Chapter 35

On September 1, 2023, a book will be released by Kodansha K LNovel Books! The wonderful illustrations are by Mr. Murasaki Shōji.

This side story is told from Eugenie's perspective to commemorate the book's release.

"Miss Eugenie!"

Edith greeted me with a wave as I arrived at the Granville mansion. The wedding ring on her left ring finger, matching Lionel's, sparkled brightly.

"Hello, Miss Edith. ... Hello, Miss Arche."

When Miss Arche, who had peeked out from behind Miss Edith, waved at me, she smiled shyly and waved back.

(Oh, how cute.)

Every time I see Miss Arche, who looks like a small angel, smiling, my heart can't help but flutter. She used to frown and turn away whenever she saw me, but the fact that she has come so far and approached me warms my heart.

(All of this is thanks to Miss Edith.)

Miss Edith, my irreplaceable friend, not only helped Lionel, who was bedridden with a serious illness, but also illuminated me, who was wandering in a dark maze filled with deep regret, with her gentle light. What I did is something that, even when I think about it now, cannot be forgiven. However, Miss Edith welcomed me as a friend and enveloped me with her warm smile. The fact that Miss Arche and even Lionel now smile at me is solely because Miss Edith reached out to me. The atmosphere of the Granville mansion has become noticeably brighter since she arrived.

Spending time talking with Miss Edith is one of my most enjoyable moments. Although I have been helping her, even in a small way, to acquire the knowledge and manners of a noble, for me, it is more of a nominal role. Just being able to spend time with her makes my heart leap every time.

Today, I had heard that my fiancé, Craig, was out with Lionel, so I planned to continue Miss Edith's previous lessons in her room until they returned. However, when I saw her with a troubled expression, I tilted my head in confusion.

"Miss Edith, what's wrong today? Is there something you're worried about?"

It didn't seem to me that Miss Edith was anxious about her studies. She always absorbs new knowledge eagerly and quickly, like dry sand absorbing water. Her insatiable curiosity and exceptional diligence have led to her remarkable learning speed. I heard that while she was at the Oakridge estate, she handled most of the pharmaceutical business at such a young age. Her ability to connect related knowledge is undoubtedly supported by her practical business experience, which I find truly impressive.

Still, I was puzzled.

(Miss Edith looking like this is rare. Something must have happened.)

She looked back at me as we walked side by side.

"You're perceptive, Miss Eugenie. There's something I'd like to ask for your advice about..."

"Of course. If there's anything I can advise you on, please feel free to ask."

When we entered Miss Edith's room and sat down at the table, she let out a small sigh.

"Actually, I'm going to attend my first ball next month."

"Oh! That's wonderful."

Imagining Miss Edith standing beside the dignified Lionel at the ball, my eyes sparkled. Moreover, the fact that Lionel has recovered enough to attend a ball again filled me with deep relief and joy.

"In society, the news that Lionel, who was bedridden with a serious illness, has recovered thanks to Miss Edith's support, is spreading joyfully. Everyone will welcome Miss Edith."

When I looked at Miss Arche, who was sitting next to me, she nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, I think so too! Besides, anyone who meets Miss Edith will end up liking her."

"... Then why do you look so down, Miss Edith?"

When I asked, Miss Edith hesitated before speaking.

"At the ball, there will be opportunities to dance, but I'm not a good dancer. Lionel has offered to practice with me, but I'm worried that I might embarrass him because of my lack of skill..."

She sighed again, looking uncertain.

"When I was at the Oakridge estate, my sister-in-law, who often attended balls, repeatedly told me, 'The elegant and refined nobles at the ball are not a place for a country girl like you. If you attend, you'll only embarrass yourself, so don't even think about it.' Honestly, I'm quite anxious."

(Ah, the curse from the Oakridge estate still lingers in Miss Edith's heart.)

I had heard from Craig that after being welcomed as a stepdaughter at the Oakridge estate, Miss Edith, who was from a common background, was unjustly mistreated. The deep wounds inflicted by her sister-in-law's cruel words, which deliberately belittled her, made me feel a surge of anger.

I reached out and gripped her hands tightly.

"Miss Edith, I don't know anyone more suited and wonderful for Lionel than you. You have a warm heart, and you're strong-willed and intelligent. I can confidently say that you are the perfect match for the Marchioness. And the manners I taught you, Miss Edith learned them quickly. There's nothing to worry about."

"Hehe, you're both so kind. Thank you, I feel a bit more at ease."

With a relieved expression, Miss Edith continued.

"By the way, you mentioned earlier that you'd like some advice?"

"Yes. You've attended many balls, haven't you? If you have any tips or things to be mindful of, I'd appreciate it if you could share them."

Looking at me with serious eyes, I winked back.

"Then, just one thing. Trust Lionel and stand confidently by his side. Craig is the same, but at the ball, he will escort you perfectly without me doing anything. If someone approaches you, Lionel will handle it skillfully, and he will lead the dance gracefully. Miss Edith, just relax and let Lionel take care of everything."

"Oh, really? That's a relief..."

I smiled happily as Miss Edith finally showed a smile.

"Besides, Lionel will teach you the dance kindly and gently. I think you should look forward to both the dance practice and your first ball. What do you think, Miss Arche?"

"Yes, I agree!"

"...! Y-Yes, you're right!"

Our words made Miss Edith's cheeks flush. From her expression, it was clear that she deeply trusted Lionel and loved him. Even I, who is not a man, felt a strong attraction to her. If I had been born a man, I would have chosen Miss Edith just like Lionel, I thought.

Feeling my lips curve into a smile, I looked at Miss Edith.

(I'm so glad to be friends with Miss Edith.)

Miss Edith is the only person I can open my heart to and talk about anything. From the moment we met, I felt comfortable talking to her, as if we had known each other for a long time. This must be what it means to be compatible. The thought of Miss Edith becoming my sister-in-law when I marry Craig in the near future fills me with joy.

At that moment, the sound of carriage wheels and horse hooves came from outside the mansion. Miss Arche, who had quickly gotten up from her chair, went to the window and looked outside.

"It seems the gentlemen are back early!"

"Shall we go to greet them?"

We nodded at the smiling Miss Edith. She will probably be taught the dance by Lionel next. I will support her from the sidelines so that she can attend the ball with confidence.

As we walked down the corridor toward the entrance, Miss Arche came close to me, tugged at my sleeve, and whispered in my ear.

"Thank you for encouraging Miss Edith earlier."

"You're welcome. I just said what I was thinking."

Miss Arche smiled at me. I feel that we are comrades who love Miss Edith.

"Welcome back."

The front door opened, and Lionel and Craig appeared. Lionel immediately embraced Miss Edith, who had come to greet them, with affection. Their affectionate interaction warmed my heart. Craig also smiled at me and waved. Seeing the smile of the person I love, my face also broke into a smile. Miss Arche, with a light step, ran to her brothers with a smile.

If I had to describe this moment of overflowing smiles in words, the only word that came to mind was "happiness."

(The Granville mansion is such a warm place.)

The bright afternoon sunlight streaming in from outside the entrance gently enveloped us.

If you could also welcome the book version to your home, I would be very happy m(_ _)m

In the book version, in addition to adding three side stories, the main story has been expanded and revised, making it much more substantial. One of the side stories includes the story of Miss Edith's first ball, which is mentioned in this side story. I hope you will enjoy the scene of Edith and Lionel at the ball in the book version!

As I mentioned in my activity report, I particularly hope you will read the additional story in the book version about the night of their wedding. It is a sweet story that I wrote with all my heart, and I think you will feel Lionel's deep love for Edith.

Furthermore, starting from August 6, the manga adaptation by Mr. Moriko will be serialized on the Comic App Palcy. It is beautifully and cutely illustrated, so I hope you will also check it out!

For more details, please see my activity report. I hope you will enjoy both the book version and the manga adaptation!