Chapter 14
“Huh?”
“Kyahaha, then what should we dress you in today?”
Learenwyn, though it wasn’t even clothes she bought for herself, cheerfully headed toward the wardrobe. Humming a tune, she began picking out dresses for me.
I just stared at her blankly. My lips parted slightly and refused to close.
Even though Dad had bought me plenty of expensive, beautiful dresses, it was never to this extent.
“This one will be perfect!”
Learenwyn quickly pulled out a pink, shimmering tulle gown.
The layered draped skirt sparkled as though sugar had been sprinkled on it—or like countless stars spilled down from the heavens.
At the neckline, a heart-shaped brooch glittered with a pink diamond.
Wow.
The duchy’s scale was insane.
I wasn’t even her real daughter, just a ward, yet she had prepared dozens of such luxurious dresses for me.
I had never seen—let alone worn—such elaborate, high-end gowns. They weren’t the kind of things just anyone could get their hands on.
Unknowingly, I let out words of praise with a dazed expression.
“It’s so beautiful, Madam.”
“Isn’t it? I think this will suit your curly blonde hair so well. Let’s try it on.”
“Yes.”
I followed the attendants and changed with their help. The feel of the dress brushing against my skin was soft and sweet.
Just the fabric gliding over me made me feel as though I were floating on a cloud.
When the attendants placed jeweled ornaments in my hair, it glittered as if they had adorned me with stars.
Is it really okay for me to be spoiled like this…?
At last, they guided me before a mirror.
And there, a princess of some kingdom stared back at me.
Before my eyes could even widen fully—
“Oh my goodness!”
“She’s so beautiful…! Heavens!”
“Young miss, are you a fairy?”
Learenwyn covered her mouth with both hands in awe. And it wasn’t just her—the attendants, too, burst into endless admiration.
Even I could hardly believe what I was seeing.
…Wow. This is really me?
A princess identical to me was standing on the other side of the mirror.
They say clothes make the person—at this point, I looked like someone of an entirely different status.
My face glowed as if lit by heavenly rays, and the pink tulle gown made me appear less human and more like a mysterious being.
I even wondered if transparent wings had sprouted from my back and almost turned to check, when Learenwyn stepped up beside me, gazing into the mirror with me.
Her expression showed disbelief as well.
“…How can this be? Even in such a magnificent gown, the one who shines brightest is you, Centi.”
“Huh? Centi?”
“Ah, hoho. I’d like to call you Centi as a pet name from now on. Is that alright?”
“Oh, yes! Of course.”
I gladly nodded with a smile.
Centi.
Up until now, my nickname had been Crissen. No one had ever called me Centi before.
Though it was brand new, I found I rather liked it.
It even sounded cute.
“Thank you, dear.”
Learenwyn smiled warmly, then placed both hands on my shoulders again as she looked at our reflection. Her face grew more composed.
“…Seeing you like this, Centi, you really do seem like a special child. I doubt even if I had a daughter of my own, she could be more special than you.”
“No, that can’t be. Of course not.”
Flustered by her excessive praise, I waved my hands quickly.
Comparing me to the daughter she might have had? That was unthinkable.
“No, I mean it. Looking at you, I feel certain—you’ll grow into someone truly remarkable. I’ve brought home an even more extraordinary child than I imagined.”
“You flatter me.”
Was she serious?
Her tone was so earnest it was almost unbelievable.
Then Learenwyn’s expression brightened again.
“You even know how to use such difficult words. Your parents must have taught you well. Remember, no matter what path you take, I’ll always be here to help you.”
“…Thank you, truly.”
A strange feeling welled inside me.
Her words were so warm and sincere.
To think that someone would treat me with such kindness when I had lost my father…
Maybe this was my reward for dying in Meteor’s place during the tutorial, given back to me by his mother?
As that thought crossed my mind, I carefully smoothed the hem of the pink gown.
I couldn’t deny it—this was the most beautiful dress I had ever worn.
Not long after, dressed even more splendidly, I climbed into a carriage with Learenwyn.
Judging by how many flowers and lace adorned her dress and hat compared to usual, where we were headed must have been quite important.
Yet instead of gaudy, she looked graceful. Truly, this was the beauty befitting the male lead’s mother.
Opposite me, Meteor rested his chin on his hand, staring out the window with a bored expression.
His attire was noble and elegant, but it was obvious he’d been dragged out unwillingly.
Still, he’s so cute and handsome…
I realized that even at thirteen, when the cuteness fades, he would only grow more striking. That made his current boyish charm feel even more precious.
“Isn’t it exciting? I can hardly believe I get to take you to a social gathering.”
Learenwyn pressed a hand against her chest, voice swelling with delight.
“I’m already imagining the admiration you’ll draw from everyone there. I used to envy the ladies who brought their daughters so much…”
At that, Meteor shook his head.
“As your son, I feel I’d be better off staying home to train, Mother.”
“Mettie, you need to look after Centi. It’s her first time at such a gathering filled with ladies of society—how unfamiliar it must be for her.”
“…Centi.”
Repeating my new nickname, Meteor sighed lightly. It was almost as though he thought of course Mother would come up with something so similar to mine.
Still, something about him unsettled me.
The Meteor I met during the tutorial had been gentle and kind, but now… he seemed a little different.
A bit prickly and aloof?
Ah… is this because I said his lips were heart-shaped?
Remembering my blunder, I felt a pang of regret again.
Before long, we arrived at the gathering. Stepping down from the carriage, we entered a noble residence and were guided into the garden.
Beneath the soft rays of sunlight, my head spun.
…Wow, it’s like stepping into a painting.
It felt like I had entered a botanical garden. Trees and shrubs were meticulously tended, and the flowers looked so exotic they seemed out of this world.
So much for the North being barren—this place looked prosperous enough to be mistaken for the capital.
And even more astonishing, the Pluto Duchy’s garden was said to be even grander than this.
My head was spinning as I tried to take it all in, when Meteor’s voice came from behind me.
“You’ll trip if you’re not careful.”
He barely finished speaking before—
“Ahhh!”
I tumbled straight onto the lawn.
It must have been because I’d lived as a twelve-year-old, then suddenly reverted to this eight-year-old body. My steps had tangled without me realizing it.
I thought I was used to it by now, but apparently not.
Meteor muttered, sounding more startled than I was.
“…I didn’t actually think you’d fall.”
“Oh dear, Centi, are you alright?”
Learenwyn quickly lifted me up, brushing at me to check for any dirt.
Just then, unfamiliar voices drifted from nearby.
“Oh my, Lady Pluto!”
“Hm?”
I turned toward the sound. Fortunately, not a speck of dirt had touched the expensive gown.
There, three noble ladies stood, dressed just as elaborately as Learenwyn. If they socialized with her, they must surely be among the kingdom’s highest-ranking aristocrats.
By their sides were children about my age, who gave me wary, measuring looks.
But the moment they spotted Meteor, their eyes lit up instantly, their faces brightening.
