Chapter 9

The entire hall focused on the Emperor's voice.

"Everyone, listen. Our second prince, who has suffered from illness since childhood, has finally recovered."

A chorus of joyous voices rose in response.

The Imperial couple has two princes, but the other one is not present. The Crown Prince, the first prince, is staying in a neighboring country to attend the wedding of the younger brother of the princess he married last year.

The second prince has been ill since he was ten and has rarely appeared in public.

"Therefore, I would like to hold a ball on the second prince's birthday, one month from now, to introduce him to everyone."

Cheers of blessing filled the hall.

Prince Dietrich, the second prince, is about to turn eighteen. Since he has no fiancée, some of the young ladies of marriageable age are likely to be excited at the prospect.

"Father! I want to marry the prince!"

I nearly collapsed with shock.

Lillian is begging her parents for a chance to marry the prince.

I don't want to get involved today. I gently took Lady Dianne's hand and quietly left the scene.

"What a pity."

"Huh?"

As we were walking out of the hall, Lady Dianne said with a frown.

"That young man from the marquis's family was going to ask you to be his partner for the first dance. But then your sister got in the way... No, it was my fault for talking too much. I'm sorry."

I was taken aback by Lady Dianne's apology.

I see. Normally, debutantes first dance with their fathers and then with other men. But because of our family's situation, Lord Joseph, who knows the circumstances, must have been considerate.

"It's fine. Even if I couldn't dance, I was able to attend the ball in a beautiful dress. Most of all, I'm happy to have met Lady Dianne."

"Oh, that's cold. Not just met, but friends... No, best friends, please."

I laughed with Lady Dianne as we left the hall.

I rode in Lady Dianne's family carriage back to my house on the outskirts of town. Once again, I was handed over to the maids and thoroughly polished.

"U-um, Lady Dianne...?"

"It's fine. It suits you."

I was puzzled as I was dressed in another dress. It was a light green dress, old but not gaudy, elegant and refined.

Why another dress...?

"Starting tomorrow, you will begin your work. I'll come to pick you up."

I steeled myself. This was a job directly requested by the Emperor. I must complete it.

"Yes! I'll do my best!"

"Good. And, you need to be properly dressed for the job. So, from now on, you will wear the dresses in this house every day."

"Huh?"

I was taken aback by Lady Dianne's words.