Partitions had been set up in the sewing classroom, behind which students were getting dressed. Princess Margaret had already changed into her gown, but her current hairstyle didn’t go with it.
“I’ll style your hair for you, Lady Margaret,” I said. “You’ve brought your own hair accessory, right?”
She usually wore her hair sideswept, but that wasn’t the best style for dancing. I undid her hair, put it all up into a nice updo, then added on the light green bow that matched her dress.
“You look lovely,” I remarked.
“You really are incredible at styling hair, Patience.”
Princess Margaret was truly beautiful in her chartreuse gown. Okay, I should get dressed too. I put on my polka dot gown, put half of my hair up, then curled the sections that were down. Finally, I put on my polka dot bow, and I was ready. I stepped out from behind the partition, and for some reason, everyone was staring at me.
“You look absolutely magnificent, Patience,” Princess Margaret raved.
I was the only one who had a patterned gown, so I stood out quite a bit. I may have made a mistake. Just quickly glancing at the others, their gowns all looked properly sewn, though it was possible that there were mistakes that could only be seen up close.
Next we headed to the ballroom, and the junior division students stared enviously at the senior division students’ elegant gowns. Students suddenly started buzzing, and I saw that Percival had walked in. Yeah, he’s as handsome as always.
“I heard Percival won the knight club’s match,” Princess Margaret shared.
I see. It’s no wonder he’s stealing the attention of every girl.
“Why don’t you ask him to be your shield?” she suggested.
No way. We’re in completely different leagues— Hey, wait! Don’t wave him over like that, Your Highness!
“Did you need something?” Percival asked.
Shoot, he’s here now. He was even more handsome up close.
“You’re Patience’s second cousin, right? I want you to protect her from that music-obsessed Duke Laforet.”
I’m pretty sure the danger is all in your imagination, Princess Margaret. I’m way too young to be targeted by him. Wait, why are you taking her seriously, Percival?!
“That sounds like a big problem,” Percival replied. “Duke Laforet is single, so it would be very hard to turn him down. If you’d have me, I’d gladly act as pest repellant for you. After all, I am indebted to you, Lady Patience.”
Princess Margaret seemed satisfied, but I on the other hand felt as if I were lying on a bed of nails.
“Go ahead and dance,” the princess urged. “I’ll dance as well.”
The beautiful Princess Margaret would have no trouble finding someone to dance with, so she sent me off to dance with Percival, which I did while being showered with glares of envy.
“Sir Percival, Princess Margaret was exaggerating earlier,” I said.
Percival didn’t agree.
“Even if you weren’t in this situation, I would be here. I’ve been hoping that we could proceed with marriage discussions, Lady Patience.”
Wait, what?! So the proposal brought over by Aunt Amalia was from Percival?!
“Really? I’m sure there are ladies out there much more beautiful than me, and from much better families to boot.”
I wasn’t trying to be modest—it was the honest truth. Now that I was no longer thin as a stick, I was looking cuter than before, but there were plenty of beautiful girls among the daughters of nobles. Though their personalities were awful, I’d never seen anyone as beautiful as Princess Margaret’s former friends during my previous life. It was like being among popstars and supermodels.
Percival chuckled. Ugh, it’s unfair for him to be so good looking. Even if I don’t have feelings for him, I can’t help but get butterflies when I’m this close.