51 — Chapter 51

“Nathius, Henry, take care!”

I wave from the window of the royal carriage sent to fetch me to my younger brothers who are seeing me off. Mary would scold me if I leaned out too far, so they quickly vanish from sight.

“We are scheduled to join the rest of the party at the South Gate,” Court Lady Charlotte, who is riding with me, explains.

I feel at ease since Queen Victoria and Princess Margaret aren’t in this particular carriage with us.

“I have never been outside the Royal Capital before.”

In Patience’s memories, there is nothing beyond the city walls. In fact, other than going to the church for her mother’s funeral, she had never stepped foot outside the estate. She was a true sheltered lady.

“Then you have never seen the ocean. You have much to look forward to.”

Yes, I am excited! If we’re near the sea, the fish should be delicious. Since I’ve had to part with my brothers, I need at least a little something to look forward to, or I won’t be able to stand it. While I’m busy thinking about picking up beautiful seashells as souvenirs for the boys, it seems we’ve passed through the noble district.

“Mary, look! There are shops.”

There are rows of them, but since it’s early morning, they aren’t open yet. Still, I spot signs for what look like clothing and accessory boutiques.

“Milady, Romano has every kind of shop imaginable. Now, please sit up properly.”

Mary warns me just for putting my face near the window. Because I’m going to the Summer Palace with Queen Victoria, Mary’s etiquette checks have become much stricter. She was so much more relaxed when we were “partners in crime.”
Gradually, the houses become smaller, and the atmosphere feels a bit more cluttered.

“Oh, a food stall!”

Stalls are open for those who start work early in the morning.

“Those are adventurers. They likely took a job at the Guild and are filling their stomachs before heading out through the gate.”

The Adventurer’s Guild! That’s such an “isekai” (other world) term. I wonder if they have any part-time jobs for cleaning or something. But then again, I can’t even go to a shop alone, and the gate is so far away.

“Lady Charlotte, you are very well-informed.”

Patience truly is ignorant of the world, and I only know what I’ve learned about this world at the Academy.

“I did pass the Court Lady Examination, after all.”

So there’s a Court Lady Exam. I should look into that. It feels like there are very few workplaces for women in this world. In particular, it seems expected for noble daughters to simply get married. The Granger family has no dowry. Well, one can get married even without a dowry—for example, to a nouveau riche person who wants a noble name, or a widower who needs a woman’s hand to raise his children. But both Patience and I refuse that!

“Excuse me, I intend to select the Civil Service track; would that be advantageous for anything?”

Since I’m in the same carriage as an active court lady, I might as well ask!

“My, you are choosing the Civil Service track? I chose the Domestic Science track and took credits in subjects like Law and Administration. Students who graduate from the Civil Service track take the Junior Official Exam to become bureaucrats, but I wonder how it is for women. You would certainly be able to pass the Court Lady Exam, though.”

It seems there are no female bureaucrats. Seeing my disappointment, Charlotte encourages me.

“However, there are female knights. They are particularly active in guarding female royalty. So, please do not give up just because there are no female bureaucrats right now.”

While we are talking, it seems we’ve reached the South Gate. The royal party hasn’t arrived yet, but several knights are already lined up in formation.

“Oh, look, it’s Sir Eugene. That is the female knight I was mentioning.”

It’s no wonder the usually calm Charlotte sounds a bit starstruck. Sir Eugene is absolutely wonderful. She shines like the top star of an all-female theater troupe from my previous life.

“She is a very lovely person.”

“Isn’t she? And she is very strong. She even won the tournament at the Knight’s Club.”

I was surprised to hear she had chosen the Knight’s track—though it’s obvious since she is a knight. That would be impossible for me, who can’t even catch a horse standing quietly nearby.

“If Sir Eugene is here, the Queen and her party will arrive shortly.”

Following Charlotte’s word, I step down from the carriage to wait for their arrival.

“The South Gate is massive, isn’t it?”

Not just the height, but the width is incredible.

Stop looking around restlessly.

Mary silently tugs at my sleeve. I am wearing a light green, summery dress that was finally finished yesterday. I’ve added white lace borders, which I made with lifestyle magic, to the collar, cuffs, and hem. Unlike a handkerchief, sewing them on was a long and arduous task. I was particularly worried the hem of the skirt would never end. Since it’s flared slightly with a petticoat, the hemline was incredibly long.

Mary also braided a ribbon made of the same fabric into my hair. She was full of spirit while helping me dress this morning. In other words, I was woken up very early. Standing here being serious is tedious and I’m a bit sleepy. I’ve been waiting quite a while; are they here yet?

“They seem to be a little late, but it appears they have arrived.”

A long line of carriages led by knights approaches. There are so many carriages that I find myself thinking, Did I really need to come?

The lead carriage stops, so I wait in a deep bow without raising my head.

“Patience, I am glad you came. Come, let us depart.”

I thought that was the signal to leave, but Princess Margaret is pleading with the Queen.

“I want to ride with Patience.”

Wait, I was perfectly happy and relaxed with Court Lady Charlotte and Mary.

“I suppose it can’t be helped. If you wish to ride with your lady-in-waiting, so be it.”

Princess Margaret steps down gracefully from her carriage.