A Magical Presentation Contest?
“But wasn’t that contest exclusively for the citizens of the Cassan Empire?”
“Technically, it’s meant for the higher echelons within Cassan. It provides an opportunity for sponsorship. Naturally, you’re also invited to participate.”
Hmm, but it sounds a bit bothersome. Is there anything worthwhile I could gain from attending?
Noticing my hesitant expression, Simone chimed in,
“We’ll think about it a bit more.”
“Understood. I’m not trying to pressure you. Ah, and…”
He paused, as if something else came to mind.
“There’s a banquet scheduled at the palace in two days. Would you like to attend?”
The intent was obvious. He wanted to subtly show off his association with the honored guests from the Boleno Kingdom.
“You might even hear some news about the person you’re looking for at this banquet.”
“Hmm, if it’s about Aurora…”
Raffaelo mumbled, nodding thoughtfully. Aurora was such a unique individual that it was possible some rumors about her might surface.
Even if Aurora were to crash the banquet unannounced, we wouldn’t be surprised. She might enter pretending to be a musician, sing horribly, or even disguise herself as a nobleman with a fake mustache.
Exchanging glances, Raffaelo finally spoke on our behalf.
“All right, we’ll attend.”
“Thank you. Since you likely lack suitable attire, I’ll see to it that it’s prepared for you. And lastly, I have another proposal…”
He certainly has plenty of suggestions for us. I felt the urge to comment but held my tongue.
“Raffaelo, are you planning to stay in Boleno permanently?”
“What do you mean?”
“I think it would be a waste for someone like you to remain a soldier in Boleno.”
Raffaelo tilted his head in curiosity.
“Boleno is peaceful these days, and promotions might be limited even for you. By your twenties, you’ll probably remain a major.”
“Hmm.”
“On the other hand, we could secure a new position for you here in Cassan. I believe it would be beneficial if you stayed by my side and engaged in politics.”
Ah, so he wants to recruit Raffaelo to strengthen his influence.
To be fair, it wasn’t a terrible offer from an objective standpoint.
As Prince Allan pointed out, there were indeed limits to how far Raffaelo could advance as a soldier in Boleno. However, if he ventured into politics in Cassan under Prince Allan’s support, he might quickly rise in status.
Raffaelo, with his combative nature and strong interpersonal skills, seemed likely to succeed even further.
“But I love my country,”
Raffaelo replied, to which Prince Allan chuckled dismissively.
“Haha, I know you well, Raffaelo. You’re not really the sentimental type. Didn’t you become a soldier just to defy your family?”
“……….”
“Think it over during your stay here, Raffaelo.”
***
Raffaelo, faced with an unexpected proposal, was deep in thought.
However, before he could make a final decision, there was something else he needed to do first—attending the banquet he was invited to.
This would be my first time attending a banquet since arriving in this world.
Of course, thanks to Seraphina’s memories, I knew the proper etiquette and felt confident mingling with other ladies.
The original Seraphina had been quite influential in social circles, thanks to her status as the daughter of Count Viviana and her distinctive personality.
“Prince Allan prepared a truly beautiful dress for you!”
Mary exclaimed. Indeed, my reflection in the mirror stood out remarkably.
The vibrant pink dress complemented my hair color, giving off a bright, charming aura. The white lace accentuated a lively, playful vibe.
To match my eye color, I wore jade-green necklace and earrings, which added a perfect finishing touch. The white shoes peeking from under the dress were also lovely.
Ah, wearing such a beautiful dress made me appreciate this new life for the first time!
…although, thinking of Princess Eva did dampen my mood a bit.
Mary applied makeup to my face, adding pink eyeshadow and blush, which enhanced my appearance even more.
Knowing this body was now mine, I found myself admiring my reflection for a long time in the mirror.
“Isn’t the makeup too much? Does it look okay?”
“Yes, you look absolutely beautiful!”
While I was having Mary check my makeup several times, I heard a knock at the door.
It was the male leads who appeared shortly after.
“Wow, Seraphina.”
Raffaelo widened his eyes and playfully whistled.
“Is this the first time I’m seeing you all dressed up so close? You look like a completely different person.”
“Is it…that much of a difference?”
“You were beautiful before as well, Seraphina,”
Simone responded naturally.
“But today, you look even more stunning.”
“Uh…yeah, thanks.”
Feeling embarrassed by their compliments, my face turned red, and that’s when Arkhangelo’s voice cut in.
“Hmm, your maid has quite the skill!”
“No praise for me?”
“O-Of course, you’re impressive too!”
Although I wasn’t entirely sure what was impressive, I decided to accept Arkhangelo’s compliment gratefully. And then, there was Ghieuspe…
“…You look splendid.”
“T-thank you?”
It seemed he’d worked up the courage to say that, right? Ghieuspe was making progress too.
This time, I looked wide-eyed at the men’s outfits.
Arkhangelo, who often wore ruffled shirts, looked even more flamboyant in today’s white shirt. It was impressive that, on anyone else, it might have seemed excessive, but it suited Arkhangelo perfectly.
Arkhangelo was even wearing more jewelry than I was, with a necklace and earrings, which only enhanced his look rather than overwhelming it.
“As always, Arkhangelo, you look great in such flashy attire.”
“It’s only natural for someone like me.”
Ghieuspe, on the other hand, wore a tailored black suit. I’d only ever seen him in black before, reinforcing his consistent character.
The well-fitted attire also highlighted Raffaelo and Simone’s appearances.
Raffaelo was in a black jacket and pants with a red vest underneath, which complemented his fierce, sharp look. Even the few shirt buttons he left undone suited him perfectly.
Something about him seemed intimidating, yet I could understand why he was popular among noble ladies.
Simone, meanwhile, wore a white suit with a blue tie, which might have seemed pale on anyone else. However, it matched him perfectly.
The white suit complemented his silver hair and blue eyes, giving him an almost angelic appearance, as though he’d descended from the heavens. I could still remember squinting from his brightness the first time I saw him.
Simone also casually rolled up his sleeves to reveal his wristwatch, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he was purposely using his wrist muscles to charm the noble ladies. If it had been Raffaelo, I would have been convinced of his intent.
“Seraphina, why are you staring at Simone like that?”
Raffaello asked. Keeping my tone calm, I replied,
“Oh, because he’s handsome.”
“Cough!”
Simone choked, as if caught off guard, while Arkhangelo’s expression twisted, as if he’d heard something he didn’t want to.
