Chapter 33

"......Why would something like this come to me......"

In my hands now is an invitation. It's for a party held at the royal castle on National Foundation Day.

Since it's an official event, any noble who has made their debut would normally attend. Yes, normally.

But since I was exiled, I haven't received an invitation since I was expelled from the academy. It was a given, and rather, it's strange that I received one now.

"......However, Miss. This party is an invitation from the royal family. You can't just refuse it."

Sebastian, who said this, also seems to be looking at the invitation with some suspicion.

"Yes. ...I'll steel myself."

"Don't worry about the estate. Dean is here, and if anything happens, we'll send a messenger immediately."

"Yes. Sebastian, I'll leave it to you."

A few days later, I left the estate for the capital's mansion for the first time in a long time. It's been about three years since I last visited the capital, and it feels so nostalgic.

"Welcome back, Miss."

The servants welcomed me. Leading them is Reim, the head maid here.

"It's been a while, Reim."

"Yes. There is no greater joy than being able to see you again, Miss."

"You're being dramatic."

I walked through the line of servants and headed inside.

"......It's been a while."

"Welcome back, Iris."

In the back, my parents and younger brother were standing, waiting for me.

"It's been a while. Father, Mother, Bern."

"I'm glad to see you well. Take it easy."

Father, who is usually strict, had a soft expression. Just that made me a little happy.

"Yes, I will."

"Is there a new product? I heard from Sei that you have something new. I'm looking forward to it."

"It's not ready for production yet. But I plan to use a prototype at the party, so look forward to it."

"Oh, can you show it to me secretly later? Can't you?"

"Look forward to it tomorrow."

When I said that, he seemed a little disappointed but understood.

"Sister... Are you really going to attend the party tomorrow?"

"There's no choice. It's an invitation from the royal family."

"......But, Ed and Yuri will also be attending."

I was surprised by Bern's words and inadvertently paused.

"......I'm surprised."

"What about it?"

"That you're worried about me."

My comment made Bern's expression slightly darken.

"That... You might think it's strange for me to be concerned about you now..."

"No. Thank you."

After that, I relaxed in my room. The last time I was here, I was very nervous before negotiating with Father, and after that, I was busy with preparations, so I don't have many memories of this room. That makes it even more nostalgic.

While I was relaxing, Reim came to my room.

"......Miss, your father is calling for you."

"Oh, Father... I'll go right away."

When I entered the room, Father was sitting in a chair surrounded by documents. ...It feels like I'm seeing myself.

"......You're here."

"Yes. Excuse me."

"......It seems you're doing well in the estate."

"Moderately."

"Don't be modest. ...Well, that's fine. More importantly, I'm truly sorry about this."

"About the party?"

"Yes. I and Mary also inquired... but the department that manages the royal family and official events insisted it was an invitation from the royal family."

"What do they plan to achieve by having me attend? I don't see any benefit."

"Rather, it will be difficult for you. Once you're exiled from society, nobles are harsh."

"Well, I've made up my mind. Since I can't run away, there's nothing I can do."

"The only saving grace is that the king might be absent, causing some confusion."

"The king won't attend the National Foundation Day party? Has something happened?"

After all, it's a national party. The king not attending is almost impossible unless something extraordinary has happened.

"......The king has been ill since six months ago."

"Really......"

The gravity of the situation made me sigh involuntarily. At this timing, the king's absence is bound to cause chaos in the country.

"When he fell ill, it wasn't that serious. But now, it's visibly deteriorating. It's likely that the news will spread throughout the country after tomorrow's party."

Yes, that's probably true. Without the king, anyone would be suspicious, and the news will spread quickly.

"Then, you will be a much bigger topic than a mere duke's daughter. Once tomorrow is over, my existence will fade into the distant past for everyone. I'll return to the estate and resume my usual life."

"Yes, that's true..."

"Father, after the party, you'll be even busier. Please take care of yourself."

"You too. I heard you fainted once."

"It was just for a day. Since then, I've learned to relax."

"I see. Work is important, but your health is the foundation. ...Don't overwork yourself."

"Yes. Thank you."

...The next day was a beautiful clear day, so I decided to do my usual yoga in the garden. Tanya seemed to have given up on doing yoga in this outfit of a linen T-shirt and spats, but she was quite flustered when she found me doing it outside.

...I'm sorry, Tanya. But it was so warm and clear in the capital that I couldn't help it.

Mother, who found me at the same time as Tanya, became interested in yoga, so I promised to teach her tomorrow morning.

Since there's a party today, I need to start getting ready soon.

After taking a shower, I started getting ready. Tanya helped me put on my dress and did my makeup and hair.

By the way... this dress is the prototype. It's made from the silk that was discovered. As expected, the silk... it has a wonderful luster. Tanya was also entranced by this dress just now.

...Well, I'm all set. I'm fully prepared. Let's head to the battlefield.