Episode 8 – The Purple Dress and the Maids’ Praise
…Unbearably cute. That was all Bertina could think. She had never seen such an adorable creature before. But she didn’t know how to handle it, so she quickly turned her gaze away.
“Y-yes… it’s very good.”
“Really? I’m so glad!”
The girl threw her hands up with joy. Too cute.
Bertina, unsure how to react, coughed lightly to reset herself.
“Choosing chamomile, with its calming and sleep-bringing effects, was very thoughtful.”
She spoke flatly. Yet the girl beamed again, tilting her head in confusion. “Effects?”
“Oh? I suppose it’s not common knowledge here. Herbal teas are not only for scent and color. Each has its own healing effects. In the human world they are used as medicine—boiled, drunk, applied…”
Bertina explained in her usual even tone. Lotos’ eyes sparkled brighter and brighter.
“Amazing! You know so much, Bertina-sama! Are you really a princess?”
Bertina’s face did not change, but inside she blinked in surprise. To her, this was common knowledge.
“Yes… technically. But didn’t you hear from the human maid I brought with me? In Velmeburg I was never treated as a princess. I only lived in the gardens. So, I only really learned herbology.”
She spoke the bitter truth, finishing her chamomile milk in one long sip. She wiped her lips and set the cup down. Lotos quickly took it, eyes still shining.
“Please, tell me more! I want to hear everything you know!”
She leaned in close, too close. Bertina pulled back slightly, uneasy. No one had ever shown such open interest in her before. It was strange—but also, in some small way, pleasant. A faint curve touched her lips.
“…That aside, don’t you have to start work soon?”
She sighed, pointing it out. Lotos glanced at the clock, then jumped with shock. With a quick bow, she dashed out of the room.
Like a storm passing. Alone again, Bertina finally felt calm, pressing a hand to her chest before heading to bed.
(Such a strange feeling. But talking with people… it’s tiring. The days ahead look troublesome indeed.)
She thought this to herself as she closed her eyes.
When Bertina awoke, it was evening. The sky outside burned orange with sunset.
(This lifestyle will be difficult to adjust to…)
Now, standing in only her underdress, she stared blankly at three busy maids.
“What color do you like, Bertina-sama?”
The twins, Iris and Lotos, chirped together, ears twitching and tails swaying as they rummaged through the closet. Meanwhile, her human maid Hannah was at the dresser, neatly arranging powders and rouge.
Bertina pressed her fingers to her eyes. She had never been treated like a true princess before. One day of this was already overwhelming. Quietly, she answered: “Purple.”
The twins lit up, pulling out a gown with sparkling eyes.
But when Bertina saw it, her face stiffened.
Yes, it was purple. But it was also… strange. A corseted bustle dress of black and violet, full of unusual designs.
The back had too little fabric. The hem was uneven and cut daringly short on one side, showing far too much leg. Frills spilled everywhere. The corset was decorated with butterfly wings.
Beautiful, yes. Even charming. But far too bold. Bertina narrowed her eyes at it. She had only ever worn plain, ankle-length dresses. To go from that to this—she felt exposed.
“Well? Do you like it?”
One twin tilted her head.
“Like it? It’s shameless and gaudy.”
Her voice stayed flat. The other twin rushed up, protesting passionately.
“No, Bertina-sama! This style is completely normal here! And this dress is first-class, sewn by the best seamstress in the country! And—Milan-sama himself chose this one for you!”
She was so serious that Bertina stepped back.
Milan… her fiancé.
If he had chosen it, refusing would look ungrateful. Survival here came first.
“…Fine. I’ll wear it.”
Reluctantly, she agreed.
Soon, Bertina stood ready before the mirror, her face tense.
Far too flashy. The asymmetrical hem left her legs bare. Black lace stockings with garters only covered so much, leaving her skin revealed. And on her head, another giant butterfly decoration matched the dress. Her hair, pinned high, left her back completely bare.
(Whether it suits me or not, this is far too much…)
She sighed. In the mirror, Hannah’s eyes met hers. Hannah flinched at being caught staring.
“Tell me honestly,” Bertina said coldly, “as a fellow human—do you secretly think this is shameless, and laugh at me inside?”
Hannah’s eyes, bright and unwavering, surprised her.
“Not at all! You look breathtaking—darkly beautiful, yet fragile. Truly stunning.”
No laughter, no lie.
Relieved, Bertina turned slowly, murmuring, “Thank you.”
Her voice was curt, but Hannah smiled softly, pleased.
