The morning after the year-end ball was a busy one. Students, particularly those who were not graduating this year and were from different kingdoms were in the lobby with their luggage with them. All prepared to return home. They did not want to get stuck in Windsor when the influx of other nobles that arrived today for the graduation tomorrow should leave. 

By noon, the dormitories were already half vacant. 

"Serena, don't you think that the release of our song would be bad timing? I mean most of our classmates already left and I'm worried if there will be people buying the discs?" Gizel could not help but ask. Currently, they were in Serena's room as they will accompany her for the contract signing event. From there, they will leave for the Maxwell ducal mansion. 

Serena who was getting her hair fixed by Beatrice chuckled. "You are getting worried over nothing. First, our main market are the locals of Windsor. Second, remember that the graduation is tomorrow, a lot of nobles are arriving today and more probably than not, they will stay here until Tuesday at the very least."

"By the way Gizel, aren't uncle and Auntie arriving today?" Via asked.

"Yes, but George is going to welcome them with Serena's parents, I think?" Gizel replied.

Then, the doorbell rang.

"Who could that be? Wait, let me get it." Milly volunteered since Beatrice was still busy with Serena's hair.

--

"Oh, good morning, uhm your grace…", Milly greeted as she curtsied.

Duchess Celine laughed as she reached and straightened Milly, "No need for that Milly, we already told you to call us as Uncle and Auntie, you're like family to us now. Anyway, is Serena ready?"

"The, Auntie Celine, Serena's almost ready." Milly replied as she opened the door wider to let them enter.

The couple gave Milly a smile as they went inside the room went inside the room.

--

"Oh, my baby is really all grown up now. Beatrice, leave the bangs, I think it looks better when it's framing her face." Celine instructed as she entered the room.

Gizel and Via instantly stood straight to make a curtsy and greeting but Celine just smiled and told them there's no need.

"Mother? I thought you will be at the harbor to welcome Gizel's parents? Is father to welcome them?" Serena asked.

"Well, I wanted to come and support you and your father is just outside. Don't worry, your brother Leonard will welcome them in our stead. I believe he has left with Gizel's brother, George was it?" Celine said as she turned to look at Gizel. 

"Yes, Auntie Celine, uhm… thank you for the graciousness of hosting my parents…" Gizel shyly said. She was still not used to acting like they were family. Serena's parents were a Ducal couple, and it was only the 2nd time they met in person.

"It's the least that we can do as Serena will also be heading to your Kingdom soon. Besides, you, Via and Milly are like my daughters now so don't be shy with me." Celine said. She was glad that her daughter had good friends in school. She has told them a lot about her friends in her letters.

The girls all smiled, nodded their head, and said thanks to Serena's mother.

--

"Has mother arrived?" Charlton asked Jack as he went inside his room to report. He instructed him last night to check.

"No milord, only the Grand Duke is here." Jack replied, then seeing the luggage on the floor, he picked it up to bring it in the carriage. 

Charlton sighed in relief then he thanked Jack before letting him leave. If his mother was there, it would be difficult to escape for Militeia, aside from that, he might get an earful about his new ventures. She usually prefers to just have him in their Ducal palace in Suffox during the summers.

"Ooohhh Charlie, so lucky! Then, can I stay over in your house in the meantime? You know that I prefer to stay with you than well, the palace. It's creepy there." Kylo enthusiastically asked after hearing Jack's report.

Charlton shook his head, he still has a lot of work to do, "It would be alright, but I have a lot of work to do. I won't be able to host and accompany you on most days before we leave for Militeia."

Kylo thought it over, "That's okay, I'll just do whatever while you're away. Your father won't mind right?"

Charlton knowing that Kylo won't stop pestering just nodded his head as he looked at the time. It was already 1 in the afternoon. 

"Let's go. The contract signing event will be starting in an hour." 

--

The contract signing event was to be held in one of the conference rooms at the Ritz. When Serena arrived with her friends and her parents, at the hotel's lobby, she saw that Charlton and Kylo were already there talking to Edward. She noticed that some of the guests of the hotel were looking at Charlton from time to time, and well, also felt that the same was true for herself. 

Edward saw them and waved his hand then he, together with Charlton and Kylo to welcomed them.

"Your Grace." Edward first greeted Serena's parents as he gave them a bow.

Simoun smiled as he gave Edward's shoulder a pat. "Enough with that, Serena will be working with your company soon. However, I should warn you, though I understand that you're running a business, you must keep in mind that she is my daughter."

Edward almost had a sweat drop. "Of course, of course. Please trust that Lady Serena will be treated with utmost respect and care." 

Celine smacked Simoun's hand playfully as she laughed, "Moun, don't be like that. For sure Edward already has that in mind."

"Father, mother, this was my decision. Please don't give Mr. Easton a hard time." Serena interrupted after she broke eye contact with Charlton. Sheesh, parents. 

--

TBC

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