Chapter 5

After returning to my body, three days have passed.

Being pampered by my parents, living a life of luxury where I lack nothing. It was so blissful that I almost felt as if I were in heaven.

"......Hmm"

Even though I wasn't sleepy, I lay down on the bed, rolled around, and then slowly sat up, tilting my head.

I never thought that doing nothing and not working would make me feel so uneasy. Just a while ago, I ended up cleaning the windows in my room and was hurriedly stopped by the maid.

Even when I thought I would sleep in until noon, I would wake up bright and early as soon as the sun rose. Long-term habits are truly terrifying.

Even though I wanted to try various delicious foods, because I hadn't eaten to my heart's content for a long time, I could only eat a little. I felt like crying.

Most of all, having not had any free time for the past ten years, I found it difficult to relax. I had always wanted to be so relaxed and have free time.

I thought about contacting Gerald, but I decided against it, thinking he was probably spending time with his family.

"Hey, Harla, can you ask Father to get me a tutor as soon as possible?"

"Of course."

Although my parents told me I didn't need to do anything and should just relax, I had reached my limit. I wondered how ordinary noble daughters passed their time.

Moreover, I, a 17-year-old noble daughter, could only do basic reading and writing. I wanted to acquire the minimum knowledge and common sense. I had forgotten the manners of a noble and wanted to relearn them from scratch.

After thinking for about an hour about what I could do for my parents, I decided to make something and give it to them, using my sewing and embroidery skills, which I had become quite adept at.

"Hey, Harla, is it okay for me to go outside?"

"Outside?"

"Yeah. I want to go to the city for a bit."

I wanted to go to a general store to choose my own thread and fabric and, more than anything, see the outside world. However, I was a bit anxious. If I were to be bombarded with questions by strangers, it would be unbearable.

Moreover, the place where my body was taken was in the capital.

Still, if I didn't go, I would end up being a shut-in for the rest of my life. I gathered my courage and asked for help to get ready to go out.

◇◇◇

"Wow...!"

After getting off the carriage, I was incredibly excited by the sight of the capital and the many people bustling about, which I hadn't seen since I was a child.

The place where I had been for so long was nothing but fields as far as the eye could see.

Harla accompanied me, as I didn't know my way around. My worried parents had even assigned three guards to me. One was right beside me, and the other two were watching from a distance.

Even though I was just buying fabric and thread and taking a short walk around the city, it felt like a big deal, and I felt a bit guilty.

"...Hey, Harla, do you feel like we're being watched?"

Suddenly stopping, I whispered to Harla.

I could feel the gazes of the people passing by, even from those who seemed to be commoners. I was worried if I was that infamous for a bad reason.

"It's because you are so beautiful, Miss."

"Yes, absolutely."

Harla and the guard, Tim, reassured me. I was still not used to my appearance, as I still flinch when I catch my reflection in a mirror.

Incidentally, when I opened the closet in my room, it was full of bright red, flashy dresses. I seemed to have been quite fond of flashy things, and the heavy makeup made sense.

In the end, I borrowed a simple dress from my mother, who was about the same height as me. The maids did my makeup and styled my hair beautifully. The girls who had been visibly afraid of me seemed to be a bit more at ease after seeing my transformation.

Relieved that it wasn't for a bad reason, I linked arms with Harla and started walking again.

"Hehe, it's so much fun. Thank you both."

Holding a drink with finely chopped fruit, which was popular among young people in the capital, I walked through the city, feeling incredibly happy.

Seeing me like this, both of them had a very sad, pained expression.

"Miss, there will be many fun things ahead."

"I'll look into what you might enjoy and like to do...!"

"Really? Thank you!"

I wanted to thank everyone who came with me today, so I bought extra thread and fabric.

After finishing my shopping, I decided to have a little tea at a café I happened to find before heading back.

It seemed to be a popular place, and the shop was very crowded. The seats were close together, and there were a few people who looked like nobles, but nothing happened even when our eyes met.

Harla said that the atmosphere had changed so much that I might not be recognized from a distance as Sadey Arkwright.

Following Harla's recommendation, I ordered a strawberry cake and tea and waited excitedly.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, a girl sitting next to me burst into tears.

The man sitting across from her looked flustered. Concerned, I couldn't help but ask,

"Is something wrong?"

"M-Mimi's arm fell off..."

Her beloved rabbit plushie's arm had fallen off.

"Don't worry, I'll fix it for you."

"Huh?"

The man looked at me with a startled expression. Indeed, it would be surprising to be suddenly told that by a stranger.

"I'm very good at sewing."

I had just bought new sewing tools, and I took out a needle and thread. The girl hesitantly handed me the plushie. It was well-worn but very well cared for.

I quickly threaded the needle and started sewing the arm back on.

"There, it's done."

I was proud of my work. The stitches were invisible, and Mimi's arm was neatly reattached.

"Here, it's all better now. Mimi doesn't hurt anymore."

"Wow...! That's amazing, like magic! Thank you!"

"Hehe, you're welcome."

The child's innocent comparison to magic made me smile. ...Wait, magic. I used to be able to use magic, but I haven't been able to since I got this body. Maybe I can still use it now.

While thinking about this, I noticed the man looking at me with a dazed expression.

"Sorry, I acted on my own."

"......N-no."

His voice was strangely high-pitched. Is he okay?

"My brother is the deputy commander of the knights!"

"Wow, that's impressive! Knights are so cool."

"Right!"

I couldn't help but smile at the girl's excited talk. She must be proud of her brother. I didn't have a brother, but in that place, I had a man I looked up to like a brother, so I could understand her feelings.

"Also, my brother is very strong. Right, brother?"

"A, ah..."

I remembered that the knights of this country fought dangerous monsters every day to protect us. My mother used to say we should be grateful.

"That's great. Thank you for always protecting us. Please take care of yourself and keep up the good work."

I wanted to say something more considerate, but I didn't know many sophisticated words. I needed to study harder in the future.

Hearing my words, the man muttered, "Am I dreaming...?" and clutched his head with both hands.