The Invincible Young Master

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the embroidered curtains of a well-decorated room, painting intricate golden patterns on the plush rugs and finely carved furniture.

A gentle knock broke the quiet.

"It's morning, Lady Silica," a respectful voice announced from the other side.

The door creaked open, revealing a woman in a neatly tailored gown. She stepped inside, balancing a tray adorned with a steaming teapot, delicate breakfast dishes, and a faint, polite smile.

Without a sound, she carefully moved toward the bedside table, setting the tray down.

A muffled groan emerged From beneath the grand bed's silken covers.

"Hmm... is it morning already?" The pile of blankets stirred, and a cascade of messy hair tumbled free, revealing a face with drowsy eyes blinking reluctantly at the light.

"Lady Silica," the attendant said gently, "it's time to wake up properly. Breakfast is ready, and I've brought tea to help with the aftermath of last night."

Silica sat up slowly, her head resting in one hand as she winced.

"Ugh... Maybe I went a bit overboard yesterday," she muttered, her voice filled with grogginess. "And that old man's endless storytelling didn't help. I think his story drained more life out of me than the wine did."

The attendant chuckled softly, pouring a cup of tea with practiced precision. "Perhaps this will help clear your head, my lady. Please, drink it while it's warm."

Silica accepted the cup, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "You're always so thoughtful. What would I do without you?"

"It is my honor to serve you, Lady Silica," the woman replied with a slight bow.

A playful gleam lit Silica's eyes as she sipped her tea. "You're so considerate, I'm starting to think you'd make an excellent match for one of my brothers. Don't you think?"

The attendant's composed expression faltered ever so slightly as a faint blush crept across her cheeks. "Please don't tease me about such things, Lady Silica."

But Silica leaned forward, her grin widening mischievously. "Oh, come on. Don't be shy. You blushed just now, don't tell me there's someone you've got your eye on already!"

The woman stiffened, her hands gripping the edge of her apron. "Lady Silica, I assure you-"

"Which one is it?" Silica pressed, her voice filled with teasing delight. "The eldest? The youngest? Or is it someone else entirely?"

The attendant's composure cracked under the relentless teasing.

Bowing hastily, she said, "If you'll excuse me, Lady Silica, I have other duties to attend to."

She turned quickly, her steps brisk as she made her way to the door.

"Take your time deciding, then!"

The sound of the door clicking shut brought a quiet stillness back to the room. Silica chuckled softly, savoring her tea. The warmth of the drink spread through her, easing the lingering heaviness in her head.

Moments later, the attendant returned, her posture straighter and her expression more formal.

"Oh my, you've decided so quickly," Silica teased. "Go on, tell me which one caught your fancy."

This time, the attendant remained unfazed. She bowed deeply, her tone carefully composed. "Lady Silica, someone is requesting an audience with you."

"An audience? At this hour? Who could it possibly be?"

"It is the third prince, Gilbert,"

Silica froze mid-sip, her expression briefly contemplative. Then, with a dismissive wave, she scoffed, "Chase him away. I'm in no mood to entertain any guest today."

The attendant hesitated for a moment but quickly nodded.

"As you wish, my lady." She turned and left the room to relay the order.

…

Silica reclined in the luxurious interior of her carriage, gazing out at the passing scenery with mild amusement.

"Chasing away that third prince was the highlight of my morning," she mused aloud. "I'm here to enjoy myself, not waste my precious time on others' nonsense."

Turning toward her attendant, who sat opposite her, Silica tilted her head with a grin. "So, where shall we go today?"

The attendant fidgeted slightly, her usual composure slipping. "Lady Silica, our funds are... running low."

"Low?" Silica's brow furrowed. "That's impossible. I brought more than enough."

The attendant's tone was careful as she responded, "You've been visiting that exclusive establishment for three days in a row, my lady. The expenses have added up."

"Of course I have! They're the only place around here with wine worth drinking," Silica said, rolling her eyes. "Well, if that's the case, we'll just make a quick stop at the bank."

Soon the carriage stopped in front of a grand building. Its marble pillars towering over the bustling streets below.

Silica stepped out of the carriage, her sharp yet elegant attire catching the eyes of passersby.

"Isn't that Lady Silica?" whispered one onlooker.

"The Duke's daughter?"

"I've heard she's got quite the temper."

As one of the infamous prodigal siblings, it was not uncommon for her to garner attention everywhere she went.

Unbothered by the murmurs, Silica smirked, her chin held high as she strolled toward the bank's entrance. Her attendant followed closely, her head slightly bowed to avoid drawing attention.

Inside, a nervous clerk appeared almost immediately, bowing deeply before escorting Silica to a private room.

It wasn't long before a banker wearing a glass entered, his hands fidgeting nervously. "Lady Silica, how may I assist you today?"

"I need to withdraw some of my savings. Twenty thousand in the paper should do," Silica said casually, sliding a rectangular card across the table.

The banker's brows rose slightly at the amount but nodded quickly. "Of course, my lady. Please wait here."

Minutes passed, and the banker returned, his face even more nervous than before.

"Ah... There seems to be a slight issue," he began hesitantly.

"What kind of issue?"

"Your card, my lady. It appears to be... frozen."

"Frozen?" Her tone sharpened. "And who would dare to do that? You?"

The banker paled, shaking his head quickly. "No, no, my lady! I would never!"

She narrowed her eyes, then muttered under her breath, "Those meddlesome old men again."

Reaching into her sleeve, she brought out another card and slid it across the table. "Try this one."

The banker hurried out, only to return moments later looking even more distraught.

"This card is also frozen, my lady," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"What?" Silica's voice rose. "That card belongs to my brother! There's no way those geezers have the authority to freeze it!"

The banker hesitated, then explained nervously, "According to the records, the owner of the card froze it themselves."

It was her younger brother, Spark's, card, which she had taken from him, in return for managing his affairs during his absence at the academy. She hadn't used it before as she herself had plenty saving, but now she finally used his card it didn't work.

Silica froze, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, her eyes narrowed dangerously, and a humorless laugh escaped her lips. "So, that little brat thinks he can cheat his sister, does he?"