Perhaps because it was hosted by the Leclerc family, who didn’t discriminate based on status.
There were no nobles who looked down on those of lower status, and one could see the guests who had arrived earlier chatting amicably.
This was the scene even before the food was served.
Once the food arrived – with topics about the cuisine and more interactions – it would surely become even livelier.
(Wait, huh?)
Byleth had intended to reassure Luna by voicing his thoughts, but her reaction seemed somewhat lacking.
As if to explain this, Luna spoke up.
“While it’s true that I’m nervous since this is my first time participating, there’s another reason why I can’t relax.”
“Another reason?”
“Ever since I entered, I’ve been receiving strange glances.”
“Eh? At you, Luna?”
“Yes. When I try to make eye contact out of concern, they quickly look away, so I’m certain of it. Perhaps I really don’t fit in at a place like this…”
“Hmm. I don’t really get that feeling. Rather…”
As I speak, my gaze moves from Luna’s head to her toes.
(Is it really… because she’s beautiful?)
Usually, her hair is tied to the side, but today it’s let down, dramatically changing her impression.
Her off-shoulder dress is pure white. With the added vishu belt, Luna’s delicate charm is further accentuated.
She’s just as attractive as Elena.
“…Yeah. I think people are averting their gaze because they see you as the opposite sex. This banquet is also a place to make connections, after all.”
“As the opposite sex…?”
She tilts her head expressionlessly, seemingly not getting it.
Seeing this, Sia clears her throat with a [ahem] and speaks up, “Excuse me for interrupting.”
“—Lord Byleth, I’ll excuse myself for a bit. The other maids have gathered, so I’ll go greet them first.”
“Oh, alright. Sia, feel free to move around as you like.”
“Thank you very much.”
After this brief exchange, Sia bows and quickly leaves.
(Really, how can she be so considerate…)
She probably predicted how this conversation would unfold.
[Hey, Byleth. Don’t you have anything to say about… this outfit? About me with my hair? Sia is keeping quiet out of respect for you, you know?]
[Ah, well… I was planning to say something when we sneak out together…]
Recalling that conversation with Elena from earlier.
“Could it be my imagination? To me, it seemed like Sia was being considerate.”
“…About what I said earlier, it’s personally more convenient when we’re alone.”
“About being seen as the opposite sex?”
“Something like that.”
When we’re alone, I can say it.
The reason why [people avert their gaze when trying to make eye contact].
“Um, this might sound embarrassing, but that dress and your hair down… it all suits you so well, Luna. Including myself, it’s like… everyone’s captivated.”
“!”
“W-What I’m trying to say is… I think people are trying to get close to you, testing the waters. Since Luna has never participated in an evening party before, some participants might be thinking this is their only chance… I’d think the same…”
“…!”
“Honestly, you’re not losing to Elena at all.”
“Is… that so? You’re clearly exaggerating.”
“Not at all.”
Complimenting a friend who’s become even more beautiful after dressing up feels like my face is on fire.
Perhaps this embarrassment is contagious, as Luna mumbles softly and looks down.
“Let me ask you one thing. Are you playing a game to see how embarrassed you can make me?”
“I wish I had that kind of composure. Haha…”
Scratching my cheek, I force a laugh. Seeing this, Luna seems to have figured it all out.
“…”
“…”
Luna falls silent, and so do I.
After this silence continues for a while.
The grand hall suddenly becomes bustling and unsettled.
Just as I wonder [Did something happen?], Luna timely informs me.
“I believe Lady Aria has arrived.”
“I-I see. We should brace ourselves then…”
“I’m sorry to interrupt while you’re bracing yourself, but may I ask one last thing?”
“What is it?”
“From what I heard earlier, I don’t think it was necessary for Sia to excuse herself.”
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
“Ah, well…”
Either because she’s quick-witted or because she slightly misunderstood my statement about [it being more convenient when we’re alone].
“When I said it’s more convenient with just the two of us, it’s because… it’s embarrassing to compliment you as beautiful in front of Sia, who’s like family.”
“You haven’t complimented me as ‘beautiful’ though.”
“………..”
“You really were that flustered, weren’t you?”
“Let’s stop talking about this, okay?”
“Understood.”
Being analyzed accurately with an expressionless face and a steady voice is what shakes my heart the most.
“But I can understand your feelings. Even without family around, I find it embarrassing to compliment someone of the opposite sex on their appearance.”
“Ah, so that’s why you never compliment me?”
“…Yes.”
“Oh… I see.”
I meant it as a light joke, but I’m caught off guard by this unexpected response.
“…”
“…”
For the second time, Luna and I fall into silence as we face each other.
It’s itchy and embarrassing. In this situation, the two of us who meet eyes avert our gazes as if sharing our current feelings.
By then, about ten minutes must have passed since we arrived at the venue.
—The lively atmosphere gradually quiets down, and cheers begin to rise.
“She’s made her appearance.”
“So that’s the Songstress…”
Everyone’s eyes in the venue turn to one young lady.
Long platinum blonde hair that sways softly with each step on the carpet, and a large, full chest.
Thin, well-shaped eyebrows, round pink eyes. A small nose and red-tinged lips.
Despite her childlike face and short stature, her demeanor and aura are as mature as Elena’s.
Almost everyone in this venue… has their eyes drawn to the “Beautiful Songstress,” Aria-Tielle, beautifully adorned in a white dress with light beige butterfly embroidery. Aria begins to greet Count Leclerc and his wife on the platform.
While watching this ducal daughter, I opens his mouth.
“Wow, she’s giving off an amazing aura…”
“While saying such things, are you not casting an impure gaze at Lady Aria’s chest?”
“N-No, I’m not! Really.”
“Your reaction is not at all believable, so please be more careful.”
“Ah, thanks for worrying.”
“No…”
Is she trying to hide her embarrassment?
Luna lowers her face as if looking at her own chest and shakes her head.
“Come to think of it, I can’t see Aria’s attendant… I wonder what happened?”
I can’t quite picture their face, but I vaguely remember that she has a personal maid.
“I suspect they might be discussing the song performance with the organizers.”
“I see, that does sound like something they’d be doing.”
“…Are you interested in that person?”
“Huh?”
“You seem to be quite conscious of them.”
She gives me a sleepy-looking stare.
Is it my imagination, or does it feel like an accusing gaze?
There seems to be a slight thorn in her voice too.
“I’m not trying to poach them or anything! Sia is the best maid in my book.”
“…”
(Oh, did I say something wrong…? There seems to be an aura of ‘That’s not what I meant’ about her…)
Since Luna’s expression doesn’t change, I can’t grasp her true intentions, but that’s the feeling I get.
“You seem to trust Sia that much.”
“So much that I can’t even think of anything else to say.”
Words from the heart unconsciously slip out.
“Honestly, I’m envious. Of your relationship with her.”
“I’m glad you say that. If it weren’t for Sia’s personality, things wouldn’t be like this.”
“You say that because you’ve given her strict guidance in the past, but it’s also because of your inner nature.”
“I hope that’s the case…”
“I believed your words earlier, so please believe mine as well.”
“Haha, when you put it that way, I have no comeback. Thank you, really.”
“No…”
I scratches my cheek with my index finger and laughs shyly. Luna glances at my expression for a few seconds.
Meanwhile, Aria seems to have finished greeting the Count and is now heading our way.
“Well, you should start preparing yourself.”
“Preparing?”
“To greet Lady Aria. Since people of higher status should interact first.”
“Ah… So I have to go first, or no one else can greet her?”
“That’s right.”
She says sharply.
(Wait, that means I’m the first one… I’ll definitely be the center of attention…)
From Luna’s words, I realize that Aria is the only noble of higher rank than a marquis.
“I’m suddenly feeling nervous. I’m not good at putting on a smile either…”
I look towards the maid, thinking [Maybe I should greet her with Sia]—but she’s in the middle of diligently greeting participants and attendants, using her inherent cheerfulness, wide network, and communication skills.
It would be inconsiderate to call her out in this situation.
I steel myself to greet Aria alone.
“Since we have the chance, I’ll watch your gallant figure.”
“I-I’ll do my best.”
If there’s one fortunate thing, it’s that Aria seems to have a soft atmosphere about her. Despite her high position, she gives off an approachable feeling.
The poll is open again, please vote!!!
Also check out my friend Localizermeerkat for more LN translations!
BUY THE SOURCE MATERIAL TO SUPPORT THE AUTHOR !!!
Kindly click on the green button above and contribute to filling the green bar if you’re interested in having another LN from the request page translated. Also, every donation is being used to purchase the source material and to fund more English translations.
Please consider joining my Ko-Fi membership. By becoming a member, you’ll also gain access to 2-10 additional chapters of all of the novels from this site translated into English. Last but not least your support will also assist me in upholding the translation quality and speed. For more information, please follow the link.
Donation for faster release is always welcome
Additionally, I am now accepting translation requests.
