Chapter 40
“Milady, you look absolutely adorable today!”
Lucy’s eyes sparkled as she said it.
“R-Really? I think it’s just because the dress and accessories are new.”
“Even without the accessories, you’re already adorable! Now that you’re wearing things that suit you perfectly, you look even cuter!”
When Lucy says things like that, I can’t help but get a little embarrassed.
“Milady, you are radiant as always.”
“R-Rose, you’re embarrassing me…”
“You’ll definitely be the cutest one at today’s tea party, milady.”
“Mariana, not you too…”
Today’s the day of the tea party, and everyone’s been excitedly helping me get ready.
I finally got to wear the accessories and shoes Gilbert bought for me.
In the morning, I was really surprised when way more packages and dresses than I had imagined arrived.
Gilbert said, ‘It doesn’t hurt to have plenty,’ and honestly, it’s true — it’s nice to have options for times like this.
But… I wonder if I’ll ever have a chance to use all of them.
“Milady, are you leaving already!?”
Lucy asked, sounding surprised.
“There’s still twenty minutes left, you know?”
Mariana looked puzzled, too.
I can’t exactly say “Well, I’m Japanese — being ten minutes early is just natural” …but it is proper manners.
“We’ve been expecting you, milady. I’ll be serving as your escort for the first time today, but my skills are top-notch — you’ll be well protected.”
“I’ll be counting on you.”
(Whoa—! She’s so cute! It’s been a while since I’ve guarded a noble lady!)
“Milady, I’ll be accompanying you as well today,” Mariana said politely.
“Yay!”
It’s really reassuring to have someone I’m always with coming along. I feel much more at ease knowing that.
“Tiaaa!”
From a distance, I heard my name being called — my sister was running toward me.
“Sorry! Did I keep you waiting?”
Today, since she’ll be in public, my sister looks even cuter than usual.
“That’s a new dress, right? It looks amazing on you — so cute!”
“You’re the one who’s cute, Sister.”
“Thank you. Ah, let me introduce the people coming with me today.”
With that, my sister introduced her attendants.
“First, the one who’ll be guarding me — Nicholas. And you’ve met before — my maid, Daria.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you today,” they both greeted politely.
“Let me introduce mine too. This is my maid, Mariana. And this is my escort, Dino.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Mariana and Dino said in unison.
“Now that introductions are done, let’s get going!”
On Ellie’s back fluttered a red ribbon — the one Tiana had given her.
We got into the carriage and headed toward the count’s mansion, where the tea party would be held.
