Chapter 2

After that, I don’t remember how I answered or how I got back. I vaguely recall mumbling something in a small voice… but I think I must have said “yes” in response.

The reason being, I received a message from Fred that same day about the fitting for the outfit I was to wear at the Viscount Bischoff’s evening party.

“Fred said the jacket’s hem and Lady Reina’s skirt will have the same motif embroidered. The pattern that appears with the light is quite interesting. It will surely be a beautiful outfit! But it will be quite a task to embroider all around the hem. Should I help?”

“No, no, it’s fine. I can do it myself…”

“Oh, I see. You want to do it yourself, don’t you? I apologize.”

I couldn’t come up with any words to counter Anna’s cheerful smile. While my face was turning red, Anna hummed a tune and left the room. I, who had been thinking about the embroidery pattern, was finally making excuses in my heart, “If we divide the work, the stitches will show where the embroiderer changed…”

“Amber, you… were invited to the party Fred is hosting, right? Will you go with me?”

“Eh? Amber and Anna declined, didn’t we?”

The party where I received the award, many commoners were invited, and it was quite informal. It seemed to be fun overall, but there were times when I was caught in long speeches by influential people. Amber decided to decline any more formal events, saying, “I’d rather not.”

Anna was supposed to come as my maid, but she had expressed concerns about the etiquette at Midgland’s evening parties and, since I would be attending with Fred, a companion was no longer necessary. She declined, saying, “I want to focus on Lady Reina’s preparations.”

The idea of attending as a pair was making my heart race even now… but being left alone, I was overwhelmed with anxiety and strange thoughts.

Why did Fred ask me to be his partner? Of course, I have an idea. As Clovis said, it’s probably to prevent strange marriage proposals from coming my way, given the attention I’ve received for the artificial magic stones. If I’m by his side at the debut, people will misunderstand on their own.

Why did he choose such a hard-to-correct method? It’s all I can think about. Of course, I have no complaints. In fact, I’m… really looking forward to it. It’s my first time attending a party with a man who isn’t family, so I’m quite excited. I haven’t attended any evening parties in Cronheim because I wasn’t of age.

No, it’s not just because it’s my first time. I was preparing for my debut, but I wasn’t this eager. My classmates were very excited, but…

The Viscount Bischoff’s evening party, I’m a bit scared about the day coming, but I’m more excited. Why is my heart so unsettled? I spend my days in turmoil. Even after meeting Fred a few more times, the excitement and slight anxiety only grew stronger, but I couldn’t figure out why.

“Well, Lady Reina, it’s been a while since you’ve worn formal attire… my hands are itching!”

“H-hey, not too much. So… please, Anna.”

“Yes, leave it to me!”

Thus, I spent my days in turmoil until the day of the evening party arrived. It was still early, but preparing for an evening dress takes a lot of time. Since I was attending as Fred’s partner, I came early to borrow a room in the Viscount’s house to get ready.

Usually, several maids and dressmakers are needed for such preparations, but Anna can do everything, which I find very impressive.

It’s been a while, but it feels nostalgic. I was washed in the bathtub and polished from head to toe. For this day, I was forbidden from doing anything that could hurt my fingers or nails for half a month, including not only training but also household chores and alchemy experiments. It was worth it.

“To be able to prepare for your debut like this…”

Sitting in front of the vanity, Anna, who was drying and styling my hair, muttered. She called me “young lady,” as she does at home.

“Every time I helped you get ready for the award ceremonies… you always looked forward to it, but there was a hint of resignation in your smile. But today, you look so excited and happy. I’m very happy for you.”

“Anna…”

“Oh, your eyelids will swell.”

Having such a friend who is so happy for my happiness makes me feel very fortunate.

“Anna, being your maid and my best friend… I’m glad. Thank you for being with me…”

“Oh, if you say that, I’ll cry too.”

We smiled at each other in the mirror and shed a few tears.

“…Alright, it’s finished. You can open your eyes now.”

After a moment of silence with the makeup brush, Anna looked cheerful. Her expression of accomplishment made me smile too.

“I’ll go tell them that Lady Reina is ready.”

At her words, I started to get nervous again. After Anna left, I thought about getting a drink but stopped myself. The lipstick would come off.

After this, Fred would come to pick me up and we would go to the venue together. Other guests were arriving one after another, and the excitement of the servants welcoming them filled the house. The sun was still visible on the horizon outside the window. It was almost time for the evening party to start.

“Excuse me.”

After knocking, Anna entered. I stood up and nodded, and Fred entered through the open door.

……Wow. I knew he was handsome, but… seeing Fred in formal attire for the first time was quite a shock. A well-tailored, glossy black jacket. Fred, who usually dresses casually, was wearing a dress shirt that covered his neck today.

And his hairstyle. His long bangs were styled, revealing his forehead and eyes. His appearance was so unfamiliar that I started to get very nervous.

Suddenly, my face turned red, and I couldn’t look at Fred directly. I turned my face away, and I heard a “smack” sound. Looking up, I saw Fred holding his arm and Edi glaring at me. It seemed Edi had done it.

“Um… sorry. I was just… mesmerized… you look… so beautiful and cute… I can’t think of anything but clichés…”

“H-Hey… I… Fred… you look so handsome… and your different attire… makes me nervous…”

“Y-Yeah…”

“Okay…”

We faced each other, mumbling and looking at the floor. I didn’t know what to say. I heard a dramatic sigh from Anna and Edi, followed by the sound of clapping hands in the room.

“Alright, Lord Frederick, Lady Reina. The time on the invitation is approaching.”

“O-Okay.”

Spurred on by Edi, Fred’s expression became sharp, and he extended his palm towards me.

“Um… Reina. Can I escort you?”

“Yes…”

I felt the texture of Fred’s large, thick hand through the glove. Thinking about it made me conscious, and I couldn’t lift my face from the white glove.

After that, I don’t remember how I walked to the waiting room next to the Viscount Bischoff’s hall. I remember the fluffy sensation of walking, supported by Fred’s hand, but it wasn’t because of the carpet.

“…Um, Reina. I heard from Anna… that you think I made you my partner for the evening party to keep bugs away…”

After entering the waiting room, Edi left to give final instructions to the other servants. I was alone with Fred, and I was too nervous to speak. Time passed in silence, a short moment that felt like an eternity. My thoughts were swirling when Fred’s voice brought me back to reality.

“Huh, is that not true?”

“It’s not… that it’s not true. It’s just one of the reasons… to keep strange men from approaching you… I’m sorry, I didn’t explain it clearly. Reina…”

“Yes…”

Hearing Fred’s serious tone, I clenched my fingers.

“Me and… Reina…”

“Lord Frederick, Lady Reina. It’s time.”

Fred’s words were interrupted by a knock. I looked up with a resentful expression.

“Hey… Edi, wait a moment. We were in the middle of something important… please, just count to a hundred outside…”

“…Huh? At this point? I’m sorry, but we can’t wait. How much time do you think we have?”

We were hurried out of the waiting room by Edi. I was already overwhelmed with anxiety and confusion, and my mind was even more muddled from the tension. I was already at my limit before the party even started.