Interlude: The Pajama Party of the Bambis

Three months before the Debutante Ceremony

At the Imperial Palace's guest hall, young noblewomen on the cusp of their Debutante ceremony were staying overnight to study proper etiquette.

"Today’s lesson is illustrated in the textbook here. Please read it carefully. There are similar examples here and here as well—these may prove helpful."

Spica’s delicate fingers traced the pages of a brand-new textbook, worn from repeated use.

"I see… or rather, I understand now where the pearl is mentioned in the textbook… I’ve read it several times, yet I overlooked it."

Princess Altera regarded Spica with a mixture of disbelief and admiration.

"Really… Fret said even Govalle remarked that Madame Pearl seems to handle every task so effortlessly that Madame Nephel’s instruction feels more passionate than her own Debutante preparation."

It is Patricia, the noblewoman of the duchy, who gazes into the distance while calling her fiancé by a familiar name.

“Some say Madame Nephel’s instruction is so strict this time because it will be her final command—she is quite advanced in years, after all. The Second Princess Your Highness will not be entering Debutante for quite some time yet, will she?”

Shalirya, the noblewoman of the border province, offers her opinion. The Second Princess Your Highness is but five years of age, so at least five more years must pass before her Debutante.

“Shashya elder sister—where on earth did you hear such a rumor? I knew nothing of it at all!”

Yunaria, the noblewoman of the earldom, exclaims, her mouth full of cookie.

“Why, Yunna! Eating sweets right before bed will harm your complexion, you know? You were quite downcast after the sleepover at the Emmental estate, remember? You developed a pimple. You must eat only fruit or tea before retiring.”

“Uuu~! Sister Stella’s being cruel again! The chocolate from Sister Pearl’s place, and even the Imperial Palace sweets—both are simply irresistible!”

“Indeed, the chocolate we had at Sister Pearl’s last time was truly exquisite. But overindulgence is never advisable, now is it?”

“Even Sister Fret too? Don’t you both think Sister Ana and Sister Pearl are being harsh?”

“Mm, I understand hunger in youth, especially when growing so rapidly. Still, excess is never proper. Self-restraint is a noble’s duty. However, I shall inform the servants of your praise. I’ll have them pack a small portion for you to take as a gift tomorrow—of course, including each of your shares as well.”

"Indeed, thank you, Ana-sama. Please be careful not to overindulge, Miss Yuna. Though a small amount of chocolate can be beneficial for the complexion, too much will show in both figure and skin. Now that we’re nearing the final stages of the Debutante’s dressmaking, I’m sure everyone will be told the same—no more than a millimeter of weight gain."

"That’s right! We’re all being strictly warned not to gain a single millimeter!"

"You once boasted you could eat freely without gaining weight, Ana. But I’ve been ordered to maintain my figure as well—quite rigorously."

"I’ve been told the same, though my height has increased since the fitting… I’m currently consulting on how to conceal it through design. It’s too late now to re-stitch the embroidery, so it’s quite a dilemma…"

"That sounds difficult indeed! What kind of dress did Lady Shasha design? Perhaps she’ll have some helpful advice?"

I am somewhat taller than the average lady, and my figure lacks fullness, so fluffy designs do not suit me. That is why the debutante dress is tailored to my frame—slender in line, with embroidery along the hem. It looks something like this when drawn.

The group leans in to examine Shasha’s sketch.

“How exquisite! The designer clearly understands how to highlight your grace.”

“How much too short is it? What kind of fabric is it made from?”

Princess Altera praises the design, while Miss Patricia seeks clarification on the issue.

“It is about ten centimeters too short. I had originally requested it be slightly raised from the floor, as I intended to dance… I never expected my height to increase so much… The fabric is silk taffeta.”

"If so, might you consider adding silk tulle or chiffon as an overlay? Recently, silk lace from abroad has arrived in many varied designs—there is surely a pattern that would suit your elegance perfectly!"

"That sounds lovely! I was truly astonished by the variety of fabric samples I saw at Lady Pearl’s estate. If overlays prove difficult, perhaps a long inner layer with tulle or organdy could offer a delightful alternative!"

"Ah, Yuna, this is a debutante ball—more specifically, one hosted by our household. Such bold choices might not be well received, tradition being what it is."

"Ah… you're right, of course… I thought it was intriguing, though."

"I find the idea intriguing, truly. If it earns approval from the designer and Lady Nephel, then perhaps it may pass."

…Or perhaps, might it be better to wrap the entire skirt in sheer fabric? I believe Elder Brother mentioned there was a debutante from the southern provinces who wore a dress made that way recently—so, socially speaking, it may not be improper?

With that, Spica drew a new sketch on another sheet, outlining three variations: one with added fabric only at the hem, another with it applied to the skirt itself, and a third using a long inner layer.

…Truly, I am grateful to all of you for your kindness! My family hails from the frontier, after all—our thoughts lean heavily toward martial tradition… and since trends and new styles reach us so slowly, I never imagined a solution like this could exist. I had prepared myself, in the worst case, to remake the entire dress from scratch.

Frontier County holds territories that serve as buffer zones between nations. Due to their incorporation after the founding of the realm, these lands lie beyond the protective wards, making military conflict with neighboring countries a continuing concern—thus, they remain vital military strongholds. Consequently, entertainment is scarce, and households that uphold simplicity and strength are not uncommon. The Marl Frontier County, the birthplace of Lady Sharisha, lies amidst the northern mountains, a harsh and remote land where merchants seldom tread.

The young ladies speak in unison, expressing their relief at being of assistance.

“Um… this is a bit of a personal request, but—what kind of dress will the elder ladies wear? I’ve grown quite curious!”

Youngest among them, Lady Yuna, pleads with a sweet, pleading air.

“So am I! Please do tell us!”

Lady Sharisha’s eyes gleam with anticipation.

And thus, the gathering turned into a presentation of debutante gowns.

"I have a chiffon-trimmed sleeve that shows the shoulders, with a modest neckline. The back is cut larger in size, though. It’s a bell-shaped silhouette, made from the jacquard fabric given to me by Your Highness, the Crown Prince. It’s a stiff fabric, so it holds its shape, but embroidery is difficult. As for accessories, I plan to use the royal gems—gold and diamonds—inspired by the dahlia. It’s the national flower of the distant land, after all."

The Princess presents the design, drawn by the designer, before the assembled guests.

"Indeed, it’s refined and very much suited to Ana."

"You received the fabric from the Crown Prince? He truly holds Ana-sama in high regard, doesn’t he?"

"And seeing how bright your face is, it seems your relationship with the Crown Prince is most favorable."

“The earrings are said to be in the color of the Crown Prince’s eyes, aren’t they? They’re rumored to be citrine with a dahlia motif?”

“Oh? I’ve heard from Elder Brother that you received jewels from him, Sister. What kind of craftsmanship do you plan for them?”

“I intend to make a necklace. I’ve been given a family heirloom emerald, and I plan to pair it with silver—the same shade as Gavane’s hair.”

“Is your dress Princess-line or A-line, Sister? I’m wearing Princess-line myself.”

“Neither. It’s an empire silhouette made of chiffon, with ruffles layered in staggered tiers. The shoulder seams are trimmed with satin lace ribbons, and the same chiffon is used at the shoulders. Though it’s an empire cut, I’ve given it a fuller silhouette. The embroidery is at the bustline.”

Then everyone will have different dress silhouettes. I’m opting for an A-line with ruffles at the bust. The waist features a rose motif. A design using three different fabrics, with the family crest on the front and kelpie embroidery at the bust. The accessories are pearls.

I’m eager to see both dresses as soon as possible. What kind of design is yours, Miss Yuna?

Not as mature as my sisters’ gowns, but a fluffy, voluminous dress with plenty of soft ruffles. Large ribbons at the lower bust and waist might make it seem childish…

Ah, Yuna’s delicate charm will shine through—sure to be adorable. I recall the family gem of the Count of Canalsan was pink tourmaline. That would suit Yuna perfectly.

Indeed, Yuna would certainly be lovely in such a dress. The embroidery is on the chest, then?

No—possibly better on the ribbon at the waist, as the chest may require adjustments...

All eyes turn to Miss Yuna’s chest.

Though the youngest among them, her development is the most pronounced of the four, plainly visible to any observer. Especially now, with no garment to constrict her, the full presence of her form is unmistakable.

Even the elder sisters must find it a little too much to bear—such a gaze is most embarrassing!

And so the evening passed, quiet and intimate, among the young ladies.