“Excuse me… Do you have any proof that you were sent by Duke Solzberrycastle? It’s just… It would be better to be certain about this kind of thing…”

“Ah.”

At that moment, someone discreetly handed me a word, and I unintentionally let out an exclamation. Come to think of it, I didn’t show that.

I casually took out a document with the Solzberrycastle family crest from the pocket of my outer garment.

On this document, Grayan’s intention to financially support the Einsterne anti-slavery organization in the future was personally written.

As I unfolded the document to show everyone, they eagerly confirmed the crest and handwriting, muttering, “Is it real…?”

“Then, may I know your name?”

“I am Angela Haswood.”

Confidently revealing the prearranged alias, people nodded without any particular suspicion, seemingly unaware that I might be Gloria.
“Then… May we include your name on our association’s roster?”

“Of course.”

“And about the fact that Duke Solzberrycastle is sponsoring us, we’re considering treating it as top secret for now. Any objections?”

No one raised their hand.

With unanimous agreement, the situation was settled, and the formal meeting began.

“The most urgent agenda is regarding the large-scale slave auction scheduled for April. As you all know, this auction…”

I sat down, listening to the meeting. Initially, a few people glanced at me, but soon everyone immersed themselves in the meeting with a serious demeanor.

Adapting quickly to the solemn atmosphere, I, too, focused on the meeting.

“Now, let’s go over the details.”

“Please proceed with caution.”

After parting ways with the people and leaving the city, I boarded the carriage.

I thought the meeting was more informative and rewarding than I had expected.

“When I first possessed this body, I wondered if there were only inherently bad people in the Einsterne Kingdom.”

However, that was a clear bias.

The world and its people were not as evil as I had thought.

They didn’t stand weakly by, nor did they succumb to foolish hatred.

Yes, what should I call this feeling?

“…A feeling of replenished compassion?”

I chuckled softly, looking out of the carriage window at the sky. Dark clouds filled the sky, as if it might rain. I wouldn’t be able to take a walk tomorrow.

However, well, sometimes rain is necessary for the land to become fertile.

Perhaps it might even snow. Our rabbit would happily hop around if there were a snowstorm.

“Oh, I miss the rabbit.”

Leaning against the backrest, I closed my eyes. In the faint darkness beneath my eyelids, images of the cute rabbit and April’s face came to mind. Then, the fourteen-year-old boy who attended the meeting today unexpectedly crossed my thoughts.

“He said he was a mailman…”

He had a merfolk friend but disappeared one day. After a few years, he was seen as a slave.

He became aware of the merfolk slave system through that incident.

Not just him.

People who operated laundries, owners of communal bathhouses, printers, writers, poets, artists, textile workers, craftsmen, shepherds, beekeepers, farmers, professors, and students…

A variety of people leading different lives gathered with a common purpose, and it was strangely fascinating and moving.

“To change the world, I thought power and wealth were necessary, but it seems that wasn’t the case.”

It’s ordinary, common people who change the world.

People who willingly act for what they believe is right, even if they lack power and wealth.

Thanks to such people, the world always moved in a positive direction.

“…Well, on the other hand, the dark side of the world is deep and vast, too…”

Even so.

“The feeling of hope that things can get better is not bad at all.”
Now, just 30 days+a later, April’s debutante ball is right around the corner.

Therefore, I have been devoting myself to preparations for the debutante ball since last week.

Choosing dresses and shoes, selecting hair accessories, ordering various items such as jewelry and perfume, and experiencing the emotions repeatedly.

Since the debutante ball lasts for three days, and it’s also the social season throughout the week, I needed multiple dresses, different shoes, and various jewelry preparations.

Thanks to that, I was incredibly busy, running my business and preparing for April’s debut in high society, so much so that no one would know even if their nose were in my business.

Whether April appreciates my efforts or not, whenever the rabbit had to choose something, it nonchalantly kicked with its front paw and then yawned. Again, it kicked with its front paw, seemingly bored, and scratched its ear with the hind paw.

“Do you realize, little one? It’s your debut! Show some interest!”

“Kkiyaung!”

“You might go to the capital and find your first love! Don’t you have any interest in romance?”

“Kkyaung~.”

April glanced at me as if questioning everything, then scratched its ear with its hind paw again.

Swaying, I shook.

“April… It’s your debut, but it feels like mine. I’ve prepared everything… and this rabbit doesn’t show any interest in the debutant’s topic, just yawning…”

“Woongkyaang~.”

The rabbit yawned as if saying, “So what?” Fed up, I attacked the rabbit after throwing the catalog.

Tickling its fluffy belly and sides, the rabbit rolled around, making cute noises.

“You, little rabbit! How terrifying is high society! Social circles are also a kind of battlefield!”

“Kkiyaayung!”

“Hurry, if you don’t actively choose an evening dress, strawberries won’t open in the greenhouse!”

“……!”

Reacting to my words, the rabbit quickly stood up, unfolded the catalog, and began carefully browsing through it.

…I should have done this earlier. It seems that making food a hostage has an immediate effect…

“Kkiyaong? Woongkyeot.”

“… Do you like that?”

“Kkyaong.”

“Okay, let’s see…”

What the rabbit chose was a pink silk dress that matched its eye color, with a unique gradient fabric that became darker towards the hem. It was a style that would be hard to pull off for most, but it seemed to suit our rabbit well.

“Good. What about the shoes for this dress?”

“Kkyawoong… Kkyat.”

“Hmm~. This one…”

Shoes with white silk on top and adorned with pink spinel and rubies.

Since the top part of the dress was white, it seemed to go well together.

“Now… how about the jewelry?”

“Kkiyajjgyaawoong.”

The rabbit chose without much consideration. I thought it was casually choosing, but surprisingly, it was confidently picking something with its front paw.

“Tanzanite and diamonds…? Hmm…”

Tanzanite is a gemstone that comes in various saturations, from light violet to deep blue.
The tanzanite that April chose had a deep blue color with a hint of purple, and it could be considered top-notch.

“Since the dress is pink… it should go well. It can be a nice touch.”

The side stones, clear and transparent diamonds, looked very good optically. Well, one would need to see the actual thing to judge if it’s really good.

I gently stroked April’s head and said, “Little rabbit… You surprisingly have a good eye, huh?”

“Kyaang~.”

But why have I been just watching that good eye so far… I tickled the rabbit again. Eventually, it snapped and bit me.

“Are you ready?”

“… Yes, Your Grace.”

After confirming that the arrow was securely attached to her back and checking if the dagger was well positioned on her waist, April took the reins.

Today was the day Grayan decided to teach April ‘hunting skills,’ starting with the bow and arrow.