The ladies surrounding me chatted amicably.

“Grnnnnnnn…”

And there I was, groaning.

Naturally, I had removed the 【Ankle Bracelet】 to avoid giving off a bad impression, but my outfit remained mostly the same. I wore my usual accessories: various blessed items, barefoot with black nail polish on my toenails, rings fitted snugly on my fingers—fully equipped.

The only difference was my outfit; instead of my usual maid uniform, I wore the same blue dress I had on when my portrait was painted. Perhaps that was why the ladies found me interesting?

A girl wearing this many accessories must be a rare sight.

They likely found it unusual, even fascinating.

As for the painting and my blessings…

Now that I think about it, Seriana decided on today’s look. Was this all part of her plan…?

“What are you groaning about?”

“Various things…!”

Well, whatever her plan was, Seriana seemed thoroughly pleased with herself.

“Oh, Lady Seriana,”

It was the wife of some regional lord’s representative. She didn’t seem like someone from the eastern territories, and her posture gave off a rather languid air. She looked at me and then addressed Seriana.

“I heard that Lady Sera was rescued by you, Lady Seriana, after losing her parents to a monster attack in the Zelkis territory.”

Though it wasn’t true, this story had already spread among the wives of both the Zelkis and Riana territories. It wasn’t anything new, so why bring it up now?

The wives familiar with me exchanged expressions that seemed to say, “Why is she asking that now?” Maybe outsiders still weren’t aware.

“Yes, that’s correct. It’ll be five years soon—time flies, doesn’t it?”

Seriana responded without concern, keeping the conversation flowing. Whether it was because she was in a good mood or simply doing her duty, I couldn’t tell.

“Lady Sera, here you go.”

While half-listening to the two, I was casually engaging with the others when Teresa handed me a glass.

…Since this was an official occasion, she called me “Lady Sera.”

It was a little uncomfortable; I wasn’t used to her addressing me as “Lady” or anything other than “Princess.”

“Thanks. What’s this?”

The liquid in the glass had a faint color, resembling white wine.

Since it was meant for me, it probably wasn’t alcohol, but…what was it? Juice, perhaps?

“It’s a gift from Lord Edgar to Lady Sera. It’s juice made from wine grapes, diluted with water.”

“Oh…interesting.”

I see. Even if you use the same grapes, without fermentation, it won’t turn into alcohol.

Is the southern Mercenal territory famous for its wine?

As I pondered this, the lady beside me, who turned out to be the representative’s wife from the Salion family—the ruling house of the Mercenal territory—explained further.

Their primary industry was maritime trade, but thanks to the warm climate, agriculture also flourished. Among their products, wine was highly regarded, not just on the Central Continent but across other continents as well.

It reminded me of how France and Southern Europe were in my previous life. Maybe this region was at a similar latitude.

Apparently, though it came under Edgar’s name, the gift was essentially from Elisha.

“Oh…this is delicious.”

The juice was slightly tangy, but the water dilution made it refreshing.

Though now elegantly poured into a wine glass, I imagined it would be delightful chilled with lots of ice after a bath.

I preferred this kind of light and refreshing flavor over overly sweet drinks. What a thoughtful gift.

“Should I go thank them personally?”

I glanced at Teresa, seeking her input.

The Mercenal territory’s capital could be reached by sailing down the river.

I’d visited during the wedding trip, but I’d only disembarked at the port, so I wasn’t familiar with the city itself.

“That sounds like a good idea. I’m sure Lady Elisha would be delighted.”

“Please do visit. We’d be happy to give you a tour of the city.”

Both Teresa and the lady seemed eager for me to go. It looked like I’d have to make the trip…huh?

Distracted by our conversation, I missed some of what Seriana and the others were discussing. But they seemed animated.

“…What’s going on over there?”

There was no tension, so it probably wasn’t anything bad.

“They’re discussing Lady Sera’s future plans.”

Unlike me, Teresa seemed to be keeping up with their conversation.

“My future…?”

During the guests’ stay, I was supposed to grant 【Mira’s Blessing】 to a few of them. Was it about that?

As I tilted my head in thought, Seriana noticed and beckoned me over with a curled finger.

“I’ll be right back,” I said, excusing myself.

Everyone saw me off warmly.

…No, I mean, sure, since Seriana called, it’s not like I had a choice but to go. But still, the way everyone treated me felt overly respectful.

I was used to this from Teresa, but it was unsettling to receive such treatment from strangers, especially older people.

So this is what status feels like…

Though really, it’s Seriana and Liesel who hold the power, not me.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera ・【Hideout】+1 【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Garment】・【Floating Orb】+1 【Shadow Sword】【Crimson Bee’s Stinger】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Snake’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・7 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・28 cards
Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・3 cards
Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・7 cards