DDSWTB 55

Chapter 55

I went with my sister to stand before the doors of the party hall, ready to make our entrance together.

When we arrived, the Duke, Gilbert, and Liam were waiting for us.

“Happy birthday, Tiana!”

Both Gilbert and Liam congratulated me cheerfully.

“Both you and Ellie look absolutely adorable today,” Gilbert said with a smile.

“Tiana’s the star of the day, after all!”

“As always,” added the Duke, muttering to himself.

“Ahaha…”

Honestly, your faces are the dazzling ones.
All of you are dressed up more than usual—my whole vision is practically blinding from the radiance.

“Did you like the present I gave you?”

“I was really surprised—there were so many of them!”

“My brother and I wanted to surprise you together,” Liam said proudly, puffing out his chest with a smug grin.

“Ahaha. Well, you definitely succeeded—I was totally shocked.”

Talking with Liam eased my nerves a little.

But just beyond this door is a crowd of people…
There’s no doubt I’ll be under everyone’s curious gaze.
That thought makes me so nervous—so scared.

“Tia, it’s okay.”

My sister squeezed my hands tightly with both of hers.
(Tiana’s hands are trembling…)

My faintly shaking hands gradually stopped—as if her warmth had soothed me.

“Tiana, there’s no need to be nervous,” the Duke said, noticing my unease.

Even if you say that, it’s impossible not to be nervous.
Despite all my practice, I feel like I’ll mess up my walk somehow.

“Then, let’s go.”

The Duke extended his hand to me, and I took it, stepping forward—

Gion Asteer – Duke
Gilbert Asteer – Lord
Liam Asteer – Lord
Ellie Asteer – Lady
Tiana Asteer – Lady

“Now entering!”

The Duke and I stepped forward and began walking.

The previously buzzing hall fell completely silent as we entered.

The atmosphere was so still, it felt like no one else existed in the room.

Ugh… There are so many people. Everyone’s staring at us.
My vision’s narrowing from the tension—I can barely see around me.

“It’s alright. Today, you’re the one shining brighter than anyone else here.”

The Duke gently squeezed my hand and spoke softly, just for me to hear.

Heh. I didn’t expect such words from him.

But somehow, that made me relax a little. My vision began to clear again.

When I finally calmed down enough to look around, I saw glittering decorations and guests in elegant, radiant dresses.

“Thank you all for gathering today to celebrate my daughter, Tiana Asteer’s ninth birthday. Please, enjoy yourselves to the fullest.”

The Duke stood before everyone and gave his formal greeting.

Then Gilbert, the Duke, and my sister began greeting the surrounding nobles.
Liam, on the other hand, was happily chatting with friends while eating dessert.

I should probably greet the other nobles too, right?

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Count George Magtalia. My heartfelt congratulations on your birthday.”

A count approached me and spoke.

“Good afternoon, Count Magtalia. I received your gift this morning—a beautiful bracelet. Thank you so much for sending it.”

According to the list, Count Magtalia is known for being kind and affectionate toward his grandchildren.

He really does seem like a gentle grandfather.

“I see that you’ve already seen the item I sent. I’m truly honored that you liked it.”

Phew. That went well—starting with a kind person really helped.
Still, talking to people I’ve never met before is nerve-wracking.
First impressions matter so much that I can’t help but put on my best manners.

After that, I continued greeting each guest one by one.

“I was just greeted by Lady Tiana earlier.”

“Oh yes, and she knew both my name and the gift I sent her! I was so curious that I asked how she knew, and apparently, she memorized everyone’s name and what gift each person gave.”

“My goodness! That’s incredible!”

“I’ve also heard that since Lady Tiana changed, the whole atmosphere in the Duke’s household has become brighter.”

“Indeed. I never imagined such a grand party would be held just for Lady Tiana.”

The noblewomen chatted amongst themselves, their voices filled with admiration.