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After that, Ekaterina and Flora continued indulging in various other topics, and in the end Flora stayed the night and slept in Ekaterina’s room.
If a classmate comes over for a sleepover, of course this is what happens—that was Ekaterina’s, or rather her previous life thirty-something Japanese self’s, sense of things. However, she was not entirely sure what the proper conduct was for nobles in this world. For the moment, since Flora seemed happy upon waking, there was no problem.

As was the case every morning, the moment Ekaterina awoke Mina appeared and opened the curtains. This morning, together with Mina, a maid who had been assigned to attend to Flora in the west wing guesthouse arrived, and as though this had been the plan from the beginning, began presenting clothes for her to change into and combing her hair. After the dismissal of the head maid Anna the other day, there had apparently been a brief period of loosened discipline among the maids, but under the housekeeper Raisa’s control, things seemed to have quickly recovered.

“Lady Flora, will you take breakfast in this room, or in the dining hall?”
“Either is fine… I would like to do as you always do, Lady Ekaterina.”

Flora smiled sweetly. Perhaps she had seen through the fact that Ekaterina took breakfast in the dining hall every morning in order to see her brother. With that thought in mind, Ekaterina set off for the dining hall together with Flora.
There, they encountered Aleksei and Mikhail.

“Good morning, Lord Mikhail, Onii-sama. What a fine morning.”

She greeted them pleasantly, while asking with her eyes, why are you here?
Mikhail returned a refreshing smile.

“Good morning, Ekaterina, Flora.”
“He expressed a desire to join the morning training, so we ended up taking breakfast together as well.”

Aleksei added this explanation. There was the faintest trace of reluctance about him.

“My… You said you would practice your sword again after that yesterday, and yet you trained again this morning?”
“Last night I was stopped, being told that vigorous exercise after a meal is not advisable. So I merely made up for it this morning. Besides, I thought that joining the training of the renowned and formidable Jurnova Knight Order would provide good stimulus for the Imperial Knight Order.”

I see, I see. Even in this world it is known that one should refrain from intense exercise after eating.
And the prince is an earnest kid. As one who will eventually ascend to the imperial throne, the health of his body and mind is a matter of state importance. He likely understands that well and trains diligently.
Furthermore, he is even considering improving the proficiency of the six Imperial Knights who accompanied him as guards. His perspective is already that of a superior—of one who stands above others.
To be this energetic the day after completing a long journey makes one think how young he is, a boy indeed. Compared to boys of the same age in her previous life, the difference felt immense. How admirable, she thought.

But still.

Glancing at Aleksei standing beside Mikhail, Ekaterina smiled.
Onii-sama, however, is on a level beyond comparison with boys from my previous life. A truly capable man.

“Please do not overexert yourself. This evening is the banquet in welcome of Lord Mikhail and Lady Flora.”

Speaking in a tone as though admonishing a younger brother, Ekaterina said this, and Mikhail gave a wry smile and replied that he would be fine.

.

Yes, today was the day the welcome banquet would be held.
Though smaller in scale than the celebratory feast held the other day, it had to be more lavish and refined. It must be worthy of Jurnova, one of the Three Great Ducal Houses, in its reception of Prince Mikhail. Such spirit seemed to fill Jurnova Castle.

Servants hurried about busily, chefs devoted themselves to preparations from morning, treasured wines and brandies were brought up from the cellars, and silverware and glasses were polished to a shine.

Amid all this, a group of maids was packed into their mistress Ekaterina’s room.
Their task was arguably the most crucial duty of hospitality: the final adjustments to their guest Flora’s attire and hairstyle, as well as beauty treatments akin to an esthetic service. Flora was a beautiful girl even without such care, but since the opportunity was there, Ekaterina had arranged it so she could enjoy it.
And she herself was drawn in as well.
Naturally.

.

By evening, Aleksei—properly attired in the formal dress of the Duke of Jurnova—and Mikhail—splendidly dressed in princely fashion—visited Ekaterina’s room.

“They are ready. Please, this way.”

The maid Mina ushered the two into the room and stood aside.

Ekaterina and Flora stood side by side, smiling.

“Lord Mikhail, Onii-sama. Thank you for coming to escort us.”

Mikhail let out a soft breath.

Ekaterina and Flora’s dresses were in the Empire style, with a seam just beneath the bust, an elegant design reminiscent of statues of ancient goddesses. They wore short-sleeved boleros over them.

However, the colors were in contrast. This time Ekaterina’s ensemble was based in black. Her trademark heavenly blue was placed at the bodice, while the skirt and bolero were black.
The black bolero was embroidered with roses in gold thread, giving a luxurious impression. Over a slender skirt, she wore a layered lace tulle, and at the seam beneath the bust a rose of gold filigree was sewn. From the rose hung, on ultra-fine gold chains, tiny bells and small golden leaves that would sway and chime softly with movement. Lavish and glamorous.
But the most distinctive feature of the dress was the ribbons attached to the bolero sleeves. From small bows hung ribbons of light, glossy satin. Their ends were embroidered with roses in gold thread, and they were long enough to reach Ekaterina’s knees. They fluttered with her movements so vividly that she was reminded of rhythmic gymnastics ribbon routines she had seen in her previous life. That, too, drew the eye.

In her upswept indigo hair was a glittering goldwork rose. Compared to Lev’s blue rose, it could not be called so realistic as to be mistaken for real, yet that very quality suited the splendid dignity of a ducal house.
The necklace adorning her more open neckline was also a goldwork rose with a sapphire at its center. Several more roses were linked by ultra-fine gold chains, and it was such a delicate and magnificent work of craftsmanship that it reminded Ekaterina of the jeweled adornments draped across the chest of bodhisattva statues she had seen in her previous life.

Tonight’s Ekaterina was a sumptuous beauty in black and gold.

Flora’s attire was based in white. However, her bolero and bodice shimmered with iridescent hues. This was because they were studded with mother-of-pearl from luminous shellfish carried from distant seas. These shellfish nurtured softly glowing pearls, and in the dark this garment, too, would appear faintly luminous.

Like Ekaterina, she wore lace tulle layered over a slender white skirt. At the seam was a rose quartz ornament matching her hair color. Scattered across the lace tulle were thin cherry-colored ribbons tied in bows, an adorable touch.
The ribbons attached to her bolero sleeves were white like her dress, long and light satin like Ekaterina’s.

In her braided cherry-blossom-colored hair were fresh, fragrant gardenias—double-petaled blooms.
At her chest was a necklace of a gardenia carved from a single large moonstone. It was so lifelike one could scarcely believe it was carved from gemstone, pure and mysterious, befitting Flora.

True to her name, Flora the spirit of flowers, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

“Ekaterina.”

Aleksei approached his sister.

“You are beautiful tonight as well.”

Reverently he took her hand and kissed her fingertips.

“My blue rose has transformed into a golden rose. I was never fond of gold, as it seems the very symbol of human desire, but I must revise my opinion somewhat. It appears fit to praise your brilliance.”
“Onii-sama, honestly.”

Onii-sama’s siscon filter was in excellent working order today as well.

“I am delighted. However, it is proper manners to first address our guests. Isn’t Lady Flora most lovely?”
“My apologies. I seem to have forgotten all else in this world at the overwhelming beauty of my beloved sister.”

His skill with florid compliments was in peak condition.

Aleksei turned to Flora and smiled.

“Forgive me, Miss Flora. You are truly beautiful, like a goddess of spring. In harsh winter-bound Jurnova, spring is treasured above all. You will surely captivate the people of Jurnova.”
“I am honored.”

Blushing, Flora bowed.

“It is thanks to Lady Ekaterina’s kindness. Thank you very much for the lovely dress and accessories as well.”

“They suit you wonderfully. The dress and necklace must surely be delighted to be worn by you, Lady Flora.”

With a soft laugh, Ekaterina shifted her gaze to Mikhail.
You are usually so smooth—why are you silent so long?

“…Both of you look very lovely.”
“You are too kind.”

Yes, once again, a perfectly acceptable compliment from a high school boy.

While Ekaterina nodded inwardly, Luka—Mikhail’s narrow-eyed valet—prodded his elbow at him, and Ekaterina caught Mikhail muttering weakly:

“If I tried to imitate that, I’d only get burned…”

Ah, so he wanted to imitate Onii-sama.
One day he will probably have to polish his own florid complimenting skills akin to His Majesty the Emperor. But for a while longer, Ekaterina hoped Mikhail would remain just as he was.