Despite the fact that the summer heat still lingered, Duchess Ernst's Octavia smiled leisurely, without the slightest hint of it.

"Hey, Dia. Do you know what a calyx is?

I don't know.

I'm not sure what it is, but for some reason it sounds familiar, and the duchess, Lydia, stopped lifting her teacup.
It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your day. After quenching her thirst and returning the teacup to its saucer, Octavia opened her mouth.

She said, "I've heard that a young lady who dances with the Lord of the Calyx is bound to get a marriage proposal. In fact, a certain baroness, who had never had a marriage proposal before, was proposed to by the son of a marquis.

She smiled at her mother, who smiled at her, and Lydia could tell that she knew which family each of them belonged to, and that she was blurring the lines. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

...... Why is your name being withheld?

I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do that.

It's not because it's hidden, it's because no one knows its name. And they don't know what you look like.

It was strange that she could not be seen. Dancing is only possible when you have a partner. Lydia tilted her head at the strange story.

You're a real person, aren't you?

Yes. He makes women so attractive that they pay attention to him. It's like the wizard in Princess Ashes.

Octavia smiled, comparing him to a character in a fairy tale, but Lydia's expression tightened. I know someone who dances like that because she doesn't want to stand out. The extra effect is probably due to the instruction he has received and the fact that he unconsciously treats his dance partner like a flower. His father, Gerald, who saw him dance, said that he was a gardener at heart.
Octavia looked at the maid who was waiting for her, and the maid brought out a silver tray. On the tray was a small pile of envelopes that appeared to be invitations.

"Oh yes, I have an invitation to Dia for a tea party. I'm sure her dancing was very nice. She wants her daughter to learn from you, and most of them include dancing.

I'd prefer not to go to ...... for the dancing.

I understand that this is an invitation to a tea party because I am not old enough to attend a soirée. However, it is unusual for a tea party to include an opportunity to dance. Looking at the small pile of invitations, Lydia wanted to hold her head in her hands. Even though she was not confident in her dancing skills under Madame Ella's strict instruction, the excuse to invite her raised the bar even higher.
For a moment, Octavia's peach-colored eyes turned cold. She felt as if her eyes were cooler than Lydia's, which were colder, and she remembered that her mother had the same kind of glazed eyes as she did.

"--Ladies want to be enchanted. Their parents want to marry powerful people. That's pretty straightforward. But it doesn't seem to be the situation Dia was worried about.

Finally, Octavia narrowed her eyes in amusement and returned to her usual relaxed mood.

...... I have a feeling it's going to get worse.

Lydia's shoulders slumped. It's strange to be conspicuous when you're not remembered.

It's better than having Isak stolen from you.

And ......?　No, sir!　I was just trying to make sure that Zak didn't say anything rude. ......!

Lydia tried her best to clear up her mother's misunderstanding. It was only after she had asked the gardener's apprentice to act as her partner that she remembered his tendency to speak his mind when he felt like it, and realized that it might surprise the other ladies. Even though most of the girls were used to his praise, it would be rude if it was sudden and without any preamble.
She was only concerned about the inconvenience to the other party, not about what her mother might misunderstand. The reason why she asked her mother to help her dress up was just so that the apprentice gardener would not look bad, not because she was worried about how he would react when he saw the other pretty girls.
Octavia only smiled softly as she listened to her daughter's argument.
She was glad that Lydia was now expressing her opinions. In the past, she was too much of an admirer of herself and was always reserved, even when dealing with her mother. It's lonely to be a mother and not be pampered or relied on. However, the topic of the boy who is an apprentice gardener elicits a particularly good response, and I am now enjoying it very much. She tries hard to say something, but when she doesn't say anything, she starts to feel like she is making excuses.

"Hey, Dia.

Yes.

There's nothing wrong with being possessive. It's normal to feel lonely when a girl you're close to becomes close to someone else.

Yeah.

"It's a shame for a lady to use that as an excuse to justify tying her partner down. But you can't deny that you have them.

The question is how to handle the emotions you have. The problem is how to handle the feelings you have.
Octavia smiled as she told him that he was free to think what he wanted. She was surprised because her mother never revealed her emotions, but she was convinced that it was because she could accept various emotions that she was able to be a dignified lady. Rydia, who did not think that her mother would approve of such emotions, was taken aback for a while.
Then Lydia peeled off a little.

...... You don't believe me, do you?

No?　But that's not all, is it?　Dia is really shy.

In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at the most effective way to get the most out of your time. Lydia bites her bottom lip and shuts up, unable to respond to her mother's point of view.

It's okay.



She hugged Flora back, who hugged her sweetly, and Octavia said calmly, rubbing her cheek lightly.

He's a servant. He is a servant of the Ernst family, the dukes. How shallow can it be that someone would want to use a member of the family for their own gain?

The scene should be that of a mother who loves her daughter and is smiling. And yet, Lydia felt a chill in her heart.

I'll take some of them. But you'll have to accept some of them.

Why?

But you'll have to accept some of them. Octavia's cheeks puffed out like a little girl.

...... because I want to see Dia's courage with my own eyes.

Lydia was horrified. It is true that unlike a prince's party, a tea party can be hosted by a woman, so it is not a problem for her to attend with her mother first. For Lydia, her mother, Octavia, was her dream and goal. She is nervous about performing a dance for her mother, but she also wants her mother to see her. Also, the way she sulks is cute.

"Okay, I got it.

"Really.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

I'm looking forward to it. I've heard from the other ladies that Dia was very cool the other day.

Oh, that's ......!

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk. In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. She was embarrassed because it was a complete sales pitch. But it was the most encouraging thing he had ever said to her, and he thought it was appropriate for the occasion.

"You told her because you thought so, didn't you?

When asked, she nodded her head.

If so, your words have definitely given her courage. You should be proud.

"Yes, .......

She smiled at her mother, who smiled at her leisurely and gave her certain words, while Rydia nodded her cheeks in another way.
After having tea with her mother and sister in a garden of fresh greenery, yellow flowers, and white smelling cherry blossoms that made her forget about the lingering heat, she went to tell the gardener's apprentice who was pulling weeds that there would be substitutes for dancing in the future.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea.　What's that?

"It's you, ......, Zaku.

When I explained the situation to the gardener's apprentice, who made a crazy noise, he tilted his head more and more.

I'm not sure what to make of this.　Why does that make me look like a demon?

I'm sure you've heard of it, but I've never heard of it.
He doesn't seem to be aware of his influence at all, and Lydia is wondering what to do. In the first place, will making him aware of it fix it?

I don't know what this is about, but it seems that dancing with Zak was the catalyst. Zak, what exactly did you talk to them about?

"Well, ......, I basically just watched the girl, so I don't really remember much. I do remember that she was very beautiful, though.

Don't worry about me!

I don't want to talk about me!" Her cheeks flushed at the mention of herself, even though she had asked about her interactions with others. You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier. It is true that I kept my precious metal adornments to a minimum, considering that he would be accompanying me, but I didn't think he was so susceptible to glittering ornaments that he would avoid looking at anyone but himself.

Anyway, remember what you said .......

I'm not sure if you'll be able to find the right one for you.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

...... Next.

She said that in a few years, no matter how tall you are, you won't be able to hide your femininity, so you should straighten your back.

"...... Finally.

The last one is: "You say that Jersey peony girls are not cute because of their eyes, but when they smile, the corners of their eyes go down, so why don't you smile normally?

It's not the point!

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
You say you're not doing anything, but you are.

"Miss, did I do something ......?

A worried voice fell on Lydia's head. You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
He didn't know what to expect from the party, and was probably worried about whether he was causing trouble for us. However, since Lydia had originally asked him to help her, it was not his fault if there were some unforeseen circumstances. And even though it was unforeseen, so far he has only seen positive effects.
Ludia did not want to scold or blame him. But there's a little bit of coiling in her chest.

Zaku did a good job. Thank you for listening to my recklessness. But ......

"But?

I hesitated to say anything else. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm not sure what to do.

"What did you think of ............ the other girl's ......?

What?



The boy, an apprentice gardener, is taken aback by the unexpected question, and Lydia can't help but drop her gaze. He was aware that he was asking a childish question, and his cheeks burned with shame, but he had already said it, so he asked the rest with vigor.

I'm sure there were many pretty and beautiful people at the party, as well as those who danced .......　I, for one, am more .......

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. Once I thought about it, for some reason I felt uneasy.

"Well, there might have been, but ......

When I heard his affirmation, my heart made an unpleasant sound.

"Ma'am.

I looked up fearfully to see a boy, an apprentice gardener, smiling kindly at me.

"I told you.

"Yeah, .......

I told you I only saw the girl from the beginning. I didn't even remember who I was dancing with until you told me.

But that's .......

Yeah. That's because I was there as the squire of the Ernsts, filling in for them at the dance. So I'm lucky to be a servant of the Ernsts.

Yeah.

It's a privilege to be able to stand by and watch the most beautiful young lady.

Ludia felt the heat slowly racing up to her. The coils that had held her in place until a moment ago were blown away. She clutched her skirt tightly. How could he have gotten rid of his fears so easily?
The gardener's apprentice boy smiles blithely.

But you're worrying about the wrong things. But you're worrying so much. The lady wouldn't take a servant (me) for granted.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

"Miss?

I'm not sure what you're trying to get me to say," he said, glaring up at her with his mouth covered. I don't want him to know that I almost spilled the words in the spur of the moment. It's not that he's trying to ask her, but she's embarrassed and feels a twinge of resentment.
He doesn't know what's going on in Ludia's mind, and looks back at her puzzled.
He didn't pursue the matter any further, so there was a moment of silence, and then Lydia, unable to bear the innocent look in his eyes, broke down.

It's nothing, ......, it's nothing.

"Oh.

In the meantime, the apprentice gardener nodded, understanding that he might be substituted in the future. The walk that day was tiring.
A few days later, at an ordinary tea party invited by his friend Tordeliese, Lydia let out a small sigh. Seeing this, Tordelysse lowered her eyebrows apologetically.

I'm sorry, Master Lydia. I tried to keep it as small as possible, but ......

You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.

I'm not sure what to say. It's not like I'm the cause of the problem.

The table that Lydia and her friends are at now is attracting a lot of attention from afar. This is a tea party for women only. Since the incident at the prince's birthday party, the number of girls who admire and adore Lydia has increased, and even though they are the same age, they are treated differently. It's not that I want to have many friends, but if they respect me more than ever, there's nothing I can do.

I don't want to have many friends, but I don't want to be treated with more respect than ever.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why. Her hand shook slightly as she lifted her teacup from the saucer.

He was a substitute for the dance that your father had arranged. And it's just the ladies this time.

I'm a little disappointed, because I would have liked to have talked to him.

Why are you ......?

It was unusual for Tordelysse, who had said she was uncomfortable talking to men outside her family, to say she wanted to talk to him. Lydia was curious as to why she was interested in him.

I think he is a comrade who adores you because he cares about you.

"You can always ......?

Yes. At the party, his expression softened when it came to Lydia-sama.

I'm not sure what to say to the happy smiling Tordelise. It was all she could do to keep her face from turning red. Tordeliese says that she smiled at him because he is her friend. I was reminded of an unnecessary fact. How nice it would be if I could go and hit him right now.

"Well, it's been a long time, Master Lydia.

"Oh, you?

A slightly raised voice called out, and I looked over to see a familiar reddish gold curly hair. The girl thanked him with a shrug.

My name is Zaskia von Feit. Please forgive my rudeness in approaching you, even though you are a Baroness. I just wanted to say thank you for the other day. ......

"No problem. By the way, I heard that Mr. Zaskia is engaged to be married. Congratulations.

What?　Well, ......, I'm not sure yet, but ...... I'm afraid of that man. ......



Lydia and Tordeliese smiled when they saw Zaskia's cheeks flush with dismay. Apparently, this was not a request for engagement against her will.
Tordeliese also introduced herself and was about to have tea with her when she heard a laugh. Lydia and the others scowled at the sound of someone laughing, and followed the source.
At the end of the path, there was a young lady who was looking at her surroundings with a frightened look in her eyes. She was probably around the same age as me, but her manner was clearly that of an amateur. It was unusual for a young lady of Ludia's age to show no signs of having become accustomed to the way she behaved.
Perhaps that's why she was the subject of so much speculation, so much whispering, so much ridicule.

...... I'm not impressed.

Yeah. ......

I'll go with you!

"Yes.

As Ludia was about to ask her host, Tordelysse, what she should do, Zaskia announced with a look of fighting spirit in her eyes. She had been in the same situation a while ago, and her indignation was understandable, but she had more energy than I thought. Based on what happened at the party, she might be the type to act before she thinks.
Zaskia called out to the daughter who was in a bed of needles, and brought her along as she had announced. Judging that it was more appropriate for the duchess to speak directly to him, she welcomed him with a smile.

My name is Lydia von Ernst. I am Lydia von Ernst, and I would like to invite you to join me for tea, if you would like.

"Oh, ......, I am Steffenier von Witting, .......

The bowing was not that of a lady. I knew from that alone that she was not of noble birth, but I was more interested in the last name she gave.

"Oh, I thought the Earl of Vitting didn't have any children, ......?

Well, ......, my mother and the Earl of Vitting remarried in the spring, and I'm his companion ...... and adopted son.

Oh, I see. Congratulations on your mother's remarriage.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, ......?

Steffenier, who hadn't expected the congratulations, rolled his eyes and returned the bow in reflection. In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

But the duchess in front of her gave her a warm look, which puzzled her.

"Huh?

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

You must have worked very hard to maintain your posture that long in just a few months.

'Yes, I did. It's hard to keep your back straight while wearing a dress.

Yes, Mr. Steffenier is amazing.

"......!

In order to look as good as possible in the dress that the Count had given her, she remembered her manners and straightened her back, but she didn't expect to be recognized for it, and Steffenier was blindsided.
She had been regretting that she was too young to attend the tea ceremony, judging from the attitude of the other ladies. She had almost given up hope of making friends of her own age in the world of the nobility. At a time like that, receiving these kind words, I felt like crying.
Lydia smiled as she saw Steffenier trying hard to hold back his moist eyes.

But you'd better remember the curtesy before the next time.

"What?

"Courtesy of the Master. Master Steffenier.

Steffenier's eyes lit up as Zaskia explained the curtesy to him.

"I see. Yes, I will do my best to be as close to Master Ludia as possible. ......!

Why me?　Why me? ......?

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I have.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm sure you'll agree.　I want to follow her example and become a lady worthy of her.

"She's very nice.

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I'd like to be able to do that." "...... We're the same age, why are you only targeting me?

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm not sure if you've ever heard of it, but I'm sure you've.

""............?"

"Really?

"Cute ......!

The three of them said in unison. Ludia was startled by the suddenness.
The three of them approached Lydia, their eyes shining.

"You're too cute, Master Ludia.

It's cunning that you have such a lovely side.

If it's okay with you, I'd like to be your friend.

"What?　What?

I thought I had disillusioned them by saying something childish, but they seemed rather happy, which surprised Lydia.

What can I do to make Master Lydia feel less lonely?

"Hey ......, I'm not lonely .......

"Yes, you do. It may be a common idea, but how about we call each other by our nicknames?

What's your nickname?

I have a long name, Steffenier, and my mother ...... and others call me Fanny.

Oh. You mean your nickname. I'm called Torde.



I'm Kia, if you don't mind.

After telling each other their nicknames, the three of them turned to Lydia at once. The three pairs of eyes looked at her expectantly, and she was frightened. Then she opened her mouth fearfully.

"I am Dia and .......

"Yes, Dear...

She was somewhat embarrassed and turned her head down, her cheeks flushing. Seeing this, the three of them smiled in satisfaction.
Later, Roy, the prince who came to visit her, said that Miss Ludia was very popular.