Chapter 62

Two years before Amelia was to marry into the Hernberg family.

In a corner of a certain hall in Kaido, the capital of the Truwa Kingdom.

“...sigh”

Amelia Haggle sighed for what felt like the umpteenth time.

Today was Amelia’s fifteenth birthday debutante ball.

In the grandest and most splendid hall of the royal castle, which stood out in the capital, there were many debutante girls of the same age as herself.

The hall was brimming with energy as they celebrated the start of their adult lives and searched for lifelong partners.

It should have been a day to be happy, but Amelia was in a completely opposite state of mind.

And for good reason.

(As much as possible, don’t talk to anyone... keep your responses to a minimum... basically, just stay in the corner quietly...)

She repeated the strict instructions from her father, Cedric, in her mind.

If she were to break these rules, she would likely face verbal abuse and physical punishment at home.

Amelia’s role in this debutante ball was to ‘spread the bad rumor that she, unlike her sister, was a dull, gloomy, and ugly young lady.’

Fortunately (or not), it seemed that Amelia was fulfilling her role.

The fact that Amelia was the child of her deceased mother, who was a maid of the Haggle family, and her father Cedric, was somewhat well-known in society.

The means taken to clear this stain was to boost her sister Erin’s reputation.

To achieve this, Amelia was not given proper nutrition or dresses, and the other young ladies treated her with contempt and whispered behind her back.

Fortunately (??), most of them ignored her as if she were a sore spot, allowing Amelia to spend her time in relative peace.

“...”

She sipped the lukewarm water slowly while observing the party.

The other debutante girls of her age were enjoying the ball in various ways—chatting with gentlemen, dancing the waltz, and having a good time.

For them, this ball would undoubtedly be a happy day to remember for the rest of their lives.

Amelia no longer felt envy.

From birth, she had been continuously denied and her self-worth had been utterly destroyed.

All she could think about was following her father’s instructions.

(I just want to... go home...)

Even though going home meant returning to a cold and lonely dilapidated cottage, she wanted to leave this place that made her feel miserable and sad as soon as possible.

Just then.

“Are you alone, miss?”

At first, Amelia didn’t realize the voice was directed at her.

“You there.”

When she heard it again, she realized it.

Turning around, she saw—

◇◇◇

(I feel like I had a very nostalgic dream...)

In her bedroom at the Hernberg family’s house.

Amelia Hernberg yawned and rubbed her sleepy eyes.

She couldn’t remember the content of the dream, but it didn’t seem to be a good one.

But dreams are just dreams.

She quickly dismissed it, sat up, stretched, and looked around.

A spacious, clean, and bright room.

The warm morning sun shining through the large window felt pleasant.

The pleasant chirping of birds from outside made her want to hum a tune.

“Yeah, it’s a good day for a walk in the garden.”

Amelia said this with a lively voice.

At that moment, she also decided on one of her plans for the day.

On such a beautiful day, nothing could beat a stroll in the garden.

For Amelia, a severe plant enthusiast, freely exploring the vast garden of the Hernberg estate was the ultimate moment.

The sleepiness had long since vanished, and she was looking forward to the time she would spend admiring the plants.

Atsumekusa, Agwaina, and Tocopy.

I’ll come to see you today, too...

“Mmm... mmm... mmm... mmm... mmm... mmm... mmm... mmm... mmm... mmm... mmm... mmm...”

“Miss Amelia, your face is scary.”

“Eek!?”

Amelia jumped at the sudden voice that shook her eardrums.

“It’s you, Sylphie.”

“I knocked multiple times and even said ‘excuse me,’ but—”

“I’m sorry, my thoughts were so intense that I didn’t hear you.”

“I’m glad to see you’re in high spirits today.”

Sylphie, Amelia’s personal maid, with her short black hair, small stature, and a maid uniform, sighed in exasperation. Her youthful face, reminiscent of a small animal, looked at Amelia with a mix of amusement and concern.