Chapter 98

"Well... After being teased and blessed by Lady Bianca, I finally managed to regain my composure and moved to the Dowager Queen's chambers... Ah, I hope this isn't a flag for her to tease me too, right?

I won't say I'm going to die of embarrassment or anything. After all, I'm an adult now.

But if someone says, 'Calm down, you're a grown-up now,' it's not like I can just calm down.

I'm a grown-up, right? An adult, right? Yes, yes, a proper lady, right?

But the inside of a person doesn't change that easily. Just because I have memories from my past life, and I was an introverted person who was aware of being bad at romance even in that life, it doesn't mean I can handle these kinds of real-life events well.

Experience? I don't have any!!

Even if I'm internally struggling, reality is still reality. I guess I have no choice but to try to get used to these unfamiliar situations, despite feeling embarrassed every time... I wonder if the people teasing me will get tired of it first or if I'll get used to it first.

And I really want to start calling Aldar by his first name. Without honorifics.

It's a high hurdle for me. It's like Mount Everest, you know?

'Yuria? Are you tired? I don't think Lady Bianca meant to be mean; she was just happy, I think.'

'Yes... I'm fine, Lady Primera. I'm still a bit embarrassed... I'm sorry.'

'It's okay! If Yuria is happy, Primera is happy too!!'

Gah... This angelic attitude!

If I'm happy, she's happy too! I feel the same way...!!

How about it, isn't my child cute, isn't she cute? I want the world to know how adorable she is. My princess is the best in the world!!

Ah, of course I won't do that? I have a sense of propriety.

But I'm always proud of her in my heart. I don't intend to say I raised her.

Not just me, but Sebastian, the High Priest, Lady Bianca, and many others have supported Lady Primera in growing into a fine lady. I can't help but be proud of her.

...Yeah, well. To be honest, I do feel a bit proud that I twisted her into a villainess, but I'm honored that Lady Primera shows her affection openly. Hehehe, this is my privilege.

'Anyway, grandmother, you're late. We were told to wait here.'

'Perhaps she's having trouble with the weight of the decorations?'

'Is there that much? I'm excited!'

'Aah, Primera, I kept you waiting.'

I was about to say, 'I bet she has a lot,' but I bowed to the Dowager Queen as she arrived.

Behind her were two portly butlers carrying large boxes. Behind them, an old seamstress was pushing a tea cart, trembling slightly. The Dowager Queen's palace is managed by a head maid, but the number of staff here is relatively small.

Well, that makes sense, considering she's a retired royal. The Dowager Queen is also known for her frugality.

Wow... Are all those boxes full of decorations? That's amazing, how many things are in there...?!

'I thought I had everything prepared, but I kept thinking, "This one is good too, that one is good too," and ended up being late. I'm really sorry.'

'No, grandmother, thank you!!'

'Why don't we have tea before looking at the items? Let's hear what Primera wants first.'

'Okay!!'

'Yuria, please share your opinion as well. The servants will take care of the serving.'

'Understood.'

As always, it's quiet here, the garden is beautiful, and the tea is delicious.

I'm not the one called here today, so I'm standing behind Lady Primera as a servant.

I helped the trembling old lady serve the tea, and when she smiled happily and said, 'Thank you...' ...Nnnn, Grandma!

Oops, I almost got into a granddaughter mood.

Why does this person always hit my sweet spots? She's just being normal, but... I can't stop feeling excited! It's not love, though?

'So, Primera, what do you like? Something cute with colored gems?'

'Um... Um, grandmother, can I wear this necklace I got from Dean Dain...?'

'No... I'm sorry, Primera. I understand how you feel, but the birthday celebration is a special occasion, so you need to use something made specifically for it.'

'Of course...'

The accessories prepared by the Dowager Queen are items that have been custom-made since her time as the Crown Princess.

While the gift from Dean Dain is certainly special, it's different when it comes to royal events. I understand, but it's a bit touching to see Primera's feelings...!!

Oh, if Dean Dain knew how she feels, he'd be so happy, so happy!

I won't tell him, though. It's not out of spite. We have a tea party planned after the birthday celebration, and it would be more joyful for him to hear it directly from her.

'Well, I want something a bit more mature!'

It seems Primera has changed her mind and smiled at the Dowager Queen.

Hmm, something more mature, huh...

'Yes, you've grown quite a bit recently, and it's time to move on from children's accessories. I know the style of your dress, so let's go in that direction.'

The Dowager Queen smiled and moved her fingers slightly, and the butlers understood.

They quickly brought out the desired box and respectfully opened it. Wow, how many years of service does it take to understand such subtle gestures? I haven't reached that level yet... but maybe Primera and I could...

While burning with a strange competitive spirit, I also took a look. Inside was a truly magnificent tiara.

Is it made of silver? The design looks like intertwined branches and leaves, with pearls and moonstones, and a pink diamond as a flower. The price? Unimaginable.

'How about this one? I think it would go well with your blonde hair.'

'Beautiful... Beautiful, grandmother!'

'Oh, you like it, but are you sure this is the one? There are others, you know.'

'No, Primera wants this one! Right, Yuria!!'

'Yes, it's a beautiful and elegant piece.'

I'm not lying. In my past life, this would be something you'd see in a museum... I'd refuse to wear it on my head, but it's a feast for the eyes.

If Primera wears this, she'll be absolutely cute and beautiful. No doubt about it.

After that, we saw so many beautiful things that my values started to get skewed.

Like, 'I could buy a diamond that size!' ...That's dangerous, very dangerous!!

Well, in terms of gemstones in this world, it's not much different from my past life.

The rarer the gem, the higher the price, and the value changes based on size and cut. There are probably some differences in rarity, but to be honest, I'm not that knowledgeable... I'm not sure if I can make a direct comparison.

Of course, I understand the value in this world. After all, I'm the personal maid to a princess. It's essential knowledge.

In the end, we decided on a necklace and matching earrings adorned with diamonds and pearls to go with the first tiara we saw.

The market value... how much would it be...?

Of course, after that, we had a beautiful and elegant tea party with Lady Primera and the Dowager Queen before returning to the princess's palace. Primera was so excited to wear the tiara soon.

Seeing her enjoy thinking about what hairstyle would look good made me feel like I need to step up my game too!

A hairstyle that would suit that tiara... Yes, an updo... And a bit more glamorous makeup than usual.

...Hmm? Come to think of it, the Dowager Queen didn't tease me at all...

Feeling a bit curious, I returned to my office and found a note and a single rose.

What is this? A love letter? ...There's no sender, and it's not Aldar...

My heart racing, I opened the envelope and found a card.

'Congratulations. You can always come to the summer palace if you need to talk. I'm here for you.'

There was no signature, but this is definitely from the Dowager Queen.

The Dowager Queen... She's so cool!!

This is what an adult woman is like. I learned a lot right away!!"