Chapter 11:
The Future Duchess’s Break
THE ACADEMY WAS ON an extended break, so I went home to the Anderson manor to make the most of my time off. I had a wonderful time visiting everyone who had been so kind to me before I started school. I walked through town, seeing everything that had changed for better or for worse. Sometimes I would take trips to see famous sights around the kingdom as well. On top of this, I participated in training as Mer, of course, and I also attended etiquette lessons with Lady Aurelia.
“Now, shall we start with this today?”
But the thing that took up most of my time was preparing for a welcoming party for guests who would be arriving from Rimmel. The party itself wouldn’t be for a while and was on the last day of my break from school, but I wasn’t sure how we would get everything done before then.
Honestly, I was thankful that I had this time to work on it. The language spoken in Rimmel was very similar to Tasmerian and I had already learned it with Lady Aurelia, so that was no problem. I did think it might be a good idea to review with her, however.
There was also the matter of what I would wear to the party. I had already met with Louis to coordinate colors with him. He was planning to wear a tie the same color as my dress.
I had to study up on the land of Rimmel as well. Since we were the hosts, it was natural that I learn as much about the country as I could. I read every book about Rimmel’s history and culture that I could get my hands on.
Lady Aurelia and Louis recommended some additional books to me as well, so I was slowly building up my knowledge on the subject.
When Louis had free time, he would tell me more about diplomatic relations between Tasmeria and Rimmel, and the state of affairs between Rimmel and other nations in the world.
“Excuse me, my lady.”
“Oh, Anna. What is it?”
“It’s time for your meeting with Lady Sharia.”
“It’s that time already? Thank you, Anna. Help me get ready, would you?”
Anna helped me dress, and then we headed to Count Telrose’s manor. Sharia was my very first female friend my own age. The only other friends I had who were young women were probably the ladies from Madam’s establishment or the girls who had recently joined in training. The former were more confidants than friends—women who could give me advice. Meanwhile, the latter were just comrades-in-arms who had made it through Father’s training with me.
As you could imagine, I was absolutely thrilled to be able to visit a friend’s house like this.
“Welcome, Merellis!”
“Thank you so much for inviting me.”
Sharia led me to her room. “Of course! Actually, I wanted to apologize. I planned to take you to the theatre, but my parents wouldn’t let me!”
“Well, that can’t be helped, you know? We’d be getting home quite late from the theatre. I’m sure your parents would worry.”
“There’s nothing to be worried about if I’m with you. Everyone’s still overprotective about me since the incident.”
“Well, your father doesn’t know about my training, so saying you’re with me would do nothing to ease his mind. Plus, it makes sense that he’s worried, after what happened to you.”
“Still… I’m not engaged yet. He turns down all invitations to parties unless they’re official events. Even if someone did offer their hand, he’d probably turn them down, saying it’s too soon because he’s concerned! Every time there’s something I want to do, he says no. I mean, I’m grateful he cares about me so much, but it makes me feel guilty that they’re so worried about me all the time… They say no to this and no to that. I feel like a caged bird! And if they keep me cooped up like this, I’ll grow weak. So even if it’s hard or painful…I’ve decided that I need to fly off into the big sky on my own.”
I laughed, thinking how that was so like her to say.
“How can we ever thank you for doing that for us?”
I remembered how she said that with such a brave smile when I rescued her and the other girls from the kidnappers all that time ago. I believed that no matter how hard the situation might be for her in the future, she wouldn’t regret it as long as it was a path she chose for herself. In fact, the hardships would probably just motivate her more. Although she may not be physically strong, she was strong of will and heart.
I hadn’t known her for very long, but that just showed how much of an impact her words had on me. I admired my friend’s strength very much.
“What is it, Merellis?”
“Hm?”
“You laughed. Did I say something funny?”
“No. I was just thinking how that’s so like you.”
“Oh,” Sharia giggled.
“By the way, Sharia. You’re going to attend the next official event, right?”
“Yes, I am. Father can’t refuse a party thrown by the prime minister, of course. You’re going too, right? Have you chosen a dress?”
“Yes, I ordered one already. It’s an old-style sack-back gown, the kind with pleats down the back. Since it’s rather low cut to show off the décolleté in exchange, I’m making sure to take extra good care of my skin lately.”
“Oh, a sack-back gown! Is there a specific reason why you chose that kind?”
“I found a fabric I really loved, and I thought that would be the best design to show it off.”
“He he he. I can’t wait to see your dress! Everyone’s always dying to see what you’ll wear to parties. I keep hearing people talking about it.”
“Goodness! I’ll certainly have to make sure I put in extra effort then!” Both of us looked at each other and laughed. “Speaking of engagements, though, is there anyone who’s caught your eye?”
“His Highness still doesn’t have a fiancée, and there are still quite a few girls who aren’t engaged either. And because of that, there are a lot of men who haven’t decided on someone yet. I’m sure I’ll end up engaged to one of them.”
“Ah…” I was surprised at her cold tone of voice, but once I thought about it, that was the kind of response you could expect from a girl like her. Marriage between nobles was political, to strengthen the ties between families and ensure their wealth. Speaking from that perspective, there was no better match than the one between Houses Anderson and Armelia. The family that had produced generations of prime ministers would join with the military family that had produced the kingdom’s hero. It was like a fairy tale, especially since we had met by coincidence in town and fell in love on our own. It was more coincidental than anything you might read about in a novel.