Chapter 3.1

Chapter 3: The Debut – Part 2 (1)

While standing, I waited for what felt like an eternity as all the debutantes greeted the Emperor and Empress, received their rings, and went back to their original positions. So boring. When I tried to talk to Cermiane, he stopped me, saying,  “We must at least remain quiet during the ceremony.”

But to put it in perspective, even though we’ve officially become adults, we’re still just thirteen-year-olds. Missing a step and falling down. Almost crying due to forgetting the official greeting and freezing up. Completely skipping a step of the ceremony… Ah, I wasn’t the only one who messed up. Witnessing these mistakes comforted me in a way. However, the Emperor and the Empress also didn’t utter anything other than the required phrases to the debutantes either. I was the only one who experienced that. They also didn’t speak a single thing to the escorting knights too.

When everyone swore their oath of allegiance and received their ring, the Emperor and Empress left the hall. The rest of us were able to leave as well. But, we weren’t able to leave just yet — we had to attend the commemorative banquet held at the imperial palace.

I trotted over to where Father and Mother were.

“I did it properly, Father and Mother!”

I said proudly. Father and Mother were at a loss of words, for some reason. Then, they turned their eyes towards Cermiane, who was tailing after me.

“There is no need for concern, Marquis. His Majesty did not appear to be displeased. Rather, he seemed very amused.”

After hearing Cermiane’s words, Father and Mother looked noticeably relieved. They then patted my head.

“W-well. You did well, Ralphene.”

“Y-yes. Considering how you didn’t receive the proper education for nobles in any way, you did well, my dear.”

Hehe. I puffed up with pride, but I wonder how my parents were truly feeling at that time. We headed towards the imperial palace’s grand hall with me being squeezed between Cermiane and my parents.

The gorgeous grand hall didn’t really impress me either. Apparently, the hall being used for the debutante’s banquet was medium-sized, but it was built as if the Empire’s traditions and history were all captured and framed in this room. So… What I’m getting at is that it’s old-fashioned. It felt cramped and boring to me.

As my parents, Cermiane, and I walked, we kept stopping. This was because the lower-ranked nobles kept coming up to us with greetings. While my parents were gracefully exchanging greetings with them, I awkwardly returned their greetings the way Cermiane quickly taught me. I wanted everyone to leave me alone, but I’m one of the main characters of this banquet tonight. I guess things won’t turn out my way then, unfortunately.

“I did not hear about you having such a beautiful daughter, Marquis.”

“She is usually in our territory. I don’t bring her to the Capital with me often.”

“I see, so it seems that she is your treasured youngest daughter.”

Small talk filled with laughter and giggles seemed ceaseless, and I could do nothing but just stare off into space. Well, when I looked at the other debutantes, there were some who stood and smiled along. That’s impossible for me. To tell the truth, I was bored out of my mind. I can’t stand this any longer. I pulled Cermiane’s sleeve and whispered,

“Do something. Otherwise, I’m going to escape by myself.”

Cermiane’s smile turned slightly strained, but he apparently had begun to understand what type of person I am, and so he nodded.

“Marquis, it appears that your daughter would like some fresh air.”

This phrase meant that I wanted to use the restroom, so Father nodded and gave his approval. Phew, I’m saved! With Cermiane guiding me by my wrist, we were able to slip out of the crowd of nobles surrounding us.

“Thank you, Mia.”

“However, you are aware that it is important for a lady to make connections with various nobles in those situations, yes? You are an adult now, so you must make your face known for your future marriage, Ral.”

I laughed and said,

“Don’t worry, don’t worry! I’m planning on marrying in the territory anyway.”

“Are there nobles in the territory?”

“Nope, so I’m probably gonna marry a commoner. I don’t really know though.”

Cermiane’s eyes widened.

“The daughter of a marquis is going to marry a commoner?”

“Most likely. I’d be more at ease that way too. Though, I don’t want to marry a weak man.”

Cermiane looked at me as if I were an exotic beast. What’s with you?

“This is the first time I’ve heard a noble lady say that.”

“Just so you know, I don’t consider myself as a daughter of a marquis. I live as a commoner back in the territory anyway. That’s why it’s totally fine if I’m not a noble. For that matter, I can live comfortably by myself.”

Cermiane just looked dumbfounded and didn’t say anything.

We headed towards the table that had refreshments. There were some circles of ladies and gentlemen chatting here and there, but I didn’t know anyone, let alone have any friends. Since I’m probably never coming back to the Capital, I don’t see the need for making friends. These weak-looking people who just giggle around don’t even deserve to be my underlings. Cermiane got me some refreshments, and while I ate, we started talking about hunting once again.

“I must confess, you are amazing, Ral. I would have never imagined that a lady would hunt a bear.”

“Oh, there are some huntswomen who are as good as me. Not many, though.”

“Will you be a huntswoman, Ral?”

“I haven’t decided yet. If I marry a farmer, I want to be the best farmer in the world, if I marry a merchant, I want to be the best merchant in the world. I hate being in-between. It’s got to be all in or all out.”

“You truly are an amazing person.”

Cermiane smiled in admiration. It didn’t look like an empty compliment, but I didn’t understand what was so great about me. Isn’t it normal to put in your all in everything you do?

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