“So, for both you and Sasha, the final battle is the ball. You smart-looking yet down-to-earth prince, you’re the cause of my sister’s worries, so please take responsibility and make her happy.”

“Yes. Leave it to me. I won’t stress Juliane anymore.”

“Head Che—no, Lord Bart. Sasha will marry the younger brother of the Grand Duke of Glaive, so we’ll ensure her debut as soon as we can. Please support Sasha’s newfound determination.”

“No, Lord Kyle, I’ll remain as the chef here. Our love has blossomed, so let’s work together and do our best.”

“Sister, Sasha. I’ll do my best to help you, so show them the strength of the ladies of the Gessel family.”

Kyle, you grew so much before I realized it.

My brother is working so hard… What about me? If Amalia decides to do something, I sure as heck won’t be able to do anything about it!

I was certainly worried about my health. I’d been slacking off on socializing lately, so my confidence had been dwindling.

Try harder, my body. I have high hopes for you, my body. You can do so much more!

In my mind, I was making poses like someone flexing their muscles. It was like, “Hmph—!”

There were those who were happy when they were with me. There were those who were sad when I wasn’t feeling well.

If that was the case, then I shouldn’t wait for my comeuppance and instead be happy with my family and those I cared about!

“Ohoho, no matter who comes at me, I have no fear! I’ll show you the true strength of the upstart Gessel family!”

I stood up, clenched my fists, and looked around the drawing room.

“Life isn’t about knowing whether or not things will turn out well! No one knows what’s ahead, so worrying about it is a waste! Besides, I don’t have the time, nor am I the type to worry! So, no matter what comes before Sasha or Kyle, I’ll crush it!”

I raised my chin and laughed boisterously for the first time in a while.

“That’s our Juliane.”

Alfred stood up and grabbed my hand. When he stared at me with those sincere, passionate eyes, I felt my emotions soaring into the air.

“Can I at least kiss you?”

“Eh? Uhm, oh my, Lord Alfred sure is bold…”

Alfred spoke while smiling wryly. “Just because of this? Well, I can’t seem to do anything but be straightforward. I don’t like overcomplicating things. Let me kiss you, Juliane.”

“Well, I like that about you too, Lord Alfred. So bring it on.”

As we gazed at each other from such a close distance, we burst out laughing.

“Hey, get a room.”

Kyle looked beyond astonished—he was grim. We both came to our senses at the same time.

“Wow, how romantic~ Ah, youth~”

The Grand Duke muttered earnestly, or perhaps, heartwarmingly.

The entire Gessel family took on the challenge of Sasha’s education.

The three of us siblings spent the days leading up to the ball encouraging each other. Our father and mother also gave us advice, provided money, and their faces were filled with indescribable love.

Thus, before we knew it, our family of five had become able to share our joys together, albeit not equally.

“The day of the final battle is finally upon us…”

The one-and-a-half-month preparation period passed in the blink of an eye. On the day of the ball, Liz helped me dress.

“Hm, it’s an incredibly well-done piece. It has a quiet, solemn dignity, like of the great Yokozuna of the Showa era.”

The dress was embroidered silver thread on a green background, and the neckline was slightly open, making the backline seem very beautiful.

The design itself was simple, but it emphasized the body line just enough. It was elegant, yet had a hint of sensuality.

Mother found this dress in the storeroom. It seemed to have been a special outfit from when she was dating father. Thus, the family and the servants all worked together to fix it.

I chose emerald green accessories, the same color as Alfred’s eyes. My cabriole-leg pumps were also green, with a small butterfly pattern on the toes.

These days, dressing up in the most extravagant manner was the practice, but there seemed to be a return to simplicity spreading among some discerning ladies. At least, according to my observation.

If I tried to win in a flashy way, I’d end up embarrassing myself just like before.

So, I decided to take a different approach.

I touched my cheek with my fingertips. It felt softer and moist than before. Above all, it was translucent. Thanks to the family’s hard work, I wouldn’t feel embarrassed by my appearance.

“Hey, Kyle, why don’t you escort your special someone? It’s a ball after all.”

“I just experienced heartbreak, so can you please not?”

Kyle, who was playing with the collar of his evening gown, smirked mischievously.

“Well, in a way, she was beyond my reach. I couldn’t even confess to her. She’s incredibly dense, so there’s no way she’d notice…”

“I-I see…”

Kyle summed up his broken heart so easily, and I had no words to say to him.

“You’re wonderful, but Sasha is beautiful too. I guess a woman can change if she’s determined, or unwavering.”

Kyle’s gaze became incredible gentle. There, before his eyes, was Sasha, wearing a pale pink dress. She was holding hands and smiling with the head chef. The latter had transformed into the perfect prince, softspoken and demure.

Father and mother were smiling and looking at us tenderly.

“Ohoho, this is a pivotal moment. Let’s go, Gessel family!”

The Gessel family was in top form and not one to be discouraged easily. We raised our voices and entered the royal palace.

The glittering great hall, with elegant music playing, was packed with people of all ages and genders.

The light from the chandeliers, shining like stars, showered down the elegant furnishings. Gorgeously dressed ladies and the chattering gentlemen created a fantastical and beautiful scene, just like from a fairy tale.

“You’re so beautiful, Lady Juliane. I’m overwhelmed with emotions right now.”

“To be able to stand beside Lady Juliane again… I couldn’t be happier!”

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***T/N: So they gonna flex their workout routine now

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