TLVGAJ 32

~Chapter 32~

The whole afternoon on the train was lively.

Sophie seemed to forget I had collapsed from the mana rampage. She worked hard in my room, determined to dress me perfectly for the ball.

“Sophie, is it done yet…?”

“Just a moment. Almost finished. This time, really.”

She had been saying “almost done” for 30 minutes already.

At this rate, I might collapse from tiredness before even going to the ball.

Wearing a tight dress and sitting up straight while getting makeup done made the fatigue hit me twice as hard.

“Done!”

Sophie finished the last touch of blush and stood up.

“It’s done, milady. Oh my, you’re so beautiful. How can you be this gorgeous?”

I looked at myself in the mirror.

A subtle shiny black dress suited Irene well.

My long straight hair flowed down.

The makeup was neat and soft, not too much.

“Wow… Sophie really is good at makeup.”

It felt like a professional artist’s touch.

The makeup made me look very different.

Unlike usual Irene, I looked mature and charming.

“Actually, I once thought about working in makeup. I’m very interested in it. Doing makeup professionally for nobles.”

“…You’d be good at it. Why didn’t you try?”

“I wasn’t sure if there’d be enough demand.”

Sophie laughed lightly.

“I did makeup for some noble ladies as a kid and got praised… but is it really worth it as a job?”

In this story’s world, makeup was usually done by maids, and there was no special job just for makeup artists.

“But in real life, there might be a demand for a makeup artist like Sophie.”

Maybe it’s a job that will exist in the future.

I thought it wouldn’t be bad to get ahead and try it.

“Try it someday. You might do really well, Sophie.”

“I like being by your side, milady.”

“I mean, after I’m gone someday.”

Sophie paused and looked at me with moving eyebrows.

She bowed slightly and met my eyes.

“Milady, I know you’ve been upset since your mana rampage. But please don’t say things like that lightly. Words have power, you know?”

Another Korean proverb…

Since I had spoken my thoughts without thinking, I nodded quietly.

“Sorry, Sophie. I spoke carelessly.”

“I like being by your side. I’ll stay with you as long as you live. So please don’t say things like that. It hurts me. Understand?”

“Mm…”

I did feel different after the mana rampage.

I wasn’t sure if it was sadness, but I felt drained overall.

About the mana rampage and my relationships with the male leads.

I shook my head.

“Right. Get a grip, Irene.”

I was on a journey, and I deserved to enjoy it fully.

So, no regrets. Don’t miss this moment. Enjoy it.

“Now it’s almost 6 o’clock. Shall we go to the ball’s hall?”

“Yes!”

I answered strongly.

The time for the ball was near.

In the central second-class part of the Ramier Express, three banquet halls were joined.

Elegant classical music played by a live orchestra.

People in dresses and tuxedos filled the hall.

“Wow, so many people. This ball must be really popular.”

Sophie looked around in awe.

The unique idea of a ball on a train attracted curiosity.

As a social event, it also benefited people’s interests.

Some late arrivals had to line up to get in.

Thankfully, we had entered without trouble.

I sipped a cocktail, looking around.

Had Albert and Eric not come to the ball?

I thought they would surely attend, but I didn’t see them.

Maybe they were in another car.

Then,

“Lady!”

I heard a voice calling me.

Turning unconsciously, I saw a familiar child and opened my eyes wide.

“Finn?”

Dressed up in a tuxedo like a little groom, Finn looked quite mature.

Harry stood next to him, also in a tuxedo.

“Lady! I missed you!”

Finn ran to me and buried his face in my skirt, hugging me.

I gently stroked his soft brown hair and smiled.

“Finn, it feels like it’s been a while. How have you been?”

“I received the gift you sent me. The bear doll!”

Finn smiled brightly.

“Thank you so much. He became my friend who watches over me when I sleep.”

“I’m glad you like it, Finn. Thank you.”

“Lady, long time no see.”

Harry came up to me with a gentle smile.

I looked at him.

“Harry, how is your trip? I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“In principle, even third-class passengers can attend.”

The Ramier Express was basically open to all.

The price difference made nobles gather in higher classes naturally.

The ball was open to anyone.

“Finn wanted to come to this ball even before boarding. For ordinary citizens, it feels like a chance to experience nobility.”

Harry whispered as if sharing a secret.

“I prepared tuxedos in advance so Finn could experience it too.”

“That’s great. Finn seems to love it.”

I smiled.

For commoners, going to a ball or meeting nobles was rare.

I looked around at people smiling warmly in tuxedos.

Does that mean here, you can’t tell who’s noble or who’s common?

“Anyway.”

I looked at Harry and Finn again.

“Nice to see you. Have a good time and come back safely.”

Spending time together in the ball would be nice, but letting them go was considerate.

They had precious time I couldn’t steal.

Finn looked sad but I just smiled.

“Well, I’ll be going now…”

“Milady.”

Just as I turned, Harry called me.

He hesitated, then spoke while fiddling with his hair, avoiding eye contact, cheeks a little red.

“If it’s okay… would you dance with me once?”