Of Nannies and Ballrooms

It took a while for me to get used to my infantile body.

But it's not like I had anything to do at my age. I seemed to have gone back into the time I was barely 5 years old. The maids kept babbling about how I shouldn't go dressing myself up as a boy anymore. They all seemed so outraged when they talked about it; a great contrast to their giggling facades in my past life.

"Was it because I cried that day?" I mumbled to myself while one of my senior maids tended to my hair.

"What did you say, Lady Elle?" the maid asked, probably surprised at the length and clarity of my words.

I only smiled in return; a bright, childlike smile that could only appease the grown woman. She practically swooned at my cuteness, momentarily stunned.

While my maid was preoccupied, I began to think of my first day here. I believe that that moment was probably the first time I had decided to don a boy's clothes. In the standpoint of my maids, they simply dressed me up, and I then began to cry at the mere sight of myself... That must be the only explanation why my maids have grown to dislike my little hobby at all. They probably thought I hadn't liked it.

Nevertheless, bringing more people to my side is always a plus. So, while I still have the power of a toddler's adorableness, I had to make proper use of it. I shouldn't be known as the crying and unreasonable toddler. Oh, no!

"Auntie~" I called to the maid, showing a wondering expression on my chubby face. "Whut's... youur name?"

I made sure to make my speech more like my apparent age. I may have overdone the cuteness a bit because the maid started visibly blushing and her eyes were filled with an intense look. She started laughing quite... perversely.

"Auooohhhh..." she swooned and gathered me up into her spindly yet strong arms. "My lady! I am not worthy to be called your Auntie~ heh heh heh."

I don't recall my castle ever having such an eccentric maid... Her uniform, however, showed she was of a higher class than the common workers. She probably came from a relatively well-off house; a daughter who has outgrown her peak years without being married.

She brought me up with a bounce, bringing me face to face with her. "I am Miss Hestia of House Aron. It is such an honor to have the young lady be interested by my humble name."

House Aron! No five year old would know of such political matters, but the aged woman inside my little body knew of the esteemed house. In fact, House Aron might as well be the right hand family of the King.

Why would a daughter of such a house be brought here as a simple nanny? Looking at her smiling face up close, she didn't seem all that lacking in looks. She didn't even seem that old... In fact, just a few touches of makeup here and there and she could've looked like a maiden in her prime.

Although I was curious, I was immediately placed back into my chair and my short, curly hair was manhandled yet again. Quite used to the tugging on my scalp, I began to quiet down and obediently sat quietly.

A series of sharp knocks came from my vanity room's door. A maid popped her head in, a serious look on her face. "The guests will arrive in a few minutes, Missus Hestia. I believe we need to hasten a bit," she said. I noticed how her voice was shaky and how her eyes didn't quite meet my nanny's.

Almost as though she turned into a different person, Miss Hestia began to give instructions to the maid as she expertly combed through my uncooperative hair. A dress there. Bring that particular hair pin. A brooch here.

In no time, I was standing in front of the large mirror, admiring my nanny's handiwork. She had dressed me up in a light blue, puffy gown. There were many frills and laces, but they only succeeded to accentuate my bright, pinkish face and not overshadow it. Of course, like all the dresses I had to wear, my neck and arms were completely covered. My tiny hands were concealed by thin white gloves with adorable, porcelain buttons securing them to my wrists. My hair was held up in an elegant, and somewhat mature, high bun. Snow speckled flowers decorated my hair.

Truthfully, I looked like an angel.

However, I was given no time to further admire myself as I was hurriedly ushered out of my bedroom, and into the familiar hallways. I haven't gone outside of my room ever since I had gone back in time. I haven't even dined with my parents nor met anyone else other than my maids. I wasn't too shocked. Even in the past, they have always left me in the care of strangers. Well, it's more truthful to say that my parents were the actual strangers...

So, I was quite excited about this new event. I could barely remember what had happened in my life when I was just five years old, so it's like I was living my life all over again, with all its surprises and all.

The maids led me to the castle's ballroom. In the future, Princess Eleftheria of House Saule would grace these halls with ease and she would be the most-awaited attraction. However, now, I could hardly think of a reason why a toddler would be brought to the ballroom? I don't even think I had already been taught how to dance in my age?

The huge double doors opened, revealing the brightly lit room. However, contrary to my expectations, it looked different than normal. There were little decorations around, and the numerous round tables scattered around the central dance area weren't around.

Instead, at the center of the room, were men. Behind them was an object covered by a white cloth.

My previously great mood dwindled as fast as it came. I began to feel nauseous. My heart started beating hard and fast. Sweat began to clam up on my gloved hands.

'Why do I feel so nervous?' I thought.

"Welcome, Eleftheria. Come greet our renowned guests." The voice was deep and rumbled like thunder during the summer.

I suddenly realized why I felt so bad.

"Greetings, My Lord Father." I curtsied, as elegantly as I could in my wretched body. I bent towards the men as low as I could. "This little one welcomes our guests to our humble home."