Chapter 18

As we approached the Ophels family mansion, I began to feel nervous.

Today, I was dressed in the most beautiful attire.

...But, do I look like I'm trying too hard? Do the necklace and earrings stand out too much? Has the makeup made me look like a different person?

Thanks to the expensive cream, my skin is beautiful, but there's no hiding the roughness of my fingers from all the work I've done.

Moreover, I've done everything from farming to horseback riding, so I have quite a bit of muscle.

In the midst of purebred noble daughters, my shoulders must look quite broad.

I'm already quite tall, almost as tall as the average man.

Am I just going to stand out awkwardly...

"Lucia, you're not thinking good thoughts, are you?"

"...No."

I nodded honestly.

I didn't have the energy to hide it.

Fil must have sensed that too. He smiled gently.

"Are you thinking that it might not suit you?"

I looked away.

Outside the carriage window, the beautiful streets of the noble district flowed by.

"Do you doubt Tiana's skills? She's famous in the palace for making women beautiful. The dress suits you well. Tiana chose the accessories to complement the dress, nothing too flashy."

"But..."

I know Tiana worked hard.

I must look the most beautiful I've ever been. ...But.

"Are you worried about being too tall?"

I didn't answer.

Fil sighed.

"Who's going to escort you? I'm taller than you. I'm also well-built. I've been thoroughly trained in escorting since I was a child. As long as I'm by your side, you'll be the most beautiful queen among the guests."

Fil reached out and gently pinched my chin.

He made me look up from where I had been gazing out the window and met his gaze directly.

"Stand up straight, lift your head, and just look forward. That's all you need to do to be beautiful. Understand?"

"...Yes."

I hesitated but eventually nodded.

The carriage slowed down and passed through a grand gate.

It seemed we had arrived at the Ophels family mansion.

Fil's hand left mine, and he began to adjust his silver hair.

"Here we are. ...The battle begins."

He murmured softly and then lifted the corners of his lips.

Fil's face looked fiercely combative, yet so handsome that I couldn't help but be captivated... He seemed like someone I had seen before, someone distant.

The carriage stopped.

Before I could stand up, Fil lightly tapped my shoulder, stood up, and opened the door.

Fil gracefully stepped out of the carriage.

The nobles who had been walking around or chatting in groups suddenly stopped and turned to look.

By the time I stood up, the carriage seemed to be the center of attention.

"Hey, I feel like we're being watched a lot."

"Really? Oh, Lucia, you can hold my hand if you want."

Fil turned back and gave me his usual smile.

He offered his hand to help me down the carriage steps. Out of habit, I was about to jump down, but I composed myself and took Fil's hand.

We slowly descended the steps.

When my feet touched the ground, I let out a quiet breath.

I managed to step down without stepping on my dress. I had cleared the first hurdle.

Next, we needed to move to the venue where the wedding was being held...

"...Huh?"

While still holding Fil's hand, I couldn't help but look around.

All the nobles standing around were looking at us, their faces filled with shock.

What happened?

...Why are they so surprised?

"Shall we go?"

"Y-Yes."

Fil was smiling happily.

I nodded reflexively, and Fil started walking, still holding my hand.

For some reason, Fil's hand felt unusually warm.

I suddenly felt embarrassed and tried to pull my hand away. But Fil casually held on, and I couldn't break free.

Is this part of the escort etiquette?

When Albes escorted me, he didn't do this...