The Grand Duke leaned forward, his voice booming with joy.
"Cecilia! I have wonderful news for you!"
I blinked. "Uh… okay?"
He grinned. "Next week, on your birthday, I will be hosting your debut ceremony in the royal palace!"
…
…
I froze.
"Y-you'll… what?"
His eyes sparkled with fatherly pride. "I couldn't hold your debut at the proper time, and I regret that. But I want to make up for it! So, I shall hold a grand debut ceremony for you—one that will be the talk of the entire empire!"
Excuse me?! What?!?! But WHY?!
I looked around, desperate for help, but all I saw were beaming faces.
Lora clasped her hands together, looking thrilled. "Isn't that wonderful, Cecilia? You'll be having a debut ceremony at the royal palace! Do you know how hard it is to celebrate in the royal palace unless you're a royal?"
"That's right! And just like Father said, it will be the talk of the empire," Tristan added with way too much enthusiasm.
