Arrival at Princess Anette’s
When I entered the room, it revealed a corridor with brightly colored walls and lighting. However, something felt odd about this corridor.
Just as I was pondering the source of this unease, one of the Kiblinki Saltas approached and provided an explanation.
(There are hidden doors throughout this corridor. They must have been installed to counter intruders in case the outer doors are breached.)
"You can even figure that out?"
(We deduce it from the flow of air and other clues. Beyond that, it’s more intuition than certainty.)
"Even so, that’s impressive. Lily, are you sure it’s okay to borrow such capable familiars for just vegetables?"
"The Kiblinki Saltas have agreed to this themselves. If possible, please create an environment where they can have vegetables readily available."
"Promoting agriculture? That will also aid in national defense. Very well, I’ll allocate additional funds for agricultural support."
Yay!
It’s worth asking for things sometimes.
We proceeded down the corridor, which was riddled with hidden doors, until we reached another room guarded by soldiers.
However, Marquis Vardmoi simply passed by this room and continued down the hallway.
"I see, that’s just a decoy.”
"Indeed. Princess Annette is ahead. Are you prepared?"
"Of course. By the way, is there anything I should be cautious about to avoid offending her?"
"Not particularly. Princess Annette has not yet been formally introduced to the public and is still in the process of learning courtly manners. As long as you avoid anything you yourself would consider rude, that will suffice."
"Understood. Let’s proceed."
"Very well. It’s Vardmoi. Open the way."
At Marquis Vardmoi’s command, a section of the wall opened to reveal a maid.
She was armed with a sword, likely serving as a guard.
"We’ve been expecting you. Is this the person who will take responsibility for Princess Annette?"
"Indeed, this is Lily. I trust you’ve already conducted your investigations?"
"Yes. We know she is a tamer commanding powerful familiars. But will she have enough resources to protect Princess Annette as well?"
"That’s precisely why she’s brought additional familiars. Observe the spiders accompanying her."
"I see..."
(Do not test us. Drawing your sword will only result in you being entangled in our webs.)
"... I see, telepathy as well?"
"Are you convinced now?"
"Yes, this way, please."
The maid guided us further into the room.
We passed through several doors and finally arrived at a spacious area resembling a living room.
Princess Annette was still in her personal quarters, and the maid instructed another to fetch her.
After a brief wait, Princess Annette arrived, dressed in modest clothing.
This attire was likely meant to disguise her identity.
Still, it felt like such a waste for someone of her stature.
"Apologies for the wait, Lady Lily."
"Oh, it’s no trouble at all. But are you planning to leave in that outfit?"
"Yes. Once I leave this room, I will no longer be a princess. Wearing something too luxurious would raise suspicions."
She’s so clever!
But that outfit... I can’t let her leave in something so plain.
I’ll just have to make something myself.
After getting permission to retrieve some fabric, I took Princess Annette’s measurements and drafted a pattern.
Using magic tailoring, I crafted a slightly stylish dress.
It was simple enough to pass as everyday wear for a town girl, yet elegant enough not to seem out of place leaving a noble’s house.
"Princess Annette, please try this on."
"Wow, such a cute dress! Are you sure I can have it?"
"Of course. I made it just for you."
"Then I’ll go change right away!"
Princess Annette is definitely still a girl at heart, getting so excited over pretty clothes.
However, there were still challenges to address before we could take her out.
Her facial resemblance to Princess Rodenlight and her name would make it difficult to conceal her true identity.
I needed help, so I turned to Plum.
"Hmm, first, change the girl’s hair color. That alone will alter her impression significantly."
"You mean bleaching it?"
"Your universal dye should be able to handle hair. It can also adjust skin tone, but in this country, Annette’s natural complexion is the standard. Changing it would draw unwanted attention."
I hadn’t realized my dye could work on hair! I’d only thought of it for fabric.
"Next, change her name. Even if only a few nobles know it, her current name is too recognizable. Choose something with a similar sound to avoid confusing her."
Got it—two priorities.
Now, what would work best?
While we brainstormed names, Princess Annette returned in her new dress.
She looked adorable, and the outfit enhanced her youthful charm perfectly.
"Does it look strange?"
"Not at all. It suits you wonderfully. Now, about your hair and name—do you have any preferences?"
"For hair, I’d like black, like Lady Lily’s!"
Black hair, huh?
It might make her less conspicuous.
The Marquis agreed, reasoning it could suggest she was a girl from my homeland.
With everyone in favor, we decided to dye her hair.
I hoped my dye would work.
"Let’s begin… Oh, it’s really changing!"
"What does it look like?"
"Here, take this hand mirror and see for yourself."
I handed her the mirror.
Her hair was now a glossy raven black, inspired by wet feathers.
Princess Annette was ecstatic.
"It’s amazing! My hair really turned black, and it’s so beautiful!"
"Thank you. Now, about your new name—do you have any ideas?"
"A name… I’d like Lady Lily to choose one for me. Something easy to call me as your little sister."
Little sister!?
That caught me off guard.
But Princess Annette explained that she thought it would be easier to hide her identity if I treated her as my younger sibling rather than as someone to revere.
I understood her reasoning. If she needed to be seen as my little sister, I’d have to treat her like a younger girl from now on.
I’d also need to consider her request carefully.
"Okay, let’s think… You’d like a name starting with 'A,' right? How about Agate, Aria, or Amira?"
"Amira! I like that one!"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! From now on, I’ll be Amira. Nice to meet you, big sister Lily!"
Guh!
That’s devastatingly cute!
Is this what it feels like to have a little sister?
Balancing doting on her without spoiling her will be quite the challenge!
What do you think about this chapter?
