I sat by the palace entrance, waiting for a couple of guests that were coming. My hair was meticulously tied in order to shorten it, yeah it has gone extremely long. Although, I have no intention of cutting it.

It’s been several days since I was relieved of my duties — since I was fired from my job. And I have to say, things have been pretty peaceful indeed! Part of why I got to feel this way was because I have faith in the people taking the lead in the operations. Surely they wouldn’t do anything drastic or out of my old instructions now that I’m gone.

Well, considering that no one has spoken with me yet about any business, so everything must be going well.

Anyhow, today was more practice for dancing, for my debut. Sometimes it’s tiring, but I’m still quite excited thinking about the event. I never got a big time party during my birthdays, especially at debuts.

Who was I waiting for here? Well, it was time for me to practice with a couple of friends — with one being Mizia. While the other was Madame Eleanore’s daughter, Shena. I was to practice with the two for now. The rest will be for later.

Apparently, Arenza was just starting to practice the same as I, so Madame Lanivia opted to teach her first before coming to the palace. Villeta, on the other hand, was busy for today. Lyndsey unfortunately cannot join that dance, she was still too young.

They should arrive at any moment. Although, I expect Mizia would be earlier than the other. Considering that I will be heavily practicing today, I opted for a decent dress with a skirt reaching below my knees. And a pair of simple boots. I also wore a jacket, it’s cold out here.

As I waited, unexpectedly came my dear brother Estevan. He was wearing a winter coat.

“Hello, dear sister.”

“Brother, how may I help you?”

“Nothing much. I just want to ask you out for lunch with your friends. I’ll be cooking.”

I slightly tilted my head. “That is wonderful. But why?”

“I’m just glad to know you’ve been making friends.”

“The other is Mizia though.”

“It’s been a while since I last met her, this will also be a good opportunity. Besides, I want to cook for you again. And I heard you’ve been working hard on your training.”

“... I suppose yes.”

He lowered himself and patted me on the head. “And you were removed from your post, it must be hard. So, let me cook for you today, okay?”

I meekly nodded. “Okay, dear brother. I have missed your cooking anyways.”

He smiled. “That’s great to hear.”

“Just don’t mess up my hair, please.”

With a chuckle, he let go. “Sorry. You look majestic with your lengthy hair, but are you not planning on cutting it?”

“No. I like it.”

“Close to your debut, mother might try to shorten it.”

My eyes widened. “W-Why would she do that?!”

“Normally people don’t let hair grow that long.”

“I won’t let anyone cut my hair…” I pouted.

I’ll get mad if they cut even a centimeter. I never got to grow my hair like this in my old life. Let me enjoy this one’s majesty.

“I will tell her that before she asks you.”

A carriage rattled and stopped in front of the entrance. I rose from my seat to greet the new arrival. Who came out as expected was Mizia.

Once she was inside, I greeted her. “Hello, Mizi—”

She suddenly leaped at me and hugged me. “My Estelia!”

She held me so tightly. I gently patted her back. “N-Nice to see you too, Mizia.”

She let go and promptly turned towards my brother. “Hello, Estevan”

“Hi, Mizia. It’s been a while.”

They shook hands.

That’s boring. No hugs?

“Indeed. How are you?”

“I’m doing well.”

“Where is Eleden?”

“He’s busy with paperwork.”

“Oh. Are you here to greet the guests with Estelia?”

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“Actually, no. I was just telling Estelia to join me at lunch, along with the guests.”

“If you’re asking, then I assume you’ll be the one cooking.”

“Of course. You better be there.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. Not like I have any other choice. Besides, I have missed your cooking.”

Hey, I said that!

“Really?” he awkwardly chuckled. “That’s great! I’ll be including a new recipe I just made, by the way.”

What? He didn’t mention that to me…

“What is it?”

“I’ll keep it a secret.”

“Now that’s just unnecessary…” she pouted.

I looked at them with narrowed eyes.

“It is necessary. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

“Then I’m looking forward to it. Is it mostly vegetables?”

“Oh yes. You’ll certainly like it.”

“Now I’m excited for what it could be.”

Estevan chuckled. “Who else is coming?”

“You should ask Estelia.”

Estevan turned to me. “Estel?”

“Uh — I-It’s just Shena and her mother.”

“What about the others?” Mizia asked.

I explained their circumstances to the two.

“I see, that is unfortunate. Let us hope they can come in the next practice session.”

“The three of you should be enough for the initial practice, I think.”

“Indeed. You should personally invite Shena and Lady Yveno as well. More formal and a good show of courtesy, especially to the Marchioness.”

“You think so? But… Lady Eleanore, I quite admit, makes me a little anxious.”

“Come now, you’re inviting her out, is all. It will be easy.”

After a second of thinking, Estevan sighed. “Alright. I’m still going to face her during lunch, anyway.”

A moment later, a new carriage arrived. Emerging from within were Madame Eleanore, and her daughter, Shena. Both of their strides were eerily similar, so graceful, like they were the same person. The difference was that Eleanore had that strict face — I mean, since when was that ever gone? — while Shena had a straight but softer expression. The latter smiled as we greeted each other.

Eleanore gave Estevan a curious look. “Prince Estevan, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Good morning, Lady Eleanore. I will go in a moment, but I would like to extend an offer to the two of you, you and your daughter.”

“Oh? What is it?”

With narrow eyes, I observed Shena. She was looking a bit uneasy, but she was trying her best to hide it in front of Estevan. I almost wanna chuckle.

“I am preparing a lunch with my personal cooking, would you like to join? My sister, and Mizia, will be there. If you agree, it will be just us.”

“What about your parents?”

“We’ll have our own dining room to use.”

“It’s alright with me. But for what purpose is this reception of yours?”

“I just want to cook for my sister, just a small celebration of her newfound friendship.”

“I see. We’ll be there.”

“Excellent! I’ll personally guide you, come noon. Now then, I will not get in your way any longer, I’ll excuse myself. Until later, everyone.”

And with that, Estevan left. I was actually a little surprised that he was that formal in Eleanore’s presence. He did way better than I imagined. Good for you, brother! But you barely noticed Shena at all! Poor girl.

“What a polite and generous boy.” Eleanore slightly smiled for a brief moment. “Is this everyone?”

She was definitely asking me. “Y-Yes, Madame. Unfortunately, the rest c-cannot come for today.”

“That is unfortunate, but we’ll make do with what we have. Mizia?”

“Madame?” she cooly responded.

“Do I have to teach you in depth?”

“In depth? I don’t think so.”

“Good. Now then, let us go.”

***

“More coordination!”

I stepped behind Mizia with dancing feet and waving hands. We’re now late into the practice and noon was coming close. And thus, Madame was more strict than previously.

“Princess Estelia! Don’t lose your grace!”

H-How dare you?! I-I did not lose my grace…

I loathed dancing. Dancing in a group, I have to admit, was a little struggle. I have to mind the counting and the other team members while I make the dance moves — where I have to be elegant as fuck. And it was a dance move that I have not mastered quite well yet — because I was most focused on my Armament Magic training.

So yeah, Eleanore’s pretty mad at me.

“Princess Estelia! Don’t take your eyes away from the audience for too long!”

Shit.

I was sweating, while the two with me were mostly unbothered. In fact, they were doing so well compared to me. They have already memorized this shit, how?!

‘Estelia you should strive to become like them. They’re the personification of elegance.’ Fuck you.

Mizia was smiling while dancing with pure grace, there was enthusiasm in them, like she was having fun. Almost like she was a friendly fairy, having fun flying around her pond. Shena was dancing just right, nothing too boring, nothing too prancy, just the right amount. And her smile was just right, too. But still, she had a pretty presence.

While yours truly here looks like a frog compare— Ah-hah! No way I would truly describe myself like that. I’m the adorable, and innocent, clumsy princess. Can’t you imagine how cute and amazing I look as someone who was trying her best to catch up to everyone? The underdog.

The beautiful and gentle princess doing her very best to become appreciated. I soften the hearts of those who see me. Only Eleanore doesn’t understand that part!

A little time passed, and the dance practice was over.

Eleanore approached me. “We are making apt progress, but you have much to catch up to.”

“Y-Yes, Madame.”

“Everyone change into a fresh set of clothes, it’s about lunch.”

After Eleanore walked away, Shena spoke to me. “Good work, your highness.”

“T-Thank you.”

With a nod, she caught up with her mother.

Mizia produced a handkerchief from who knows where and gently rubbed the sweat off my face. “Let’s call your maid and have her help. Estevan should arrive shortly.”

“Okay.”

Mizia called Mera. In another private room, my cousin and I changed into a fresh set of clothes. It was a relief. After combing my hair and fixing myself up, we exited the private room.

Shena and Eleanore were already back to the practice room, with the former already in a fresh dress. Furthermore, my brother was already at the door. When he laid eyes on me, he smiled widely and promptly walked towards me. In his hand was a bundle of flowers.

“For you, my sister.”

I resisted the urge to blush, but considering my pale skin, might as well be in vain. I received the flowers. “B-Brother, y-you didn’t have to…”

“It’s basically a tradition now.”

Last time you wronged me, so there was definitely a need for flowers! But now, noooo. And not in front of Eleanore and Shena!

“T-Thank you.” That was all that I could say.

“How was your practice?”

“It went well. We still have to practice this afternoon.”

“Perfect then, you need to eat to your heart’s content before that. Let’s go.” He glanced at Mizia. “Ready?”

I turned my eyes towards my cousin, she was smiling so sweetly, like she was about to melt.

“Of course~,” she replied.

Estevan turned towards the other two guests. “Lady Shena and Lady Eleanore?”

Shena glanced at the flowers in my hand a couple of times before her mother responded.

“We can go.”

And with that we made our way to one dining room, Estevan leading all of us.

“Estevan is still the ever sweet poppy to you,” Mizia chuckled.

I awkwardly smiled. “Yes…”

Suddenly, Shena stepped beside me. “Does he always give you flowers?”

“Ah-huh, only on special occasions.”

“I see…”

“D-Does your brother not give you flowers? For like maybe on your birthdays?”

“Him?” she scoffed. “As if.”

“Oh.”

“... Your brother is a sweet one. You're lucky.”

I shyly smiled.