Dana’s preparations for her debutante were progressing smoothly, thanks to the help of Viscountess Romberry.

Thanks to her adept management of a tight schedule, as if kneading dough, Dana was able to prepare not only her debutante dress but also five additional outfits for future events. Henrik had even handed over an amount equivalent to a year’s salary without a word, spurred on by the Viscountess’s persuasion.

“How do I look?”

Amelia had also accompanied Dana to the dress shop, unable to ignore her pleading face, which insisted she couldn’t be sure if the dress suited her without the Lady’s opinion.

It made sense that Dana, standing before the mirror, the Viscountess, and the tailor would all direct their gazes at Amelia.

But why did Amelia feel like even the shop manager at the counter and the ladies browsing hats were also watching her? Suppressing this notion, she examined Dana’s appearance.

“…….”

For debutantes in Olstein, wearing a white dress was customary. Dana’s dress followed the latest trends: sleeveless, with puffed shoulders, a deeply cut neckline, and a tightly cinched waist.

The dress itself was glamorous and beautiful. However, it was so elaborate and extravagant that it looked more like a wedding dress, making Dana, with her youthful face, appear slightly awkward in Amelia’s eyes.

“My Lady, what do you think?”

Dana’s expression, almost determined, left Amelia no choice but to choose her words carefully. She suggested, with the premise of “suiting Dana better,” that the shoulders and petticoat be reduced, and that multiple layers of silk adorn the lower back instead.

“Adjustments can be made, but…”

The tailor spoke kindly but couldn’t hide a faint unease.

“It would deviate significantly from the current fashion trends.”

“That’s fine.”

Dana, seeing Amelia hesitate, quickly interjected.

“I’ll go with what the Lady suggested.”

“…Dana.”

Amelia had to intervene, her tone cautious in the face of Dana’s firm response.

“You don’t have to follow my suggestions. If you’re happy with how it looks now, you should wear it as is.”

Amelia didn’t think her advice was wrong, but she worried that Dana might feel compelled to blindly follow her words.

“No.”

Dana spoke brightly, dispelling Amelia’s concerns.

“If it doesn’t please you, My Lady, then I won’t wear it.”

With Dana being so resolute, there wasn’t much point in objecting further. The tailor sighed softly, then smiled.

“Understood. If you’ll excuse me.”

With that, the tailor took Dana back inside to change her into her original outfit. Compared to the debutante dress, which was bright and balloon-like in design, her current attire seemed simpler.

“How would you like to accessorize your hair, Lady Dana Karlstad?”

This time, another staff member approached, asking warmly.

“Since it’s your debutante, you can’t wear a hat, but we could add feather decorations, ribbons, or even paper flowers.”

“That’s alright. The Lady Amelia said she’d make my hairpiece.”

At Dana’s words, two ladies browsing nearby hats let out a small laugh. Though subtle, it was loud enough for both Dana and Amelia to hear.

“Why are you laughing?”

Dana couldn’t hold back her curiosity, but the two women feigned innocence.

“Oh, whatever do you mean?”

“You laughed after I finished speaking, so I was wondering why.”

“You must be mistaken, Lady Karlstad. We were merely chatting among ourselves.”

“What were you discussing?”

Their smiles were far from kind. Just as Amelia was about to stop Dana from pressing further, one of the ladies spoke, still smiling.

“We were just noting how unusual it is to hear someone say they’ll make their own hairpiece.”

“Is that strange?”

When Dana tilted her head in confusion, the woman laughed silently behind her hand, as if amused.

“Don’t you think it’s odd? To attend a debutante, greet His Majesty the Emperor, and yet wear a self-made accessory and a dress that ignores a tailor’s advice.”

“……”

“Please, Lady Karlstad, don’t embarrass the other ladies who will be sharing the stage with you.”

Before Dana could respond, the two women gave a slight nod and turned away. Watching them go, Dana muttered,

“…The Viscountess was right, My Lady.”

“What did she say?”

“She mentioned that since my family has few connections in society, I should be prepared to face cold receptions at the debutante.”

“That’s not true, Dana.”

Seeing Dana’s gloomy face, Amelia spoke firmly without realizing it.

“You don’t need to harbor such thoughts before the debutante even starts. Don’t accept it as inevitable.”

“……”

“Just focus on how enjoyable the debutante will be. You can save the disappointment for afterward, don’t you think?”

Dana’s previously somber expression brightened slightly at Amelia’s words.

“Understood, My Lady.”

She smiled at Amelia once again, as she usually did.

“I’m really looking forward to the hair ornament you’ll make for me.”

Seeing Dana’s innocent expression, Amelia felt something akin to a sense of fulfillment for the first time since arriving in Olstein.

* * *

Officially, only the debutante and their chaperone were permitted to attend the Emperor’s audience. Amelia had planned to be content with simply attending the ball after the debutante event. However, thanks to Dana’s insistence with Henrik, Amelia managed to secure a spot among the spectators to observe the debutantes.

Amelia was a bit worried. She feared that Josef, who seemed to dislike her involvement in palace affairs, might have something to say. However, according to Henrik, Josef had approved Amelia’s attendance without much comment.

The debutante hall was massive, with long lines of nobles standing on either side of the Emperor’s throne. Amelia blended into a middle section. A few people gave her curious glances, as if wondering who she was, but the lively atmosphere of the debutante ceremony meant their interest didn’t last long.

“Next!”

When the attendant stationed on the left of the entrance called out, the one on the right announced the family name and the debutante’s name. The debutante then entered, following their chaperone.

“Congratulations.”

The Emperor, seated on the throne, greeted each of them with an unchanging, benevolent smile and brief words of praise.

His perfectly composed demeanor, offering identical smiles to everyone, evoked a trivial thought: ‘Is this the kind of poise required to ascend to the throne?’ Seated a little distance away, Marika also maintained a graceful smile, while Josef beside her wore his usual impassive expression. Henrik, standing as if guarding the two, looked visibly tense.

“This year’s…”

“Indeed.”

The two people beside Amelia, seemingly bored, began whispering idle chatter.

“Maybe they’re too excited now that the war is over? Some of these dresses are a bit much.”

“Well, it’s because they’re worn by young girls. They look like chicks wearing paper boats.”

Though the conversation, filled with stifled laughter, was informal for a royal audience, it wasn’t entirely wrong.

While the long trains of the skirts were understandable, oversized puff decorations and wide petticoats didn’t suit young women just making their debut into society.

Still, most of the ladies wore similar outfits, making Amelia feel less alone in her discomfort. Perhaps the nervous excitement on their faces made them seem endearing, which was a small consolation.

“Dana Karlstad of the Karlstad Barony!”

At the attendant’s announcement, Amelia turned toward the entrance. As with each new entrant, the crowd quickly exchanged evaluations about the family.

“Wasn’t the Baron of Karlstad deceased?”

“Recently, the captain of the Crown Prince’s guard received the title.”

“I heard the estate isn’t very large.”

“Did they choose their allies wisely?”

“It must be for his service in the war…”

However, as Dana began walking toward the Emperor with Lady Romberry, the atmosphere gradually shifted.

Dana’s dress had been altered according to Amelia’s suggestions. The skirt was narrowed, with a long train extending from the back, maintaining its grandeur. The gown, primarily in silvery white fabric, featured an ivory underskirt with intricate embroidery, giving it a radiant and luminous appearance.

Most notably, Amelia felt relieved that she had managed to complete Dana’s hair ornament in time.

The moment Amelia saw Dana’s red hair, she envisioned a rose. She thought it would be perfect to braid the hair into a round shape and adorn it with tiny pearls, strung with transparent thread to resemble dew. Although it had been a challenge, Amelia had finished it without Helen’s help, and now it rested gracefully on Dana’s head.

“Is Lady Romberry the chaperone? Quite impressive craftsmanship.”

“No, she doesn’t have that kind of eye. The guard captain must’ve spent a fortune.”

“We should’ve sent our daughter to that atelier.”

While the curious murmurs of envy and admiration circulated, Dana knelt before the Emperor.

“Congratulations… Hmm?”

The Emperor, who had maintained his usual smile, narrowed his eyes slightly. His gaze lingered on Dana’s hair.

“Dew on a rose? A charming ornament indeed.”

“…Th-thank you, Your Majesty…”

Dana’s voice trembled. It was only natural, as the Emperor had not commented on anyone else’s attire or accessories thus far. Even those who had been whispering around Amelia fell silent.

“Did Lady Romberry procure it?”

The Emperor turned to Dana’s chaperone, Lady Romberry, who bowed her head and replied,

“Your Majesty, it was made by Lady Amelia of Brienne.”

“Lady Amelia of Brienne…? Ah, I see.”

The Emperor tilted his head slightly before breaking into hearty laughter at the still-frozen Dana.

“My, you must relax if you wish to enjoy the ball.”

“Th-thank you, Your Majesty…”

“Find a suitable match for the Karlstad family.”

“…Yes.”

Though his tone was gentle, Dana’s face was pale as she slowly rose and walked away, barely holding herself together. She seemed close to fainting from the tension of the audience.

And yet, the entire scene quickly ceased to be the focus of attention.

“…So it’s her.”

The moment Amelia’s name was mentioned, every gaze in the room swiftly turned to her.