Chapter 23: To the Royal Palace — Part 1
After that, the entire household was thrown into chaos.
Mother was the first to rush in, flushed with excitement.
“Make sure you commit no blunders.
Above all, remind yourself to be polite—thoroughly, carefully polite.
You need not try to shine.
Just be polite.”
After dispensing that advice, she began a strategy meeting with Bell.
Both of them were utterly serious.
Mother rejected the dress Bell presented.
“Is there not something a bit more splendid?
This is too restrained.
The contrast between blue and cream is lovely, yes.
But the only ornamentation is the silver and violet embroidery at the neckline.
It is elegant, but for an eighteen-year-old girl, it is too subdued.”
“This dress makes my lady look the most beautiful.
As the maid who has served her for many years, I can state that with certainty.
And the accessories will be this set of amethyst necklace and earrings.”
Bell draped a magnificent amethyst necklace across the neckline of the dress.
Then she placed at its feet silk shoes embroidered entirely in silver thread and colored stones.
The coordination was flawless.
There was nothing to say but admiration.
Faced with Bell’s firm confidence, Mother relented.
However, she insisted that the hairstyle be made far more glamorous.
“Leave it to me.
Maria-sama’s hair is a joy to style.
I shall make it as splendid as possible.
Even more magnificent than at the breakfast gathering.”
Mother looked impressed.
“You are remarkably dependable.”
Because I had always held myself back, perhaps Bell had been underestimated as well.
Those who stand above must bear responsibility for those who serve them.
When Noel heard the news, she burst into my room in the same flustered manner as Mother.
Upon seeing Bell’s painstaking coordination, she muttered, “May I say it’s unfair that Sister always gets everything?”
“You may.”
I permitted it because, truthfully, the dress Noel was wearing could not be called tasteful.
Until now I had hardly paid attention, but compared to the carefully coordinated ensemble before me, Noel’s appearance was painfully lacking.
“I understand how you feel.
I will have Bell choose a maid with proper taste for you.
Entrust your dresses to her.”
Father arrived afterward, concerned only that I might make some mistake.
“You may be questioned about this recent incident.
It would be best not to say much.
Speak only of what is already known publicly and by the Royal Guard.
Handle it well.”
My brother’s advice, when he arrived, was absurd.
“The Second Prince is fond of women, so be careful.
Keep your guard up.
Do not speak vaguely as though you harbor interest.
Mind your behavior.
I wish I could escort you myself, but he said there was no need for me, that Maria alone would suffice.
Honestly, that prince… I will have to rely on the Vice-Captain.”
I stared at him, dumbfounded.
Did he truly believe I would behave that way?
That angered me in earnest.
“When have I ever done such a thing?
If I have, say so.”
My brother pressed his lips together.
Then he exchanged glances with Bell again.
You see?
You cannot say it.
“My lady, please retire early tonight.”
At Bell’s words, the entire family filed out of the room.
The next morning I was awakened early and preparations began at once.
Chuck hovered about my feet, demanding attention, but Bell promptly banished him to the adjoining room.
The scratching at the door and his pitiful whimpering could be heard clearly.
“Bell, may he not stay until I put on the dress?”
“I suppose so.
He is noisy.”
She opened the door and let Chuck in.
“If you do not behave, you shall be expelled again.”
Chuck looked indignant at Bell’s warning.
His crumpled little face held such expressive eyes that one could easily read his thoughts.
It was so humanlike that I laughed.
Chuck leapt at me with surprising force and licked my face repeatedly.
“Perhaps we should send him out again.”
Bell’s brows arched sharply as she prepared the cosmetics.
“Just a moment.
I will calm him.
Then he will behave, won’t you, Chuck?”
Panting with his tongue out, Chuck gazed at me.
He was so adorable that I hugged him tightly.
After a while he settled obediently in my lap.
“Very well, we shall begin.
My lady, focus.”
Bell became frighteningly serious.
I straightened my back and kept my upper body perfectly still.
To ensure Chuck did not disrupt the meticulously arranged hairstyle, I stroked his back rhythmically.
At last we began fastening the dress, securing the small covered buttons along my back, when a maid entered to announce that Brian-sama had arrived.
Time had slipped away without my noticing.
“He wishes to confirm the identity of the Second Prince’s dog.”
Naturally.
First it must be verified.
I instructed the maid to take Chuck.
He resisted, but when I gently told him, “Be good.
You are going home,” he lowered his head and allowed himself to be carried.
Shortly afterward, my preparations were complete.
The reflection in the mirror showed someone almost unrecognizable.
Beautiful?
When I moved, off-white flashed from within the blue folds of the dress.
The elaborate hairstyle and ornaments framed my face splendidly.
The makeup was far more glamorous than usual.
The amethyst necklace adorned my neckline richly, and the matching earrings swayed beside my cheeks.
The silk shoes embroidered entirely in silver thread peeked from beneath the blue skirt with every step, drawing the eye.
The overall impression was simply refined.
Bell’s full effort was extraordinary.
“Bell, you are remarkable.
To think this talent went unused until now.
Forgive me.”
“This is your true self, my lady.
Go forth today with confidence.”
Her gentle gaze made my eyes sting.
From beyond the door my brother called, “Are you ready?”
I replied, “I am coming.”
The moment I stepped out, he exclaimed, “Eh?”
“You are Maria… correct?”
He glanced at Bell.
She stood proudly.
“Incredible.
Bell, you are a rare treasure.
Maria is fortunate.”
Hearing him praise Bell pleased me immensely.
Seeing Bell blush under his straightforward admiration made me feel strangely fond of my brother.
“Come, Brian-dono is waiting.
Let us go.
The dog has been confirmed as the Second Prince’s beloved pet.
With that appearance, it would be difficult to mistake him.”