Chapter 18 The End Of The Party Is The Beginning Of The Party
Since the party, Father has become noticeably softer toward me.
He's still as busy as ever with work, but now he visits me more often—even outside of meals—and smiles warmly whenever I bring him tea.
Thanks to my recent studies, I can even follow his conversations to some extent now.
It seems Elder Brother, who's obsessed with swords and magic, avoids complicated topics like economics and territory management. Because of that, Father seems happy to discuss those things with me instead.
Occasionally, Father dotes on me so much that Lisa and Mother have to scold him for it.
Seeing such a big, tough-looking man getting scolded by his wife for spoiling his daughter is pretty funny to watch—even though I'm part of the reason for it.
Still, it feels like a huge deal that Father now sees me as part of the family, just like Elder Brother and Mother do.
The atmosphere at home has brightened, and even the servants' attitudes toward me have shifted—from "the cause of family discord" to "the key player in mending the couple's relationship."
The Granbell Family's "total harmony plan" is now complete!
Now, please enjoy watching my guaranteed winning life unfold.
"I 'wish' I could say that... So why am I back in this letter-writing hell!?"
Before the party started, I desperately wrote a mountain of invitations.
Now, I've been buried under a mountain of letters—again.
Lisa stands before me, mercilessly shattering any hope of escape.
"Young lady, your popularity has skyrocketed after the party. Nobles who saw your performance magic are now sending invitations, and even families who didn't attend want you to perform at their estates. Congratulations! You're incredibly popular!"
"Being popular is nice and all, but I really didn't ask for this!!"
It's obvious what this means: I have to write replies.
Sending out the initial invitations was bad enough, but at least those were just copied from a template.
Now, I have to carefully read each invitation, check my schedule, decide whether attending benefits me, and craft both acceptance and rejection letters.
There's just too much to think about.
This is clearly not the workload for a ten-year-old!
Can't someone help me?
"Young lady, master is busy with official duties, and you've been tasked with responding to invitations addressed to you. He might offer advice, but the work is ultimately your responsibility."
"Noooo!!"
Even my dramatic wailing doesn't reduce the pile of letters in front of me.
Pouting and subtly trying to look cute, I shed quiet tears as Lisa, utterly unfazed, hands me another stack of sorted invitations.
Just then, there's a knock on the door.
"Yumie—are you there?"
"Ah! Elder Brother, I'm coming!"
Like a rabbit escaping a trap, I dash toward the door.
Lisa lets out an exasperated sigh, but I promise myself I'll return to the letters... eventually.
"Oh, what's gotten into you, Yumie? You're unusually clingy today."
"Hehe, I just felt like being spoiled by you, Elder Brother."
I wrap my arms around him and flash a big, innocent smile.
He tries to act composed, but the corners of his mouth twitch into a smile despite himself.
Yeah, Elder Brother is just too cute. Being around him is so comforting.
"So, what brought you here, Elder Brother?"
Snuggling closer, I ask casually, just to start a conversation.
But his next words leave me speechless.
"Ah, a letter arrived for you, Yumie. It's an invitation to a tea party."
"..."
Far from being the angel sent to rescue me, Elder Brother is the grim reaper dragging me deeper into this letter-writing hell.
Seeing me slump in despair, he smiles wryly.
"Don't worry; the sender is Prince Sigurt."
"What do you mean, 'don't worry'!?"
The prince had indeed invited me to the palace, and I couldn't refuse him.
Participating wasn't a problem, but it still meant I'd have to write a reply—adding yet another task to my endless workload.
"If you say you received an invitation from the prince, no other family can complain if you turn them down."
"...!!"
I freeze, his words sinking in.
The real challenge isn't just the volume of work—it's crafting excuses for declining other invitations.
Granbell is a Count family—not low-ranking by any means—but many noble families still expect acknowledgment.
Declining without offending anyone requires tact, especially when multiple invitations clash.
If I choose poorly, it could be seen as "looking down on that family," and if I refuse them all, it won't be good for socializing.
But an invitation from the prince? That's the ultimate trump card.
No one would dare suggest their event takes priority over a royal summons.
"Elder Brother, you're amazing! A genius! I love you—!!"
"Haha, that's a bit much, Yumie. But feel free to say more if you want."
"I love you, love you, love you—!!"
Euphoric at the thought of my workload finally easing, I throw my arms around him.
Elder Brother laughs and pats my head affectionately.
Watching us, Lisa sighs and shakes her head, likely muttering something about me procrastinating.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)