't Seri the best? She actually gave me one of her old dresses."

Yeah and I also had it altered so your chest wouldn't burst it open.... Of course, I do not need to mention that detail.

Millie smiled at me, "Seri. You look so beautiful today."

My mother clicked my tongue, "Millie, don't you think my daughter looks like a snake charmer? Can't you encourage her to wear something more... Elegant? I am sure she would listen to you more than she would me."

Millie giggled, "Oh, but I think Seri looks quite charming in this. Plus, I do not think elegant clothing suits Seri."

My mother tried to picture it and shook her head quickly, "You are right. That would be a terrifying sight."

My eyebrow twitched, "Oi. You two. I am standing right here."

Millie smiled warmly at me, "I can see that."

Behind Millie was her family. Her father stepped forward and bowed, "Seri, it has been too long."

I smiled at them, "Ah, Millie's family! I haven't seen you since I was younger. What made you make the trip all the way here?"

Her mother smiled warmly, "Today is such an important day for you. How could we not attend?"

I chuckled, "Well thank you." I noticed her siblings and pointed to one, "Sarah?"

She shook her head, "No, I'm Sophie. My voice is higher than Sarah's."

My face twitched, "Right... And you are Esma?" I pointed to the other one.

She shook her head, "No. I'm Marie. I'm two centimeters shorter than Esma."

I nearly choked, "Still?! Haven't you grown at all?!"

Marie nodded, "I have grown. However, Esma has grown as well."

I looked to the two twin brothers and pointed, "Donald... And Peter?"

They shook their heads, "Peter and Donald."

God f*cking d*mnit.

I groaned in dissatisfaction. Donald spoke, "My hair is slightly shaggier than Peters. We are actually quite easy to tell apart."

I looked at the two, but there was definitely no difference in the texture or shape of their hair. I wanted to scream in defiance. I looked at their mother with a serious expression, "I admire your strength."

She chuckled, "Oh, why thank you."

I looked at Millie's sister, "Oh yeah, Millie tells me you like to bake. If I were to open up a bakery in the future, would you all like to work at it?"

Their faces lit up, "R-Really?! We would love that!"

My mother looked at me suspiciously when I mentioned a bakery, but I ignored her. I nodded at them, "Then I will discuss it with you later."

My mother cut in, "We will stop taking up your time, so feel free to walk around. Please help yourself to any food and drinks."

They all nodded and bowed before leaving. Millie held a present in her hand, "I almost forgot, I brought you a gift."

I went to reach for it, but my mother slapped my hand. She glared at me before turning to Millie with a smile, "Thank you Millie. Seri will open it AFTER the party."

Millie smiled back at her, "Very well." She looked back at me, "I will wait for you to be done. Please come find me then."

Millie grabbed Mary and started dragging her off. I wanted to cry as Millie ran away so quickly. I looked at my mother feeling wronged, "Mother! Why can't I open my gift?!"

"It's not proper etiquette. A present must never be opened in other's company. ESPECIALLY before you greet all of your guests. It's rude."

I rolled my eyes, "And here I thought I was supposed to be an adult. But nope, I'm treated like a kid no matter where I go."

Mathias entered a little later after Millie. He too was with his mother and father. I nearly burst out laughing when I noticed that they were almost identical to and had the same facial expression as Mathias. Mathias nodded at me.

I waved at him, "Hey Matty."

"Matty?" His father asked with a serious expression.

Hmm. I wonder if his parents also react the same way to flattery.

I smiled at his father, "Ah, you must be Mathias's father. You are just as handsome as he is."

His fathers face darkened instantly.

I turned to his mother, "And you must be Mathias's mother! You are truly an upstanding woman. I can see why so many respect you."

Her face darkened as well. I couldn't help but giggle at their identical reactions.

My father smiled Mathias's father, "Ah, I am so happy to see you here. I have a new product that you may enjoy. Perhaps you could taste it later and let me know your thoughts."

He grunted in response causing my father's face to twitch. After my mother greeted them, they went on their way. My father sighed, "That man is so hard to please..."

I winked at my father, "Let me tell you a secret, Daddy. Mathias is just like his father. The more he is embarrassed, the darker his face gets. Likewise, when he is happy about something he will look away with a face of displeasure."

My father thought back, "Ah, now that you mention it... He tried one of my whiskeys before and made a face of displeasure... But then he ordered hundreds of bottles of it..." My father chuckled and made a conniving expression, "This is quite the useful information."

My face twitched upon seeing his scheming expression. I wonder just who exactly is the wolf here....

"Seri!"

I turned to see Artie skipping over with a joyful expression. He looked extremely cute in his little suit. It was like someone who dressed a teddy bear up in a suit and tie. It was way too adorable. His parents were beside him and next to them was Lucius and his father.

Artie held out a gift, "I got you something!"

I frowned at him, "I want to open it, but my mother isn't letting me accept any gifts right now..."

He leaned towards me and whispered in my ear, "Don't worry. We've already come up with a plan beforehand. We made sure to prepare a separate room where we can't be disturbed. When the coast is clear, you can sneak away to the room. Then you'll be able to open our gifts."

I whispered back, "But why did you go through so much effort?"

"A contest."

"A contest?"

He nodded, "Yes, we are having a contest to see which gift you like the best."

Uh... Isn't that a bit... Juvenile?

I nodded, "I approve. Once I finish greeting the guests, I will sneak away."

He pulled away and we smiled innocently at each other. I was surprised my father wasn't as harsh with Artie as he was the others. When Artie walked away my father chuckled, "He really does look like a cute hamster."

Ah. So that was why. He didn't consider Artie a threat at all.... I almost feel bad for Artie.

Lucius followed after Artie and nodded at me indignantly, "Seri."

I nodded back, "Lucius." I looked to his father next to him, "Ah, Duke. It is nice to see you again."

My mother looked surprised, "You've met him before?"

The Duke was known to be reclusive. He only spoke to those that he had to speak to. This was probably one of the reasons why he was so absent from Lucius's life. I looked away embarrassed, "Oh... We met by chance before."

Lucius frowned, "By chance?"

I changed the subject, "But where is your mother?"

The Duke spoke in a cold voice, "She's sick."

Lucius looked away with a complicated expression. I understood immediately. I nodded, "Ah, that's too bad. If she ever needs help getting over her sickness just call for me. I've helped someone before, I may be able to help her."

In the distance, Bertram sneezed. He looked around, "Eh? Was someone talking about me?"