New Material
Spring came, and all of us in my class safely advanced to our second year. Prince Fred, Senior Elena, and Senior Chloe are now in their final year.
And my beloved twins have entered the general course.
Those two were so tiny once, and now they’re old enough to attend the academy… children really do grow up fast. When I muttered that to myself in the knights’ dorm cafeteria, the boys I was eating with, Souya and the others, immediately shouted, “What kind of relative grandma are you!?”
It’s been six years since we met, and they’ve all gotten better and better at their comebacks. That’s how my days have been lately.
In private life, I don’t get much free time after classes, so I can only do adventurer work on weekends. Because of that, I can’t quite earn enough points to take the promotion exam yet, which is my current problem.
But during the long summer break, I’m secretly planning to go camping while taking as many subjugation requests as I can. If anyone found out, they’d definitely stop me, so I haven’t told a soul.
That lidded square glass container Belle and I talked about before, when I mentioned it to Karim, he sent a letter to Count Smith. Apparently, the Count was interested in my idea and agreed to make a prototype right away. I can’t wait! Once those glass containers are ready, I really want to make tiramisu.
By the way, I found coffee at Mr. Dasher’s place on my way out, of all things. Naturally, I bought some. When I got back home and served it to Father and Gray, they were instantly hooked on black coffee after just one sip. Since too much caffeine isn’t good, I asked Nancy to manage their intake.
And in two months, the debutante ball will be held.
I’m still only fifteen, but since I was born early in the year, they’re counting it as sixteen—kind of like the old “Shichi-Go-San” custom in my previous life.
Debutante Ball
Among the royal-sponsored evening events, this one is special, it’s a grand affair where nobles with sixteen-year-old sons or daughters attend with their families. It’s the first social ball where the children are formally introduced to society, marking their recognition as adults.
After the debutante, one is officially considered of marriageable age. A ball isn’t just for social or political networking—it’s also, in a way, a matchmaking event.
Once it’s over, I’ll finally be an adult.
That means, alcohol! Finally! I’ve waited so long for this day. It’s been ten whole years since I regained my past-life memories.
Of course, I plan to make snacks and cocktails and drink until morning.
The dress code for debutantes is pure white, no off-white or ivory allowed, and paired with long white opera gloves that reach above the elbow.
So right now, we’re choosing my dress at home.
Since morning, Nikki, Mother, Grandmother, and, for some reason, Aunt Julie have been discussing back and forth, “How about this?” “No, that one’s better.”
I, meanwhile, am sitting a bit away from them, sipping tea and watching the chaos.
(Why is the star of the show just sitting there watching?)
Pearl asked from my feet as she too watched Mother and the others in action.
“Well, I did have ideas, but… their enthusiasm is on another level.”
(Ahh, makes sense.)
(Hey~ what if we used my gem for a necklace?)
That was Rosso, munching cookies on the side table.
“Your gem? How would that even…”
(Like this! … See?)
The red stone, like a garnet, embedded in Rosso’s forehead suddenly popped out with a clink.
“(Ehh!?)”
Our twin screams made Mother and the others whip their heads around.
(It’s fine! It comes off every few years. I figured it was about time, so I don’t mind if Joan uses it.)
Looking closely, there was already a smaller stone growing in its place.
“Th-thank you. Umm, Mother, Rosso gave this to me.”
“Y-yes, so it seems.”
Mother looked shaken. Aunt Julie, on the other hand…
“Ahhh! A carbuncle’s gem!? Let me see! Let me see!!”
… was absolutely ecstatic.
After several rounds of dress-up, we finally decided on the dress.
It’s an off-shoulder princess-line gown that shows off the neckline beautifully. At first glance, it looks simple, but small pearls from the Phantasmo region will later be scattered across the skirt. As for accessories, we decided to use Rosso’s gem along with pearls to make a necklace and hair ornament. Of course, the crafting will be handled by Gandarl.
“I’ll make sure it’s perfect,” said Nikki with a bright smile before heading home.
In the parlor, Mother and the others looked quite pleased with themselves, while I, tired from all the changing, sat back sipping the new cup of tea Nancy had brewed. I decided to ask about the debutante details.
The ball will be held at the royal castle. The gates open at sixteen o’clock, and the party starts at eighteen.
Entrance order is determined by rank, so since our family holds the title of margrave, we’ll probably enter around nineteen. After all nobles are inside, the royal family appears, followed by the king’s congratulatory speech. Then, after a few formalities, the king, queen, and princes dance with their betrothed partners, that’s the general flow of events.
“By the way, has Prince Fred’s fiancée been decided yet?”
Prince Fred will graduate next year, and lately he’s been busy with royal duties, so we hardly ever see him at the academy or the dorm.
“Not yet, it seems. But I heard the daughter of Marquis Diesel is one of the leading candidates. Apparently, there are a few others as well.”
“Wait—Mother, Marquis Diesel’s daughter means Senior Elena, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. Her family status and age are a perfect fit. Originally, Young Lady Catherine was also a candidate for Prince Fred’s fiancée, but it seems Prince Albert noticed her first and made her his own candidate.”
“What!? That’s the first I’ve heard of it! So Prince Albert fell for her at first sight? Does Cathy even know that?”
“Probably not. Knowing that prince, he wouldn’t say a word.”
“Heeh~ I see. Well, it’s not surprising if he fell for Cathy. She’s beautiful and cute, and she seems dependable, but she can be kind of airheaded too. Still, that scheming prince, huh… Heeh. Interesting… Heheheh.”
“Hey, Maggie, was it really a good idea to tell Joan that?”
“Umm… maybe a little regret now…”
“She’s got that evil grin, definitely planning to use this gossip somehow.”
“I-it’s fine! She won’t say anything disrespectful… probably.”
While I sat there grinning and plotting how to use this juicy bit of new material about our dear scheming prince, Mother and Aunt Julie were whispering nervously to each other, ,completely unnoticed by me.
What do you think about this chapter?
