Prologue: The Yearning of That Day

It was… how many years ago? A story from when I was just a tiny little girl.

Accompanying my mother—Her Majesty Queen Alicia VII—on her regular tours across the empire… it was during one of those visits, when we stopped by the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy.

“Wow…”

Gripping my mother’s hand tightly, my eyes widened in awe at the breathtaking scene unfolding before me.

Ornate chandeliers, shimmering with radiant brilliance, cascaded from the ceilings and adorned the walls.

A pristine white table stretched across the room, adorned with vibrant, mouthwatering dishes and gleaming candelabras that sparkled like stars.

A band clad in sharp tailcoats filled the air with elegant, lively melodies, their music weaving through the crowd.

Students of the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, resplendent in their finest attire, moved gracefully in pairs, swaying to the enchanting rhythm.

Along the walls, people of all ages mingled freely, their lively conversations blossoming like vibrant wildflowers.

Every face glowed with joy, their smiles painting the room with infectious happiness.

The multipurpose hall of the academy was filled with a dreamlike scene.

“Hehe, surprised, Ermiana? This is called a Social Ball.”

My mother explained to me, overwhelmed by the dazzling atmosphere.

“This Social Ball is a traditional event held almost every year at this magic academy. Even I, back when I was a student, forgot my status and had the time of my life… Hehe, such fond memories.”

“Really… So Mother, you attended this ball long ago too…”

“Yes, indeed. Shall we take a look around the venue, Ermiana?”

My mother led me by the hand, and we wandered through the Social Ball venue.

…It was like a fleeting moment from a dream.

The venue, decorated so splendidly it felt like another world, was breathtaking in itself…

But at this ‘Social Ball,’ a dance competition was being held alongside it. On the central stage, countless couples twirled gracefully, earning thunderous applause from the audience.

It was so glamorous… just watching from afar made my heart dance with joy.

“…I wish Renilia-neesan could’ve come too…”

I felt a pang of sadness thinking of my older sister, who couldn’t join this tour due to illness…

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—!

Suddenly, an especially loud wave of applause and cheers erupted as a new couple appeared on the stage.

The magical spotlight poured down, illuminating the pair as if blessing them.

“…Huh…?”

At that moment, my eyes were glued to the girl in the couple.

More precisely… to the dress she wore with such pride.

“It’s… amazing… so beautiful… how wonderful…”

That dress, even in this dreamlike venue, stood out as something even more fantastical.

The hem of the skirt flared out softly, like the ethereal robes of an angel.

The float on her arms, twirling lightly, was like the wings of a fairy.

The gemstone adornments sparkling on the dress were like a sky full of twinkling stars.

Bathed in dazzling light, the dress shimmered with a mystical glow.

Its fantastical beauty was so overwhelming… in an instant, my soul was utterly captivated.

“…Hehe, you were taken with that dress, Ermiana?”

My mother, standing beside me, spoke with a hint of nostalgia.

“It’s no wonder that you were enchanted. That dress is the Robe de la Fae—Fairy’s Veil.”

“Robe de la… Fae…?”

“Yes, exactly. A prestigious traditional dress passed down through generations at the magic academy’s Social Ball… A magical dress that only the woman from the couple who wins the dance competition held alongside the ball is permitted to wear for one night. It’s the mark of that year’s finest lady.”

According to her, that dress was crafted long ago by a fairy maiden of immense power—a masterpiece. It never fades, retaining eternal beauty through the ages. It naturally adjusts to fit its wearer perfectly, suiting any who don it. A truly ‘magical’ dress.

And the enchanting magic woven into the dress enhances the wearer’s charm to its fullest, making the girl who wears it appear at her most beautiful.

“I don’t quite understand, but… that dress is incredible, isn’t it…?”

“Hehe… Truth be told, I’ve worn that dress myself, you know? Back when I was a student at this academy.”

“What!? Really!? You too, Mother!?”

“Yes. With your father… the man who passed away before you were old enough to remember. We entered the competition together, won, and earned that right. Such fond memories.”

“With Father…?”

My mother’s profile, lost in memories of days gone by, looked so serene.

“…That’s so nice. I want to wear that dress too, Mother…”

“Oh? Well then, Ermiana, would you like to attend this academy someday?”

“Yes! I want to wear the Robe de la Fae, just like that girl and you, Mother!”

My childish self had completely misunderstood the purpose.

Even so… my mother gently stroked my head with a tender touch.

“Hehe, I see. Then, when you’re a bit older… when you’ve become much better at dancing… and when you’ve found a wonderful gentleman worthy of taking your hand, you’ll need to make it happen, won’t you?”

“…Gentleman…?”

I tilted my head at my mother’s curious words.

“Hey, Mother. Why do I need a wonderful gentleman…?”

“Hehe, you see, Ermiana… there’s a legend about that dress…”

—It goes like this… the man and woman who dance together, with her wearing that dress—