Chapter 58
It was only when night fell that the shocking debutante ball finally ended.
All I had really done was attend a social event to be formally introduced to society, yet I had returned to my room as Crescent Pluto.
The feeling that fact gave me was truly strange.
It felt as though the whole world had changed.
I lay down on my bed without even changing out of my dress, pressing down on my pounding chest.
‘…What is this feeling? It’s not like I ever wished to be officially entered into the Pluto family….’
The debutante ball was over, but the scenes I had seen and experienced in the banquet hall kept rushing back one after another.
For the first time, I had danced at a ball, with everyone watching me.
I had exchanged countless greetings with peers I would normally never meet, since I was always holed up in the training grounds.
I had mingled freely with dazzling people in the most dazzling place I had ever seen.
It left a strange aftertaste.
My heart was still fluttering wildly.
‘And Meteor came back.’
I had been a little disappointed that Meteor might not be able to attend my debutante. But like a miracle, he had appeared.
Though I hadn’t spoken with him again after our initial greeting.
The moment word spread that he had arrived, people flocked to him regardless of age or gender.
Especially the noble ladies—mesmerized, as if they might drown in his eyes, following him around in a daze.
‘…Meteor really did grow up well. He must’ve been stuck in brutal training every day, but how can he look like some prince from a winter kingdom?’
Well, I suppose that’s the aura a protagonist should have.
It almost seemed like he didn’t recognize me at first glance….
Thinking about Meteor for a while, I finally got ready to sleep.
For some reason, I felt as though a new life would begin tomorrow, like I had stepped into a fairy tale. I drifted into slumber.
As my sleep deepened, I unconsciously murmured in a half-dream.
“Dresses… dresses are fun to wear.”
“But training is the most fun….”
Because when I train, I can actually see my skills improve with effort.
I dreamt a ridiculous dream of dresses and training clothes floating around as if competing with each other until I woke.
A new morning had come.
The flutter I had felt yesterday welled up inside me again.
It was my first morning as Crescent Pluto. Deep down, I sensed everything would now be different.
Just then, the attendants entered my room.
“Oh, my lady, you’re awake! The Marchioness said this morning’s meal is very important, and we must escort you properly! After all, you’re officially a Pluto lady now, and Young Lord Meteor has returned too!”
“Yes! I’ll hurry and wash up, then get ready!”
I leapt from bed like a disciplined knight.
Indeed, it sounded like a meaningful breakfast.
But then, the attendants suddenly waved their hands frantically, flustered.
“Oh no, my lady, you mustn’t use honorifics with us anymore! You’re a proper lady of the house now!”
“What? Ah…”
I understood instantly.
I had spoken formally to these people for over six years—now I was supposed to switch to casual speech?
It wasn’t as though continuing honorifics would really matter. But as the Pluto daughter, I should act befitting the family’s dignity.
“Ahem… Then I suppose I have no choice. I’ll do that from now on. I’ll be counting on you… no, count on you.”
“Of course, my lady!”
“It’s us who should be grateful!”
Kya-ha-ha.
The attendants giggled brightly, while I squirmed in embarrassment, goosebumps prickling.
Soon, I was neatly ready and headed to the dining hall. Unlike normal breakfast, I had been dressed up a little more elegantly.
As expected, the dining hall had been lavishly decorated with flowers, despite it being only for breakfast.
On one wall hung two beige-toned banners with elegant cursive writing.
[Beloved Metty, welcome home!]
[Beloved Senti, thank you for becoming part of our family!]
“…Wow.”
Such thoughtfulness?
I was suddenly moved nearly to tears. Just those words alone carried the love of the Pluto adults.
At that moment, the rest of the family entered the hall.
“You’re here early, Senti!”
“Ah, good morning! Good morning, Madam. I mean… Mother….”
Ugh, so embarrassing.
The word “mother” barely left my lips, awkward and hesitant.
I smiled sheepishly, but Rearwin clapped her hands together, overcome with emotion.
“Heavens! Did you just call me Mother?”
“…Yes. I think I should now.”
I grinned bashfully.
The Marchioness wouldn’t know, but—this was the first time in my life I had ever called anyone “Mother.”
I did have a birth mother, but I had never met her. I didn’t even know her name, or whether she was alive.
Sadly, Father had never told me about her. Even when I asked, he’d dodge the question.
‘Daddy! Why don’t I have a mom?’
‘You do! She’s right here. I’m a dad who can beat a hundred moms, ha-ha!’
‘…Tch.’
As a child, that answer had made me laugh and cheer. Now I see—he was just a sly fox.
Rearwin, delighted, turned to boast to Ruben.
“Oh my, thank you! Husband, did you hear that? Senti just called me Mother!”
Ruben entered with a disinterested look, shaking his head.
“You make too much fuss first thing in the morning. Over nothing.”
Our eyes met, and awkwardly I greeted him too.
“Ah, good morning, Grandfath—er….”
“…!”
Ruben’s blue eyes widened.
To call the mighty Duke of Pluto and Cardinal himself “Grandfather”?
Smiling nervously, I bowed my eyes slightly.
It seemed Ruben too was taken aback at being addressed as grandfather.
After a moment, the corner of his lips twitched, and he turned his head.
“Ahem. Yes. Good morning.”
“Husband, you’re pleased, aren’t you? You’re just being shy!”
Ruben ignored Rearwin’s words and went straight to the table.
I chuckled quietly, but Miles snapped at me.
“Crescent! Don’t you dare call me Father. I don’t want to be your father in the slightest right now!”
“Ah, yes. I’ll be careful!”
Of course I wouldn’t. Obviously!
I had suddenly gained a mother and a grandfather—Miles must be even more startled.
He had never wanted me to be adopted into the Pluto family, so this must feel utterly absurd.
As Rearwin sat, she shot Miles a teasing look.
“Oh please. I doubt Senti was planning to call you Father anyway.”
Just then, another voice came from the dining hall entrance.
“I’m not prepared to accept having a little sister yet either.”
Turning, I saw Meteor walk in.
He looked even fresher in the morning light.
Though now my elder brother, like Miles, he didn’t seem ready to accept me so suddenly.
‘Well, of course. He’s come home after six years, and now I’m suddenly supposed to be his real little sister. How ridiculous that must sound.’
It wasn’t as though the rest of the family had consulted him about it.
So I fully understood both Meteor and Miles’ reactions.
At Meteor’s words, Miles brightened and hurried over to him.
“Exactly, Meteor! You and I are the only sane ones in this family. At least we have to stay sensible together.”
Meteor tilted his head slightly.
“No. I didn’t mean Mother and Grandfather are insane.”
“….”
He walked calmly to the table and sat.
Miles trembled as though betrayed, while Rearwin burst out laughing.
Unable to laugh along, I bit my lip and headed to the table.
Somehow, breakfast already felt more cheerful and lively than usual.
“Now then, since we’re all seated, let’s make a toast. Fill the children’s glasses with juice, and for us—let’s down some wine, even if it’s morning! Everyone ready?”
“Yes!”
I answered energetically, raising my glass.
“To a new beginning for our family—cheers!”
“Cheers!”
“Cheers.”
“Cheers….”
“….”
Each of the five of us toasted in our own way, glasses raised high.
Of course, my voice rang out as bright and bold as Rearwin’s.
Ruben’s toast was dignified.
The only one who said nothing—surprisingly—was not Miles, but Meteor.
