Natasha stopped in front of Phyllis, a humorous smile on her face. "Am I not welcome? I was a guest at Sylvia's home and happened to learn she would be attending your coming-of-age ceremony. It made me think—back when the old earl was still alive, I used to visit this villa and the 'Bernie' estate often. Heh, Phyllis, you were only this tall back then, so young, desperately trying to follow me, brother Alfred, uncle Samuel, and Harrington on hunts, but you always tripped and couldn't keep up, ending up crying your eyes out. In the blink of an eye, ten years have passed, and you're already this tall, a grown woman. Brother Alfred and uncle Samuel would surely be gratified to see this in heaven."
Alfred was Duke Vaolet's eldest son, Natasha's brother, a prodigy who had become a fifth-tier Great Knight in his twenties. Samuel was the elder brother of the current Count Hain and Urban, once the most legitimate and deserving heir to the title. Both had died nearly ten years ago in a major battle against a heretical knightly order.
Natasha had only intended to join the fun and satisfy her curiosity, but seeing Phyllis stirred deep memories of her youth. Thinking of how ten years of hard training had transformed her from a little girl into a true warrior, while her loved ones had passed away one after another and she had grown distant from her old companions, she felt a pang of bittersweet emotion.
Phyllis had been drowning in immense disappointment, frustration, sadness, and anger, merely forcing a smile to welcome guests. Now, stunned by Natasha's arrival and hearing her warm, heartfelt words, she could no longer hold back—tears surged forth: "Of course you are welcome, very much so, Sister Natasha—no, Your Highness the Princess."
The childhood address slipped out instinctively.
Natasha gave Phyllis a hug. "It's fine. Just call me Sister Natasha. Childhood is always filled with life's most beautiful memories. Happy birthday, Phyllis. Congratulations on becoming a true lady."
The atmosphere was warm yet tinged with gentle melancholy, soothing the soul. Only now did Lucian understand why, despite Count Hain's deep loathing, Urban could still securely hold his post as a clerk in Altor's municipal hall, why many minor nobles still visited, and why Phyllis could be close friends with Yvette, Count Hill's most beloved daughter. Alfred and Natasha must have been on very good terms with Samuel, Urban, Harrington, and Phyllis back then.
Natasha released Phyllis, looking at her tears of excitement, joy, and sentimentality, and smiled softly: "Alright, Phyllis, no more tears. Today is your coming-of-age ceremony; tears don't suit your beautiful face. You should be happy, joyful—understand? I will preside over your ceremony." As a Great Knight, a single glance told her Count Hain had not arrived, and she understood the reason.
"Mm, I will definitely hold the birthday banquet happily." Phyllis struggled to control her tears, answering with a mix of crying and laughing. To have the future Duchess, the current Violet Countess, preside over her ceremony—could Count Hain possibly compare?
Seeing her like this, Natasha tried to lighten the mood with humor: "I didn't bring a birthday gift. You don't mind, do you, Phyllis?"
"How could I? Your presence is the best birthday gift." Phyllis hugged Natasha again. Her timely arrival, warm embrace, and gentle comfort were all so wonderful, filled with the feeling of a big sister or brother.
Only after Phyllis let go on her own did Natasha point to Lucian inside and say: "But my music advisor will surely bring you wonderful, joyful music to help you forget your worries and immerse yourself in the happiness of your coming-of-age ceremony."
Inwardly, she cursed softly: "Damn it, it was only because of my curiosity about your serenade that I came. And now I've gotten tangled in these emotions and nearly shed tears. How can a great, strong knight like me cry? So I'm going to put some pressure on you..."
Due to the earlier "Silver White Horn" incident, the strangeness between Natasha and Lucian had diminished considerably. Coupled with Natasha's humorous, direct, and teasing personality, and Lucian's "normal" responses without fear or timidity, the two were increasingly becoming friends.
Being mentioned publicly by the princess, all eyes converged on Lucian. Since many among the musicians were themselves of noble birth or sponsored by nobles, most already knew Lucian would be performing a new serenade to celebrate Phyllis's birthday. Low murmurs of conversation arose.
To have the princess so expectantly waiting—if the piece wasn't at least above average, it would be a failure!
"Welcome, Your Highness the Princess, Lady Camille, Lady Sylvia." Urban's face bloomed like a flower as he gestured for Phyllis to calm her excitement and ushered Natasha inside.
Upon entering the hall, Sylvia headed straight for the circle of musicians, while Natasha resignedly greeted the various nobles. Regardless of their rank high or low, strength strong or weak, as long as they held noble status, as their liege, she had to observe the basic courtesies.
As Sylvia walked closer, her cheeks grew rosy, and she became increasingly shy and lovely. It was her first time attending a banquet with Natasha in this manner, and facing so many familiar faces naturally provoked this reaction.
"Good evening, Master. You arrived quite early." Sylvia greeted Christoph—she was a disciple of this "living music legend."
Christoph sighed softly, not demanding anything. The music world was relatively accepting of such matters; he only asked with concern: "Sylvia, think more about the future. Now, didn't you want to adapt a piano piece? There are a few 'authorities' on the piano here—you should exchange ideas."
His "authorities" referred to Victor, Rhein, and Lucian, whose playing of the piano with entirely new fingering techniques he greatly admired. Sylvia, previously limited by her expertise on the clavichord, which was suited only for indoor spaces like practice rooms or salons, had composed many elegant, serene, and beautiful pieces but had never held a concert in the Sacred Hymn Hall. The advent of the piano had given her hope, and she planned to adapt some of her pieces for it, preparing for the future.