How long has it been since I last visited the capital of Krentz?
Our first stop was a boutique Charlotte often frequented.
「We’ll make the final adjustments to the dress here.」
「W-wait, but if it’s adjusted to my size, won’t you be unable to wear it anymore, Charlotte?」
「Don’t worry about that. I have plenty of other dresses. Besides, it’s for a dear friend.」
「Charlotte…」
It’s heartwarming to see such kindness between friends.
Thanks to Charlotte’s generosity, Ailia was able to secure a dress.
However, the shopkeeper discreetly revealed the price to me—and it was enough to make my jaw drop.
Martina, who overheard as well, was visibly stunned. But if Ailia found out, she’d probably freeze up with nerves. We decided to keep this little detail to ourselves.
「Ara? Isn’t that dress one of your most expensive and—mmph!?」
Kiara, however, almost let the cat out of the bag. Martina and I quickly stopped her and whispered our intentions. Realizing her slip-up, Kiara blushed and muttered an apology.
Thanks to this intervention, Ailia remained blissfully unaware and could focus on preparing for the ball.
Even so, her expression didn’t brighten.
「Ailia? Is something wrong?」
For a moment, I worried she might have figured it out, but when I asked, she gave me a weak smile.
「I guess… I’m just nervous. It’s a strange feeling.」
Ailia’s voice trembled, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Her emotions were a swirl of anticipation and anxiety.
「It’s going to be fine, Ailia. Everything will work out.」
「Exactly. Your parents will surely be overjoyed to see you.」
「Yeah, no doubt about it. I know the heart of a parent longing for their child well enough.」
Simone and Hanon chimed in to encourage her. Hanon, especially, spoke from personal experience. She’d had her own struggles with Mamaraune, but in the end, they managed to forge a strong parent-child bond.
I was confident Ailia would have a similar outcome.
As we reassured her, a message arrived from Phil, who had gone ahead to the castle. He’d managed to secure time for Ailia to meet their parents.
「Alright, it’s time.」
「Yeah… Let’s go.」
Ailia took a deep breath, her eyes regaining their usual determination.
With that resolve shining through, I was certain she’d be just fine.
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