Life in somewhere around the 18th Century in Britain, had now become the usual the three noble aevum musketeers.
While Vermont was still asleep, the three girls decided to let the poor gentleman be by himself and left for the application that collected servants for the event.
The venue for the survey was moderate, it felt like a voting center for some reason.
Elaine stood outside while Claire and Annie went inside and there was a strict lady inside who seemed to eye each and every lass that came in. Elaine gulped thinking that Claire and Annie may not actually make it to the trials, "honestly, what's the big deal about a literal servant selection? Even mother and father would not conspire such atrocity!" Elaine thought to herself.
After a gruelling period, the two stepped out and the moment it did, it felt like stepping into heaven for them.
"I do not get it. Normal country girls are simply trying to..I don't know..but harness out some job for their qualities and THAT, that did not feel like a simple maid selection..it felt like being selected for the state army!"
Claire said with a sigh as she brought out a kerchief to wipe off the sheer sweat on her forehead.
Annie laughed awkwardly.
"I could not agree less actually. The woman had the eyes of an eagle. I think she is someone of high standing among the servants. What do you think, Elaine?"
"Huh? Oh me? Well how could I possibly deduce out her character? However, based on the description of you two and on what I saw myself, she is a someone we should stay away from...as in avoid but not act as though they are the plague."
On their way, the three gossiped on normal chats, cooed at the animals, mostly cats that were cosily, curled up at some random alley.
Vermont was surely to scolded them for this, if he had been there.
It suddenly hit Elaine and Claire that Vermont had met Elaine's grandfather..right..they never got to finish the conversation.
Hence, they decided to lend Annie some money and adivced her to visit her parents, which she of course obliged to, and from their they parted their ways. For now.
"How could I possibly forget?"
Elaine said, her steps hurried.
"You know, we must not expect much...funny how I am the one saying it, when it's usually you or Vermont."
The two reached their cabin and expectedly, Vermont was awake by now, just staring out the window like some forlorn soldier who was tired of some constant war.
"We never finished our conversation. Tell me, what happened? Did anything else happen or something you did not tell us further more?"
Claire spoke up before Elaine could.
"He seemed to have scrutinized me thoroughly despite the short amount of time where we exchanged looks.
Maybe he thought of my parents."
It was easy for them to speculate how the child of Vermont's parents would look like for the two had been betrothed since birth due to some alliance, and did exist at this time to where they migrated at.
As for Elaine and Claire, well their parents were yet to exist.
"...Do you think he was suspicious?"
"You think it's easy to know if a Lytton suspects you? How about you tell us about it, Elaine."
Truly, the Lyttons were different creatures. Each and every one of them different and yet it was as though they understood one another more than anybody else. Blood sure did run thicker than water.
Elaine could already imagine if some outburst took place at the day of the masquerade, but positively looking, they would be in masks.
"Anyways...Elaine, what will you do..more specifically, what will WE do after we get to the event?"
"I'll talk to my grandmother."
That turned the heads of the both Vermont and Claire.
"Talk..? Just like that?"
Elaine nodded loftly.
"Are you serious? After we have been out here hiding from them, you are just going to spill it all out? I thought we would be sneaking in to the vault for the pocketwatch!!"
"That's one way, but I..if I really am a Lytton, I should kno how to communicate and get away with my actions.. especially towards my own blood!"
That left everything silent for a moment.
"Typical."
Claimed Vermont as he scoffed a bit.
He was right, it was a typical behavior for the very household that prioritized self development more than anything else, of course they would try to prove themselves in any given situation.
"Just what do you have in your sleeves to guarantee the success in your plan?"
Vermont asked to Elaine, looking at her dead in the eyes.
Elaine was stressed, her composed facade was falling apart and the mention of her family..let alone dealing with them was much of a hassle.
"I told you... communication brings in everything..I am sure my grandmother will consider, she would not have left the book and pocketwatch in my will if she did not mean to."
That was quite a valid response, but still Vermont was not convinced.
"What if she, herself is yet to think it through with that will, Elaine? What will you do if the pocketwatch has not even been purchased yet?"
Claire was feeling tensed too. She may be able to fix misunderstandings and all but when it was these two, all she could do was just stand and watch.
".. it's there, I know it. Just humor me, Vermont. Humor me, if you think that way. It's the least you could do.."
Meanwhile, Javis Parker, Elaine's father, was strolling through the library, noticing the book that was given to Elaine through the Lytton will was missing. It's space covered in light dust which he blew off. His face went down, many things formed in his head, he just did not know how to put it all together again. He did not want to mention it to his wife either, "Irene's relation with her mother was bad enough..I don't think mentioning about her will do any good."
He looked up at the ceiling, a chandelier staring right back down at him.
Javis flopped down onto an armchair in the library, taking off his glasses and letting out a sigh that weighed heavier than the knowledge carried by any of the books in that room.