Observation Record of a Self-proclaimed Villainess' Fiance

Chapter 4 : Bertia (11 years old)

"Your Highness, the day has finally come!"

Lady Bertia holds her hands closed in front of her chest. She wears a beautiful pure white dress and has decorated her crimson hair with pale yellow roses.

The necklace adorned with a fake blue jewel that I gifted to her rests shines on her chest along with an exquisite chain scattered with jewels that makes the necklace all the more vibrant.

We are currently alone in this waiting room.

Well, to be precise, two of her maids and Zeno are standing in a corner, but they're doing their best to remain unseen, so it's probably alright to say that we're alone.

"That dress suits you well. Very beautiful, Lady Bertia."

"Thank you very much. Your pure white knight uniform suits you well too, your Highness! So that's formal attire! ...I feel like I pale in comparison."

After I praise her clothing, she gives me a rather strained smile despite her apparent happiness. For some reason, she became a little downhearted after comparing herself to me.

Even though she looks cute and well-dressed even if she doesn't force a smile.

Speaking of which, when did I begin to be able to sincerely say that she looks 'beautiful' and 'cute' with no hesitation?

At the very least, I think that when we first met, I mainly only called her 'cute' out of obligation.

When we met again a year later, she had indeed changed enough to make me double-take, but I didn't consider her as pretty as I do now.

Part of the reason is probably because her face is getting less round as she grows older... but I know that her flawless porcelain-white skin, her glossy and shiny crimson hair, and her thin body that's showing signs of maturity are all thanks to her hard work.

"... You've become beautiful," I murmur unconsciously, rephrasing my words a little from before.

Today, gazing at her again, I vaguely think that she really has changed a lot.

"W - what!? Ah I see - your Highness, do you need something from me!? But I can't do anything for you right now! After this, I am going to make my memorable social debut at a party and carry out my 'Plan to Corrupt Father - Take 2', after all! Even if you're the one asking, I can't spare any energy for you at this crucial event!"

...Correction. Perhaps the sorry state of her inside self has not changed much.

Just as she says, today is the yearly party hosted by the royal family to celebrate young nobles who are making their social debut.

By attending this party, we finally can become a part of high society.

Social debuts typically happen from ages thirteen to twenty.

The reason why there's such a large age range is that different families may take more time than others preparing, and there may be some issues related to the young noble in question's schooling - enrolment times or studying abroad, for example.

Some among low-ranking nobility find it difficult to afford the necessary attire, so naturally their social debuts end up later due to the time needed to raise the money. And young nobles who study abroad either have their debuts before or after they leave, so they end up earlier or later.

In my case, as I'm royalty, fairly talented, and set to start middle school at Halm Academy starting from next year, it was desired that I make my debut the first spring after my thirteenth birthday.

That in itself was perfectly fine - you could even say that it was a natural turn of events.

However, the issue with this was Lady Bertia.