Chapter 17

Since the week I've started coming here, Estelle and I have gotten very close.

We're close enough to eat snacks alone together up on the rooftop of the building.

Miss Nia, you've been too busy to eat yet, right? Let's eat together.

Estelle, who now naturally called me by my nickname, smiled and passed me a piece of bread.

The bread was made by a woman who received treatment a few days prior and wanted to give me a token of her gratitude.

At a glance, the bread looked tough and rustic.

And it tasted exactly as it looked. It was like chewing on solid stone.

'But it's still delicious, I'm beat from moving around all day.'

Eating bread after sweating is the best. I mumbled under my breath, my eyes meeting Estelle's.

'Hey, Miss Female Lead. I'll get flustered if you look at me with such big and bright eyes.'

I coughed, my face slightly red.

I guess I don't have the dignity befitting a noble lady, do I? I'm a woman addicted to bread[1]. I'll stop

It's not that, I think you're amazing.

My eyes opened wide at the unexpected compliment.

Since becoming Pernia, this was the first time someone ever told me I was amazing. I had only heard people mention how uncouth I was, how my mind was addled and how generally strange I had become.

Estelle looked at the piece of bread in my hand and explained, Most aristocrats usually wouldn't show such enjoyment while eating that kind of bread.

That's true. Only the richest and most decadent bread was served at the tables of nobility.

Nor would they dance and sing in front of elderly people they've never seen before.

Estelle, even if I wasn't a noble I wouldn't want to do that againThe reason I have such a black history is due to me being swept up in the moment.

That's why I like you, Miss Nia.

My heart pounded with a resoundingthumpas Estelle smiled softly.

'Could you please give me a warning before coming at me like that?'

My thoughts almost spilled out as I tried to calm my careening heart.

Thank you. By the way, Estelle, you said you'd be attending the Crown Prince's birthday celebration in a few weeks, right?

Yes.

Have you decided on a dress to wear?

I'm going to wear the dress I wore to your engagement ceremony.

I almost burst into tears.

'No way. You're going to wear that dress?'

That dress was a poverty-riddled masterpiece in tatters, void of so much as a frill or decorative stitch.

While it was normal for Estelle to wear a dress like that, if another wore it, she would be ridiculed as wearing a dress worn by her grandmother half a century ago.

I asked carefully, It looked like a very old dress. Have you thought of buying a new one?

No. I haven't. she answered firmly.

Why? It's been a long time since you've gone to a banquet. It would be nice to wear something pretty.

It's not good for a saintess to wear such a dress.

Who on earth said such crazy things?

Estelle continued, lowering her eyebrows.

A lot of people. I was upset about it when I was young, but now I understand. There are so many people who can't even eat a sliver of bread. What would it look like to them if a saintess wore nice dresses and attended banquets?

Because of that, it was not easy to get her a new dress. Her wardrobe was tied to the responsibility and sensibility of a saintess.

'However, I anticipated this.'

After I decided to help Estelle, I had thought long and hard.

'What should I say to Estelle to get her to agree?'

Saying something like, I just want to make you look beautiful. wasn't going to work.

But, what about this?

My shoulders slumped and I murmured with a somber countenance.

I see. Then it would be hard to wear matching friendship dresses with me.

Friendship dresses?

Yes, it's a trend amongst young aristocrats. Best friends wear dresses in matching colors and styles. I really wanted to do it with you.

It won't be possible, right?

I waved my hand with a face that seemed full of disappointment.

Don't worry on my account. I don't mean to burden Estelle.

I'm lying. I mean to put pressure on you.

So please take the bait.

Thinking inwardly, I lowered my eyes. She didn't say anything for a moment.

I hoped I looked as pitiful as possible.

After a while, Estelle's small voice could be heard.

Well, wouldn't a cheap dress be okay?

I raised my head suddenly. Really?

Yes, as Miss Nia said, the dress I have is too old.

Ah, I'm so happy!

I wrapped my hands around Estelle's. As Estelle saw my enthusiasm, she smiled happily.

That was the lynchpin of operation: Getting Estelle to Wear a Pretty Dress.

Friendship!

My lady, why are you wearing a dress today? Aren't you going to the Flower Grass House today? Asked Anne, recalling my routine as she helped me dress for the day.

Come and read on our website wuxia worldsite. Thanks

No, I have another appointment today.

Anne's face brightened at my words.

Anne began combing my lavender ringlets, chattering as she did so. That's a relief. I'm always so nervous that something dangerous might happen to you every time you go there. You always look wane and exhausted every time you return. So you won't be going there anymore?

It's been a week since I started volunteering at the Flower Grass House.

But there was no reason to go back there now, my goal of Estelle and I establishing a relationship had been fulfilled.

But

[Miss Nia!]

I changed my mind when I recalled Estelle's excited face, which greeted me like a puppy every time I arrived.

I will go there every now and then if I have time.

Huh?

Anne looked as if she was about to cry at what I said.

Anne, I know you're worried about me. But

But before there was no one else in this world who had witnessed a warm greeting from Estelle, and now there is only one.

That's how lovely her smile is.

Anne didn't respond to what I said and instead forced a civil smile.

She had grown highly adept at ignoring my nonsense.

Oh, my Lady. Have you contacted Lord Kardien?

The moment the name Kardien came out for Anne's mouth, my humming stopped.

While reclining on my chair, I rolled my eyes and cast a glance at the table where some letters were piled.

The letters that bore the stamp of a silver bell and sword were sent by Lucian during the week.

But in fact, even if there was a letter it didn't amount to much.