Last night, Meiana said to Bainti,

“I’ll be away during the day tomorrow, accompanying the princess. Meanwhile, you should bait Gretae.”
“Bait? What are you asking me to do?”

Meiana took a deep breath. She couldn’t help but feel conflicted. It was an idea she had come up with on the spot. Until just a few days ago, she hadn’t doubted Gretae for an inch. She had never even considered setting a trap for her…

“Tell Gretae that the princess said she wishes I were her mother.”
“What? Are you insane…”

Meiana covered Bainti’s mouth, signaling him to be quiet.

“Bainti, if what you’ve been saying is all true, then this should be enough to make Gretae lose her composure. Do you understand?”
“So, what’s next? Just say that and that’s it?”
“No, drop hints that there’s a gift for both me and the count in the princess’s room. If the princess is not there, Gretae will definitely search the room. We will have breakfast and come back before lunch. Without the princess, Gretae will surely have nothing better to do.”
“What if she doesn’t?”

Bainti asked, sounding skeptical. However, Meiana kept silent for a moment before responding.

“Gretae will do it. Even if she doesn’t act immediately tomorrow, she will eventually slip up.”

Meiana silently pondered the conversation… so absorbed that she didn’t notice Sedilroy looking at her oddly or calling her name.

A snap of fingers sounded. Then Sedilroy’s loud voice was heard.

“Meiana!”

Only then did Meiana snap back to her senses. Sedilroy’s expression was stern.

“What’s wrong with you? You look like you’re out of it. Are you not feeling well?”

“No, I’m fine. I just had something to think about, that’s all.”

Sedilroy, who had been eyeing her suspiciously, put down the pen he had been holding and stood up.

“Prepare the carriage and bring Ariante.”

If Sedilroy went, he might spend more time outside. Gretae might snoop around Ariante’s room even before they could catch her in the act…

But Meiana thought, regardless of whether she could prevent Sedilroy from accompanying them, the first priority was how Ariante would react. She would surely be happy. And it might also be an opportunity to improve the relationship between Sedilroy and Ariante.

‘Alright, even if I can’t solve multiple problems at once, that’s fine. Even if solving Gretae’s issue is delayed, strengthening the bond between the two… that’s not a bad thing.’

With her decision made, Meiana bowed more gracefully than usual.

“Understood, Count. I will prepare right away.”

Sedilroy nodded and gestured for her to leave, calling for Jemero, presumably to change clothes.

Meiana left the room, passing by the elderly Jemero, and started running as soon as she had taken a few steps.

“So, father is coming too?”

As expected, Ariante’s face lit up with joy upon hearing the news from Meiana. Her cheeks flushed instantly, a look of disbelief crossing her face.

“Really? Father is really coming?”

Meiana smiled as she helped Ariante out of her robe.

“Yes, your Highness. The count heard my report and said he would come along, concerned about your ankle.”
A smile blossomed on Ariante’s face, one she couldn’t hide. Shifting her hips as if unsure what to say for sheer joy, she looked both pitiable and adorable.

“So, so today… I’ll wear proper clothes.”

“Proper clothes?”

When Meiana questioned, Ariante lightly punched the back of her hand, as if frustrated.

“I’ll wear a corset and a petticoat. That way, my father will…”

“No, Your Highness. You don’t have to do that.”

Ariante’s eyes widened.

For a moment, Meiana looked at Ariante’s face with mixed emotions, then tenderly stroked her soft cheek and opened the door of the beautifully decorated wardrobe. Dresses adorned with ribbons and lace, intricately buttoned, appeared as if they were competing for attention.

Ariante stared at Meiana, still with wide-open eyes, not knowing what she intended to do during this royal ceremony.

Meiana spoke.

“You can wear whatever you want, Your Highness. But you don’t need to wear a corset. You’re so small that you can wear all these dresses without one.”

Ariante looked surprised, then nervous, fidgeting with her fingers.

“But when dressing, you should have everything. Everyone says so. Father would… Father wouldn’t like it if I’m not ladylike.”

“Your Highness, you have plenty of time before becoming a lady. If you really grow up and want to wear a corset then, I won’t stop you. But you’re still growing. Wearing a corset might stunt your growth. Is that okay?”

Ariante’s lips quivered before closing. She seemed to consider whether to follow Meiana’s advice. Normally, she felt as if she could fly just by not wearing a corset, but today…

“No, I don’t like it. I’ll wear it.”

Meiana raised her eyebrows and looked at Ariante. But Ariante didn’t back down.

“I’ll wear it. Dress me.”

“Are you really okay with it? You’ll feel constricted. You’ve always said it’s uncomfortable.”

“It’s fine today! I won’t complain. So dress me.”