The Young Lady's Fitting

Translated by: ME

Treat me to a Ko-Fi to give me more motivation!!!

*****

The seasons continued their steady march forward.

Summer had arrived in Azenda, bringing with it a dazzling, relentless sun. In the lush green paprika fields, the children were surely frolicking again this year as they plucked the ripening fruit.

Meanwhile, the handicraft squad was fully occupied with creating and inspecting the patchwork products that were finally ready for sale. As always, the beginning of a new venture was a tentative process of gauging the market's response.

Since every item was entirely handmade, the squad was at risk of being overwhelmed if they sold too well, despite having prepared a sufficient stock. Magnolia hoped for a gradual expansion; yet, if they didn't sell enough, she worried it would dampen the artisans' morale.

Within the Azenda territory, the products would primarily be supplied to trading companies managed by those who had cooperated with the handicraft squad. This was partly a gesture of gratitude toward those who had stepped forward to help despite the initial opposition.

That said, Magnolia had no desire to create unnecessary friction, so the products would naturally be supplied to other companies upon request. Still, she felt it only right to maintain a certain degree of preferential treatment for her early supporters.

For the capital, it was decided that the products would initially be supplied exclusively to the Campbell Trading Company, given their established track record and mutual trust. Future distribution within the Ascald Kingdom would be adjusted based on how things progressed. If the demand grew too large, sales might be restricted to the capital for a while; if it was too small, she would increase the number of sales channels to test the waters in other regions.

As for overseas markets, she planned to place items in shops in the towns near the borders—where fertilizer sales depots were already established—in addition to the port town of Kruis. This would make it easier for foreign merchants traveling by land to pick them up.

---

Preparations for the debutante ball were also moving forward bit by bit. With the official guest list finalized, Magnolia had recently been devoting herself almost exclusively to addressing the invitations.

Magnolia asked Servas and Claude if it would be possible to invite Countess Daphne Lebeau. She personally felt she owed the Countess a debt of gratitude from her time at the main house and regretted having moved to the territory without being able to give her a proper farewell.

It was thanks to the Countess’s consideration that Magnolia felt she had been able to acquire knowledge of this world much faster than expected.

However, she wondered if it was appropriate to invite someone who wasn't technically her formal tutor. If a Marquis’s daughter issued an invitation, the recipient might feel pressured even if no such intent was meant. Magnolia worried that, as a Countess, Daphne might find it difficult to refuse.

Claude spoke with a humored glint in his eyes.

「...You’re being remarkably considerate compared to your usual self, aren't you? While there is a certain level of etiquette and hierarchy, we are relatively relaxed here. In both Ascald and Azenda, people don't weigh social status quite so heavily. No one is going to cause a stir just because a Countess, acting as a teacher, declines an invitation from a Marquis’s daughter due to prior plans.」

Magnolia puffed out her cheeks slightly at his teasing expression. Claude gave a smirk and poked her soft cheek with his finger.

A little *pssh* sound escaped as the air leaked out. Nevertheless, she was genuinely relieved to know that her goodwill wouldn't be perceived as an imposition.

Wanting to cheer up his granddaughter, who was feeling gloomy about the debutante ball, Servas made a suggestion.

「Since she lives so far away, why not add a postscript saying you hope she can attend if her health and schedule permit?」

「...I wasn't officially her student, though. I wonder if it would be a bother...」

「Why not write that as well?」

Magnolia composed a polite letter. She thanked the Countess for her kind guidance during the brother’s lessons, which had allowed Magnolia to deepen her own learning. She expressed her regret for being unable to attend lessons suddenly due to family circumstances and for failing to say goodbye before her abrupt relocation. She explained that the debutante ball would be held at her grandfather’s estate and that she wished to invite her. However, she noted her concern about the distance being a burden. Finally, she urged the Countess to take care of her health during the journey if she chose to come, but insisted she must not push herself if she already had plans.

Whether the Countess sensed Magnolia’s anxiety through the lines or not, a reply arrived from Daphne shortly thereafter.

She wrote that she was delighted to hear that her small contributions had been of use. She also expressed her great relief to hear that Magnolia was doing well and told her not to worry so much. The letter concluded with a joyful acceptance of the invitation.

(Thank goodness! I want to see Lila and Daisy too, but since they're likely married, asking them to travel so far... they might even be pregnant or feeling unwell...)

At the prospect of reuniting with a familiar face, Magnolia’s spirits lifted, finding a small glimmer of enjoyment in the upcoming ball.

Seeing Magnolia’s mood improve, Lily, Dean, the household servants, and above all, Servas and Claude, let out a massive sigh of relief.

---

Today was the day for the dress fitting.

Since the debutante ball was being held in Azenda, the commission for the dress had been given to a local dressmaker. In her heart, Magnolia would have preferred to ask the Campbell Trading Company, but given the distance and the shop’s popularity, she kept that thought to herself.

Though Magnolia usually preferred simple, functional clothing, the dress she now wore was a mass of fluff and frills that made her feel extremely restless.

The house might be one of "frugality and fortitude," but they spent money where it was necessary. For the wealthy to consume to some extent was necessary to keep the economy moving and to improve craftsmanship.

Servas and Claude had provided the highest quality fabric. Magnolia was too terrified to ask the price, but based on their usual behavior, she could guess more than enough.

(Surely they wouldn't say it cost as much as a whole mansion, right...?)

It was a moment that made her realize all over again that she really was a genuine princess.

Her reflection in the mirror was undeniably adorable, but psychologically, it felt like she was wearing a borrowed costume.

(Ugh... This is so 'girly-girly'...)

Even as a small child, Magnolia preferred simplicity. Back in Japan on Earth, she recalled her wardrobe being full of monotone clothes.

Imagine a woman in her thirties decked out in full, magnificent Lolita fashion—and in sweet, fluffy pastel colors to boot. Furthermore, the outfit was overflowing (?) with an excessive amount of frills and ribbons.

...Of course, fashion is a matter of personal taste and expression, so she had no intention of judging others. People should wear what they like, and frills are certainly cute!

...She had no intention of judging others, but for Magnolia herself? Absolutely not. It was grinding down her mental state.

(No way... This is painful... Truly painful.)

She took some small comfort in the fact that her outward appearance was at least that of a lovely child. Inside, however, she was haggard and her eyes were rolling back in her head.

If this were a 1970s shojo manga, the background would be filled with focus lines and dramatic effects... and she would be turning pale, her pupils disappearing, leaving only eyes with long upper and lower lashes.

Summoned by the seamstresses, her guardians entered the room.

...The moment Servas saw her, he began to tremble. This was expected. Seeing that, Gai (who had followed behind Servas) also began to tremble... This was also expected.

Claude gave a thoughtful nod and looked Magnolia over intently. She reflexively flinched and held her breath.

「It certainly suits you well. You look very lovely.」

「!!」

As Magnolia stood stunned by the next moment's incredibly straightforward compliment, Lily—who for some reason looked immensely proud and smug—nodded with a heavy huff of breath. The seamstresses also nodded their heads with terrifying intensity.

「Right? Exactly! Magnolia-sama is just too adorable!」

「I know! She’s so adorable my heart might actually stop...!」

Servas groaned, cutting in as he clutched his chest, his massive frame shaking.

「...No, you mustn't let it stop, okay?」

Magnolia stated flatly. Gai nodded in silent agreement. Claude remained expressionless, deep in thought...

Everything was operating as usual.

「...Perhaps I should have a tiara made to match the dress...」 Claude murmured after a while.

「That’s it! Let us gather the finest diamonds from across the entire continent!!」

「That sounds wonderful!」

Servas, suddenly revitalized, made an outrageous suggestion, and an excited Lily voiced her approval.

(Hieeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!)

Magnolia screamed in her heart as she shouted:

「No, no, no! I don't need one! We are not buying one, not even a tiny bit!!」

This is bad. I have to summon Sebastian!! We’re going to go bankrupt!!!!

(Somebody! Sebastiaaaaaaaaaan!!)

*****

Note: What is Japan and their obsession with butler and Sebastian.

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