First Phase: Introductory Ball

"Yes!! This is perfect my ladyship!" Clora clapped her hands as we marveled at the beautiful Lady Austen. "Right, Lucas?"

"Wow! Lady is really like a princess!" Luke told Lady Austen as he also celebrated her with awe.

For today, the lady was wearing a white flowing dress that was snatched with the waist while showing her honest curves. The white dress had gold linings in it, in a majestic way. There were also some linings on the matte coat that will work as an upper layer making sure that her shoulders are not too exposed yet still showing a bit of cleavage.

It shows her natural feminine charm while still keeping her warm.

"Gosh Eustia, how did you even think of this?"

"Well, we presented a rather sensual and domineering side of the Lady at the Darsein Street the other day, right? I believe that it is only right to show off more of the Lady's feminine side today."

"Is that so?"

"Yes! You will be easier to approach, but it is up to my Lady to keep the proper boundaries of course. This way, not even the Duke will be too intimidated to gaze at such a beautiful young woman and everyone will fawn over you, even the ladies."

And on top of that, I made sure to pair it with small golden pieces of jewelry here and there, making sure not to overshadow her natural beauty.

"Many thanks, Eustia. I will go first with Zeis. You, Clora, and Luke should prepare. This is all our day after all."

"Thank you milady!!" We responded in chorus with a smile.

The beautiful Baron... I'm sure she would sweep the Duke's gaze within a second.

My heart aches in the corner but.. I plan to really root for her.

The lady deserves such kindness because she too is very kind.

"I can't believe you really asked me to be brought to the capital sister!!" Clora launched at me with a hug. "Huhu! How can I ever thank you enough?? and even giving me a raise!"

"Now, don't cry Clora! Should I really have called for Annie after all?"

"Eeh. But Annie's family will surely miss her!"

"Just kidding." I giggled. "I also didn't pick Annie because she has a baby and a family back at home, I'm sure that it would have been a hard choice."

"Yup. Annie also understands that. Hayys! I'm really so thankful that the two of you are my sisters." Then she looked at Baby Luke. "But before that! I really want to dress Baby Luke first!!"

"M-Mummy? Aunt Clora is.. scary." Lucas walked towards me and grabbed my hand.

I laughed. Clora immediately changed her expression.

"Haha. Tone it down now Clora." I told her. Clora just pouted at me. "I'll also prepare the dresses that we could use for the ball Clora."

"Right!!" Clora's gaze was suddenly filled with light. It was like a fighting gaze. Again, like an Amazona ready to fight everything.

Describing the 'ball' as a 'normal' Masquerade ball is an understatement.

In this phase of the Spring Garden, Ladies are not only there to be introduced to the man whom they would fight for affection.

It was a way to weed out those who were actually strong enough to stand for their ideals of having the position beside that man.

Men other than the Duke will be attending, these include other eligible men. Who's to say that the ladies won't fall in love with these other men?

In addition to that, maids of all ages are invited. This means a chance to fall in love and be married with a knight, a royal wizard, or another servant of high position.

It's a win-win situation for everyone.

This is also why it was Clora whom I invited, there's a chance that she might find her future among one of these men. Annie was already married with a child so it was a no-no.

Last time when the Lady treated us at Darsein Street, I picked out another dress for Clora, because she had already accepted my request to bring a separate maid for Lucas whose wages I will pay but will still work under her name.

Being a mother is important but... I also don't want to work unfairly towards my benefactor whom I should serve.

"I-I... do I really deserve such a treatment sister?" She blushed looking at her reflection in the mirror. We were allowed to borrow some of Lady Austen's old make-up so we decided to use that.

Clora was a dark-skinned lady, with deep teal eyes and brown hair. Her skin was already flawless so we just needed to add some base, a light color of lipstick, and blush.

I picked a teal dress that matched the color of her eyes with gold accents.

"I look like a princess." And then Clora became even redder.

"It's thanks because you dressed Little Lucas so handsomely."

"What do you think Luke??"

"Water princess!"

"Wa---ter what? Hahaha! I'm sure Lucas will be famous to ladies in the future." And then she squished his cheeks.

"Right?" I laughed. My baby is only four years old and he already knows the right words to make a woman's heart flutter.

"But mom is much much prettier!!"

"Am I?" I gazed at my full reflection in the mirror.

"Yes!! Rather than a princess, sister looks like a queen!" Clora also agreed with Luke.

"Thanks you two!" I haven't worn a dress this beautiful for almost... seven years. Nor did I decorate myself with pieces of jewelry...

I was able to prepare quickly thanks to my skills and Clora's skills though.

"But be careful not to mention that outside okay? The high-nobility arena is dangerous."

The two little squirrels in front of me nodded.

"And always make sure to watch over the Princess. An extra dress is ready in case her dress becomes dirty."

"Yes!" Clora raised her arm excitedly.

"But also make sure to enjoy and take care of yourselves."

"Dan-ger--rose?" Lucas asked. It looks like he was still not used to other complicated words.

"Baby, it means that we should be careful!" Clora explained to him.

"Yup. Sister Clora is right!"

"Okay! Lucas, big sister, and mummy will all be careful! Lucas will also behave!"

I patted Lucas's head.

I was already able to brief my lady on the main activities that will transpire today, we also agreed upon letting Seiz serve her since she was pretty down after not being able to dress her ladyship.

In terms of keeping servants, it's important to take care of their hearts and royalty.

Especially now that we are stepping up in an arena of ladies that is all willing to climb their way to power, we can't afford it if one of our people goes astray and betrays the baron.

Not to mention that the other ladies will probably have higher ranks in terms of title... we need to look over each other.

"I'll be staying with Lucas today, Clora."

"Yes? Isn't it, my job??"

"But I'm his mummy." I smiled at her and asked for Lucas's hand. Before anything else, I was first this little one's mother. "Should we go, my baby?"

"Yes, milady!" Lucas smiled brightly at me.

Really, he's just growing up as charming as his father did.