Chapter 9
The day of the grand event had finally arrived.
It was my long-awaited birthday. I got up at the crack of dawn, yawning as I followed the maids to soak in a bath filled with flowers.
Although I had been receiving constant skin and hair care these past few days, today’s pampering went far beyond that. From the early morning, I was treated to an oil massage, a hair pack, and a manicure and pedicure. It seemed a bit excessive for a child, but I knew it was all done with pure intentions—the entire household simply wanted to make me as beautiful as possible. So, I obediently let the maids do their work.
Sitting in front of the vanity as they styled my hair, I realized how different I looked now compared to three months ago.
Thanks to daily running and stretching, I had shed my baby fat and grown noticeably taller. My body had become more flexible as well.
Even before losing weight, I was already considered adorable by my family and the household staff. But now, with my slimmer figure and taller frame, the word “adorable” was gradually being replaced by “beautiful.” Anyone who saw me now couldn’t help but shower me with compliments. Apparently, I was beginning to resemble the late Duchess more and more.
But it wasn’t just my appearance that had changed over the past few months. I had also worked hard to fill in the gaps left by my memory loss. Every day, I studied politics, economics, history, and literature with Lloyd. I also learned social etiquette from a Marchioness closely associated with our family. Though I was initially overwhelmed by all these new experiences, the Marchioness was so kind and patient that I quickly mastered everything.
More importantly,
I was no longer lonely or anxious—because now, I had a family who cherished me.
I smiled softly at my reflection in the mirror.
I thought of Lady Lupe and her gaggle of followers. What would they say if they saw me now?
The maids busily worked around me. After cleansing my face with toner and finishing the base skincare, the morning had already slipped by, and it was nearly lunchtime.
I’d heard that some noble families have their daughters skip meals on the day of a ball, but Father was very strict about health. Skipping even one meal was unthinkable. Thankfully, our chef was renowned as the best in the world.
As I headed downstairs, I saw the mansion in a flurry of activity. Since today was the day of the banquet, maids and servants were rushing around like their feet were on fire.
“More flowers over there! No, not there! It’s off-center by three centimeters!”
“Can’t you tie the curtain more elegantly? Those tiny details define our family’s image!”
“The birthday cake is ready, right?”
“Wait! Don’t touch that!”
It was as if the mansion had become a battlefield, and I couldn’t help but stick out my tongue in awe.
The banquet hall was decorated in romantic shades of pink and green. The combination of calmness and playfulness was stunning.
The banquet was scheduled to begin at 3 PM. Since I was still young, a late-night celebration wasn’t ideal. Considering people’s schedules, that seemed like the perfect time. Unfortunately, due to their busy work, both Brother Eit and Father couldn’t take leave. They promised me, with regret in their eyes,
“We’ll teleport here right at 6 PM when our shifts end.”
I had replied reluctantly, “Please just come by carriage instead.” Did they even realize how expensive a teleport scroll was? And they wanted to use one just to attend a birthday party?
Well, even if you’re the Minister of Education or the Commander of the Imperial Guard, you can’t escape government duty. Such was the sad reality.
Since Count Eddie had no formal workplace to attend, he agreed to escort me.
As I entered the dining room, Eddie greeted me.
“Happy birthday, Lala.”
He smiled brightly, and I responded with a grin.
“Thank you, Oppa.”
His hand gently ruffled my hair. It was so warm and comforting.
Lunch was, as always, delicious. After the meal, as I headed back to my room, Eddie said he’d come get me on time later.
Back in my room, the maids were practically dancing on their feet.
“Hurry, Lady Laila! There are only two hours left!”
“Okay.”
The mansion was in a frenzy. I peeked through the window and saw the garden already packed with carriages.
“Wow, how many people came?”
I stuck out my tongue again in surprise. At the same time, my heart began to race.
All these people came just to celebrate my birthday?
Since my parents and brother passed away, I had never celebrated my birthday at home. Yet today, so many people came to honor me. My heart pounded with excitement.
I freshened up with toner once more, applied light makeup, and let the maids braid my hair and adorn it with multiple emerald-green hairpins. Of course, I also wore the cherry blossom hairpin Lloyd had given me. The pink and green colors matched perfectly with the theme of today’s banquet. With the maids’ help, I slipped into my silver dress and a sheer peach-colored outer layer.
Lastly, I put on matching peach shoes, completing the long process of dressing up.
I looked in the mirror one last time. The girl staring back at me was unrecognizable.
“This… is me?”
I had always thought I was cute, but now—after the maids had poured their hearts into dressing me up—I looked breathtaking.
“Thank you, everyone.”
I smiled and expressed my gratitude, but the maids all had odd expressions on their faces.
“…? What’s wrong?”
As I tilted my head in confusion, the maids clenched their fists and screamed, their shrieks piercing the air.
“KYAAA, Lady Laila! You’re too beautiful!!!”
“Truly, you’re the best! There’s no one in the world prettier than you!”
“Please, make me your personal footstool!”
…Huh?
That last one sounded weird. I blinked in confusion and checked the clock.
It was nearly 3 PM.
We had to hurry, or we’d be late. I followed the maid who opened the door and walked briskly down the hallway.
Waiting outside was my brother Eddie, his silver hair elegantly tied back with a green ribbon. His deep green suit perfectly matched his graceful air.
“Oppa!”
I smiled brightly as I approached, and he gently hugged me.
“You look amazing today!”
At my compliment, Eddie simply chuckled.
“Shall we go, my lady?”
He bent slightly and held out his arm politely. I replied confidently.
“Yes!”
The ballroom was abuzz with conversation. Every time the doorman announced a new guest, heads turned in anticipation, only to turn away in disappointment when it wasn’t who they were hoping for.
“A birthday banquet for the young lady of the duchy…”
A noblewoman finally broke the silence. Despite the murmurs, everyone turned their attention to her. She covered her mouth with a white feathered fan and continued.
“Even if the Duke dotes on her, this is quite the extravagant scale…”
Her voice trailed off, but most people silently agreed.
It wasn’t unusual for nobles to flock to those in power. Still, for a young girl’s birthday to draw so many aristocrats and such an elaborate event—it was unheard of.
Some were curious about the duchess’s daughter. Others felt inferior. A few were purely envious.
The grandest hall of the Duchy of Rosahil was decorated beautifully in pink and light green. Since it was mid-autumn, fresh flowers were hard to come by, yet the ballroom was filled with them as if it were a fairy’s garden. Those with a discerning eye noticed the flowers had been imported from the southern kingdom and were stunned by the Duke’s wealth.
And the food? Prepared by a former imperial chef personally invited by the Duke—it was divine.
At the center stood a flowing fountain of rare wine and beverages, and even a chocolate fountain. Guests eagerly tasted and praised every morsel. Near the entrance were gift boxes for the attendees—handkerchiefs made of Eastern silk worth a fortune, and crystal cufflinks.
Thanks to the maids and servants, even the knot on the curtain in the farthest corner was elegant, and not a speck of dust could be found on a single dish.
Truly worthy of the name Rosahil.
The Rosahil family, already famous for its tradition, wealth, and honor, was flourishing more than ever under this generation.
Everyone was dying to know—
What kind of girl had captured all of Rosahil’s love?
In the corner of the hall, a group observed the scene.
It was Lady Lupe and her clique. Her fiery red hair clashed with her pink dress, which followed the latest fashion trends. Although she knew it was improper, she gnawed her nails until she noticed the stares and hastily lowered her hands.
“It won’t matter.”
Lupe muttered.
“It’s just a pig wearing pearls.”
The malice of girls her age was sharp. Though she whispered, her insults toward the young lady were harsh and unfiltered. Half of her group looked uneasy; the other half nodded in agreement—mostly those jealous of Laila’s status and wealth.
Those who had nothing over Laila clung to any flaw they could find to tear her down. Her weight was one of them.
“You’re absolutely right. They must’ve used a lot of fabric just to make her dress.”
“And I bet it’s not even one of those slim, trendy gowns like yours, Lady Lupe.”
“Status doesn’t make you the queen of the social scene.”
They spoke one after another. The current trend was for fitted bodices with flaring petticoats and fluttering pink skirts.
Normally, Lupe would’ve agreed, but she couldn’t shake the unease creeping in.
“Something’s different.”
She clenched her fists to stop herself from biting her nails. Her polished nails dug into her skin.
“Her eyes didn’t waver. Her voice was confident.”
Most of all, what bothered her was the fact that the First Prince would be attending this banquet.
And worse—he hadn’t brought an escort. It was obvious he meant to ask the duchess’s daughter for a dance.
Lupe’s sharp gaze found Lady Ceren, who was chatting shyly with a group of young men.
Ceren had been the Prince’s last dance partner.
Lupe desperately wanted to be the one at the Prince’s side—just once, even for a moment.
As the clock ticked on and people grew weary of waiting, chatting idly—
The door opened.
“Presenting Lady Laila Rosahil and Lord Edwin Rosahil!”
