Chapter 57

"Hey, Yuria, when I had tea with Ms. Bianca today, I heard that glasses are becoming a trend in society right now!"

"Oh, glasses, are they?"

While being slightly exasperated by Sebastian's comments on love, I went to attend to Lady Prima during serving time, and she happily told me about several events that happened today. Yes, yes, she's so cute.

Today, I had a lot going on too—I was quite tired, but seeing her smile healed me!

Of course, I didn't let any of my true feelings show on my face and continued to do my job properly.

"They're called decorative glasses. That's the kind of glasses you wear, right, Yuria? The ones without a prescription. Since the glass part is just transparent, they are affordable, so more people are wearing them in the palace."

"Oh... why is that?"

Decorative glasses... well, I guess it's appropriate to call them that since there's no term like 'fashion glasses' in this world.

By the way, glasses are quite expensive here! The frames aren't that expensive, but the lenses are very intricate and can only be made by skilled craftsmen. Therefore, only the wealthy can afford them, and with cheaper glasses, the prescription might not be right, among other issues. It's hard to tell at a glance, though.

My glasses are just a fashion accessory to hide my social anxiety. I can't look at handsome men or beautiful women directly; I need the glasses to do my job. Yes, a world full of beautiful people is scary.

"So, according to the teacher, Yuria is the origin of this trend!"

"... Is there some kind of misunderstanding?"

"Yes, I thought so too. I asked because I thought Prima, you don't go out in society and you're so modest as a maid, so you shouldn't be drawing attention. But apparently, it all started because your debut in society was so different from what people expected."

"What do you mean?"

I really don't understand.

I have no idea... I admit that the makeup made me look like a different person, but what does that have to do with glasses?

I couldn't hide my confusion and tilted my head.

Even though I was in the princess's chambers, I panicked a bit and straightened my head, seeing Lady Prima laugh happily.

"Yuria, you might not know, but in society, the image of you as a maid is very different from the melancholic, downcast look you had at the Fandeed Viscount's party. People are saying you look very intellectual and cool as a maid. This isn't something your grandmother planned; I think it's the result of the fabric from the Count of Ceres and that design!"

"... What a surprise."

I couldn't think of anything else to say! I couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

It's good that Lady Prima is happy, but I'm internally in turmoil.

What does 'melancholic, downcast look' even mean? I just couldn't look up because there were only handsome men and beautiful women everywhere (even the servers and the orchestra were like that)!

As if sensing my internal struggle, Lady Prima smiled awkwardly, trying to reassure me.

"At the time, there were rumors that the Fandeed Viscount had made a mistake, so it was said that Yuria was heartbroken. In society, rumors often lead to more rumors, and they can become like the truth, as the teacher said."

"Is that how it works..."

I didn't realize I was seen that way.

I was once told by a colleague that my glasses make me seem less friendly. I didn't expect that being the head maid and debuting in society would lead to such a positive description as 'intellectual and cool'...

When I'm working, I do feel that wearing glasses makes me seem more serious and intelligent. It's just a feeling, though. Maybe the lack of friendliness adds to the coolness. But that's just the surface; no one really knows what I'm like inside... I usually try to appear calm and composed, and I've been successful so far.

But I never thought I'd be at the forefront of a trend... especially with fashion glasses.

"Do people know that I wear decorative glasses?"

"Well, you don't wear them on your days off... so I guess those who know, know. For example, your uncle and the ladies you talk to. The teacher said it's not her, so I don't think it's her."

"Ah... that makes sense..."

I haven't seen Lord Alberto Agares recently.

He's probably busy with the increased monster hunting activities in the Ministry of Military Affairs.

If he's busy with his duties as the prince, it would be presumptuous for a mere maid to worry about him. Well, I think it would be good if he did some work and got glared at by his secretary once in a while.

I'm not being harsh; it's just that he always runs away from paperwork, which is a problem.

But getting back to the topic, decorative glasses... well, in my previous life, glasses were also used as fashion items, so it's not a strange idea. It's just that there are fewer people who use them the way I do.

So, will the frames become more elaborate in the future?

Currently, simple black wooden frames are common. Maybe they'll start adding gems or intricate engravings. Should I get something like that? ...No, that's not me. I aim to be a serious and diligent maid, always wearing my black-rimmed glasses and being unapproachable.

But what if Lady Bianca starts wearing decorative glasses?

Maybe I should ask her.

What if the Dowager Queen uses them? Thinking about it... as a woman, I'd love to give her a pair! I'm always grateful to the Dowager Queen. I'll consult the workshop I found in the Nashanda Marquisate.

I know that consulting merchants about such things can be troublesome, so I'll go directly to the workshop! I don't want to be misunderstood or have rumors spread by the guild president...

"By the way, Yuria, did you thank Aldar Saul?"

"Yes, thank you for the time off."

"It's fine, Yuria. You've been working hard preparing for the autumn garden party. But Prima will also work hard as a member of the royal family!"

"Yes, we all believe that Lady Prima will fulfill her duties."

"Hehe, thank you. By the way, Father allowed me to exchange letters with Dean Dain."

"Really! Congratulations!"

"Dean Dain must have received the news by now. If I write to him first, will he be surprised? Or will it bother him..."

"I think he'll be pleased. Why don't you write a letter after dinner?"

"Good idea! Can you prepare the stationery for me?"

"Of course."

I bowed and signaled to Meina, who was behind Lady Prima, to prepare the stationery. She nodded and left. The stationery will be ready.

I'm really happy that Meina has grown into such a considerate and excellent maid. She's a sincere and good girl, and if she continues to learn, she will become a maid as capable as any noble's maid. She's still inexperienced, but I have high hopes for her.

Of course, when Lady Prima marries, Meina can decide her own path. Lady Prima likes Meina and might want her to come along, but Meina originally came to the palace to gain experience and help with the shortage of staff. She might eventually take over the family business.

I believe Meina will make a wonderful innkeeper, as her family runs an inn.

There are many other maids from civilian backgrounds, but none have grown as much as Meina. Of course, I might be biased, but I don't discriminate. The new maids are still inexperienced, no matter which palace they serve. In a way, Meina is just too excellent.

But they are all well-mannered and lovely girls!

Honestly, I wish we had one more maid in the princess's chambers. We have fewer than we requested.

As Lady Prima grows, more guests visit, and we have to handle more tasks. With her growth, she needs new dresses and other items, and as she matures, she learns new things, changes her hobbies, and takes on more public duties. Our workload is increasing.

We might need to request more staff. I don't think the head maid will be happy, but I have to push for it.

The success of the autumn garden party and the princess's reputation depend on Meina and me... Meina must feel a lot of pressure. I did talk to another maid, but she cried and said it was too much, so I decided to let her work behind the scenes.

Forcing someone is not good. Our princess's chambers are not a toxic environment.

"Thank you all for your help. I appreciate it."

"You're too kind."

Seeing Lady Prima smile happily, we feel happy too.

Yes, yes, it's really wonderful that she has grown into such a sincere and lovely girl! Yuria is truly blessed!