Although she didn’t know what the medicine was, Merlin was at least able to move normally after lunch. Even so, the dull ache in her rear still lingered whenever she sat down. The pain constantly reminded her of the pitiful sight of her crying and wailing while lying across her mother’s lap earlier.
Ophelia said she would need to keep observing Merlin for a while longer, so the mother and daughter would have to continue living together for some time.
Merlin had no objections now. After all, she had already become desensitized. Ever since Ophelia’s violent discipline, she had started trying to accept everything about being a girl. After all, she was a girl now, and Ophelia was right.
During the time she was Little Merlin, she had lived with Ophelia every day. If she suddenly moved back to her own dormitory now, Merlin would actually miss her mother’s warmth a little.
Today, Orino was in charge of cleaning, and that was the excuse used to send her out.
Merlin was sitting upright on a nearby chair, reading a book.
The lazy afternoon sunlight spilled over her, gilding the blue gradient of her long hair with a golden edge.
After the education she received as Little Merlin, some of the etiquette habits befitting a princess had carried over even after she became Adult Merlin.
Now, when doing certain things, Merlin knew what was proper and what was improper for an Elven Princess.
Even when sitting at home reading, she tried to adjust herself into the most dignified posture.
Especially her legs.
Whenever Merlin tried to relax her sore thighs and instinctively opened her legs like a boy would, an indescribable shame shot up her spine. The sound of Ophelia coaxing Little Merlin with chocolate still echoed in her ears, as if right beside her.
“Girls can’t sit like that~”
Merlin jerked as if electrocuted. Her legs snapped together instantly, knees pressed tightly, and her calves, wrapped in white silk, tilted elegantly to one side, forming a perfect ladylike sitting posture.
Merlin glared resentfully at the words on the page, but in truth, she hadn’t read a single one.
She had been bought off with just a few pieces of chocolate by Ophelia, and she had even happily taken those ladylike lessons.
At the time, since both the Adult Merlin form and the Little Merlin form retained their memories, Merlin had definitely been conscious during the time she was Little Merlin.
It’s just… children were really hard to control.
Her body always reacted faster than her mind.
The thought of crying barely bubbled up in her head before her tear ducts uncontrollably burst.
The desire to act spoiled had barely surfaced before her body had already gone soft and snuggled up.
Little Merlin’s actions were always different from what she truly thought.
It felt like during that time, although she retained all her previous memories, gradually, even her way of thinking had become that of a child.
Sigh… That was also one of the reasons Merlin chose to change back when she made her final wish. If she stayed in a child’s mindset, even with magic power, she couldn’t do anything.
At least she was back now.
Merlin let out a long breath. Although she had lost the privilege of being carefree, she had at least regained her freedom.
Merlin looked at Ophelia, who had already started dressing up and fixing her hair.
“What outing?”
“Merlin, it’s time to go out. I’ve already booked an appointment at the dress shop.”
Ophelia expertly arranged her hair, completely different from Merlin’s clumsiness. She spoke while combing.
“The final night of the Star Moon Festival has a banquet. So we need to order formal attire now.”
“I hadn’t heard about that.”
“Because we’re living together as mother and daughter right now. Isn’t it enough to tell me? Do you need a gold-embossed invitation sent to you?”
“Is Mom going too?”
Ophelia paused.
“For the time being, I still hold the title of professor at this academy. It’s perfectly normal to attend a yearly event hosted by the school.”
“Hmm… As for you, all students are invited. If there’s no particular reason, I recommend you go.”
Ophelia drew out her tone.
“After all, ever since you became a girl again, our family’s Merlin has never made an appearance in any formal setting. As a princess, you should be getting used to it.”
Merlin turned her head away.
“Do I have to go?”
“I recommend you go.”
Ophelia turned around, leaned against the vanity, crossed her arms, and spoke seriously.
“After all, as the Princess of the Elf Race, you are destined to stand under the spotlight in the future. But right now, your experience in social situations is cleaner than a blank sheet of paper. Is that really okay? When you eventually return to the Elven Forest, are you planning to hide under the banquet table for all the celebrations held in your honor?”
“Th-That’s… probably not necessary.”
Merlin didn’t like this kind of event. Even though she had never attended one, she had stereotyped ideas about such occasions. Fake smiles, insincere compliments, scheming hidden behind laughter, sarcasm laced with probing. Merlin hated that kind of atmosphere.
Ophelia, who had finished arranging her hair, placed the wooden comb on the vanity. The comb made a crisp sound against the wooden table.
“Even if you don’t like it, you still have to try to adapt. You’re a princess. Besides, when you return to the Elven Forest, the clansmen will be welcoming you with goodwill, and the events are planned with enthusiasm. Do you want to pour cold water on them? The royal family has its obligations.”
Merlin lowered her head, struck speechless by this great lecture.
“Mm… I have nothing to say.”
Seeing Merlin with her head drooping, Ophelia sighed and softened her tone slightly.
“Mom thinks this event is just right for an inexperienced person like you.”
“Why?”
Ophelia raised a finger and gently shook it.
“Because no matter how grand it is, it’s ultimately just a school event. Even if student parents and outside nobles are invited, the majority of attendees are still students. If it’s just a student event, it’s safer in every sense. After all, you’re not familiar with it.”
“The dress code and etiquette requirements will also be relatively relaxed. Perfect for a beginner like you. Just go to get a feel for the atmosphere, okay? You’ll have to face this someday, Merlin. You are a princess.”
Merlin nodded.
“I understand.”
It’s just going. It’s not like climbing a mountain of blades or crossing a sea of fire.
It’s just interacting with classmates. Besides, Ophelia had taught her the relevant etiquette before. As long as she didn’t make any mistakes.
Since there was no escape, she might as well face it.
“Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to assist you. After all… this is also a semi-public appearance of the Elven Royal Family. Feili has entrusted me to handle some related matters on her behalf.”
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