CH 11

In this life, Eleonora had the affinity with magic she lacked in her previous life. But even then, it was only to the extent of creating a small fire or a refreshing breeze.

Those with greater magic power were generally assigned to special occupations such as magic knights or magicians.

Those with magic power were rare existences. If Eleonora had a greater magic power, she would not be able to live freely like she is now. The country would urge her to attend an academy to learn magic.

“That’s why I’m thankful I can only make a small fire like this. Magic is amazing-be. You can even fill a cup with water-pe. Ham-chan has magic but he said he was sealed­-pe. I didn’t know what the word sealed meant so Ham-chan tried his best to teach me-pe.”

Eleonora constantly thought about the young Alexei.

“Someday, I wanna see even a glimpse of his healthy figure.”

Little did she know, this wish would soon come true.

The day of the fateful reunion, Eleonora was passing time by herself in the detached building as usual.

After breakfast, she was embroidering a ribbon for the one-horned mouse when she heard a knocking at her door. Eleonora replied while thinking that no one was supposed to come today. The person at the door was a female attendant from the main residence.

After putting down the ribbon and needle onto the worn-down table, she opened the door to see three figures: one of her stepmother’s older female attendants and two young maids she had never seen before.

“The Duke has ordered you to attend tonight’s ball at the imperial palace as well Elenora-sama.”

Without so much as a greeting, the unfriendly middle-aged woman barged into the room with the maids and informed Eleonora. Then she went to direct the maids on various things until finally giving Eleonora a word of warning.

“Once you’re done with preparations, go wait obediently in the hall of the main residence. Even if you make a mistake, try not to make the Duke wait.”

She left after saying this. The young maids who remained behind dressed Eleonora in a red dress, tied up her hair, and began applying makeup.

(Today’s the ball-pe. I haven’t been to one before, but I heard there’ll be a yummy banquet. But it isn’t good for a lady to eat too much. Man, why am I a lady-pe.)

Thinking about the banquet, Eleonora let out a despondent sigh. Her downcast eyes revealed long, beautiful eyelashes and her melancholic expression gave her an amorous air. Even the maids blushed at her seductiveness.

(I hate corsets-dabe. If it’s this tight I won’t be able to eat all the good food.)

Even if she was dressed up, there wasn’t a glimpse of a smile from Eleonora who didn’t want to attend the ball. In fact, only her sorrowful expression could be seen. Without thinking, the freckled red-haired maid began speaking to her.

“Is there anything you’re unsatisfied with Eleonora-sama?”

To that question, Eleonora tilted her neck to the side.

“…No…Everything’s fine.”

After answering, she remained quiet.

(I’m not good at using ladylike words-dabe. Even though I’m using words as I learned, it still takes this long to talk.)

Seeing her state, the maids who were placed in charge of Eleonora’s preparations for the first time began to suspect that she was being oppressed by her stepmother.

“When did you start living in this detached building Eleonora-sama?”

(Oh! I rarely get a question like this-dabe. Did I do something?)

Eleonora paused and slowly answered.

“…Since the previous wife, my mother, passed away.”

(How should I explain-pe? Even though I was chased out by my stepmother, I’m not unsatisfied with this life-be. It’s comfortable here­-pe.)

The maid showed a lost expression at this reply, then continued to talk.

“Your mother’s life was short-lived, then the current wife came. Since you’re the previous wife’s child you were chased out… All alone like this…”

Troubled by the maid’s tears, Eleonora thought to ask for her name.

“…What is your name?”

The freckled red-haired maid’s name was Lira, and the chestnut-haired maid was Larisa. They were both 18.

“…I see. What lovely names.”

Eleonora smiled gently and the two maids sank to the ground from her sublime beauty. From that moment, the two became her devoted followers.

“Eleonora-sama, your preparations are complete. We have to tidy the place now. You’ll be scolded if you’re late Eleonora-sama.”

After nodding to their words, Eleonora headed to the main residence.