Rudina felt the same way as she watched the gifts pile up like a mountain. Instead of feeling happy, she bit her lower lip anxiously, unsure of what to do.

“They’re dresses and jewelry. You are to choose whichever you like and attend the dinner party this evening.”

“A dinner party?” Stella asked incredulously. Lepard, frowning, replied in an annoyed tone.

“Yes. The time is 5 o’clock. Make sure you attend on time.”

After ensuring the last gift box was brought in, Lepard nodded once in acknowledgment and disappeared.

It felt as if a storm had just swept through. Once the bustling crowd left, the room, now dim, was filled only with the vibrant colors of the gift boxes stacked like a tower.

“Princess, what could all this mean? Could His Majesty have finally remembered your birthday?” Rudina’s previously gloomy expression brightened as she spoke. Her characteristic positive mindset began interpreting the current situation in a favorable light.

“Surely not.” Stella thought it was unlikely. Just a few days ago, when they had crossed paths in the garden, King Philip had ignored her as if she were invisible.

Yet, a small flicker of hope began to rise within her chest.

“Princess, open them quickly!” Rudina exclaimed in an excited voice, as if she were the one receiving the gifts.

“Is it okay to do that?” A small hope began to bloom, wondering if this was a reward for all the days of patience she had endured.

“Of course! Open them right now!” Seeing Stella hesitate in front of the gift boxes, Rudina urged her on. Stella couldn’t help but smile at Rudina’s eager anticipation, as she bounced on her feet.

Everything inside the boxes was so precious it made her eyes widen.

There were five dresses, including one adorned with lustrous pearls and a necklace, another reminiscent of red roses paired with a ruby jewelry set. There was also a fan made of ostrich feathers, a wide-brimmed hat and pointed shoes that were currently in vogue among noble ladies, and even a silk petticoat.

As Stella gazed at the lavishly displayed gifts, she asked in a voice full of concern, “Are these really meant for me?”

“Sir Lepard brought them here himself, so they must be for you, Princess.” Rudina spoke as brightly and cheerfully as possible to reassure Stella, though she too felt uneasy.

Despite the rare treasures before them, the two could only muster awkward smiles.

***

Standing at the entrance of the Diamond Hall, Stella’s face clearly showed her nervousness. It was her first invitation to a formal dinner.

Even wearing her favorite dress from the gifts, she couldn’t help but feel small. Standing before the massive doors, she felt insignificant, but she steadied her nerves and straightened her shoulders.

‘No matter what anyone says, you are a princess! And a very beautiful one at that!’ Rudina had said these words with a determined look as she sent Stella off to the dinner. Remembering Rudina’s encouraging expression, complete with a clenched fist, brought a faint smile to Stella’s lips.

She hadn’t realized how empowering it was to have someone on her side.

As the doors opened, a spacious and bright hall unfolded before Stella. The conversations and laughter that had been quietly flowing came to an abrupt halt.

For a moment, she considered turning back. Frozen by the awkward atmosphere, Stella stood there, unable to move, until her eyes met those of King Philip at the table.

She instinctively started to lower her head but froze when she saw the king smiling kindly at her.

‘Is he really smiling at me?’ Stella turned to check if someone else was behind her, but there was no one.

Her heart pounded.

King Philip wasn’t the only one smiling at her.

Even Queen Eliza and Princess Beatrice, who usually glared at her or ignored her presence, were smiling gently at Stella. Princess Beatrice even gave her a small wave.

‘Is this a dream?’ As Stella walked towards the dining table, she felt dazed.

It was a scene she had imagined countless times during lonely birthdays or while listening to distant music alone.

Imagining that everyone welcomed her, liked her, waited for her, and wanted to dine with her as someone precious.

The closer she got to the table, the more her heart pounded. Her new shoes hurt her feet, but her spirits were so uplifted it felt like walking on clouds.

“Come on in.”

The first to speak to Stella was King Philip. His tone was gentle and warm, not one of criticism or disregard. Though she felt she should be grateful, it oddly stirred a sense of rejection.

“Come in, we’ve been waiting for you.”

“Stella, come and sit down.”

Queen Eliza and Beatrice greeted Stella with bright smiles, leaving her unsure of how to respond. She stood there awkwardly before finally remembering to greet them politely.

“I greet the Sun of Amalrune.”

Philip smiled warmly at Stella’s formal greeting and waved his hand dismissively.

“No need for such formality with your father. You must be hungry, so please, sit down.”

His tone was affectionate, as if he were speaking to a cherished youngest daughter. Queen Eliza and Beatrice nodded in agreement, indicating an empty chair.

The sudden invitation, the kindness, and the unexpected warmth felt as uncomfortable as wearing someone else’s clothes.

Yet, part of her felt a bit happy, as if she was finally being accepted as family.

The table was covered with a fine linen cloth, sparkling with silverware.

A massive centerpiece, adorned with lilies—the national flower of Amalrune—and various fruits, beautifully decorated the center of the table.

Polished silver candlesticks gleamed like mirrors, and the lavish table decorations, towering above a person’s height, suggested that this was no ordinary meal.

Being invited to such a formal dinner for the first time made her so tense that her muscles felt stiff.

However, the food was incredibly delicious. The steak was so tender it melted in her mouth like butter with barely a chew, and the flavorful soup was exquisitely rich and smooth. Everything was delightful.

Amidst the kind smiles and consideration she had never experienced before, Stella finished the meal feeling as though she were in a dream.

The dinner concluded after dessert, ending past 9 p.m.

“Did you enjoy the meal?”

The kind voice belonged to Queen Eliza. What initially felt uncomfortable had become somewhat familiar after hearing it throughout the evening.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Stella’s cheeks were as red as ripe plums as she replied.

“No need for ‘Your Majesty.’ Just call me Mother.”

“…Pardon?”

“You must have felt neglected all this time. I was too narrow-minded. You did nothing wrong. Can you forgive me for my pettiness?”

“Sister, I’m really sorry too. We are the only sisters who share the same blood.”

As Stella stood in shock, unable to speak, Eliza nodded understandingly and turned to the king seated at the head of the table.

“Your Majesty, please give Stella what you have prepared. She truly deserves it.”

“Shall we?”

“Stella, your father has prepared a birthday gift for you.”

Stella tried to make sense of the conversation between the Queen and the King, but it was impossible. She had already received more than enough gifts. Having too much of anything wasn’t good.

“I have received plenty of gifts already.”

“No, this is something you should have received long ago, and I’m sorry for the delay.”

Before the king finished speaking, the chamberlain standing beside him approached Stella and handed her a scroll.

The scroll, lined with purple silk and tied with golden thread, was clearly not an ordinary item.

Caught off guard, Stella accepted it and, after glancing around, slowly unrolled it. The cold touch of the scroll on her palm made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

As she untied the golden thread and unrolled the scroll, a heavy silence enveloped the room. Feeling everyone’s eyes on her, Stella opened the scroll.

“Your Majesty, this is…”

She tried to speak calmly, but her voice trembled involuntarily. Seeing this, the king and queen smiled contentedly.

“It’s a certificate of lineage. It declares to the world that you are my daughter. I’m sorry for the delay.”

As King Philip spoke with a gentle smile, Stella’s vision blurred.

Drip… drip.

Tears began to flow down Stella’s cheeks as she held the scroll tightly, unable to speak.

“Father, she’s crying. She must have been so upset all this time.”

It wasn’t until she heard Beatrice’s words that Stella realized she was crying and quickly wiped her tears with the back of her hand. Although she had a handkerchief, she wasn’t in a state to use it rationally.

Beatrice, who was seated across from her, quietly stood up and approached Stella. After giving her a light hug, she handed Stella something. Beatrice smelled of the fresh violets of spring.

“Sister, sign this. Then we’ll truly be family.”

What Beatrice handed over was a golden fountain pen.

Stella accepted the pen from Beatrice, who smiled brightly at her. Though she tried not to be nervous, her fingers trembled slightly against her will. Beatrice wrapped Stella’s hands in hers.

“Sign it. And let’s remember today for a long time.”

Beatrice smiled warmly. Her lips curved into a beautiful smile she had never shown Stella before.

No.

A voice was heard nearby, but Stella gripped the pen tightly and slowly began to sign.

Watching the tip of the pen in Stella’s hand, Beatrice bit her lip to suppress a laugh. She wanted to hurl insults at the foolish girl immediately, but she held back.

There would be plenty of time later to mock Stella, who had shown up here without knowing her place.

Scratch, scratch.

Stella Rune Oberlite

The signature at the end of the scroll was particularly elegant and neat.