Lucy

The grand Heartfilia estate was quiet, save for the faint clatter of utensils and the occasional soft hum of a young girl concentrating. Lucy stood on a stool by the kitchen counter, her small hands carefully measuring flour as the warm glow of the evening sun filtered through the windows. The cook, a kind older woman, watched her patiently, occasionally offering guidance.

Lucy: muttering to herself "A little more… but not too much, or it’ll get all lumpy…"

She stuck her tongue out slightly in focus, determined to get it right this time. Her father had scolded her earlier for ‘wasting time’ on something as ‘trivial’ as cooking, but Lucy didn’t care. It wasn’t like she had anyone her age to play with, and the kitchen felt warm—welcoming in a way the rest of the mansion didn’t.

Cook: softly chuckling "You’re very serious about this, young miss."

Lucy: nodding firmly "Of course! If I mess up, it won’t taste good… and I want to make something perfect, just like Mama used to."

Her voice wavered slightly at the mention of her mother, but she quickly shook it off, pouring the mixture into a bowl with a determined expression. She wasn’t the best at this yet, but she was learning. And that, at least, made her feel a little less alone.

The warm water rippled as Lucy sank deeper into the grand porcelain tub, the scent of lavender and rose petals filling the air. The bath was nice, but it was lonely. The servants were all too busy to play with her today, and the mansion felt emptier than ever.

Pouting, Lucy swirled her fingers in the water before a mischievous idea struck her. With a splash, she reached for the golden key resting on the bath’s edge and held it up eagerly.

Lucy: grinning "Open, Gate of the Water Bearer! Aquarius!"

A swirling current surged through the water, and in an instant, a tall, beautiful mermaid with long flowing blue hair materialized in the tub. Her piercing eyes immediately narrowed in annoyance.

Aquarius: scowling "What. Do. You. Want?"

Lucy giggled, splashing lightly at the water.

Lucy: cheerfully "I was lonely! So I thought we could play!"

Aquarius’ tail flicked sharply, sending a small wave straight into Lucy’s face. Sputtering, the girl wiped her eyes as the Spirit crossed her arms with an unimpressed glare.

Aquarius: huffing "You seriously summoned me… for this? I am not your babysitter!"

Lucy: pouting "But I don’t have anyone else to talk to…"

For a moment, Aquarius’ expression softened ever so slightly—but only for a moment. With a flick of her tail, she turned away, grumbling.

Aquarius: muttering "Tch… fine. But only for a few minutes."

Lucy beamed, splashing happily. Even if Aquarius was grumpy, she was still company. And for now, that was enough.

Lucy sat stiffly in front of the vanity mirror as a maid carefully adjusted the ribbons on her dress. Her reflection showed a polite, composed young lady—the perfect Heartfilia daughter—but inside, she was sighing for the hundredth time.

Lucy: muttering "Another one, huh…?"

Maid: gently "Your father arranged the meeting this afternoon. He expects you to be on your best behavior, young miss."

Of course he did. Lucy already knew the routine—smile, be charming, and don’t embarrass the family name. It wasn’t like she didn’t understand her duty as a Heartfilia; she would marry someone wealthy one day. But did it really have to be so soon? And why were they always so… wrong?

Last time, it had been some snobby boy younger than her, barely able to string together a conversation without stammering. Before that, a man old enough to be her grandfather! It was getting ridiculous. But still, she straightened her posture and smoothed out her dress. She would obey, as expected.

Lucy: sighing "Let’s just get this over with."

As the maid led her toward the parlor, Lucy forced a polite smile onto her face. It was all just another performance—one she was growing increasingly tired of.