How Do You Do, Sire?

"Hold still, my lady," one of the maids pleaded as she carefully massaged a honey-infused treatment into my hair. Another knelt at my side, gently washing my arms, while a third dabbed scented oil onto my shoulders.

"It's too early for this," I mumbled, letting my head loll back against the porcelain edge of the tub.

"You mustn't say that, my lady! It's your special day!" Maya, my personal maid, scolded, her usual sharp tone softened with excitement.

Oh? Now she's acting all proud.

Not too long ago, she could barely look me in the eye, trembling with fear, struggling to get her words out.

The thought made me smile.

Before I could grumble a reply, I was lifted from the water and wrapped in the softest towels imaginable. The maids wasted no time—rubbing me dry, brushing and braiding my damp hair into sections, all while chattering among themselves.

"Her skin is glowing so beautifully!" one of them gushed.

"Of course! We've been taking care of her every day," another chimed in.

Then came the dressing—a full production in itself. Layers upon layers of fabric—silk, lace, embroidered tulle—were carefully draped over me. Corset strings were pulled snug, not too tight but just enough to enhance my figure. The gown, specially crafted for this occasion, shimmered as it caught the light, the deep hues of the fabric making me appear even more regal than I felt.

Jewelry was chosen with meticulous care—delicate waist chains that shimmered with each movement, gemstone earrings catching the light, and a simple yet elegant white diamond necklace, its fine chain and small beads resting gently against my open neckline. Every strand of hair meticulously arranged and pinned into place. The final touches followed—soft rouge dusted onto my cheeks, a subtle tint gracing my lips, enhancing my features with just the right touch of refinement.

When I finally stepped in front of the grand mirror, I barely recognized myself.

Maya stood behind me, hands clasped together, eyes gleaming with pride. "You look breathtaking, my lady. Just as you should on your coming-of-age day."

I stared at my reflection, taking in the transformation, the meticulous effort, the meaning behind this day. It wasn't just about looking the part—it was about stepping into it, owning it.

At eighteen, I'm considered of age, but if you count my real age, I'm actually twenty-seven now. It's a strange feeling, living a second life with the memories of the first still lingering in my mind.

My coming-of-age ceremony will be held at the imperial palace, where the emperor himself will officially recognize me, along with other young ladies and gentlemen of noble birth who are celebrating their milestones this year. Although we will be presented together, as the daughter of a duke, I will be the highlight—an honor and privilege not everyone gets to experience.

Our family's long-standing service to the crown has earned us immense respect and influence. Our contributions, especially in military affairs, have solidified our standing, making this recognition by the emperor not just a formality, but a testament to our family's legacy.

The Melenheim family, my great-great-grandfather in particular, was once the right-hand man to Emperor Adolf the First. Together, they fought battles that expanded the empire's territory, establishing both power and prosperity through wise governance.

We're not the only dukedom in the Empire of Inglataria. There are three: The Melenheims of the west—that's us, known for their military prowess; the Baltigorres of the north, masters of magic; and the Alanesteres of the south, the scholars and merchants who help keep the empire's economy afloat.

Maya leaned in slightly, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "The ball will be held at Astera Palace, you know—the crown prince's residence."

I hummed in acknowledgment. "And?"

"And," she continued, her voice brimming with intrigue, "His Highness is quite the figure. An exceptional swordsman, a brilliant strategist, and highly regarded among the nobility."

I raised a brow. "Impressive résumé. Anything else?"

Maya clasped her hands together dramatically. "They say he carries himself with effortless grace—a man who exudes both power and refinement."

I snorted. "You sound like a bard composing an epic."

She ignored my comment and leaned in even closer. "And, of course, he's undeniably handsome."

"Of course," I echoed dryly.

"Golden hair, sharp regal features—oh! Rumors even claim that his mere presence is enough to make ladies swoon."

I gave her a skeptical look. "Swoon? As in, faint on the spot?"

Maya nodded earnestly. "Exactly!"

I sighed, shaking my head. "At this rate, people will start saying flowers bloom where he walks."

Maya grinned. "Well, you'll see for yourself soon enough, my lady."

Interesting.

In my past life, I had always dreamed of meeting a handsome crown prince.

Now that it was actually happening, I couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of excitement. Will I meet him and fall in love at first sight, just like in the novels?

…Yeah, probably not.

Maya, oblivious to my inner musings, carried on with excitement. "They say Astera Palace is absolutely breathtaking, my lady. It is the crown prince's residence, after all. And Prince Ro—" She suddenly paused, her expression shifting as if she had just remembered something. "Well… you've heard the rumors, haven't you?"

I shot her a knowing look. "That he's an exceptional swordsman, a brilliant strategist, and so handsome that every lady would swoon at his feet?" I quipped, arching an eyebrow as I repeated her earlier words.

Maya pouted at my teasing but pressed on. "Well, while His Highness remains unengaged, he isn't exactly available."

That piqued my interest. "How so?"

Maya tilted her head. "His childhood friend, Lady Estelon. She's always been by his side."

"Oh…" I nodded slowly. "I see."

Maya's excitement dimmed slightly. "Indeed. The esteemed daughter of Count Estelon. She and His Highness are of the same age, childhood companions who have been by each other's side for as long as memory serves. They are two years your senior, my lady."

If they are two years older than me, then that makes them twenty.

That was older than I had anticipated. In this world, royal engagements were typically secured long before one came of age. Yet here they were, well past that threshold, with no betrothal in sight?

"Most people assume it's only a matter of time before an official announcement," Maya added, her voice lowering slightly. Then, after a brief pause, she glanced at me. "But nothing's official yet."

I scoffed. "Right. So you're saying there's a chance?"

Maya laughed. "Well, my lady, you are the daughter of Duke Melenheim, ruler of Beaufort. If anyone stands a chance, it would be you."

I rolled my eyes with a chuckle. As if I'd even try.

But honestly, I'm not fixated on the literal crown prince. To me, the sons of other noble houses are just as much "princes" in their own right, so it's not like I'm lacking options.

I clenched both fists in front of my chest, steeling myself with determination. I can do this. I will find a boyfriend—lover as they call it here, and finally, finally experience what I never could in my past life. No more frustrations. No more unfinished scenes. This time, I'm making it happen.

As Maya adjusted the final pin in my hair, she launched into an explanation of the day's schedule, her tone a perfect mix of excitement and professionalism.

"The ceremony will begin at noon, my lady," she said, carefully smoothing a stray lock into place. "You, along with the other young nobles coming of age, will first have an audience with His Majesty. It's an official recognition from the crown."

I hummed in acknowledgment, trying to stay focused as she continued.

"After that, you'll take part in the opening dance. The letter didn't specify who your partner will be, but it's fortunate that the palace sent a tutor to prepare you for the choreography."

"Right," I murmured, my thoughts already drifting.

Maya caught my vacant expression and sighed before pressing on. "It's not just about the dance, my lady. It's also a key opportunity to socialize. You'll be expected to engage with the elders and other young nobles, build connections, and, well… present yourself to society."

I exhaled slowly. "So, it's basically a grand networking event disguised as a celebration."

Maya chuckled. "That's one way to put it. But it's crucial—especially for someone of your standing."

She stepped back to give me a final once-over, then hesitated.

"…And then, there's the evening event," she added carefully.

I blinked. "Evening event?"

Maya's eyes narrowed. "My lady, don't tell me you've forgotten."

I shifted in place. "Uh… not exactly forgotten. More like… temporarily misplaced the information."

She sighed, clearly unimpressed. "There will be a banquet in the evening, followed by a second gathering. It's more relaxed than the formal ceremony, but just as significant. You'll be expected to mingle, dance, and—" she paused, giving me a pointed look "—interact with potential suitors."

I lighted up when she mentioned the word—suitors. "Great. More socializing. And dancing."

Maya stifled a laugh. "One step at a time, my lady. Let's survive the afternoon first."

I take one last look in the mirror. My white ball gown, tinged with light blue, features a daring low back—unconventional for this era. Clear crystals adorn the bodice and skirt, catching the light with every movement.

Chris, the designer, had called it "vulgar" at first, wary of tradition, but I refused to compromise. This was the dress I had always dreamed of for my eighteenth birthday in my past life—a dream I never got to fulfill. Back then, all I had was a cake and a wish. But now? Now, I am living it.

Aerin's body is perfect, and I intend to showcase it. I might be the first to introduce revolutionary fashion to this conservative world.

"Oh, Lady Aerin, you look majestic!" Chris exclaimed as he saw the final result.

"I told you it would be perfect!" I beamed, proud of the work we had done.

Chris even clapped and circled around me, and the maids laughed at his excitement.

"My lovely muse, I will see you tonight!" he said with a kiss on my cheek.

"Oh, yeah... don't cry." I teased.

"Hmph!" he wiped away a tear and left, waving goodbye.

Maya helped me put on the long blue robe to cover the gown before I stepped out. The moment I did, my father appeared, dressed in his royal blue knight's uniform. What a handsome sight. I specifically asked Chris to match the gown to my father's uniform, knowing he'd wear it to every formal event.

"Are you ready?" he asked, his face as unreadable as ever.

Ah, classic. No warmth, no excitement—just straight to the point.

Still as reserved, stoic, and emotionally constipated as ever. Honestly, how did this man even get married? Did mom have to court him? Drag him to the altar? Fill out the paperwork herself? At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if she was the one who decided to have me, too.

I took a deep breath, straightened my posture, and exhaled slowly before letting a big smile settle on my face.

"Let's get this over with."

"You're just like your mother."

"I know!" I said, grinning—even though my knowledge of her came only from the stories the servants told and the portrait hanging in the hall.

As we started down the stairs, I hesitated before asking, "Do you miss her?"

He paused, his steps slowing. "Your mother?" His gaze turned distant, lost in a memory. "Hmm… She was beautiful. Kind. Full of life… and she loved to talk, just like you."

He didn't answer directly, but that response was more than enough.

I smiled at his words, feeling the love he still carried for her. But something about the way he phrased it made my chest tighten.

"Loved to talk, just like you."

The real Aerin hadn't been like me—or her mother. She had been quiet, withdrawn, and filled with bitterness. Her loneliness festered into anger, and that anger pushed people away, creating the very isolation she feared. She had been seen as a villain long before she had a chance to be anything else.

I tightened my grip on my father's arm as we descended. I had chosen not to take an escort from the family knights today. He is my escort.

If the real Aerin could see this moment, I hoped—wherever she was—she would be happy for me.