How Do You Do, Sire?

Hours had passed, yet the embarrassment still clung to me like a second skin. The weight of my own foolishness pressed heavily on my mind, replaying every misstep, every graceless action that had undoubtedly painted me as an utter fool before the Crown Prince.

Did he think I was an airhead? A birdbrain? I groaned internally. Or perhaps I was just exaggerating?

After he left, I remained seated on the long sofa, my gaze fixed on the empty space he had occupied just moments ago. My fingers absentmindedly traced the fabric where he had sat, as if searching for the lingering warmth he left behind.

The room felt quieter now, the absence of his presence amplifying the weight of my thoughts. I had been alone for quite some time, left to contemplate the absurdity of my own actions. But the longer I sat in solitude, the more restless I became.

What was taking Maya and the others so long?

As if summoned by my thoughts, the sound of approaching footsteps reached my ears, followed by a familiar voice outside the door. Then, a knock.

"My lady, may we come in?"

"Yes," I answered, my voice sounding distant even to myself.

Maya entered first, followed by the others. "I hope we are not late, my lady. Mister Chris took a moment to deliver your gown for the evening."

I gave no response. My mind was still clouded with lingering thoughts. The ladies went about their routine, lifting me from my seat, refreshing my appearance, dressing me once more, and I let them, moving only as needed—like a doll being prepared for display.

As Maya carefully worked on my hair, I found myself voicing the question that had been nagging at the back of my mind. "Maya?"

"Yes, my lady?"

"Do I appear... peculiar in some manner?" My voice emerged softer than I had intended.

Maya shook her head at once, her expression firm. "My lady, you are the very embodiment of grace. The most beautiful in the empire—kind, elegant, and intelligent. How could one of your stature ever be thought of as strange?"

Kind? Sure.

I let out a quiet sigh. The truth was, many still saw me as a villainess, an arrogant brat with a foul attitude. No amount of praise could erase that perception so easily.

"Am I... funny?" I rephrased, this time turning to look at the others, hoping for a more honest answer.

They paused, exchanging glances, as if hesitant. Then Maya spoke again.

"You are... entertaining, my lady. In a way that's rather charming."

I blinked, confused. Before I could ask her to elaborate, Serena, another maid, handed me a mirror.

"Sometimes, my lady, your expressions are too interesting and cute. One moment you look innocent, the next you have a murderous glare—it's... fascinating to watch." She hesitated under my piercing gaze.

"Y-you know... it's intriguing how your emotions shift so suddenly," she added, as if unsure whether she should continue.

"Yes, my lady," Maya chimed in. "It's not that you're funny. It's just that... watching you is quite enjoyable."

I stared at them, stunned.

Ah. So I'm just ridiculously transparent.

They must have read my thoughts because they all nodded in unison.

I bit my lower lip. Nooooo!

That wasn't what I wanted to hear. I hated being this transparent—it made it far too easy for others to read my thoughts, my emotions. A weakness I never wanted to have.

Maybe that's why the prince couldn't stop laughing at me since earlier. To him, I must look like a fool—an amusing spectacle he was barely restraining himself from openly laughing at.

Maya, noticing my expression, quickly tried to comfort me. "Do not be dejected, my lady. That's your charm."

"Yeah... right." I forced a smile, unconvinced.

As they continued to work on me, I fell silent, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I forced my mind away from the events with the Crown Prince and instead focused on the banquet ahead.

I studied the young woman in the mirror. This eighteen-year-old reflection. The face that wasn't originally mine.

Where are you, real Aerin? Have you tried to come back? Have you fought to reclaim your place, only to be denied? This was meant to be your life—your coming-of-age, your memories to cherish.

The thought weighed heavily on me, but then I shook my head, pushing it away.

No. I was here now. I was the one present. The past could not be changed. All I could do was be grateful, live her life the right way, and be happy.

One day, I might even forget my real name and origin. But at the very least, Aerin's name would be remembered not as a villainess, but as an upright noble in this world.

Come to think of it... what was my real name again?

The door creaked open, cutting off my thoughts.

My father entered, his expression unreadable as always. He carried himself with that same rigid elegance, his eyes scanning me with a look I had long since learned to interpret—not quite affectionate, but unmistakably proud. As though he were inspecting a masterpiece of his own creation.

Yeah, rigid, distant, unable to show love or affection properly. But I never complained. His care was there, just hidden beneath layers of stoicism.

If this were my real father, he would have hugged me by now. He always did on special occasions. And my real mother too. I smiled at the thought of them. Wherever they were, I hoped they were okay.

Father's gaze fell to my gown. "This was the dress?" he asked, clearly recalling Chris's earlier report.

"Uh-huh!" I grinned.

Chris had been so eager to show off his creation to the Duke, convinced that my father would demand I wear something more "appropriate." But, to Chris's surprise, my father was far too indulgent with me. And after seeing the final product, Chris had run straight back to his office to brag.

"You look wonderful," Father said after a moment. "It suits you well."

"I know! Whose daughter am I?" I laughed. "A change of scenery, right?"

I turned to the maids, who eagerly nodded in agreement. This second gown was vastly different from the first. Most gowns in this world were voluminous, flowy, covered in lace and sleeves. For the first event, I had reached a compromise with Chris, permitting a traditional ball gown but altering it with a strapless design and a lowered neckline.

Tonight, however, I had opted for something even bolder.

A body-hugging, mermaid-style gown. Off-shoulder. White, adorned with gold and a scattering of blue crystals that shimmered like stardust. The back dipped low, revealing just enough skin to be daring yet elegant. And where the fabric hugged my legs, it flared into a breathtaking mermaid-tail drape.

I took one last glance in the mirror. The gown shimmered beneath the soft glow of the chandelier, each crystal capturing the light like scattered fragments of a starry sky. In the reflection, Aerin stared back at me—poised, regal, and effortlessly belonging to this world of nobility.

With a slow breath, I turned away. The maids, still buzzing with admiration, stepped back as I moved forward. My father remained silent, his expression unreadable, but the weight of his gaze lingered.

"Shall we?" he finally said, offering his arm.

"Sure." I slipped my hand into his, ready to face the ballroom once again.

As he led me toward the grand doors, the distant hum of the ballroom reached my ears—laughter, clinking glasses, the murmur of intrigue. The anticipation in the air was palpable, a living thing pressing against the gilded walls.

The moment the towering doors swung open, light spilled into the corridor, bathing us in its golden glow. The opulence of the grand hall stretched before me, just as overwhelming as before.

The announcer's voice rang out, clear and commanding.

And then—silence.

Conversations hushed. Heads turned.

All eyes landed on me.

Another scandalous gown?

Oh, the horror!

I could already hear their whispers.

I didn't care. Their whispers were nothing more than echoes of the same tired gossip. To me, this was meaningless.

Father excused himself to greet fellow nobles, leaving me momentarily alone. I barely had a moment to collect my thoughts before a pair of familiar figures rushed toward me.

"Aerin!"

I blinked, startled. Someone had just called my name—without a title. That was unusual. It wasn't common to address nobility so informally.

Then, as they came into view, recognition struck me. The twin siblings from Count Roman's family approached with their usual boundless enthusiasm, their expressions alight with excitement. The younger twin stood tall in an impeccably tailored tuxedo, exuding an air of effortless charm, while his elder sister moved with refined grace, the very image of noble elegance.

Though I had only met them once before—at a private gathering two years ago at the twins' manor—their vibrant energy had left a lasting impression.

"You haven't changed a bit, Aerin," the brother remarked with a grin, both hands occupied with glasses of wine. "Still as striking as ever—and still the center of attention, I see."

With a playful glint in his eyes, he extended one of the glasses toward me.

I raised a brow, amusement curling at my lips. "And you, Lord Cedric, have changed quite a bit. The last time I saw you, you were just a boy. Now, you stand before me—stronger, more… defined. Tell me, does this transformation make you feel any different?"

Cedric puffed out his chest with exaggerated pride. "I am now a sworn knight of the empire, my lady! I took my oath but a few months ago. A lifetime of duty and honor awaits me."

"Admirable, my lord," I said with a nod. "And have you fought in any battles yet?"

He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face before he rubbed the back of his neck. "Not… exactly. But I have trained tirelessly and stood guard at the palace. Surely that counts for something?"

His sister, Lady Cassandra, laughed, shaking her head. "As you can see, Aerin, he is most eager to prove himself. But do not be fooled—he spends just as much time boasting as he does training."

"I do not boast!" Cedric objected, though his smirk betrayed his amusement. "And what of you, dear sister? You have yet to share what grand adventures you have embarked upon since we last met."

The young lady let out a sigh, smoothing the folds of her gown. "Alas, my adventures are far less exciting than yours. I remain at home, taking lessons in preparation for marriage. Our parents are already entertaining suitors, and it seems my betrothal is but a matter of time."

I studied her expression, searching for any trace of displeasure. "And do you welcome this arrangement?"

She hesitated for only a moment before offering a small smile. "It is expected of me, and I do not oppose it. A lady's duty is different from a knight's, after all."

Lord Cedric scoffed. "That is a fine way of saying you're utterly bored and hoping for something more interesting to happen."

Lady Cassandra shot him a warning glare before returning her attention to me. "Enough about us, Aerin. I've been dying to ask—what is the story behind this gown? I knew you had unique tastes, but this… this is unlike anything I've seen before."

Her brother chuckled. "I knew you were different the moment we met."

I smiled, amused. "Oh, Lady Cassandra, it's just a small deviation from tradition. I thought a change of scenery would be refreshing."

"Goddess above, you're full of surprises!" She clasped her hands together, eyes gleaming. "I must see the gown you wore earlier as well! I can only imagine how daring it must have been."

"Of course, my lady," I agreed with a nod. "I have it in my quarters. You may see for yourself."

"I wasn't able to see you earlier because we were late—thanks to this fool," she shot a pointed look at her brother. "But I heard you opened the dance with the Crown Prince, yes?"

"Ah, yes, we did dance."

Her eyes twinkled with curiosity. "And? How was the prince? I saw him dance at our coming-of-age last year, and he was magnificent—a truly skilled dancer." She waggled her eyebrows mischievously.

I smiled awkwardly. Was she teasing me or genuinely curious? Perhaps both. "Eh—hehe, yes, yes, my lady. His Highness is indeed a great dancer. I was honored to have been his partner."

As the conversation carried on, I found myself pleasantly surprised by their warmth. We had only spoken once before, yet they treated me as though we were old friends. Perhaps, to them, we were.

"But why are you so formal with us?" Lady Cassandra pouted. "The last time we met, I thought we agreed to call each other by name only. We are friends, after all!"

So, my earlier thoughts were right—they truly saw me as a friend. The realization made my smile widen.

"Ah, yes… Cassandra." I turned to Cedric. "And Cedric?"

Raising my glass, I gestured for a toast.

"That's more like it!" Cedric grinned and clinked his glass against mine, with Cassandra following suit.

I actually liked them—these two.

Then, my eyes wandered across the grand ballroom, taking in the scene. The royal family had yet to arrive, but the anticipation of their entrance lingered in the air like an unspoken command. Nobles milled about in elegant clusters, their laughter and hushed conversations weaving into a delicate symphony against the backdrop of a soft waltz played by a live orchestra.

Magically powered crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a golden glow, their enchanted light dancing across polished marble floors and gilded columns, making the entire space shimmer with an almost otherworldly brilliance.

The scent of fine wine and freshly cut flowers mingled in the air, carried by the faintest breeze from the towering windows, which overlooked the moonlit gardens beyond. Every detail of the ballroom was a testament to wealth and refinement—the towering floral arrangements, the silk-draped tables adorned with decadent desserts and goblets of sparkling champagne, the sheer grandeur of the space designed to impress.

Despite the luxury, restraint lingered in the air. Conversations, though lively, were measured—every word, every glance carefully controlled. It was the calm before the storm, the hush before the royal family's arrival.

And so, I waited, watching, knowing the night had yet to truly begin.

Just then, another pair approached, their presence announced by a smooth, familiar voice.

"Now, now, are we starting the fun without us?"

I turned to find Lady Marian and Lord Erol making their way toward us, their usual air of confidence unmistakable.

"Lady Marian, Lord Erol," I greeted them with a polite nod, maintaining formalities as they drew closer.

Marian scoffed, an amused smirk playing on her lips. "I thought we agreed to drop the titles two years ago. Have you forgotten already?"

Her tone was light, teasing, but there was an undeniable expectation behind her words.

Erol chuckled beside her, adjusting his gloves with practiced ease. "Aerin, are you truly going to act as if we're mere acquaintances after that lively evening at the twins' estate?"

He cast a knowing glance at Cassandra and Cedric, subtly gesturing toward them as he spoke. His tone carried a playful reproach, laced with just enough mischief to suggest he hadn't forgotten a single detail of that night. His eyes glinted with amusement, silently daring me to deny the camaraderie we had shared.

I blinked before my lips curved into a soft smile. 

"You're right," I said, relaxing. "Marian, Erol." Their names felt unfamiliar on my tongue, yet freeing.

"Much better." Marian grinned as she slipped her hand from Erol's arm.

Cassandra beamed at them. "Took you long enough! What were you both up to?"

"Nothing of particular interest," Erol replied with an easygoing smile. "Marian simply had to make a grand entrance, as always."

Marian scoffed. "Oh, please, as if you weren't just as occupied entertaining a few ladies before coming here."

Cedric smirked. "Ah, Erol, ever the charmer."

Erol feigned innocence. "I cannot help it if my presence is sought after."

Marian rolled her eyes before turning to me with a knowing smile. Then, without warning, she threw herself at me, wrapping me in a warm embrace.

"Ah, my cute and ever-gorgeous Aerin!" she declared dramatically.

The others burst into laughter at the sight.

"You must understand," she continued, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze, "the four of us have been inseparable since childhood. It's only fitting that you are now—finally and officially—one of us. And now that you've come of age, I do hope we'll be seeing much more of you at banquets and tea parties."

I tilted my head. "So, this is not an elaborate scheme to make me your source of entertainment?"

Laughter erupted from them again. "You wound us," Erol said, shaking his head. "But no, we rather like having you around."

A warmth blossomed in my chest. Two years ago, I had met them at Count Roman's banquet, yet I had never been certain where I truly stood among them. Were we mere acquaintances bound by social obligations, or something more?

But now, there was no doubt. Their words, their gestures—they had accepted me as one of their own.

A genuine smile spread across my lips. "Then, I shall be in your care."

Cassandra looped her arm through mine, eyes twinkling. "Oh, Aerin, you have no idea what you've just signed up for."

And just like that, I was no longer standing at the edges—I was part of them.

"Announcing the Royal Family! His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Efredus Valia de Theolia! Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Isabella Auria Valia de Theolia! His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Rolland Aurelio Valia de Theolia!"