Riddil, Nasha and Shayla's encounter goes back to the spring when the palace was opened.
Shayla was left alone in her room with no idea what was going on, only that she had been sold, when Riddil came to visit her without hesitation.

"Hello, are you the one in this room?

Riddil knocked on the door, laughed, told her that he had just arrived, and told Shayla, who knew nothing about the palace.

I also come from a new baronial family that was knighted by my great-grandfather. Because your father was not very good at business, our family was poor despite having many children. I thought that if I left home, it might help the family a little, so I accepted the offer of a side room.

Not all new nobles are in charge of the economy of the kingdom. It's good to have a knighthood, but there are some families that have lost their fortune and are wandering around the bottom of the pyramid as they are tossed about in an unfamiliar aristocratic society.
Many of the youngest consorts were offered entry to the court in exchange for assistance to their families in such distress.

They are in similar circumstances and have similar rooms. Shayla, who is reserved but stubborn, and Riddil, who is cheerful, sociable, and unafraid of things, are surprisingly compatible with each other. Through her association, Shayla was able to gradually break the spell her aunt and uncle had placed on her.

A little while later, Nasha joined them. One night, Nasha got lost and opened the door to Shayla's room, mistaking it for her own.

"Um, isn't this my room?
...... Perhaps, but I think this is my room.
"Then where is my room?

Suddenly lost and confused, Shayla took her to visit Riddile's room. At that time, Shayla didn't have much contact with anyone other than Riddile, and she couldn't think of anyone else she could turn to.

"Oh, Shayla and ...... you are Nasha, aren't you?

As Shayla had predicted, Riddile, with whom Shayla kept in close contact, knew of Nasha. She had a good memory of Riddile laughing at Nasha's confusion over her lost child and the three of them searching through her room.

I'm a stepchild. The actual father died when I was little, and the mother raised me while working as a waiter in a restaurant for noblemen, where I met my father ......, Baron Crockett, and he asked me to marry him. The Baron is a good man, but I'm not a true nobleman, so it was hard for me to stay in that mansion.
So, you went to the palace?　But isn't this the pinnacle of aristocratic society?
It is, but I heard that the current palace is almost abandoned by the king. If that's the case, I thought it would be better to stay quiet in a corner of the palace, except for the soirees where everyone is present.
Oh dear. You've actually got some nerve, Nasha-sama.
"Is that so?

There's a word for a good match, and in this case, Riddile, Nasha and Shayla were just like that. After this night, the three of them began to do things together. To be more precise, Riddil with Nasha invited Shayla and took her out to various places.
Even though the Master Peony began to mistreat the entourage of the new noble families, and the maids of honor began to treat Shayla unfairly, and even though the Countess of Clester entered the inner court in the summer, and the power structure changed drastically - even though Shayla was rumored to be the "favorite princess". Even though Shayla was rumored to be the "favored princess," nothing had changed for the two of them.

When they came to visit her after the garden party, Shayla was so distressed that she once told them to leave her alone. It's also true that the king had been attending to her for a while, that her parents were those helpless people, that the Red Rose hated her, and that nothing good would come from her involvement with them.
--And he was very angry.

"Don't underestimate me too much, Master Shayla.
What is good or bad is for me and Lidil to decide, not for Shayla.

Their sermon was painful for Shayla in every way.

The two of them were lecturing Shayla in every sense of the word. 'Because Shayla-sama is the favorite princess, because her parents are like that, because the Red Rose hates her, so what?　If I continue to associate with Shayla-sama, will it hurt my position in the palace?　--That's silly. I don't know about anyone else, but no one in the Ernest family would ever betray a friend.
"Do you think I've ever been calculating with you, Miss Shayla?　I'd like to point out that I've known that Shayla-sama has been going to His Majesty since the summer. It's impossible not to notice with the rooms so close together. In the midst of the rumor that the Red Rose was on good terms with His Majesty, I thought it might cause some complications to see the reality that was the opposite of the rumor. If I wanted to avoid any trouble, I would have stayed away from Shayla at that point.
"You're right, Nasha. I want to be on Shayla-sama's side no matter how much trouble it will be, even if it means making enemies with all the famous people. That's why we're here now, isn't it?

Sheila's lips moved as she asked why, but the same answer came back to her.
--Because we're friends.

In Shayla's eyes, the two of them, who had chosen to live their lives without shame rather than successfully cross the world, were very, very bright. At the same time, Shayla finally realized that she hadn't trusted them in some part of her mind.
The only person in the palace that Shayla could trust was Dee, whose face and real name she did not know. Her desire to know more about Dee occasionally grows, but now that she doesn't want to, she can't risk getting away with it. Shayla wanted to keep a discreet distance from her so that Dee wouldn't hate her. She was a kind and patient woman, but she seemed to have a very timid side to her.
And, taking advantage of Dee, Shayla had neglected to seek out someone close to her who understood her. -Yes, I'm aware of that.

"Thank you, Master Riddile, Master Nasha.
What's going on?　I'm not supposed to thank you for inviting me to your stall.
No, I was just thinking about something I did a while ago.
"A while ago"?
You came to visit me after the ...... garden party, didn't you?
Oh, yes.

Lidil smiles, just as he did when we met.

Sheila was going through a lot at that time. It's no wonder she wanted to throw it all away.
And by the way, there are other people who may not be on your side outwardly, but secretly support you. When the time comes, you and Lidil will be there to bridge the gap!

Shayla thought she was lucky.
She had a friend, a maid of honor, a confidant, a confidante.
What else could she ask for but to be fulfilled?

I've decided. In the Sunday service, I will thank God Amenos for leading me to the palace and pray for the happiness of my loved ones.


"...... Shayla-sama, you've had a rather difficult time since you came to the palace, and I'm sure you'll continue to have a difficult time in the future.
"It would be more appropriate to call it the trials of Radhava, rather than Amenos.

Radhava is the god of thunder and hardship, one half of the mythological pair that was defeated by Amenos. He is said to have despaired of the folly of mankind and tried to sink the world with lightning.
She smiled and shook her head at the two people who were always concerned about Shayla, who had drifted all the way here.

It is true that there are many hardships, but the palace has given me many precious encounters. It is the same with the light for me. So I still think it was the guidance of Amenos.
"Does ...... include us in these encounters?
Of course!　Ridhil and Nasha are the first of the most important encounters.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.
The courtyard was just around the corner.


********************

It's not exactly the right place for the right person, but as Riddil said, most of the people who came to take a look at the stalls in the courtyard were women in the same position as Shayla. Occasionally, out of curiosity, a young lady of noble birth would show her face, but they would not stay long.
For the first time in a long time, Shayla was able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the outside world.

(...... Speaking of which, I wonder how Dee is doing.

(I wonder how Dee is doing?) She sneaks a peek at the sidekicks enjoying the stalls, but can't find anyone who looks like Dee. (......) However, with only the back of Dee's head and her hair color known, there is a limit to how much I can look for her.

(Maybe Dee didn't come to the store on purpose.)

(Maybe Dee didn't dare to come to the stall.) Dee, who stubbornly wants to hide herself because her appearance scares others, would probably avoid such places where many people gather. ...... Maybe Dee is planning to spend the whole advent festival locked up in her room.

"Master Shayla?　How can I help you?
Oh, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about something. ......

Riddhir called out to her and she hurriedly approached them. You'll be able to find a lot of people who've been in the business for a long time. As soon as they met up with me, they thrust a fluffy cape at me.

"Mr. Riddile?
Try it on, Miss Shayla.
"Come on, come on, come on.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

I knew it.
I knew it would look good on you.
"What ......?
"Please, miss, look here.

The woman who seemed to be the shopkeeper held out a large mirror to the confused Shayla.

A white, fluffy, furry cape covered the top half of Shayla's body. The cape glistened in the sunlight, and it was strange to see that it somehow made her complexion look better.

The cape glittered in the sunlight, making her look strangely pale. The cape is a fortune to be able to wear it so well.
"Well, ...... looks good, doesn't it?
Very!　When Lidil and I first saw it, we agreed that it would definitely look good on Shayla. I'm sure you'll agree. I'm glad that it suits you even better than I thought.

Nasha clapped her hands happily and Riddhir nodded with a smile beside her.
Out of the corner of her eye, Shayla looked for the price tag on the cape. Normally, she would have just bought it, but unfortunately, her pockets are always on ice.
As expected, the price was too high for Shayla to pay for such a fine item.

'It's a beautiful cape, and I like it. Unfortunately, it's a bit expensive for me to own.

With an air of sincere regret, Shayla took off the cape and handed it back to the shopkeeper. The clerk was blatantly disappointed.

There are probably not more than ten customers in King's Landing who would look as good as ...... your daughter.
No way. I'm sure there are others who would look better than me.

Shayla smiles and dodges the slightly exaggerated sales talk, but is actually a little disappointed. As an animal lover, Shayla naturally loves soft and fluffy things, and this cape was right up her alley.

We'll take that cape if you don't mind. Would you mind wrapping it up as a gift?

Then the dignified voice of Lidil sounded. The shopkeeper's face brightened and he turned around to see his two friends standing there with big smiles on their faces.
The shopkeeper's expression brightened and Shayla's face turned pale.

"Yes, sir!
"No, Master Riddile, Master Nasha!　You can't take such a luxury item so easily.
"Oh, it's not so expensive if you divide it between us. Are you sure, Master Nasha?
Yes, of course. And Shayla, you liked the cape, didn't you?　It looks really good on you. ...... Then you should have it, Shayla.
You're both right!　Yes, this is all wrapped up.

In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web. Before Shayla could withdraw, Riddile took it and Nasha completed the transaction with a smiling cash payment.

"Oh my God, Riddil and Nasha, you never listen to me!
"Oh my God, Shayla, you're wrong. It's a recent trend for families and friends to exchange gifts on the Lord's Day of Advent. If you're going to go to all the trouble, don't you want to choose a gift that you'll be happy to receive?


Then I'll give you both a gift.
That's right. Shall we choose a gift for Master Nasir?
"Oh, Mr. Riddile, you forgot your own gift.

After that conversation, the trip to the stall turned into an unusual one, with the three of them looking for and buying what each other wanted. Riddhir and Nasha bought Shayla a cape, Nasha and Shayla bought Riddhir a necklace, Riddhir and Shayla bought Nasha a pair of gloves, and so on.

Coincidentally, they're all ornaments.
Oh, yes, indeed. --Yes, Shayla, Nasha. Shayla and Nasha, why don't you wear your ornaments to the New Year's Eve party?
"Well, that's a good idea!

The three of us finally finished buying gifts for each other after lunch (the people in charge of the kitchen in the palace had set up a kind of stall where they gave out sandwiches that could be eaten easily, which was a very subtle trick), and we were all in high spirits because we had enjoyed shopping for a long time. As she walked through the crowd, keeping pace with the squealing of Riddile and Nasha, Shayla felt something catch the corner of her eye and stopped suddenly.
Looking around, she saw the back of the store where she had just purchased the cape, and something glittering under the eaves. Shayla wandered up to it as if fascinated by its glow.

(This is ......)

It was a strange thing. A long, silvery rod with a sharp point at one end and a number of white and silver ornaments swinging from the other. If you push it too hard, it might look like a hairpin used by common people to tie up their hair, but the ones they use are not this thin, sharp, or decorated with jangles.

"...... Um...

I was unconscious. The next thing I knew, I did the insane thing of calling out to the shopkeeper from the back of the store. The store keeper, who seemed to be hailing the store, turned around and approached me as if she was surprised.

"Oh, the lady in the cape!　Please forgive my rudeness in letting you see behind such a disgusting backdrop.
No, I took the liberty of peeking in, I hope you don't mind. ...... I'd like to ask you a few questions.
We don't accept returns on capes, do we?
No, that's not it!　What's this all about?

She looked at the item that Shayla's fingertips showed her, and her face seemed to say, "Oh no.

How did you find ......?
The glimmer of light caught my eye.
"Oh, yes, it was ...... reflected in the setting sun.

The woman's face turned bitter, as if she hadn't been so friendly during the day. The difference between the two causes Shayla to tilt her head.

"...... did I find something superfluous?
No, not at all. ...... This item was just finished this morning. I left it hanging under the eaves to dry for a while and forgot about it.
May I assume it's for sale then?
"...... Miss, do you know what this is?

The question was answered with a question, and Shayla thought for a moment.

The ornamental part of this is the ...... moon, right?
Yes. This part is based on the motif of the moon and snowflakes.

I see. That's why the decoration looks like the moon, but it shines in different ways. It seems that the motif is based on the image of a snowflake on the moon, which is impossible in reality. The motifs glittering around the moon are different in size and shape, but all of them are snowflakes.

Is it ......, the winter moon? It's beautiful.
"Thank you very much.
The only thing I can think of that would make this ornament look better is a ...... hairpin.

The woman's eyes blinked in disbelief. The woman's eyes blinked in confusion.

I'm sorry, I don't know much about it. ......
"No, ma'am. You're right.

The woman's lips formed a smile. Now it was Shayla's turn to pout.

"A hairpin?　This thin stick?
"It's not a very familiar shape in this country. In the Far East, far beyond the Goddess Mountains, it is common to wear a hairpin with a thin core like this and a swinging ornament at the end.
"Well, ......, is that so?

It is said that common sense changes from place to place, but I never thought that a single hairpin could be so different. I couldn't help but admire it.

"Would you like to take a look at it, if you don't mind?
Are you sure?
It's a special one for you, miss. --Be careful, it's sharp.

The hairpin he handed me weighed almost nothing, despite its delicate ornamentation. It was light and fluffy, and the moon and snow flickered with every movement of his hand.

"...... Do you like it?
"No.

It's not that I'm not a good person.

It's not me. It reminded me a little of someone who glows so gently and delicately.

From the moment she first saw it, Shayla had been thinking.
--This ornament would definitely suit Dee.

You don't even know her face, you might think. But the gentle twinkling of the moonlight, the shining snowflakes that protected the moon, the fragility of the ornaments that were there but would disappear if you touched them-everything about these ornaments seemed to be for Dee.



"If it's ......, would you like to give it to your friend?

I was startled by the voice of a woman in the store, breaking the silence.

"But, sir, this item is not for sale at .......
We just didn't want to sell them at the palace, but we were planning to sell them somewhere else. Like the cape, the hairpiece's fate is to be in the hands of the right person.
"Uh, but the money ......
It's not that expensive.

The price that was given was within the range that even a snow-blown Shayla could afford. --The price was within the range that even a snow-blown Shayla could afford.

If I give this to Dee... If I gave this to Dee, would she wear it and show it to me?

"Miss Shayla?
"Miss Shayla, where are you?

--I had just left the store and was walking with my head half numb when I was stopped by Lidil and Nasha. As they approached, they were alert and focused on Shayla's hand.

"Oh, Shayla, did you buy something?
"Yes, yes, ......, for the person who has always been so good to me.

In the hands of Shayla, who nodded, was a long, thin package, gently wrapped.