Chapter 55
"If it's for the Royal Capital Music Theater, a dress with presence and elegance would look much better... yet there isn't a single decoration like lace or rhinestones."
"But, doesn't it have embroidery on the chest?"
"Of course. If it didn't even have embroidery, it wouldn't be a dress, just a piece of cloth. And that's not all. Of all things, an empire-line dress..."
"The silhouette is sleek and nice, isn't it? If I were to wear a dress with a design that flares out dramatically from the waist to the hem like in the past, I think it would cause various issues."
"Celestia, how many times must I tell you before you're satisfied? That tone of yours is the issue. You must absolutely refrain from using it in public."
"Understood... I mean, yes."
I was glared at sharply by the nursemaid packing my luggage for the Royal Capital, and I quickly corrected my speech.
While being scolded, yet seeing the nursemaid somehow looking pleased, I relaxed my shoulders as I gazed at the dark green dress on the torso.
Last night, I returned to the main residence in the territory for the first time in three years.
When I got off the carriage with Grandfather, the nursemaid and Bram, Father's butler, were waiting outside the mansion, greeting us with smiles.
Since the social season has already begun, Father and the others are staying at the secondary residence in the Royal Capital. Although there are maids and attendants there as well, the head maid, who is my nursemaid, and Bram, Father's butler, should normally be managing things at the secondary residence during this period. However, to ensure I wouldn't face any inconvenience upon my return, Father left the two of them at the main residence.
"As soon as we arrive in the Royal Capital, we'll adjust the dress, try on the shoes, and use Madam's accessories. Is that correct?"
"Among Mother's accessories, there is something with green diamonds, so I'll take that."
Mother's room has been kept untouched since her passing, preserved exactly as it was.
The air is refreshed daily, the furniture and bedding remain unfaded, and the expensive dresses and accessories are left in the same positions, untouched since Mother last handled them.
The room of the Countess, the lady of the Count family, is locked, and only Father, myself, and the nursemaid hold the keys.
The green diamond accessories stored deep in the shelf were a gift from Father to Mother when they got engaged. Seeing the complete set on the table, the nursemaid narrowed her eyes nostalgically.
"My, not only the color of the dress but also the accessories are matched to your fiancé's color, aren't they?"
"Since he's my fiancé, at least that much is... ugh."
I could tell that not only the nursemaid but also the maids around us were smiling warmly, and feeling embarrassed, I shut my mouth.
Bram, on the other hand, furrowed his brow, shook his head saying "What a waste," and got a slap on the back from the nursemaid.
"The dress may be a bit plain, but if you're wearing Madam's accessories, that might be just right."
"Since the earrings, necklace, and hairpiece come as a set, I won't have to choose each one individually, and it will take less time to get ready. Time is finite, after all."
"...I need to discuss this with Fildé."
After packing all the luggage that had been placed in large quantities on the cloth spread over the floor into the bags, the nursemaid stood up with a smile and signaled something to Bram.
Most likely, she sent him to call Grandfather, who is probably checking his formal attire for the Music Festival in another room, just like me.
Thinking of Grandfather, who is about to be scolded by the nursemaid, I shrank back and moistened my dry throat with lukewarm tea.
"Listen, the young lady is different from Baldo or Ruget. From a young age, she was raised as a proper lady, mastering etiquette, manners, decorum, and protocol perfectly. So how did it come to this!"
"Well, isn't that just... I mean, isn't that just the nursemaid's biased view?"
"Not at all. At the very least, she used to care about appearances, wearing multiple layers of a lady's facade and behaving accordingly."
"..."
"Grandfather, please don't look at me like that..."
The nursemaid was angry, questioning what kind of education was given at the fortress, while Grandfather protested that it was due to my inherent nature.
If I tried to intervene to calm them down, it would cause me great harm, so I kept my mouth shut obediently.
Even so... won't Grandfather in formal attire draw a lot of attention at the Music Festival?
Grandfather visited my room, having shaved his beard, tidied his hair, and wearing a frock coat.
Though not to the extent of Ivan Tsuery, I've heard that Grandfather, despite being married, was very popular among the young ladies. With his well-trained body that belies his age, he looks truly splendid.
I had a strong impression of him in his squad uniform or simple shirts from the fortress, and I had completely forgotten that this is his true appearance.
Unlike women, men put effort into the unseen details. Often, the embroidery on the inside of a vest, the lining fabric made of high-quality material, and small items like gloves or cufflinks are adorned with rare gems.
Grandfather's cufflinks are also of the highest quality ruby, renowned for their blood-red hue. The jacket he's wearing now also appears to be of exceptional quality, judging by its elegant sheen and silhouette.
There is no one who doesn't know the name of Fildé Rotish, and everyone has felt admiration, jealousy, or envy at least once.
Grandfather, who stepped down as head of the family far too early, is attending the Music Festival for the first time in decades.
The venue for this Music Festival is the Luant Palace, renovated from a palace built by the first king for his beloved, now used as a facility for special royal events.
Inside the building, there are enormous chandeliers and ceiling paintings that are said to be impossible to replicate, along with delicate and elegant sculptures throughout. The vast hall is uniquely constructed, with the stage protruding into the audience area and the seats surrounding the stage from multiple directions.
With a seating capacity of three thousand, the exterior, the railings of the audience seats, and even a glimpse of the lounges are breathtakingly beautiful. True to its name as a palace built for a beloved, there are also two types of stunning gardens by the lakeside.
Since the Music Festival, which runs late into the night, invites children who are not yet of age, everyone stays overnight at the lodging facility built next to Luant Palace and returns to the Royal Capital the following morning.
"As a role model for the young lady, please complete the social event perfectly before returning. Understood?"
"...Understood."
"Don't drink too much wine, and falling asleep out of boredom is absolutely out of the question."
"What do you take me for... Hey, Celes, don't look at me like that."
"After Fildé, it's the young lady's turn, you know."
"...Yes."
Looking at Grandfather, I slumped my shoulders dejectedly while listening to the nursemaid's endless complaints.