"What's your name?"
"Ah, ha, yes, my name is Katrina, the seventh daughter of Baron Neretes. I turned 12 years old the other day..." (Katrina)
What?! I thought she was about 9 or 10 years old!
Ah, so she always looked young, that's why she not only told me her name, but also her age.
Maybe that if she didn't say anything, people would definitely think she was under 10 years old...
No, I know how you feel! I totally understand, Katrina-chan!!
...and the seventh daughter...
If there were an equal number of boys, there would be 14 siblings...
No, just because she's the seventh daughter didn't mean she's the youngest.
If so, there was a possibility that she had more siblings...
With that many people, it must be difficult for one wife to be the only one. Perhaps he had a second wife or third wife.
The children of mistresses did not have the right to inherit the title, so they were not counted in the number of siblings, and there might actually be more.
Well, if it's a wealthy count or marquis, it might not be that big of a deal.
But wouldn't it be a bit harsh if they were from a poor baronial family (as Katrina-chan described it)?
All the children of second and third wives, who were not children of mistresses, had to be properly educated and introduced into society, right? There were debutante balls, coming-of-age ceremonies, birthday parties, and more, right?
It costed money not only to go to a party held at their own house, but also to go to another party, including the cost of dresses and decorations.
The cost of going to a party at another house was cheaper for boys than for girls, but...
But that's more than 10 people. ...Worst-case, there might be close to 20 people.
...Were you out of your mind, poor baron?!
Ah. Katrina-chan looked shocked when she saw my awkward expression.
Yes, when she introduced herself and said she was the seventh girl, most people probably would think the same thing and gave her the same expression...
For the other person, it might only happen once, but for Katrina-chan, it was repeated every time she introduced herself. Dozens of times, hundreds of times...
I understand! I understand, Katrina-chan!!
I, too, saw that look of shock and disbelief every time I told my age...
Okay, I'll protect this child!!
Gyaa!
...Why is Sabine-chan stepping on my foot with a displeased look on her face?
"...Certainly, there's a point to what Katrina-chan says. Even though it's everyone's opinion, it's certainly wrong to place all the responsibility solely on the person who ultimately conveyed it to Adelaide-chan. 'Sorority' is about sharing benefits and fun with everyone. ...In that case, we should all share the disadvantages and sufferings, right? That's what true companions and friends are, isn't it?" (Mitsuha)
"…………" (Everyone)
Silence spread.
...But it's not the uncomfortable, unbearable feeling that it was before.
Everyone's eyes were wet.
Okay, I can go!!
"Sorority is a fun place for everyone to have fun and interact with each other. You should never let your friends become unhappy, and you should never overlook it. You need to realize your mistakes and reflect on them. You can help your friend realize their mistakes and work with them to make amends. ...We are members of Sorority, bound by a strong friendship!" (Mitsuha)
"..."
"…………" (x3)
"…………..." (x6)
Uwaaa~!!
Cheers went up.
Laughter and crying.
"Katrina-chan..."
Oh, Theresa-chan and Lastena-chan were hugging Katrina-chan and crying. Her face was a mess from tears and runny nose...
Well, I guess so.
Even though she was on the verge of being abandoned by her entourage, she was saved by a small girl with whom she had never spoken much, and who looked down on her for being the daughter of a lower-ranking aristocrat... not because of her age, but because of her appearance.
And not only her face, but also Katrina-chan's dress was a mess from their tears and runny noses...
That must be pretty bad for Katrina-chan...
"Ah, um, this is the only dress I can wear to parties and tea parties..." (Katrina)
Look! Even Katrina-chan looks like she's about to cry...
"I'll give you that! If I tell my father and my mother about today, you'll be treated like a super VIP in our house!" (Theresa)
"I'll give it to you too! Something splendid that you wouldn't be surprised to wear to a ball in the royal palace!" (Lastena)
If Theresa-chan and Lastena-chan said so, I felt safe.
It was a dress given by a marquis and a wealthy count to the benefactor who saved their daughter's life, and it was sure to be a truly splendid gift.
"No, even if I were to wear something like that, I would never have the chance to wear it! If I were to wear it, I would like it to be something that I could wear to a regular tea party or a party for a lower-class nobleman!" (Katrina)
If they offered to me, I wouldn't decline the offer...
Well, if you're the seventh daughter of a poor baron's family, you might even be able to dress up in your older sisters' old clothes, not to mention cheap ones. Isn't that the case when you say you're stubborn or have pride?
Besides, that kind of talk suits Katrina-chan, who was small, cute, and courageous.
...That's it. One million little sisters. Mascot. Pet.
So cute...it hurts!
So, why are you stepping on my foot and glaring at me, Sabine-chan...
Translator's Note
Please let me know if there's a better spelling for a name.