These past few days of my transmigration, I've come to affirm my first conclusion: this Trier family was truly shitty. I get that Toni had been super irritating before, clingy and demanding in all the ways that make people want to look away, but that doesn't justify this level of neglect. Now that I'm living it firsthand, waking up in that same enormous, empty room every morning, I keep wondering how the previous her tolerated it this long.
I felt real injustice on behalf of both Tonis, the one who'd become Bai Feng Jiu, and the one who was now me. I was still their daughter. Shouldn't they have tried harder to understand where I was coming from? Aren't parents supposed to work that way, or am I just deluded here? This was practically the same as growing up an orphan. In some ways, worse. At least an orphan has no parents to expect anything from. And I hadn't even committed any real crimes against these people, or against those pretentious, pompous nobles. I hadn't murdered anyone. Yet. As far as I knew, attention-seeking wasn't even classified as a petty crime. And still I was shunned worse than a criminal.
Just f*cking fantastic, man.
So I'd come to a decision. I'd heed Toni's advice. I'd run away from this dismal place. To hell with whether they went bonkers over it or not. If I didn't give them a taste of their own medicine, I wouldn't be much of a transmigrator. Well, assuming they even cared in the first place.
'Oh wow. That thought kinda hurts. Whatever.'
I'd received a letter from Grandfather Halcyon the day after my birthday. He was the only one who remembered. He'd even sent a gift, an exquisite ruby hair ornament, the kind of thing that probably cost more than my old apartment back in Country Z. Talk about rich. As expected of the only one in this family who actually cared. My memories of him were all fond. He doted on me, taught me all sorts of things, patiently, the way you'd expect from someone who genuinely wanted to see you succeed rather than simply comply. I used to stay at his Liszt estate often, only coming home at nightfall. It was thanks to him that I excelled in magic and swordsmanship both. Add that to what I'd already learned as Bai Feng Jiu, in the military, and man, I was going to be unbeatable.
Besides all that, he'd also spent his time teaching me the four arts, something rooted in the Eashen bloodline that only the two of us still cared about. Halcyon von Liszt wasn't just my grandfather by blood. He was my master too. My parents couldn't be bothered, busy as they always were with their own affairs. My brothers included.
Outside the moments I got scolded or reprimanded, there weren't many warm memories of my parents in this head, just a handful of stiff greetings and disappointed sighs. If it weren't for Grandpa Hal, I'd have probably devolved into something bitter a long time ago. That much I was sure of. Which was exactly why I believed he'd be willing to help with my plans. Well, with a little coddling. How could he ever say no to his cute little Toni?
After no more than five seconds of thought, I took out my stationery and penned a reply:
Dearest Grandfather,
Thank you so much for remembering my birthday, and for the precious gift. I shall treasure it always. I've been thinking a great deal these past few days, and I've come to a few realizations. If it isn't too much trouble, would you be able to come visit me? I would love to discuss these thoughts of mine with you.
There is also an important request I'd like to make. I don't dare put it to paper, since it's something that will decide the direction of my life, and my future.
I look forward to your visit. I'm so glad to have you, Grandfather.
Your loving granddaughter,
Celestine von Trier
I double-checked the wording, then my penmanship, twice over for good measure. Short, but I was satisfied. My calligraphy seemed to have improved too, carrying traces of both Country Z's characters and the Eashen script. The two systems were surprisingly similar, which pleasantly surprised me. Hopefully Grandfather would simply take it as an improvement in her hand. I folded the letter into thirds, slid it into an envelope printed with a bamboo pattern and my name across the front, and sealed it with the Trier crest. I planned to have Grandpa Wilhelm send it after breakfast. I wasn't lying when I said I looked forward to Grandpa Hal's visit. Honestly, I could hardly wait.
Morning came, and Wilhelm brought my breakfast as usual. Now that I thought about it, the old man with his benign smile had been treating me especially well these past few days, catering to my every need personally. It seemed my earlier words of thanks had worked some kind of magic. Not that I minded.
"Grandpa Wilhelm," I began.
"My lady," he said, at the very same time.
I blinked at him, caught off guard, then gestured for him to go first after a grateful nod.
"Grandpa Wilhelm, could I trouble you to send this reply letter to Grandfather Halcyon?" I asked politely, holding the letter out. The old butler smiled as he took it.
"Of course, my lady. It's no trouble at all."
"Thank you very much. Did you want to say something?" I paused, suddenly remembering he'd started to speak first.
He shook his head, offered a polite goodbye, and left me to my breakfast. I ate with gusto, unaware of the faint, expectant grin already forming on my face.
A couple of days later, a carriage pulled up in front of the Trier estate, its wheels crunching over the gravel drive. An old man stepped out, his attire nothing like the suits and frocks favored by the rest of the nobility, hands resting at the small of his back, an aura of wisdom and quiet power trailing after him.
I smiled delightedly at the sight of him, warmth spreading through my chest without my permission. I wasn't the least bit surprised by the Tang suit. Yep. Similar to the ones worn back in Country Z. It gave me a nostalgic feeling, reminding me of the old geezer, who loved wearing Tang suits on ordinary days too.
"Grandfather is here, little Celestine." He greeted me, his voice muted and stern, tinged with warmth all the same.