Chapter 52 - Chapter 52
"Ojou-sama! It suits you perfectly."
Reflected in the mirror was my silhouette, clad in a pure white dress. Sarah gathered my hair, pinned a final flower into place, and narrowed her eyes happily at my reflection.
The day had finally arrived. My debutante ball. Technically, this was my second time, but I was the only one who knew that. Under normal circumstances, I should have finished this last year. Perhaps because of that one-year delay, the dress I wore today was different from the one before.
Like last time, this dress was a gift from His Highness. I had heard that women with fiancés often wore gifts from them for their debut to signal a healthy relationship. Many things had changed since the previous timeline, but I was surprised that the same person could send such a vastly different dress.
The previous one had been more traditional to the trends—a bustier-style princess line dress that left both shoulders bare. It had a large ribbon at the waist, a style immensely popular among teenage girls.
This time, however, the dress covered me in lace from the neck to the shoulders and down to the backs of my hands. It was an A-line dress that defied current trends. While the construction was simple and followed the lines of my body, the lace added a touch of femininity and elegance. Gold embroidery ran from the hem to the waist, interspersed with tiny blue diamonds that caught the light and sparkled against the white fabric. It was breathtaking.
Sarah had swept my dark, wavy hair into an elegant updo, adorned with a large white dahlia.
In the mirror, my usually sharp expression seemed a bit softer.
"His Highness truly is remarkable, sending a dress that brings out your beauty to this extent... I'm truly moved."
"I feel like I'm not even myself..."
"I wouldn't be surprised if the trends for dresses changed after today."
"Fufu, you're exaggerating. But he really did hire a skilled designer. It's so lovely I've never seen anything like it... I'm so happy I could cry. Of course, it's also thanks to your skill with my hair and makeup, Sarah."
"Thank you. Lately, you've carried an aura of both softness and dignified strength. It is my duty to bring out your brilliance to the fullest."
Sarah beamed with a wide smile, and I couldn't help but smile back.
"I must thank His Highness when I see him."
"I'm sure he is looking forward to seeing you as well."
"I... wonder. I hope so."
What will he say? Will he tell me it suits me?
Even though he gifted it to me, His Highness was a very busy man. Since he had commissioned a designer, he likely didn't know exactly how the finished product looked. At tea parties, the ladies often said, "Even if they gift a dress, they don't know the details. A gentleman's skill lies in making sure no one realizes that." Even in the previous timeline, His Highness had smiled gently and said, "I knew it would suit you," when he saw me. It was a dutiful smile, of course. Still, back then, I was over the moon just because he had given me the dress and complimented me.
Therefore, while the gold embroidery and blue diamonds reminded me of him, they might have been the designer's idea. Even so—though it was embarrassing—I felt him close to me, and wearing his colors filled me with joy. Just having those colors in my sight made me remember his kind, sweet smile. My heart fluttered, and my cheeks relaxed.
I could never tell him that.
As I felt myself blushing at the thought of him, Sarah, who had been tidying up behind me, turned around.
"Shall we go, Ojou-sama?"
"Yes."
I rose slowly from the chair, supported by Sarah's hand. With a soft meow, Kuro, who had been watching me quietly throughout the preparations, approached. I leaned down slightly to stroke his head, and he narrowed his eyes contentedly. Looking at him made my heart feel lighter.
"I'm heading out now."
I whispered to him, and Kuro meowed back as if in response. I'm sure he's telling me to do my best.
I left the room with Sarah and went to the hall where my parents were waiting. Both my father and mother were beaming, showering me with compliments. My mother even had tears in her eyes, dabbing them with a handkerchief as she repeated how beautiful I looked. Since I had been bedridden and missed the previous season, this day must have been special for her as well. Her tears made my own eyes sting with emotion. My father watched us with a gentle smile.
I was able to experience this moment once more. How happy that made me. I looked at them again, and they both met my gaze with warm, loving smiles. I felt bolstered by their kindness and love. A warm sensation spread through my chest, filling me with peace.
In that harmonious atmosphere, the three of us boarded the carriage. With a signal, the carriage slowly departed from the marquis's estate. From the window, I saw Sarah and several other servants waving us off.
Now, for my second debut. To the royal palace.
Thank you for the bookmarks, ratings, comments, and typo reports.
Next time, I wonder how Louis will react...