Chapter 20

Immediately after the opening, I made a slight change to the last part of the text.

The cherry blossoms danced in the wind. Truly, it was a world of brilliance.

The orchestra played beautifully, the chandeliers made of highly polished crystal, the flowers painted by famous artists on the walls, and the stained glass windows at the high arched ceiling—all were there.

The flowers were luxurious, and the dishes served were nothing short of opulent.

And the people around, dressed in gowns and tuxedos, smiled elegantly—truly, it was the court I had only dreamed of.

Well, apparently, the conversations were so intense that it would be best to avoid getting involved.

"Big sister, are you okay?"

"Yes... Merek, do you think my outfit looks strange?"

"It's fine, you look very beautiful! At this rate, you might even find a marriage partner today!"

"That's impossible. More importantly, we have to accomplish something important."

"Yes. But Big sister, if someone tries to talk to you, don't decide to get married right away! Understand? I'll be the one to evaluate them first! Of course, the prince must also meet your standards, and your colleagues will also need to evaluate them."

"Alright, I appreciate your concern, but we need to focus now."

"...Big sister, it's better to talk about this properly."

"I won't have such feelings for a while. I can't relax until Primera gets married."

"No, if that's how you feel, I don't mind."

While wondering what Merek was trying to say, I looked straight ahead.

I was finally stepping into the social arena, known as the battlefield of the nobility, which I had always thought I could observe from a distance. The thought of running away still lingered.

But, it's Primera's birthday party, and I couldn't participate at all!

When I asked about the dress, the other maids and the butler said, "You'll know on the day. You should practice your dance." So if I run away from this venue, I won't get to see it... If I do a poor job, they'll make me practice more...

I think the dress was chosen by the other maids and arranged by the butler, so it should be fine...

However, the dress I received this time is made of high-quality fabric, which is impressive and a bit scary. I wonder how much it costs... It's a gift from the Queen Mother, but with accessories included, it might be quite expensive. I hope I haven't unknowingly taken on a debt...

But the Queen Mother wouldn't do something so despicable. I think it's probably a special allowance or bonus.

Still, I wonder if this design is okay.

I do like mermaid lines, but... the current trend in this country is to make slender people look even slimmer with fluffy princess lines and chiffon material. When my dress arrived, I was surprised by its sleek design.

At first glance, it seemed to be a simple, unassuming dress with a gentle gradient from top to bottom, but the fabric was interwoven with silver threads that shimmered with movement.

The gradient from white to navy is a rare color combination, I think.

Pastel colors are popular at parties... Moreover, my dress has a large open back and long, tight sleeves.

The popular dresses are all made with fluffy chiffon and lace, and the colors are mostly warm tones like pink, yellow, and red, making mine stand out even more.

The sleeves of the other dresses are often made of thin lace to hide slender arms, so my design, which hides the shape of my arms but doesn't hide them, is quite rare.

Is that old seamstress actually an innovative designer...?!

My heart was pounding as I was led forward by my brother.

One of the palace attendants dramatically unfurled a parchment and, taking a deep breath, loudly announced our names to the entire party venue.

"From the Vandied Viscount's family, Merek Lavie, the next Viscount, and his daughter, Yulia, have arrived!"

The court butterflies, who were chatting animatedly, and the familiar nobles, glanced at us but nothing more.

Of course, the major figures had already been briefed, and it was not unusual for a viscount's family to be treated this way.

Rather, the substitute for a border baron who followed us was more unusual and received more attention.

However, the women seemed to find my attire unusual, and I received many glances, which was tiring.

Or maybe I was just known as an older woman who had never made her debut in society.

While making casual greetings, I leaned against the wall, and my brother smiled and said he would circulate on his own.

Thank you, brother... I don't think I'll ever get used to such places...

"Yulia!"

"...Aunt."

"Should I congratulate you on your debut in society?"

"Yes, I would be happy if you did."

"Yes, I heard that my brother's children have a difficult time... If there's anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you. Please take care of Merek."

"...Yes, of course."

Even though you hide your smile behind a fan, your eyes aren't smiling, Aunt.

You must be getting information from someone, but I can't confirm it here.

The only thing the taciturn Prime Minister said was to make my debut in society.

The Queen Mother said the same thing.

"Has the Princess seen the gift?"

"No, but it will be delivered to the Princess later with the catalog. Also, since nobles from other countries are present, the reading of the catalog for those below the rank of baron has been canceled this time."

"Indeed, the formalities are so troublesome. The King should consider making the event less boring for the Princess."

As expected, at a royal birthday party, the number of gifts presented one by one would be enormous.

Especially with nobles from other countries invited, the number would only increase.

The time it takes just to read the catalog is considerable.

Not reading the catalog could also mean that the number of gifts for Primera is so large.

Who she will choose as her husband, whether she has already chosen, whether new candidates will be selected, and whether it will change due to relations with other countries—these are all part of politics, which is why I sigh.

She is just an 11-year-old girl.

But being born a princess means her very existence is a tool for political maneuvering, which is astonishing to me, a commoner.

"Everyone, please welcome King Alex Sambur of Kularum, Queen Metalina, Crown Prince Alarbert Dau, and Princess Primera!"

"!"

"Oh, speak of the devil! The royal family has arrived!"

Applause broke out.

The orchestra, which had been playing beautiful music, had stopped, and many nobles were looking at the elevated area for the royal family.

The King was giving various greetings, essentially saying that the country is prosperous, his daughter is lovely, and she is not planned to be married to a foreigner, and the focus is on the domestic front.

Dean Dain is a provisional fiancé, but there are still opportunities for the children of domestic nobles.

The well-informed nobles are already whispering about Dean Dain.

Dean Dain, dressed in a blue tuxedo and wearing a simple mask, tilted his head slightly, perhaps finding the King's words difficult to understand, and was looking at his brother.

He would probably ask what it meant later.

Princess Primera on the stage was simply hiding her mouth behind a fan.

Since she hasn't made her debut in society, it would be improper for her to give a greeting.

Her dress was a princess line with a white base, but the skirt was made of a large amount of chiffon material, and colorful roses made of chiffon were blooming, making it incredibly adorable!

The mask was made of black lace, typical of a masquerade ball, with a few flowers added. Her silk-like hair was beautifully styled with pearls and flowers.

Ah, she's like a fairy of flowers that has appeared in this world!!!!

Cute yet with a hint of dangerous charm!!! Oh, the fan she's holding is the one I recommended before?!

Oh, Princess Primera, ahhh!!!!

She noticed me! Her eyes! She's smiling with her eyes! She looks so happy!

Ahhh, so cute!!!! I really want to go to her and praise her appearance to the fullest!!!!

"Yulia, I understand you're happy that the Princess noticed you, but... you just drew some attention to yourself."

"Huh?!"

"Some of the nobles noticed that you caught the Princess's attention."

"What... The experts of society are truly different!"

"What do you mean by 'experts of society'?"

I returned a wry smile to my surprised aunt, not knowing how to respond.