Extra 31: Monologue of a Former Birthday Lady
- This story took place two years before the main story
When I made my social debut, a lavish party was held at the Elcage household. My mother was very enthusiastic, and the party was overflowing from the various ideas. All the guests were pleased, saying, “As might be expected from the beautiful foreign princess!”
Thus, at the end of the party, the queen—my future mother-in-law—said, “I’ll be hosting Lelouche’s birthday party next year. Isn’t she also my daughter?”
I could see a sting of hostility behind her smile.
My mother, the main character, was nonchalant, saying, “Oh my, Lelouche! I’m so happy for you!”
And so, tonight, I, Lelouche Elcage, would be having my 14th birthday party at the royal palace.
Holding a celebration on one’s birthday was an aristocratic custom. Families could use them to display their status—an excuse to invite people one would like to socialize with. I didn’t think I was childish enough to complain about that. Being used as a pawn was also one of the responsibilities of a young lady.
Still, putting up with the queen’s vanity was tiring.
“I wonder how many outfits she’s going to make me try…”
The queen worked until the last minute on perfecting my dress. The result was truly luxurious and magnificent. The glittering fabric, carefully woven with gold thread and delicate lace, would be worth a fortune on its own. Of course, the outfit didn’t end there.
The party would start in less than an hour. The queen, still struggling with the accessories, muttered to herself, “I’m sure that necklace was over there,” and took that brief moment to go and get it herself. Naturally, I didn’t miss the chance. I stretched my stiff shoulders and step into the royal courtyard for some air.
“What should I do… What should I do…”
“Hm?”
That sobbing sound must’ve come from a kitten. That’s what I’ll believe.
After all, there was no way an invited girl would be curled up in her underdress and crying at the future queen’s birthday. Naturally, all the guests must’ve thought the same.
She was the same age as me. To be precise, she was one year younger. She was a count’s daughter who’d just recently made her social debut. Her deep green hair was a common feature of the neighboring country. At the same time, her short, glossy hairstyle that fell on her shoulders was something that could only be tolerated in the neighboring country.
Yes, she was a guest from a neighboring country. Her name was Marl Isaac. Her brother, Zeldo Isaac, came to our kingdom this year for his education, and she was accompanying him on the trip. For better or worse, just before she returned home, she was invited here due to her age.
Well, whatever the circumstances, it wasn’t right for a count’s daughter to cry in her underdress at this time of night. So, I crouched down in front of her.
“What are you doing here?”
“Who are you…?”
“I’m Lelouche Elcage, the star of today’s party, basically.”
Leaving aside the fact that the real star should’ve been the host, the queen.
Even if she didn’t know my face, she probably remembered my name. The languages of countries were slightly different, and she still didn’t seem used to ours. She must’ve been anxious. She groaned and shrunk even smaller.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to insult you, Lady Lelouche.”
“Don’t worry about that. Anyway, who did it?”
“Eh?”
“Who stole your dress?”
There was no way a dress from the neighboring country would be that shabby. The neighboring country was the queen’s home country, and I heard it was both bigger and more affluent than the Kingdom of Lapisenta.
Since it was a young lady’s underdress, it looked like a simple one-piece dress. So it wasn’t like she was exposing much skin, but it was probably chilly at this time of year. I thought about bringing her inside, explain the situation to the queen, and get her a replacement dress…
When I asked her, she said, “I don’t know her name. A flaxen—”
“Ew, Ms. Lala.”
When I let out an exclamation of disgust, the cute girl’s round eyes went even rounder.
Well, I could see why she was surprised. There were loads of flaxen-haired ladies in this kingdom and she never even mentioned that it was hair color in the first place.
This is Ms. Lala we’re talking about. I’m sure it’s her.
She must’ve wanted to humiliate Marl for being a guest from oversea. If such trouble were to become public, it would call into question the dignity and management skills of the host.
Wow, she’s still as petty as ever. The real star of the show today is the Queen. Making the Queen your enemy… I really admire that indomitable spirit.
As you wish, let me play with you tonight as well.
I smiled at the tearful Marl.
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect your honor.”
Then, I took off my dress.
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