Disclaimer: Do you really think I'd own Natsume or any other companies affiliated with Harvest Moon at this point? Of course not. Don't be rediculous. This is just a mere formality I forget to point out every few fanfics or so. Seriously... if I did, Magical Melody would have way more Heart Events, Farmer and Rival alike. That, and Ann would be with Louis instead, because they make way more sense. And maybe the script would be more amusing? I dunno... if people really like my writing style, maybe I could make that possible.
Somewhere, in a faraway country villa, a certain burnet nurse in a frilly blue dress was seated at a long, lavish dining table. Before her was some fine china along with a set of silverware including numerous forks laid atop a beautifully-designed napkin. The disoriented young girl blinked constantly as she each little fork carefully, deciding which one would best suit her situation.
Standing ride at the sidelines of this unusual event was an old man with a goofy white wig and a fancy green vest. Assuming by his proper, disciplined stance, one could easily guess that he is the butler of this establishment.
"Please proceed with choosing the proper first fork of the meal, Miss Elli. While it is appreciated that you are giving this carefully thought, might I suggest you try not to use "the Force" in the process? It could cause a catastrophe were you to accidentally choke a fellow guess with your incredible concentration." he quipped.
"Sebastian!" The young lady groaned. "Was that really necessary? I'm just trying to prepare myself with the proper etiquette for tonight's dinner."
The green-vested butler grinned. "I apologize, Miss Elli. By all accounts, your candid expressions really were quite adorable. It simply deserved to be met with a proper jest." he explained. "However, such basics in eating etiquette shouldn't be too hard. I would've gladly explained the process to you personally, but it seems Madame Romana has high expectations of your "natural" grace." he finished with a strong hint of regret.
Elli sighed. "Well, I suppose I am polite and well-mannered enough. At the very least, Karen blatantly pointed out how "prissy" I am, but I'm really starting to doubt that I qualify for "high-society". I'm starting to wonder why my cousin even invited me to her dinner recital in the first place." she thought.
Once more, she put her concentration on the forks before she had the chance to become distracted once more.
"Okay... what is it that Grandmother always told me about situations like this? I know I received instruction from her a few times about table ettiquete, just in case... but it's all a blur to me! Great. It must've been during those times when I used to play "tea time" when I was little girl, huh? I really wish I can recall it clearly..." she thought as she waved her hand indecisively over the forks.
"Well..." Sebastian announced, "Have you decided upon your first fork?" he asked.
After a few more seconds of careful observation, one fork gleamed brighter than the rest. She then nodded to Sebastian with a nod and proud grin before snatching it out of its decorated resting place.
"It's this one, isn't it?" Elli beamed as she trusted a big fork towards Sebastian's direction. "I suppose it's the "multi-purpose fork", since I always used forks like these for any part of the meal! Cake, Salad, Steak...Yes, this must be the last resort for those who don't understand the fork system otherwise! Am I right?"
An embarrassed Sebastian lowered his head in shook. "I'm afraid that's... a steak fork, Miss Elli. It goes along with the steak knife for a main entree." he explained.
Elli glared at her fork in shock. "Really? Oh dear... I can't believe I just embarrassed myself like that..." she sighed.
"It's alright, Miss Elli. The order of forks is really quite simple, really." He assured the young lady.
"B-But, I'm supposed to be able to figure this out all by myself, right? Auntie Romana insisted on this." she stated.
"No, no. I must insist. Besides, I'm starting to think Madame Romana is assuming a bit too much. She even wanted you to pick up on the more advanced skills of etiquette on your own. Formal wear, Dancing, posturing; she believed all of this would come naturally for one related to the distinguished Lacrème Bloodline. I was merely sent here to be your evaluator."
"What? Are you serious?" Elli nearly exclaimed. She then took one slow breath to calm herself. "I can't believe it. I-I can't waltz or tango or anything sophisticated like that! Auntie Romana's expectations are going way too far here!"
"Indeed. Your cousin felt the same way; however, unlike you, she nearly threw a fit and was about to march right towards Madame with a complaint. She must really like you if she was actually willing to complain to her for that purpose." Sebastian noted.
"Really?" Elli chirped. A pleasantly surprised grin suddenly manifested itself on her face. "I always thought she called me her "Favorite" cousin because I happened to be her only one. Maybe she really meant it." she said to herself.
Suddenly, a door slowly creaked open. Both Elli and Sebastian quickly turned their attention towards that direction.
Standing right by the doorway was a young lady with bright amber eyes and long brown hair topped with a yellow hair band. She also wore a pair of light jeans and a casual white short-sleeved shirt with an orange cloth tied around her neck. Most notable of all was the cheerful smile she had upon seeing the young nurse at the dining table.
"Elli!" The young lady squealed with delight.
"Lumina!" the nurse cried back ecstatically.