“Listen! I was allowed to attend a ball!” Meltia exclaimed pompously when Jeanette arrived for the practice session.
“Congratulations! I’m sure all the nobles will be overjoyed to hear that!” Jeanette said. She had been the one who’d put in so much effort to make this happen, but she gave no indication of it as she grinned. There was something bigger on her mind. “Your Highness, might I ask you for a favor...?”
“Wh-What? You have a funny look in your eyes!” Meltia said, wary of the way Jeanette was acting even more animated than usual.
“Will you permit Matheson Trading to give you a gown to wear for the ball?!” Jeanette asked with great enthusiasm.
“Matheson Trading?”
“Yes!”
I want Her Highness to wear our newest creation! Jeanette thought. Of course, this was part of her scheme as a businesswoman. In the past, she had given Christine a dress made with Orlonde silk to wear, and it became a hot topic within high society. If somebody like Meltia—whose every little appearance at an event caused a storm—were to wear a Matheson dress, it was sure to become an instant hit.
But on top of that, Jeanette also had her own personal expectations. I mean, the princess looks beautiful no matter what she wears! I definitely want to see her in one of our gowns!!!
If Meltia found this out, she was sure to become angry and yell something like “I’m not your personal dress-up doll!”
Still, Jeanette couldn’t help herself from continuing.
“Of course, I’m going to arrange for a top-class, state-of-the-art dress for you, Your Highness! The tailoring will be done by my most trusted artisa—”
“I refuse,” Meltia interrupted, shooting Jeanette’s idea down in one fell swoop.
Jeanette’s shoulders drooped dejectedly.
“Oh... Really...? Would you mind telling me why?” she asked. She was willing to turn anything into an advantage, and by asking she’d at least get some information.
The princess laughed through her nose.
“My reason is obvious—I already have a dress!”
“Really?! Do you mind if I take a look?!” Jeanette asked, enthralled.
Meltia winced.
“No way. That’s part of the fun—waiting until the actual day.”
“I beg of you! I’m sure your dress must be of the highest quality! I’m just dying to know how gorgeous it truly is! I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep at night! I’m restless at the sheer thought of you in such a beautiful dress! Won’t you please let me take a look?! I wouldn’t even mind if you put it on! In fact, I’d love that very much!”
“What on earth? You’re being kind of gross,” Meltia huffed, though she didn’t look entirely displeased. “Are you really that desperate to see it?”
“Yes!”
“Then can you promise that you won’t copy it? Not the cut nor the color.”
“Of course! I’d never do something so presumptuous!”
“Humph... Fine, I’ll let you take a peek.”
“Hooray! Thank you so much!!!”
I wonder what kind of beautiful garment I’m about to see. I can’t wait! Jeanette hopped up and down, having completely forgotten about karate.
“Bring my dress at once!” the princess ordered, and her maids quickly ran off to do her bidding. While they waited, she continued haughtily. “Hee hee! I’m sure you’ll be shocked when you see it. It’s so beautiful and vibrant!”
“Indeed! I’m very excited! I wonder what color it’ll be.”
“You remember how there was a Pakiran prince who visited a while ago? Lord Claus said that the green outfit he was wearing was wonderful, so I’m also going to wear a green dress!”
“Oh yes, Lord Kyuriakris did wear something like that!” Jeanette responded. She had infiltrated the palace on that day by pretending to be his companion. If I recall correctly, he wore a traditional Pakiran outfit. Its green shade was lovely! Though rather than vibrant, it was a more muted tone. Huh...? Wait, when it comes to vibrant green dye, isn’t that...?
At that moment, the maids returned with the dress.
“Look! This is what I’m going to wear for the ball!” Meltia shouted, pointing proudly at the gown. It was a brilliant green.
“Wow! What a gorgeous, bright shade of green it is...!”
The garment was lavishly decorated with lace, and it was dyed with a lively color resembling fresh grass. It was sure to be set off beautifully by Meltia’s pale skin. However...
“This is...” Jeanette had initially looked enraptured, yet the color suddenly drained from her face.
The princess took no notice of that, reaching for the dress.
“Well? Isn’t it lovely? I had it ordered just for me. The lace is first-class too—”
“Don’t touch that!!!” Jeanette screamed.