Why don't we do it at my place?

"Are you sure?

Lydia confirmed the suggestion with a hint of concern.
It was Steffenier, one of her friends, who had suggested the idea while she was having tea with her friends at the Marquis Auguste's residence in Tordelise.
He had previously held a slumber party with his friends, which was so enjoyable that they wanted to hold it at their own residence. So, during the rainy season, when people inevitably tend to stay in their residences, they decided to have a slumber party at least once. They had already done so at the Marquis Auguste's residence where they were now, and they learned about the unexpected side of Tordeliese, who was very outspoken in front of her family.
What worried Ludia was Steffenier's family situation. Rumor had it that Count Vitting had taken a liking to Steffenier's mother, a commoner, and married her off, but this was not the case.
The Count was deeply in love with his deceased wife and had no intention of remarrying anyone. However, he was tired of being repeatedly asked by his relatives to marry for the sake of the survival of the family.
To avoid such offers, he looked for a single woman with children. In this way, he stumbled upon Steffenier's mother, who, like him, was in love with her late husband. Although she was a commoner, it was convenient for her that she did not have to worry about her own feelings.
Steffenier's mother, too, was struggling to make ends meet as a single mother and child, and so she accepted the conditions offered to her.
In aristocratic society, marriages based on family contracts are common, but Steffenier, who came from a commoner background where love marriages were the norm, may not have approved of this. First of all, the Count's behavior of marrying because he does not want to marry is peculiar even for a nobleman.
Since the family relationship is not based on love, Steffenier has avoided being pampered by the Count, even though she has tried to become a daughter. Lydia remembers her saying once that she didn't want to bother the Count.

It's okay.

Tordeliese and Zaskia looked at her with concern as well. But Steffenier smiled without the slightest hint of concern.
More than a year and a half had passed since they had met, and she had learned how to behave as a young lady, but this was her genuine expression that she showed to them. Encouraged by her smile, we decided to stay at Steffenier's house for the next pajama party.
After the next schedule was decided, Tordeliese asked Lydia as if she remembered.

What did you end up getting her this year, by the way?

"Well, let's see, .......

What are you talking about?

Dear, apart from the birthday gift, this is the time of year when she gives thanks to Gerald for all he has done for her.

That's nice.

You're thinking of your busy father, aren't you?

That's .......

While Lydia was weak in answering the question, Tordelysse explained it to them. This makes Lydia even weaker. The reason was a lie.
No, she had actually given it to her father, but for a different purpose. She was having a hard time deciding on a gift for the apprentice gardener whose birthday falls around this time of year, and was consulting with Tordelysse, whose father had a penchant for practicality, on the subject of gifts for fathers. She is still indulging in the initial misunderstanding that Tordelysse made without being able to confide that the subject of her opinion is actually different.

So, what did you give her?

While wondering if she would be disappointed if she told him, Lydia lost another opportunity to correct him.
Under the curious glances, Lydia decided to answer. The eyes of her friends were eloquent.

"...... This time I played the piano, not the thing.

Embarrassed, Lydia confesses her gift.
Nikolaus, a mutual friend of the apprentice gardener, had told her that he was disappointed that he would not be able to hear his piano. Indeed, he had once said that he was too embarrassed for people to hear what he was practicing. However, I didn't think he was very disciplined about it.
It seems that when he is practicing the piano and working in the vicinity, he leaves the sound range to his father or younger pupil, and works in a place where the sound cannot reach him.
He must be fond of music, because he often hums a song. I once asked him why he sings even when he is working.

He replied, "Because there's no other way to play background music.

His answer was simple and mysterious: "Because there is no other way to play background music.
I didn't understand the meaning of his words, but I could tell that he wanted to listen to music on a regular basis. Certainly, it would be difficult for him, a commoner, to have an environment to listen to music on a daily basis. If he had a gramophone, it would be possible, but the gramophone is a recently developed device that not many nobles have. In addition, the music on the records available in the market is likely to be classical music and opera, which are not his strong points, and not to his taste.
For Ludia, listening to music was an elegant thing to do, but she changed her mind when she saw the apprentice gardener. There is nothing elegant about the song he sings.
To suit him, I chose a fast-paced, light-hearted tune from the assignment and practiced so that I could play it without looking at the score. I was able to make time to see him on his birthday, so I took him to the piano room and gave him a small presentation.
During the performance, he and his sister Flora sat quietly in their chairs and listened to the music, but as soon as the performance was over, he stood up briskly and gave himself a generous round of applause and cheered for his good looks. It was a compliment I couldn't honestly accept, but I knew it was his highest praise, and I was happy that he was so pleased.
I remember very well how funny it was to see her eyes shining just like her sister's, who was clapping in imitation of him. When I thought back to that moment, I smiled again.

It's beautiful.

Steffenier, his cheeks flushed with admiration, folded his hands and repeated the same words with more admiration.

"Dear, you really care about your family.

"I'm sure that Gerald is relieved from his daily fatigue.

Zaskia's eyes sparkled as she expressed her thoughts, and Tordeliese agreed with her.
I hope you're right," I said, feeling a twinge of remorse for having misled my friends. They all assured her that she was right, and she smiled again.


It was the rainy season, and rainy days were becoming more frequent. However, most of the rains stopped within a few hours, and there were no long rains.
One day, when Lydia visited the apprentice gardener, the first thing he said to her was.

"It's going to be a long rainy night, young lady.

"Really?

The possibility of a sleepover made her eyes light up.

"Well, maybe. I think it will rain for a couple of days.

As a water person, he could read the signs of rain, but his magic power was low, so he could not be sure. He could read the signs of rain, but he had little magic power, so he was not sure.



I'll let Fanny and the others know right away.

Do you like candy, mamma?

"I'm happy to see my friends.

The apprentice gardener smiles at the excited Lydia as he explains to her sister Flora, who has come with him. He was the first to tell her about the long rains, because she had been waiting for it.
Flora, who does not know how it happened, still tilts her head in wonder.

"How can we meet?

"I heard you're having a sleepover.

Tomari: ......

Ruminating on the words of the gardener's apprentice, Flora took a few seconds to understand the situation. After understanding, Flora approached Lydia and grabbed her by the skirt.

"Hey-sama, are you going away ......?

"Flora .......

Lydia lowered her eyebrows as her sister looked up at her with moist eyes. The last time she went to stay at the Marquise's residence in Tordellise, her sister cried out to her as soon as she returned.
Up to that point, at tea parties and the royal birthday parties where she accompanied Roy as his fiancée, she had always returned before nightfall, so Flora had never been lonely. However, when they stayed at the Marquis' house, Flora didn't understand what it meant and cried a lot when she didn't see her sister the next morning. As a result, Flora still has the negative impression that sleepovers mean that her sister will disappear.
Although she is looking forward to spending the night with her friends, her excitement wanes in the face of her sister's loneliness, and Ludia feels weak.

"Flora.

When Ludia was wondering what she should do, a young apprentice gardener squatted down to meet Flora's eyes and called out to her.

"Do you miss me, sister?

Flora nodded her head as she grabbed her sister's skirt.

"I miss you. ......

I see. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

"...... No.

The gardener's apprentice smiled in satisfaction at Flora's depressed answer.

You can understand why the young lady is in trouble now, can't you?

"I'm sorry, ...... neesama.

After a few beats of hesitation, Flora looked up at Ludia and apologized. You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

"No, I'm the one who ......

"Flora, you're doing great!

Before Lydia could apologize, the gardener's apprentice patted Flora on the head and praised her. Before she could apologize, the apprentice gardener patted Flora on the head and praised her.

"Don't apologize, young lady.

"Yes, .......

But she was forced to apologize, which confused her.

You're just playing with your friends.

His words made her realize. It would be disrespectful to her friends to apologize for something she is looking forward to. He had taught her that she didn't need to apologize, because she hadn't done anything wrong.
Ludia also bent down to meet her sister's gaze.

We'll have lots of fun when you come back. Will you wait for me?

"Yes.

Thank you.

She wrapped her hands around her sister's hands that were gripping her skirt and confirmed it.

You can wait with me, then. I've been trained by my daughter, so I can read a picture book or something.

"Really?

Yeah.

When the gardener's apprentice suggested that they stay in the hut in Ernst's garden during the long rainy season, Flora was glad to have someone to play with.
Having been promised a place to stay while he was away, Ludia was tempted to join in, but held back. He had arranged it so that she could go to her friend's house without hesitation. To be jealous of that would be a waste of time.
The gardener's apprentice looked uncomfortable when he saw Lydia stammering.

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

I'll ask my mother to do it for me.

In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.

I'm going to accompany you, so you'll be fine.

Petra, who had been following him as an escort, offered to accompany him, and the apprentice gardener thanked her for her help. You'll find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier. The next day, the Earl of Vitting, a young man, who had been in the house for a long time, came to the house.


The next day, arrangements were made for Lydia to stay at the Earl of Vitting's house with her friends, and she left in the early afternoon. The expression on Flora's face as she saw her off was unclouded, and Lydia felt both relieved and a little sad.
She picked up Tordeliese and Zaskia in the Ernst family carriage, and the three of them headed for the Earl of Vitting's residence. Steffenier was standing in front of the entrance of the mansion, as if he could not wait to see them, and greeted them happily.

Welcome, Madame Dia, Madame Torde and Madame Kia.

"Thank you for your hospitality today. But why don't you wait inside?

"I enjoyed the sound of the rain as much as I enjoyed the excitement.

Oh, Miss Fanny.

Lydia was worried that the rain would blow in and chill her, even though there was a roof over the door, but Steffenier gave her a sunny look. She was really looking forward to beating her heart to the same tempo as the sound of the rain. Lydia and the others laughed a little at her smiling face.

"Ladies, welcome to the house.

Steffenier led the way into the mansion, and the maid led the way to her room, saying that she would prepare hot tea. When we entered the room, there were already enough chairs around the table for everyone.
Soon, a tea set and a plate of cookies arrived on a cart.



I hope it suits everyone's palate.

I'm not sure if it's because of the presence of the duke's Ludia, the marquis's Tordelise and the higher nobility, but the maid said anxiously and placed a plate of cookies in the middle of the table. The maid placed a plate of cookies in the middle of the table. Steffenier also seems to be concerned about this, as she knits her mouth into a knot and makes a fist with her knees as she looks down.
After moistening her mouth with warm tea, she took a bite of the cookie and chewed it. The cookies, which had probably been baked in anticipation of their arrival, were still warm and had a gentle taste.

They are very delicious.

"Yes.

Really.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

I'm glad the ladies liked it. It's worth the effort to make it.

"'Eh?

"Oh, Mother!

The maid was so relieved that Steffenier couldn't help but open his mouth to protest.

I asked you to wear a dress today, so that Master Dear and the others would be surprised!

I asked you to wear a dress today, so that Dear and the others would be surprised! I hope you don't have to wear such a painful dress only when you go to a party with Mr. Hermann.

I always wear it.

It's your mother's job to dress Fanny.

The maid, who brushed off Steffenier's protests, left Lydia and the others in a daze. Steffenier, who had almost snarled at the maid, realized that he had left his friends unattended, coughed lightly and made an awkward introduction.

I'm sorry. This is my mother, .......

"Nice to meet you, I'm Nadya, Fanny's mother. I'm Nadya, Fanny's mother. I'm usually her maid and take care of her personal needs.

Nadya introduced herself, saying that she was mainly in charge of clothing. Nadya introduced herself, saying that she was mainly in charge of clothing. The reason why she was a maid was because the Count wanted her to work. Not expecting the maid to be the Countess, Lydia and the others rolled their eyes in astonishment and closed their eyes.

I apologize for the delay in greeting you, Nadya. I am...

"You must be Nadya.

Somehow she managed to get back on her feet first, and as she tried to greet Nadya, Nadya guessed her name.

"Yes.

"You're as beautiful as I've heard. Fanny is very fond of you. Fanny admires you very much, so even though you don't have the best manners, you're doing a great job .......

Mother!

You are a beautiful woman, as I have heard.

And you are a duchess, so you should be addressed as such!

"No. I'm sorry, Master Dear. I'm sorry, Dear. I'm just a bit more relaxed at home.

"No, it's fine.

Lydia was not sure how to react in such a situation, but she meant what she said. In fact, she is used to having a servant in her own home who has a broken tone. However, it would not be good for her if she were to get into trouble at the parties she attends in the future, so she refrained from stating that it would be fine to call her by a broken name, even if it was only for this occasion.
However, Lydia and the others could not hide their confusion as it was the first time for them to see a mother being scolded while her daughter was lecturing her on the nature of nobility. Furthermore, Nadya, who is supposed to be a countess, is dressed up in a dress, which makes them even more confused as to which of the two they should treat.
Just as Steffenier was about to open his mouth to explain the situation to his bewildered friends, he heard footsteps approaching.

"Nadya, is it true that Fanny's friend is here?

The door slammed open to reveal a flustered and ungentlemanly gentleman. He was so upset that he forgot to knock on the door, which he should have done.

It's true. Mr. Herman, look.

"Wow, it's true. Oh, my God.

Unlike the girls, who were blindingly unaware of what was happening, Nadya, who was unconcerned, went over to the gentleman and pointed at him with her palm. The gentleman looked at the Steffeniers around the table with a look of great admiration, as if he was about to burst into tears.

"Oh, even Herrmann!

"I'm sorry, Fanny. I'm sorry, Fanny, but I made you leave your commoner friends, didn't I?　I'm worried about making new friends. ......

You didn't believe me before?

No, I didn't believe it until I saw ...... with my own eyes that you might be looking out for me.

I'm not sure I believe it until I see it with my own eyes," Hermann said apologetically to an angry Steffenier.
Whenever Steffenier attended a tea party, he was escorted by Hermann or one of his attendants. The reason why he did not always accompany her except for escorting her in and out of the room was that he thought it would be easier for children to make friends with each other.
Lydia and the others knew that he was the Earl of Vitting because they had seen him escorting her to tea parties. However, from the greeting, they got the impression that he was a gentleman with a relaxed atmosphere, and doubted whether he was the same person as the one who was so expressive.

"I'm glad.

But Lydia, who had been worried about Steffenier living with his parents in a loveless marriage, just thought so. This exchange was enough for her to know that she was loved by her parents, even though she was constantly surprised.
Hearing the unknowingly muttered words, Hermann smiled softly.

I'm sorry for the delay in greeting you, ladies. I am Hermann, the master of this house. I'm so glad you've come despite the rain.

"Herrmann, this is the lady's room.

Of course. I'm sorry about the other day.

I'm sorry for my rudeness earlier," Herman said, bowing his head in sincere apology to his adopted daughter. He told her that Lydia, the highest-ranking woman in the room, had forgiven him. Tordeliese and the others were ready to forgive him, as they had seen the worried expression on his face when he came in. Lydia was simply representing them.



Mr. Hermann, I don't think we should be here.

I know. I feel better now. I'm going back.

Mother and Herrmann, get out of here!

Nadya left with a smile on her face and Hermann left with a cheering look on his face.
Steffenier, embarrassed that his friends saw him being taken care of by his parents, remained silent until the door was closed and he drank the tea out of his cup, either to cover up or to calm down.

I'm sorry to show you my embarrassment, .......

You are a strong woman at home, aren't you, Miss Fanny?

'I see that you are strong at home, Fanny,' muttered Steffenier in a voice so muffled that it seemed as if he were about to fall into a hole, and Tordelysse said admiringly.

I'm not strong. My mother doesn't listen to me at all.

His mother was more crooked, Stefanie said, her cheeks puffed up as she remembered her anger.

I sometimes speak too strongly in front of my family.

"You too, Master Kia?

"Then we must have a slumber party at Master Kia's place next.

Zaskia confesses that she too tends to be a shy person, and Tordeliese decides where the next sleepover will be held. Lydia is a little surprised to find something unexpected in common between these friends.
Although their family situations are different, the girls have a bit of a shy side to them. Tordeliese, who had a lot of male siblings and had to be assertive at home, Steffenier, who was usually cheerful but firm in front of the family, and Zaskia, who had a complex about her curly hair and had been sneering at first, were also shy. In other words, these women are in an environment where they can be indulged by their families in no small measure.
Ludia was the opposite. At first, she did not know how to be indulgent to her family. That's why she took the wrong step in the wrong direction of being selfish to those around her. If the apprentice gardener hadn't pointed this out to me, I might still have been going in the wrong direction.
Even now, I might have been jealous of my friends. But now I'm just glad that I did. I was so happy about that that I naturally smiled.
After taking a sip of tea to hide her smile, she joined her friends in their conversation.


As night fell, they decided to take a room with a large bed so that all four of them could sleep together.
The time passed strangely quickly when the friends talked together, and they did not feel sleepy at the time when they normally would. So Lydia and her friends crawled under the covers, each holding a pillow, and waited for sleep to come.

It's a wonder I don't fall asleep.

It's strange that I never fall asleep.

I heard that counting sheep helps.

"Why count sheep?

"Well, my neighbor told me that it comes from a shepherd's house.

Tordeliese nodded her head, and Steffenier answered that it was an oral tradition from the time of the commoners.

I've never actually seen a sheep, but I'm sure they're lovely, fluffy creatures like Lord Kia.

Lydia, who was trying to find something close to what she had heard, compared it to Zaskia's carefully combed, cotton-soft curly hair that she had just seen. Zaskia's cheeks flushed and she buried the lower half of her face in the pillow.
Seeing her reaction, Lydia immediately apologized, thinking that she had hurt her feelings even though she had not meant to make fun of her.

I'm sorry, Miss Kia. I'm .......

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no. ......

"Master Kia?

Zaskia immediately denied that she was hurt. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've seen it before. ...... I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've seen it before.

Tsezar is the name of the marquis's son who offered Zaskia an engagement. Her parents agreed because there was no reason to refuse, and he is now her official fiancé. He is now her official fiancé, and her cheeks blush when she remembers what he said to her.

The Marquisate of Gellermann has some areas with a lot of cattle.

You know a lot, don't you?

The Marquess of Gellerman has a lot of cattle.

"You are not as good as Roy.

Ludia laughed at her lack of knowledge. Ludia listened to the stories of the various regions from Roy, a prince with a broad perspective. His memory is so good that he enjoys hearing actual stories from people from the area, not just from books. As my fiancé, I'm studying geography so that I don't burden Roy too much when I go around to greet people, but I'm having trouble remembering the interesting things he's told me.

The prince may be amazing, but Dear is amazing too!

Steffenier's sincere admiration for both of them made the humble Ludia blink slightly and her face broke into a smile.

Thank you.

She thanked him even though she felt embarrassed. You'll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in the future.

So, what happened when you were invited to join the Marquess of Gellerman?

I declined, saying it was too early. ......

When Tordeliese asked him to continue, Zaskia lowered her eyebrows, buried herself in her pillow and answered.

"Doesn't Master Zesar hate you ......?

I don't know about that, but if that's the case, why didn't you just accept it?

I don't know, but if that's the case, why didn't you take the job?" "Because I'm not ready to go to your parents' house when I'm only dreaming of being engaged. ......

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it. It seems that Zaskia is perplexed by her dynamic fiancé.

"Master Kia, why don't you just tell him what you think?

Isn't that what you don't want ......?

She smiled gently at the frightened look in Zaskia's eyes.

I have only heard about you from Lord Kia, but I have a feeling that you are very fond of Lord Kia.

Tordeliese and Steffenier nodded their heads strongly in agreement with Ludia's words. I don't think Zaskia realizes how happy she looks when she talks about her fiancé. With the encouragement of his friends, Zaskia blushed brightly and muttered in a faint voice, "Is that so?

It's very scary to be honest, and it takes a lot of courage. But if you don't tell them when you're having trouble, you'll never be able to move forward.



It's scary to tell someone how you really feel. It's when you tell someone you don't want them to hate you, and you have to be prepared to get hurt yourself. I wonder how many times Ludia was scared, and how much support he received each time.
I wish I could do what he did, but I can only talk about my own experience. I wonder if I can help my friend with this.

"Dear ......, are you afraid, too?

I'm scared.

As if agreeing with her was not enough, Lydia revealed her own feelings to an anxious Zaskia. The smile on her face must have been pathetic.
Zaskia made a tight fist with her hand on the pillow she was holding.

I'll do my best, ......!

Zaskia's eyes were fixed with determination, and Lydia and the others breathed a sigh of relief and offered words of support.

I like it.

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

"Do you admire that kind of partner, Fanny?

I'm sure you're right.

But ......

She was afraid to say anything else. She had seen her mother grieve the loss of her beloved husband, and she had learned the fear of loss. How she felt when she saw her mother marrying without love for her is not clear. The fact that she is close to her parents now seems to be a different matter.
In contrast to Lydia's concern, Steffenier spoke simply.

I'm looking at my parents now and I want to fall in love.

......

I tried not to talk about my mother and father until I remarried. But after I married Mr. Hermann, they started to talk a lot.

When she was a mother and child, Nadya avoided talking about her father because she didn't want to worry her daughter. But now she no longer has to hide from Hermann, with whom she continues to think about his companionship even after his death as well. Rather, Herman suggested that they talk about their love for each other's spouses, thinking that they would know the same joy as they knew the same sorrow. Thus, Nadya and Hermann became comrades.
And Hermann did not force Steffenier to see him as a father. He did not force Steffenier to see him as a father, but just as a friend, and Steffenier was gradually relieved of his tension. If he had been forced to fit into the family frame, he might not have been able to make it in the aristocratic society.

When I saw my mother and Herrmann talking about the people they loved, I felt that falling in love was a wonderful thing.

Steffenier is proud of her parents, who stand on their own feet, not to lick each other's wounds, but because they care about their loved ones. She doesn't love anyone with the expectation of losing them, but she longs to be able to live like her parents even if she has to leave them.

"That's nice.

Isn't it?

Steffenier smiled proudly at Ludia's words. Regardless of what people say, he can be proud of the fact that his parents married out of love. She was very happy that her friends recognized this.

...... that.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If I told you that I didn't like your fiancé, Roy, you would despise me. ......?

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work. You can't tell them all the terms of the engagement you made with Roy, but you want to reveal your true feelings to your friends. She felt that it would be disrespectful to her friends if she remained silent any longer.
Like a defendant awaiting the verdict of a trial, Ludia waited for the result of her confession.

"Not at all?

"Not at all?" said Steffenier, as if it were obvious.

It's a shame, because Roy is wonderful, but if that's what you think, then so be it.

It was Tordeliese who bit into the difference between admiration and reality with some regret.

I'm sure I'll support you when you find someone you like, .......

It was Zaskia who encouraged her by talking about the future.
All three of them accepted Ludia's feelings without denying them. A great sense of relief washed over her, and she relaxed. The side of her head was buried in the pillow.
As the sleeper's head began to graze, she looked at her friends and smiled with happiness.

Thank you, everyone.

She smiled at her friends and said, "You're welcome," and knew that she would have a very good dream tonight.
She prayed that her friends would also have a wonderful dream, and sank into the depths of her dream.