Chapter 51 The Day Of The Birthday Party
Time flew by, and finally, it was the day of Rifine's birthday party.
The preparations at the venue were being handled perfectly by Mei and the other maids working at the Detached Palace, so there were no issues.
At one point, for some reason, Mei suggested, "Let's prominently display a painting of the princess and Lady Yumie in the most noticeable spot!" and surprisingly, not just the other maids but even the cooks and gardeners started agreeing with her.
Rifine, embarrassed, desperately tried to stop them, but instead, she was gently lectured by Mei about how cute she was, which made her face turn bright red as she ran away.
But, well, that was a minor incident.
"That's not minor at all! That Mei, even after that, keeps trying to find a chance to display my painting... I told her if we're going to display something, it should be a painting of Yumie!"
"Um, this is Rifine's Detached Palace, so I think it's a bit strange for my painting to be in the most noticeable spot."
I couldn't help but smirk as I watched Rifine puff out her cheeks in pure frustration.
Honestly, I've always thought I'm a pretty cute guy myself - nothing wrong with that, right? Unlike my friend here, I don't have any issues with my artwork being showcased front and center.
In fact, back at the Granbell Family, they already had my pieces displayed proudly. And just for context, this Detached Palace was set up especially for Rifine.
So, it only makes sense that her painting should be the one on display.
"Then, if it's not in a prominent spot, can I display Yumie's painting? Like in my room?"
"Yes, of course."
However, it caught me off guard when Rifine ask me like that.
With a bright smile, Rifine said,
"Hehe, then I wouldn't mind if my painting is displayed".
"Oh... is that so?"
What does my painting being in Rifine's room have to do with a big painting of Rifine being displayed in the Detached Palace?
As I tilted my head in confusion, it seemed our preparations were finally complete.
Mei and Lisa, who had been helping with the dress, stepped back.
"Princess, Lady Yumie looks very cute too!"
"Mei is right. It was worth bringing in a designer from the Granbell territory."
With both of them praising her, Rifine started to fidget with her fingers, looking shy, while I puffed out my chest, thinking it was only natural.
I had been staying at Rifine's Detached Palace for a while and hadn't returned to the Granbell territory... but the designer girl, Manila, had designed a new dress for me to wear to the princess's birthday party.
Moreover, after hearing about Manila, Rifine became interested and suggested that since it was a special occasion, we should have matching dresses.
Usually, in social settings, young ladies try to avoid having the same design, and especially with a princess, it would be unthinkable to have matching outfits.
Of course, Rifine knew this, but when she looked up at me with a worried expression and pleaded, I couldn't say no.
My cute appeal was an act, but natural charm like hers was on a different level.
I thought I should learn from her.
When I consulted Lisa about it, she said, "The young lady just thinks she's a great actress, so it's fine."
Is that a compliment?
"Eh heh, Yumie, am I cute?"
As I recalled my exchange with Lisa, Rifine tugged at the hem of my dress and asked me that.
She must have known the answer already, but still, she looked at me with hopeful eyes, wanting to hear it directly from my mouth.
Of course, I wanted to meet her expectations, but just giving a simple answer felt bland and unexciting.
"Yes, you're very cute. If I were a boy, I might just propose to you right now."
At my compliment, Rifine's eyes widened in surprise for a moment before her cheeks relaxed into a happy smile.
"Oh, I would be willing to be taken in by someone like Yumie!"
"Eh heh, we're in love with each other, aren't we!"
"Ah, I love you, Yumie!"
"I love you too~."
I hugged Rifine back as she clung to me, exchanging playful banter like close sisters.
The two maids watched us with smiles──.
"Ahhh, this is so precious...! Princess and Lady Yumie, why don't you just get married for real?"
"What are you saying, Mei? If that happens, it'll start a war with Granbell."
"Aren't you being a bit overprotective of your lady? Well, I guess it's understandable with such a cute girl."
These 2 weren't having a cute conversation at all.
There's no way a war would start.
Besides, I already said "if I were a boy," didn't they hear that?
"Well, it's almost time for the party to start. People should be gathering at the venue, so let's go, Rifine."
"Y-yes."
When I said that, Rifine squeezed my hand tightly, clearly nervous.
Usually, the escort for the main guest is a fiancé or, if not, a father, but this time, I was the one escorting her.
It was probably Rifine's first birthday party.
I needed to make sure it became a good memory for her.
"You don't have to be so nervous. My elder brother and Ms. Monica should be there too, and... no matter what happens, I'll support you."
As I reassured her, it seemed to ease some of Rifine's tension, and her grip on my hand loosened a bit.
"Ah, I'm counting on you, Yumie."
"Yes!"
We exchanged smiles and left the room.
Now, for me, this was only the second time attending a proper party.
For Rifine's sake, let's put in some effort and make it a great one.
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