Under the Oak Tree

Chapter 121 – Girl in the Mirror (2)

In front of the mirror, Max slowly turned around, staring at herself.

Linda was attentively following her, not wanting to miss any reactions. She gave her another dress, and a maid helped her change.

Max sent out a pleasant “oh” feeling the texture of the fabric. The maids made a fuss around whenever they wore accessories or new headdresses with long veils.

“I think this dress suits you best. What do you think of it, Madam?” asked Linda after dressing her in a pearl-white dress with a golden belt.

Max looked into the mirror. A tall woman, adorned with net-shaped diamond necklaces and topaz rings, dressed in gold-embellished shoes, stood somewhat modestly under an elegant shiny outfit. Max’s eyes shone with excitement at her appearance. She looked great like any other member of the royal family. She looked glorious.

“I-I like this one the most.”

“Then I’ll start working on your hair. I think it’s better to braid it. Shall we put a net with pearls on it?” asked Rudis.

“No, it would be much better to have two thin braids on either side and then adorn with pins!”

Rudis skillfully combed her hair as per Linda’s words, braiding it on both sides, and then poked a pin with a walnut-sized point at the top of the ear. She let her long, voluminous tresses cascade on her back.

Max stared at her red hair curling over the white dress with admiration. What kind of magic did they do? Her curly hair looks very sleek and stunning.

“Madam, you look so lovely! ”

The maids squealed in delight when they saw her dolled up.

“It’s like the Nymph of Light! I’m sure he’ll be surprised to see it, right?” one of them stated.

“I am sure he will be happy. You look better than ever.” Added another.

Max blushed up to the roots of her hair with the unfamiliar compliment. She murmured in a low voice shyly.

“Tha-tha-thank you.”

“Is there something that you don’t like or that you’re dissatisfied with?” Asked Linda, a little anxious.

“Oh no! Oh, it’s very co-comfortable…I-I like it.”

Linda nodded in satisfaction at her answer and finally draped a dark wine-colored velvet cape over her shoulder.

Max was very much enjoying the graceful appearance at the moment. Rejoicing, she instructed the maids to take good care of the cat, then left the room.

The hall was decorated with the shadows of a dark night. Max walked along the corridor that servants had brightly lit with Rudis close behind. Riftan’s mere return seemed to have brought life to the quiet castle.

The scent of fried food and sweet liquor wafted through the cool air, and under the stairs, a loud voice echoed softly.

Max carried the horn and went down the stairs past the busy servants. She saw the knights and young soldiers who sat on the long dining table, and the maids who served them, as she walked out of the wide hall and into the dining room.

She glanced at the knights who were busy dining, drinking, and talking, standing at the door. In the audience, a candelabra released a blinding light, and the table was filled with food that was so ample that it was thought the table would split.

Among them was a boy who was carving a whole boar on the largest platter and placing the slices on a plate. Suddenly he looked at her and raised his hand. “My Lady!”

Yurixion, dressed beautifully in a white tunic, raced towards her with a cheerful smile. Max was laughing awkwardly. When she recalled what she had done yesterday with Riftan in front of him, she couldn’t lift her head. The boy continued chatting easily, as if he didn’t care at all.

“How have you been? As you already know, I went through the first civil war of my life with Sir Calypse. I spent the 10 most meaningful days of my life with my respected Sir’s side!”

He sounded as if he had been to a good place for a picnic, not a demon’s lair. Max was just embarrassed not knowing what to say.

“L-long time no see. D-did you get hurt… Are you fine?” she asked.

“It’s okay, except for a slight bruise.” Yurixion smiled awkwardly, pointing at his knees.

“I’m ashamed to say I was walking down the hillside, my foot got caught in the roots of a tree and I fell down. Fortunately, the ointment you gave me was so good that I didn’t have to bother anyone, but I was teased by Sir Nirta.”

“Lobar, talk later. Take your seat first.” A knight, who couldn’t see Max, yelled over his shoulder.

Yurixion scratched his neck abashedly and reached out to her. “Let me help you. Okay, please, this way. I’ll show you the most delicious food stacked on the tray.”

As Max placed her hand on the arm of the knight, the boy skillfully led her out of the crowd and pulled out a chair in an unexpectedly smooth move.

“I’ll take your cape.”

Max hesitated for a moment, holding the cape string. It was embarrassing to show herself in front of others.

“My Lady?”

At Yurixion’s confused gaze, she closed her eyes tightly, took off her thick cape and handed it to him.

The noisy surrounding suddenly became quiet. Max could only shrug in embarrassment at their low murmurs.