New Year’s Party
At today's New Year's party, I will be meeting nobles outside of my family for the first time.
Right now, Sarah is helping me change into my outfit and setting my hair in preparation for the party.
Grandmother mentioned that counts, viscounts, and barons from the neighboring areas would be attending.
I wonder if there will be any children around my age. It would be nice if I could make some friends.
"It's done, Young lady Joan."
"Thank you, Sarah… Phew."
The unfamiliar dress feels heavy.
"Yo."
Turning towards the voice, I saw Vee standing at the door, dressed differently than usual.
"Wow~ Vee, you look really cool!"
"O-Oh. Though, this collar is suffocating. You actually look like a noble lady when you're all dressed up."
He said that while loosening his tie, probably out of embarrassment.
"How rude. I always look like a noble lady, no matter where you look."
"Noble ladies don’t run around or throw snappy remarks. Hahaha."
"……."
Ugh, I can’t argue with that since it’s true.
Honestly, I don’t like this dress because it’s hard to move in.
"So, are you ready?"
"Yes, I'm ready."
"Then let’s go. Everyone's waiting."
"Hm? … Ah, you came to pick me up?"
"Yeah, I’ll escort you."
How arrogant.
"Ehehe, thank you, Vee."
Escorted by Vee, I head to the living room where everyone is waiting. They’re all already gathered.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's fine. Come here, my adorable angel."
Father spreads his arms wide.
Since I'm not used to the dress, I can’t run, so I walked slowly towards him. He picked me up.
"You look especially cute today. I can’t wait to show you off to everyone."
"Thank you, Father. Please don’t drink too much today."
“"……."”
Father and Uncle Gilbert avert their gazes.
"Ahaha, you’ll be fine, right? Dear?"
Mother presses further.
"… Yes, I’ll be careful."
The New Year's party began, and many invited guests gathered in the party hall.
I stood beside Father and Mother, along with my brothers Noel and Gene, greeting the guests one after another.
There were… way too many guests.
My best business smile was starting to cramp up.
When was the last time I had to keep this up for so long? Probably since the New Year's sales rush when I was working…
"Jo, are you okay?"
Brother Noel asked in a whisper, worried.
"Yes, I’m managing somehow."
Once the stream of guests coming to greet us finally stopped, we’re freed at last.
"I'm exhausted…"
"Haha, well, you were exempt from greetings until last year, so this is your first time."
Brother Gene said while handing me a drink.
"Thank you, Brother Gene."
"But this is where it gets tough. Look around you."
Prompted by Brother Noel, I scanned the room…
The nobles who had just greeted us were now observing us.
"Uh… this is kind of scary."
"It’s the same every year. Officially, they just want to befriend us, but in reality, they want connections with the Lampail family."
Brother Gene explains.
"Um… in a marriage-related way?"
"That’s one aspect, but they also think being allies with us would bring them benefits. And this year, since it’s your first time attending, they’re probably targeting you."
Brother Noel added.
"Ah, I see… So, do I have to pick from them?"
“"That won’t happen!!”"
Both of them shout in unison.
"So try not to stray too far from us."
Brother Noel said while patting my head.
"Understood."
Even though I said that… how did things end up like this?
Was it because I moved on my own to get more of Anny’s special financiers?
Then it's entirely my fault… My brothers are going to scold me. Ugh, this is such a hassle.
I was surrounded by several noble sons and daughters.
The conversation ranged from my favorite things and how I usually spend my time, to slightly more intrusive topics like whether I had a fiancé. Some of the young ladies even asked about Brother Noel and Brother Gene’s private lives. I dodged all these questions with a smile.
Ugh, this is annoying. If they want to know about my brothers' private lives, they should just ask them directly!
What bothered me the most was how their parents kept sneaking glances at me from behind them.
And since I’m shorter, being surrounded like this felt suffocating…
As I was thinking that, I suddenly felt a floating sensation, and my line of sight rose. The young ladies around me turned red.
"Apologies, but I need to take Joan back now."
"Ah, Brother Aran."
"Joan, Noel and the others were worried and looking for you. Let’s go."
"Yes… I apologize, everyone. Please excuse me."
The noble sons and daughters who had surrounded me were split between those surprised by Brother Aran’s sudden appearance, those mesmerized by him, and those simply frozen in shock. None of them could say a word as they watched us walk away.
"Haah~ I’m saved~"
"This is what happens when you wander off on your own."
Brother Noel said.
"I’m sorry… And thank you, Brother Aran."
"Don’t wander off again."
He patted my head.
"Okaaay."
"You say that, but…"
Brother Gene and Vee sighed.
"So, did you find anyone you could be friends with?"
Brother Noel asked.
"Not among them… They clearly came because their parents told them to, and their parents were watching them from behind. Plus, their smiles seemed fake. I had to be careful not to let my words be twisted…"
"Ahh…"
"Haha. If you were a normal five-year-old, they probably would’ve managed to win you over by now."
Brother Gene laughed.
"Well, there’s no need to rush. You can make friends when you go to the academy."
Brother Aran reassured me.
"I hope I can find good friends next year too…"
Vee said anxiously.
Ugh, even making friends requires so much thinking. Being a noble is such a pain.
I consider Sarah, Anny, and the kids at the orphanage my friends, but they probably don’t see a noble’s daughter as a friend.
I wonder if I’ll ever meet someone I can truly call a friend from the bottom of my heart.
What do you think about this chapter?
