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The journey to the neighboring kingdom moved at a slow speed. Our carriage often took breaks as the people worried about my body.
It was imperative that I have an audience with His Majesty, the king as soon as I arrived, but I was told to do it tomorrow. I was then taken to a room that had been prepared for me since I was tired.
“Welcome back, Miss Dahlia.”
The woman had reddish brown hair. It was tied up in a bun and her bangs were pulled back so as not to get in the way. She was tall and had freckles under her eyes. Her facial features were not very prominent, but she had good posture and a wonderful aura. A woman in her early thirties with fresh green eyes.
She bowed to greet me when she saw me.
This place was my mother’s homeland, no doubt. I’m being treated like a nobleman from another country. Aren’t I supposed to be treated like a guest?
She looked at me and smiled.
“Your mother was a princess of our kingdom. Even if you’re a noble from another country, you can still consider this place as your homeland. So, I welcome you back.”
The woman seemed to have read the question inside my head.
“I’m back.”
The woman smiled at my answer.
“I will be Miss Dahlia’s personal lady-in-waiting. My name is Bridgette Steve.”
“I am Dahlia, the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess Stewart. It’s nice to meet you.”
“We have already prepared for your bath. You must have been tired after your long journey. Please take your time to relax.”
“Thank you.”
“Then I will help you take off your clothes.”
I shook my head at Bridgette, who tried to help me.
“No need, I can take them off myself.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. Of course she would. It’s unusual for someone who was raised as a noble to know how to change her clothes by herself. In fact, dresses worn by noble ladies are by no means easy to wear.
But the one I’m wearing now is a very simple dress. I could easily change myself out of this alone. Besides, I was basically left unattended back in the ducal mansion. Although servants made sure that my room was clean, they didn’t do anything else unless I asked them to. Naturally, I learned to do everything on my own.
Bridgette looked sad for a moment after the shock. But unlike the servants before who listened to Andrea, Bridgette was a very capable lady-in-waiting, as she was employed by the royal family of Estoria. The sad expression on her face quickly changed to a smiling face.
“Is that so? Then, I’ll wait for you outside. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”
“Alright, thank you.”
“Please take this night dress.”
Bridgette handed me a very nice-looking night dress. I had to hold it tightly or it would slip out of my hands. It was probably made of silk. It had a nice sheen to it.
“Um, I have my own night dress.”
I don’t know why but I think I suddenly saw coldness from Bridgette’s eyes even though she was smiling. Though it might just be because I’m exhausted to the point of hallucinating.
“That one seems old now. This one I have was prepared by His Majesty and His Highness, Prince Curtis.”
If the king and the crown prince prepared it themselves, then I guess there was no way that I could refuse it. But why would they choose a night dress for me themselves? I’m not sure what to make of it.
“This is a present they prepared for you, so I hope that you accept it.”
“…present.”
“Yes. It’s also our way of apologizing for not being able to do anything for you before.”
I’ve received dresses and accessories from my father before. I also received gifts on my birthday. But Betty would always take a fancy to them. In the end, everything became hers and I was left with nothing.
But Betty isn’t here now. This present now is truly mine. The thought made me very happy. I carefully held the nightdress in my hand.
“Thank you very much. I’ll take good care of it.”
“Yes, miss.”
Bridgette smiled at my words. I wasn’t used to being smiled at like that. To be honest, I was confused, but my heart was strangely warm.
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