Chapter 24

"Excuse me."

I, still in my dress, and Primera-sama, also in her dress.

The girl standing before me is so incredibly cute, her presence is so perfect that it gives the illusion that she is glowing, even though we are indoors.

I stand before Primera-sama, slightly nervous.

There is something I have been determined to do ever since my debut in society was decided.

Slowly, I perform a lady's bow.

"Your Highness, I congratulate you on your growth since your birth, may it continue to be without a day of illness."

"Wh-What's the matter, Yuria?!"

"I offer my congratulations as a noble and as a subject."

The words I repeat are the formal words of a noble.

I don't really want to say this, but I can't not do it.

The butler was still in the room.

He seemed to understand what I wanted and whispered something to Primera-sama.

The moment he did, I could sense her surprise, and I heard her take a few deep breaths.

"Thank you, Princess Primera of the Kouraum Royal Family, the eldest daughter of the Vandied Viscount, has received your words. From now on, you are permitted to call me by my name."

"It is a great honor."

"…Sebastian, please step back."

"As you wish."

By the way, the butler's name is Sebastian!

It's so typical! And of course, this is also typical, but his nickname is Mr. Sebastian.

He is a very mysterious old man, a very refined craftsman, but his actual age is strange. No matter how many times I look at his resume, it says 73... That's strange, can a 73-year-old really move like that...

I knew Sebastian had stepped back when I heard the door close.

As if taking that as a signal, I lifted my face and saw Primera-sama with an expression that I couldn't tell whether she should laugh or cry.

No matter how intelligent she is, she is still a girl who wants to be pampered, and the sudden noble baptism and greeting must have been hard on her.

But by doing this, I can gain the right to call her name in official settings, as she wishes.

Sebastian is the witness.

"Primera-sama"

"Mother Yuria!"

"Happy birthday. The dress suits you very well. You look so adorable, like a fairy."

"Mother looks wonderful too. I wanted a dress like that too! A more mature one!"

"Oh, mature?"

"Yes! I like fluffy, flowy dresses, but I think a smart one like that is also very nice! When I grow up, I wonder if I can wear a dress like that and dance with Dean Dain-sama?"

"Hehe, yes, I think so."

"That's right! I received a necklace from Dean Dain-sama! Look! It's an orange rose. He remembered that I said I liked it!"

"That is wonderful."

Primera-sama spoke rapidly, clearly very happy with the gift from Dean Dain-sama.

Oh, how cute. If he knew how happy she is, Dean Dain-sama would be overjoyed.

He might even do a fist pump.

"By the way, is everything going well with Yuria's family?"

"Yes, I apologize for the worry."

"If anything happens, I and my brother can act for Yuria. I think we can manage the money too."

"Oh... No, I can't impose such a burden on you, Primera-sama!"

"Come on! I want to be of help to Mother too?"

"Primera-sama..."

What a good girl. I knew it, but still.

For me! For me!

I'm so happy, I'll keep it on repeat in my head.

When I hugged Primera-sama and stroked her head, she was very happy.

Ah, so soothing... My heart, which was hurt by the interaction with Aldar Saul-sama, who played with my reactions after the dance, is healing.

"Yuria still needs more time to focus on being a lady-in-waiting, right? Will it take a while longer?"

"Yes, I apologize. But I will definitely visit Primera-sama at the time of your awakening tomorrow morning."

"Um... Um, I'm happy. I'm sorry, I'm being selfish. I know Yuria is busy, but I get lonely."

"No, Primera-sama always works hard. If you feel lonely, you can always tell me. I want to be by your side too."

"...Thank you, Mother. I love you, Mother!"

Hmm, my angel is such a good girl, it's overwhelming.

I decided to hug her and pamper her to my heart's content.

As I helped Primera-sama change and listened to her, she started to get sleepy, her eyes drooping, and she began to doze off, saying, "Just a little more..."

Primera-sama, you don't have to rush. I will serve you as a lady-in-waiting tomorrow and the day after.

I'm just taking a short afternoon break!

The repayment plan for the debt from the Rizil Trading Company is solid, and if the gambling-related issues are resolved, we can recover some from the Talbot Trading Company.

Rizil Trading Company is the best in the country, but it's not all-powerful—side information from the Jenda Trading Company is also promised.

For now, I am scheduled to visit the Jenda Trading Company tomorrow, so I will think about greeting people I haven't seen in a long time while gently laying Primera-sama to bed.

Looking at the sleeping face of the girl, who was breathing softly and cutely, I felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her.

I knew no one was around, but I looked around just in case.

"Good night, Primera. Have sweet dreams."

As in foreign dramas, I wished that she wouldn't have bad dreams.

I kissed her forehead.

It was more than a little embarrassing.

But seeing Primera-sama smile happily, my heart felt very warm.

(I'll bake a chiffon cake for Primera-sama to eat during tomorrow's tea time!)

And I, after looking at her sleeping face for a while—returned to my room to take off the unfamiliar dress and high heels and be free.