Chapter Two

The snow had disappeared from the city streets, and with every passing day the breeze grew more pleasant. Now that it was possible to go outside without a thick coat, it was finally feeling like spring had come. Buds were sprouting forth on the trees, and small flowers had started to bloom in the earth.

Making it through the long winter and greeting the spring at last had enlivened everybody’s hearts. There were still some days when a cold wind blew, but the ladies of society were determined not to let that hold them back, so vast numbers of them were seen out and about in light dresses. The fashion in winter had been for dresses that appeared plain at first glance but had hidden splendor, and so, almost in retaliation, the trend had now moved on to clothing that struck you with its brilliance the moment you laid eyes on it. Accordingly, the most popular hues this season were pale yet bright, while skirts were decorated at the back with pleats gathered together and endless layers of lace flowing down like a waterfall.

The city of Sans-Terre, capital of the Kingdom of Lagrange, was full of this grandeur—of flowers blooming a tad early. However, there was one young girl walking in the city who had firmly turned her back upon such things.

Her outdated dress had no doubt been maintained as carefully as she could manage, but one could see at a glance that it was rather old by now. Her strikingly ordinary brown hair also had no ornaments to decorate it, while her handbag was also quite shabby if one looked closely. She didn’t remove her worn-out gloves, likely not due to the cold, but as an effort to hide her rough and unladylike hands. Though she had clearly tried her hardest to maintain a respectable image, it was evident that this young woman had fallen on hard times. People who saw her no doubt wondered if she had been forced into poverty after the death of her father, or some such.

I chuckled softly. “This is perfect, if I do say so myself. Dressed like this, I’m certain that even if I met someone I knew, they would never notice me...though in any case, I am known for being difficult to spot once I’ve blended into a crowd.” In thoroughly high spirits, I gazed at my reflection in the publishing company’s window.

Just then, a boy carrying a pile of documents stopped nearby and smiled wryly. “That looks like hard work. Do you really have to