All these familiar faces in one table, Juvia could not help but think she was back in her past life. They were all her friends one way or another. Meeting anew in this life felt weird but something in her says this should be they way it is. If not, then what happened before would take place all over again and coming back would all be for naught.

So she must set aside the uneasiness in her heart and smile like a 12-year old she was.

"I have not tasted such lucsious tea in my life, Lady Lisanna. It is such a pleasure to be able to drink this," Juvia stated in a lively tone. She came from a New Aristocrat family, so she should not be proficient in etiquettes. Although she mastered her postures and manners, she should not be too perfect as to not be a target of doubts.

Deliberately increasing her tone up a notch, and pretending to not know how to drink tea was enough. Any more than that would be unsightly and unladylike.

Despite this, Lisanna seemed to be pleased by what Juvia said. She was about to comment when Lady Chelia of Blendy ducal family beat her to it.

"It is natural that you have not. This tea was a gift from His Majesty, the King, for all the Old Aristocrats houses," she said in a proud, mocking tone, as she put her teacup back on the saucer.

"Chelia," Lady Meredy, in a warning tone.

"But it's true!"

Chelia continued to receive a warning glare from Meredy so she pouted and stopped talking back.

Meredy was the highest ranking lady present in this gathering. She was the daughter of Princess Ultear, half-sister of the crown prince. She should be sitting at the head of the table but she never cared for those kinds of ceremonies or rules. She appeared cold on the outside like all the other royalties but she has the warmest of heart. Juvia could attest to that.

In reality, everyone here was a little different from what Juvia remembered. Maybe because she had met them far later before and were older, unlike in this life.

Chelia, although proud was not this rude. She would not use His Majesty to outright mock someone, especially a New Aristocrat since her bestfriend was from the same faction. It seemed like they had not met in this life yet.

On the other hand, her first meeting with Meredy was not as peaceful as this. They had been enemies. There had been a lot of twist and turns in their relationship but eventually, they had treated each other like sisters. Meredy had managed to saved her when she was at her lowest but... Juvia still died. She could not imagine Meredy's pain once she found out.

Still, all of that had nothing to do with the Meredy in front of her. If Juvia was to chose, she did not want to be close to her. But Juvia...misses her friend. And she was uncertain if she was strong enough to avoid her.

"Sorry, Juvia. She is not usually this way," Lisanna explained, bringing Juvia back to her senses. It was understandable that Lisanna could not reprimand Chelia like Meredy did, so she apologized on behalf of her instead. They were of the same rank and were not as close so Juvia understood.

Juvia kept her smile. "It is fine. If not for Lady Chelia, I would not have known I have been given the honor of drinking something the King had personally gifted. I am truly grateful."

Meredy eyed Chelia. "You should learn from Lady Juvia and stop being petty all the time."

Chelia harrumphed and still refused to say a single word. Meredy sighed and ignored her. Her attention veered to Juvia. "Since you like this tea, I will give you and Lucy a share."

Juvia did not stand on ceremony since it must be for Chelia's rudeness. She stood up from the chair, gave a curtsy and thanked her. As she sat down, Lucy and Yukino also returned from their little adventure.

Earlier, when Lucy and Yukino met, they had recognize each other. They both attended three of the same classes since both were classified as Holder, a type of magic classification in Crocus Academy, so they were already familiar. The two excused themselves, might be to use the lavatory, and now appearing as if they were the best of friends.

Juvia squinted her eye at Yukino but chose to turn away. Lady Yukino of Orland ducal house was a kind lady. She might have went astray in the past life but hopefully, with Lucy as her friend, she would have a better luck.

That same afternoon...

As soon as Lisanna got home, she searched for her elder sister, Mirajane. She found her in the drawing room, playing chess with her friend, Dame Erza Scarlet. She performed a curtsy for the two before proceeding to sit beside Mirajane.

"Sister, I found an Ether jewel!" she exclaimed without reservation. Dame Scarlet had been her sister's trusted friend since childhood and she knew a lot of Strauss secrets like the Ether jewel.

Lisanna signaled for her personal maid to give the kerchief to her sister where she kept the necklace.

Mirajane put down her chest piece while Erza watched with interest as the former studied the necklace. Like what Lisanna experienced, Mirajane could also feel the jewel calling for her. It was really an Ether jewel.

There were two types of Ether jewel. The first one was pure Ether jewel, once they lose their luster and the ether disappears, they only need to be basked under the moonlight for a fortnight and they could be use again. The second one was the unpure Ether jewel. They would disintegrate once used and they have less effect than the pure.

The Strauss family currently only have two Ether jewels left and both were pure. They have long lost all the unpure ones. Be it pure or unpure, both were difficult to find and this was the first time in years Mirajane was seeing a new one.

"Where did you get this, Lisanna?" Mirajane asked in a serious tone. They have never find any of these for the past few years.

Lisanna told her sister everything that happened and specifically mentioned that the jewel came from Juvia's cousin.

"What do you think, Erza?" Mirajane asked for her friend's opinion.

"It appears to be just a coincidence. But to make sure, still look into it," Erza replied.

Mirajane nodded and commanded a maid to call for her brother, Elfman. When he arrived, she recounted everything and told him to investigate, especially that cousin who gave Juvia the jewels.

The information about the Ether jewel were only known by the Strauss and their personal guards who were tasked to find them. It was good if it was just a coincidence, but what if there was a traitor who was plotting something? And that person was using Juvia's cousin and her. It was better to be sure than to regret in the end.

"Understood, sister," Elfman saluted before he left.

Mirajane held Lisanna's hand. "From how you tell your story, it looks like you have a good impression on this Juvia. Go and befriend her, find out if the other jewels she have are Ether jewels. If she really can be trusted, then tell her the truth and ask her if you can buy those Ether jewels or exchange them for something. I believe in your instincts, Lisanna. Do not let me down."

"Yes, sister," Lisanna answered solemnly.