12. The First Date
As soon as I returned home, I was greeted by the servants and an anxious-looking Okaasama.
“Sheryl, welcome back. Well? Did you find a wonderful man?”
“Yes, a truly wonderful man asked to court me. …Do you remember the party when I was ten? He is a man who praised both the me from that day, and the me under your spell tonight. A truly wonderful man.”
At my words, Okaasama let out a breath of relief and smiled. Just then, Jule, who had been hiding behind her, beamed at me.
I worried about him being awake so late, but it seemed my little brother had insisted on waiting up to see me in my finery.
“Welcome home, Elder Sister. You look so beautiful.”
“Fufu, thank you, Jule. I’m happy you were able to see me under the spell, too.”
“So you found someone good. Ah, if only I were a little older. I wanted to be the one to escort you, Sister.”
“Oh my, but if you had, I would never have been able to find a wonderful man. You would have scared them all away, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course. Any man who approached you just for your looks… wait, but then, they wouldn’t have a chance to talk to you, so…?”
Jule tilted his head in confusion, looking so adorable that I couldn’t help but pull him into a tight hug. When I whispered, “Thank you,” a bashful Jule said, “Good night,” and returned to his room.
“We should go back to our rooms as well. We must undo the spell, you know. It’s terrible for your skin.”
“Oh, my. …You know, Mother. Thank you, truly. I’m going to see a play with him soon. Please, I beg you, teach me how to cast the spell.”
Okaasama seemed to ponder my words for a moment, then said, “First, let’s get some rest for today,” and ushered me to my room.
I felt as though she had skillfully dodged the question, but for now, I changed into my nightgown, removed the makeup with a special oil, washed my face, and let down my hair. I was back to being my usual, unattractive self.
Tonight had truly been a dream. I had been praised by my stepmother, the servants, and Jule… and even my father had looked at me.
And on top of it all, I was now officially courting Lord Hugues. Magic really is incredible. …For tonight, I would think only of that and go to sleep. I was so very tired.
…
The very next day, a letter and tickets to the play arrived from Lord Hugues.
The letter said to meet in front of the theater on the weekend, in the evening. Looking at the tickets, the meeting time was two hours before the curtain rose. It seemed the plan was to have dinner first.
The play itself was two hours long, and while there would be an intermission, only drinks would be served.
The letter closed with, “I am very much looking forward to our day.” I held it to my chest, feeling a wave of emotion.
Even as my unattractive self, he would accept me. He had said that from that day when I was ten, he had wanted no one but me.
I wanted to at least look presentable. If we were having a meal before the play, a dinner dress would be appropriate.
I would style my hair in an updo again, with a few curled tendrils left down… and then, I just had to hope that Okaasama would teach me how to cast her spell.
A date… my very first date. I was so nervous.
At the same time, I was giddy with excitement.
Just then, a knock echoed on my door. I had several dresses laid out on my bed, but it wasn’t messy, so I called out, “Come in.” It was Okaasama. She was holding a makeup box.
“Sheryl. I bought this for you on the day you came of age. Your very own cosmetics. I believe I have taught you a sense of style when it comes to clothes. Starting today, we will practice your makeup as well. You must learn to do it yourself, after all.”
“…! Yes, Mother!”