Chapter 3

※ Third Story of the Day

When I was summoned and hurriedly entered the parlor, Father, Stepmother, and the lady tailor who was on good terms with Giselle were already there. Behind them, a row of beautiful dresses in various designs was displayed.

"Today, we decided to buy Nadia a dress."

"My dress?"

I had expected to be asked to help Giselle try on dresses, so I couldn't believe it and asked for confirmation.

"Yes, Olga and Giselle, help her try them on."

Usually, they only gave me clothes that commoners wore, so I wondered what had changed. Without understanding, I became a dress-up doll for Stepmother and Giselle, and despite being scolded occasionally, I was given about ten brand new dresses.

They weren't the kind of lavish and ornate dresses one would wear to a ball. They were more like the stiff, daytime dresses a governess would wear.

Still, they were much higher quality than my usual clothes. I looked at the lavender-colored dress I was ordered to wear in the mirror. The light purple fabric, a bright color I hadn't worn in years, and the smooth frills around the skirt were adorable.

"Beautiful..."

Facing a dress for the first time since Mother's death, I couldn't help but feel elated. At first, I had braced myself for unflattering designs chosen by Stepmother and Giselle, so I was taken aback.

However, of course, this family hadn't had a change of heart.

"Father, why did you suddenly decide to buy me a dress?"

"A few days ago, I was ordered by His Majesty to introduce Giselle as a lady-in-waiting to the Second Prince, Clovis. But I want to introduce Nadia instead."

"Why me?"

Becoming a lady-in-waiting would put me in the best position to appeal to the prince. If I were chosen, I could become a princess, a position that any young lady would dream of. Moreover, the royal family of our Erlanger Kingdom was known for their beauty. I couldn't understand why this opportunity was given to me instead of Giselle.

"Giselle, Nadia says that... but it's fine to let her go, right?"

"Yes, Father. Because if something happens, I would be very scared..."

Giselle's eyes were filled with tears as she leaned on Stepmother, clinging to her.

"My dear Giselle. With such a lovely girl, how could she survive in front of Prince Clovis, who is called a 'vicious dog'? Oh, how terrifying!"

"Vicious dog?"

"Let me explain, since you don't know the ways of society. Half of Prince Clovis's face is scarred, and he has a terrifying appearance. Not only that, but his personality is arrogant, tyrannical, and cold. Many nobles who have caught his eye have met with misfortune."

Stepmother shuddered as if remembering, and she hugged Giselle, who was similarly trembling.

Her disrespectful remarks about the royal family were unbelievable. When I sent a questioning look to Father, his expression was dark.

"I have only seen Prince Clovis a few times, as he rarely appears in society, but the name 'vicious dog' suits him. He always glares at everyone around him, creating an atmosphere that keeps people away. As a result, many young ladies from other noble families have served him but have all quit within a week."

He didn't reveal what happened to the young ladies, which made it even more frightening.

"Perhaps the king, expecting that the kind-hearted Giselle could melt Prince Clovis's heart, called her. But Giselle, who is afraid based on rumors, cannot be forced. Fortunately, the king allows her to decline... but as a subject, I cannot do nothing, can I?"

In other words, I was to be offered as a sacrifice to the vicious dog in place of Giselle. I never thought Father would be so loyal to the country. Or perhaps he was happy that I would suffer, which would please his precious family.

"I am supposed to be a recluse. What do you plan to tell the king?"

"Five years have passed since your mother's death. We can say you have recovered. As an apology for always declining invitations to balls and tea parties, and as a sign of gratitude for not being punished, you will present yourself. Since they are short-handed, they won't refuse."

"Is that so. Stepmother, please do it for me."

"The dresses are already prepared. Go and don't disgrace the Mascaul family. If you cause any problems, you won't be allowed to return home."

Despite not giving me proper lady education since Mother's death, they expect me not to make a fool of myself in front of the royal family. They probably want me to cause trouble so they can kick me out.

Perhaps the harassment I've endured was to make me run away. I felt a sense of futility for having obediently played the role of a servant.

Then, a ball of light descended in front of me. It was Pearl. Of course, Father and the others couldn't see her. Pearl flew into my chest and flickered several times. To me, it looked like encouragement.

There was no way to refuse. And the three of them wanted to cut ties with me. If so—

"Father, as a representative of the Mascaul family, I must not make a mistake in front of the prince. I have been helping Stepmother and Giselle with various tasks, but to focus on my duties as a lady-in-waiting, please promise that I will no longer be involved in anything else. You wouldn't want me to be the cause of any mistakes, would you?"

"...Indeed, I understand. Olga and Giselle, is that acceptable?"

They nodded, though they seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

"Also, please allow me to move from the main house to the research building and live alone."

"...Is that necessary?"

"I have been here only to play the role of a servant. Without work, there's no need for me to stay in the main house... and I think everyone would enjoy a family-only life without me, wouldn't they?"

That way, you won't feel guilty, I asked, looking at Father. He quietly inhaled, and I could tell he had been feeling guilty every time he saw me, as I had suspected.

"Sir, let Nadia move to the research building. We won't have to see her shadow anymore. I can live in peace."

"Father, I also request this. Seeing Stepmother's face makes me feel guilty for making her go to the prince."

As expected, Stepmother and Giselle agreed. Without being able to harass me, I was just a nuisance to them. Father couldn't object, and my request was granted.

Leaving the false family and staying close to the important greenhouse seemed like a good deal. The condition that I couldn't seek help from the main house's servants for cleaning and meals was added, but it wasn't a problem. Instead, I would receive my salary directly as a lady-in-waiting. I made sure to put it in writing and signed it.

"Then, the contract is established. I will prepare to move to the research building. Excuse me."

"Contact you about the start date later. Finish your preparations by then."

"Understood."

I bowed deeply and left. Back in my room in the main house, I let out a deep sigh.

"You looked quite satisfied at the end. Pearl saw it, didn't she?"

That was the face of someone looking forward to seeing me fail as a lady-in-waiting and run out of money.

"Hehe, bring it on."

I don't expect to be chosen, but if I can gain Prince Clovis's recognition and work as a lady-in-waiting, I can live without interference from this family. As a lady-in-waiting, I would be under the prince's protection, so even Stepmother and Giselle couldn't touch me.

I can't miss such an opportunity.

"Pearl, support me."

When I smiled, Pearl's light shone brightly.