Ch.25 Now, to War!

The dress was completed a week later. I was made top priority. No, truly, I am sorry.

The other day, with the purchased accessories all together, one could sum it up in one phrase ‘Ah～ it is more than wonderful!’. The regretful thing is the model wearing it……rather, it is me.

The two weeks till the evening party. As a result of Lotus-sensei’s dance lesson and the efforts of the esthetic troops, I have the feeling I have become quite like a young wife of a good family. Though that is thoroughly subjective.

Only focusing dancing and esthetics would pile up stress, so properly (？) I was allowed to participate in the housework. My personality has been completely grasped by Lotus and Dahlia etc.

And then the very day of the evening party approached.

Preparation is tiring before the departure for war, so by means of the esthetic troops; a moderate brush up, and after that Mimosa applies special make-up, the feeling is completely a robot……no, it is someone else.

“Today’s Mistress is even more beautiful～!”

Mimosa is peeping at the mirror from behind me and her eyes are sparkling.

As Mimosa said, in there is reflected a graceful young woman, no young wife!

Even if i do say so myself it is an admirable transformation. I feel it is like comparing before and after portraits.

“Mimosa’s skill is fully shown. Amazing. I am a different person.”

The more I look at it, it does not seem like myself. My eyes, which are double lidded by nature but not large like this, now, on account of them becoming visible, are big beautiful and wide open. This is the benefit of eye make-up! The normal lips which usually do not have anything worthy of special mention also give off a plump and glossy charming shine. Let’s pay attention so that I do not eat too much food!

The super famous haute couture quality dress, is also as expected with just the right measurements taken here and there, it fits perfectly. The ‘flat-chestedness’ is also shown around more of a fuller look feeling.

“Like this, it is not thick makeup? However, it is entirely Mistress natural person”

Mimosa is dissatisfied at my calm reaction.

“You’re kidding～ Mimosa’s skills are amazing. You do not have to be modest～”

Mimosa and I have such a conversation then,

“No, Mistress is beautiful. Now, put this on and it will be complete”

Dahlia says, putting on the accessories. By the way the things that were ordered, is a necklace, which  today also is glittering, piercing my eyes, and earrings to match that. With those added to my body, it is all done.

With this and that, the preparations are finished and there is a knock on my door,

“Mistress, are you ready? Master has come to summon you”

Lotus’s voice is heard.

With Lotus guiding, I go to the entrance way, and there the Duke, who has finished preparing, is already waiting.

As usual the Duke is dreamy, but his dressed-up-for-an-evening-party appearance is, uselessly to my wish for it to be slightly distinguished from me, sparkling. To this appearance, if it was an ordinary young lady she would probably feel dizzy. The same hue of clothing, when the two people are lined up, are at a level, that, without excuse, is couple-clothing.

“Aah! Today’s you are beautiful!”

The Duke who sees me, is surprised and gazing in wonder at the full change. The true meaning can be seen from him saying ‘today’s’ not ‘today also’. It is fine, because I am always subdued.

“It is because the maids did their best. Is it not strange?”

I slightly pick up my dress and give a curtsey.

“What is strange! It suits you immensely. Having a new dress made was worth it”

The Duke who had returned from his surprise, after running his gaze from my head to toe, smiled a satisfied looking grin. This gaze does not make me feel that there is any atom of bad manners or unpleasantness however I feel his advanced skills.

“For giving these, the so-lovely dress and accessories, thank you very much”

If possible there will not be anymore need for these waste of moneys, so I gulp so that it seems they will continue to the back of my throat.

Let’s just convey thanks.

“This much is good, so with pleasure, have as many as you like”

The Duke answers with another glittering smile, but no really, there is no need.

“ohohohoho～”

Let’s smile and be devious.

“It will be time soon”

Lotus who had been silently listening to our conversation up until now, suggests departing. Hearing that voice Dahlia helps me put on my coat.

“Aah, soon is it. Well then, let us go”

The Duke says holding out his hand in my direction, but this is a escorting～…thing, right? Already, from now on, the performance has begun. Roger that.

“Yes”

Obediently I put my hand on the Duke’s hand.

The royal palace evening party. I wonder what kind of thing it will be. I am looking forward to it a little. Unkind young woman? Come on! What is the Duke’s goal? With all my power I will yield and give it!

“Today I am counting on you”

In the carriage on the way to the royal palace, the Duke and I are sitting opposite each other. Before the Duke talked.

“Yes. I will do my best at what I can do”

I did the dance lessons properly, so ‘with just this you can dance, so it will be okay’ Lotus gave his seal of approval. The special makeup also looks good, so you might say I will probably manage someway or another.

“Thanks. Please try not to get separated from me as much as is possible”

“Understood”

The carriage quietly passed through the royal palace gate.

As expected of the royal palace. Glitter glitter, sparkle sparkle. Dazzling and immense. Again I cover my eyes, staggering backwards along the wall.

It is not just the lighting and decorations. Every person here has the sparkling attribute. It seems like somehow they all seem like luminous bodies. Somebody, sunglasses PLEASE!

“The arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Physalis～”

As soon as the Duke and I stand together at the party hall entrance, at the voice of the introduction of the chamberlain, the eyes all at once flyover.

The Duke is accustomed to this kind of situation, so he has his usual great smile, but I think I am quite stiff. Though it is my personal point of view so I cannot confirm it.

Ah～, it feels like the laser beams of the gazes are burning. This sensation, is the same feeling from at the time of the wedding ceremony!

A fleeting look at the place, there are many groups of young ladies who are hiding their mouths with fans and are exchanging whispers for some reason with their neighbours. It is not just young ladies, I see madams also. The Duke, is popular regardless of age! Aah, but the Duke himself likes Onee-samas [T/N: older women], so are not madams also available?

“First of all we have to go greet His Majesty the King”

After whispering this in my ear, the Duke puts his hand on my back to escort me. This embracing back situation. It is quite embarrassing.

With all eyes filed upon us, we walk forwards towards the throne.

After finishing greeting their Majesties, the King and Queen and the guests of honour without accident, we peck at a light meal and drink delicious beverages at the party hall (I am masking my true character, rather I am being careful to not remove the special makeup, so I am only eating and drinking the minimum!), while working hard to socialise with this superior over there, this subordinate over here, the evening is passing suitably. Meanwhile as I was told I am a hanger-on……no, we are participating together.

“Leader Physalis. Just a minute……”

Saying this, is a tense handsome man greets the Duke, at the time of the height of the party.

“What. ……aaah, this is my subordinate. Excuse me for a little while”

After replying to handsome man-san, he introduces this person to me, but here it is difficult to talk, so saying one word to me, the two people go towards the terrace.

I ended up being by myself.

By nature I do not have an interest in socialising, and I did not have this kind of money so there should not be a single acquaintance of mine here.

“Yeah, it seems good to become a wallflower here”

I, who concluded that after looking around in a circle, decided to move along the wall with a glass with drink in it, in one hand.

However after a little while, at the place called, the wall,

“Are you the duchess of Physalis?”

I ended up being detained by a the voice of a slightly harsh young woman.

Has it come? Has it come?! The promised event?!