The Duke's Daughter's Unexpected Days
1038 Words
Today is the first day.
When Irene looked up, the platform instantly fell silent.
Then, everyone started whispering:
"Eh? Who's that?" "That carriage... could it be Lady Irene?" "No way! She looks like a completely different person!"
Surprised voices rose from all directions, loud enough to echo across the platform.
Feeling like she wanted to disappear into a hole, Irene started walking as if nothing had happened. Even though she kept her gaze straight ahead, she could feel more eyes on her than ever before. Most of those eyes were filled with shock.
(Oh no, all the pride I've built up as a high-ranking noble... it's crumbling.)
As she thought about how ridiculous she must look, almost on the verge of tears, she saw a group of lower-ranking nobles approaching from the front.
One of them noticed Irene and stopped in his tracks, blurting out, "Ah!" He then whispered rather loudly to the student behind him, "That's Lady Irene!"
"What? Really? No way!" the others exclaimed in shock.
As Irene got closer, they awkwardly greeted her.
"G-good morning, Lady Irene."
Irene was about to ignore them when Cain whispered from behind her, "My lady, please return the greeting."
"Oh, right," Irene replied awkwardly, "G-good morning."
Everyone's eyes went wide, filled with surprise and confusion.
(Oh, they're definitely laughing at me!)
Feeling unbearably embarrassed, Irene hurried away, glaring at Cain, who nodded approvingly and said, "You're doing great."
As she walked down the hallway, returning greetings and receiving shocked stares, she eventually entered her classroom.
After a similar exchange in the classroom, Irene collapsed onto her desk.
(I'm so tired...)
It had only been fifteen minutes, but she was utterly exhausted. She sent a resentful glance at the demon standing behind her, who just smiled back at her.
(When I get home, I'll complain and put an end to this! I don't need a whole week to prove I'll win!)
When lunchtime came, Irene headed to the cafeteria as usual. The rumors about her transformation had already spread, and all the students in the cafeteria turned to look at her.
As she took her usual seat, she heard amazed voices from behind her.
"That's Lady Irene?!" "She’s so cute!" "Lady Irene looks so much better now!"
Hearing this, Irene tilted her head in confusion. Looking around again, she realized that no one seemed to be looking at her negatively.
(Maybe this makeup isn't so bad after all...?)
Just then, Cain brought her meal. Today’s menu was the most popular dish: tomato cheese and chicken sauté.
Taking a bite, Irene felt delighted.
(This is delicious! I never knew the school food was so good!)
As she happily ate, the other students watched her in surprise.
After the afternoon classes, she went to the student council room, where four lower-ranking nobles were already working.
"Good afternoon, Lady Irene." "Good afternoon, everyone."
When Irene returned the greeting, they all looked at her with wide eyes. Then, as she received the documents from a female student, she hesitantly spoke:
"Could you help me with these?" "Ah, of course!"
The female student quickly began sorting through the documents. The four of them divided the tasks, leaving only the decisions that required Irene's approval.
An hour and a half later—
"We're done!" "Already? Really?"
The work was finished in no time. Irene's work also ended just in time, and they all left the student council room together.
(I'm surprised. We finished three hours earlier than yesterday.)
Under the still-bright sky, Irene and Cain took the carriage back to the duke's mansion. She watched the scenery outside, thinking it had been a long time since she returned home this early.
At home, she enjoyed a delicious dinner.
Soaking in the bath, she sighed in relief.
(This morning, I was worried about how it would go, but now I think it's not so bad.)
With more time on her hands and without feeling hungry, she wasn't as irritable. The thought of a delicious meal waiting for her motivated her.
People's reactions, though surprising, weren't the mocking ones she had anticipated.
(...Well, it's only the first day.)
Today, everyone was shocked, but in three or four days, they might calm down. When that happens, will they show the disdainful or dismissive attitudes she had expected?
(They probably will.)
Though the thought weighed on her, she figured it was necessary to send the demon away peacefully.
As for the demon, he had kept a mysterious smile the whole time, making it impossible to know what he was thinking.
(Well, it's only a week.)
——However, one week later, at night.
(Wh-what should I do...)
Irene, fresh out of the bath, lay on her bed with a look of despair.
Contrary to her expectations, the trial week had gone incredibly well.
Instead of being mocked, everyone had been friendly, greeting her and starting conversations. The student council room's atmosphere had become harmonious, and work was progressing smoothly.
Even the tense atmosphere at the mansion had softened, with the servants looking happier. The food was delicious, and she looked forward to every meal.
In short, everything was going well.
Normally, she would be lamenting her previous behavior and rejoicing in the changes. But she couldn't be happy.
The reason was simple:
(If this continues, I'll lose the bet!)
She had planned to get rid of the demon early, but that plan was now ruined. Losing the bet meant she would have to...
She groaned and buried her face in her hands. Suddenly, she heard a knock on the door.
"My lady, may I have a word?" "...Yes."
Reluctantly, Irene got out of bed and sat on the sofa in the middle of the room. Cain sat across from her, and she desperately tried to think of a way out but came up with nothing.
The demon smiled seductively and said:
"So, how was your week?" "You already know, don't you?" "These things need to be heard directly from you."
Seeing no way to escape, Irene yelled in frustration:
"I-I lost! Yes, I admit it! This week has been great!"
The demon laughed joyfully and looked at Irene with his red eyes.
"Well then, as promised, I'll take my reward."
- Writer
