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chapter 76
Dantes quickly changed his clothes. He had never been particularly motivated when it came to dressing or grooming, but today he approached it with unusual eagerness.
Once fully dressed, he sat in a chair positioned to have a clear view of Roselina, who would soon appear. Alfredo, without even glancing at the mirror, fidgeted nervously as he watched Dantes sit down.
“Your Majesty, how is it? Do you like the clothes? The fabric feels exquisite, doesn’t it? It’s made from the finest material currently in fashion in the North. It clings to the body so smoothly…”
“Is there anything besides that dress?”
“Pardon? The dress…?”
“It’s too extravagant. Isn’t there something less burdensome?”
“I only have the one dress…”
At first, Dantes had seemed displeased at the sight of the dress, but now that he asked if there were more options, Alfredo looked flustered. Dantes didn’t respond to his confusion, instead staring at the door.
“Does it usually take this long to put on a dress?”
“It usually takes much longer than men’s clothing, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, Milan is correct, Your Majesty. But today, since she isn’t putting on all the undergarments and layers, it should be relatively quick. That said, it might make the outfit look slightly less polished. Ladies become even more beautiful the more time they take.”
Alfredo focused solely on whether the clothes looked beautiful, and Dantes fixed his gaze on the door that showed no signs of opening.
When he had met Roselina at the banquet, her neatly styled bob had drawn more attention than Demeteria’s extravagant dress. To Dantes, Roselina was the most beautiful person of all. No matter what she wore or how she appeared. But at this moment, he selfishly wished she would wear a dress that made them look like a pair.
Slowly, the door opened. Maxie stepped out first, flinging both doors wide open, then rushed back inside to take Roselina’s left hand. With her hands supported by the maids, Roselina took one step at a time.
Alfredo quickly approached, adjusting the uneven folds of her skirt and tidying the shoulder and arm areas.
Dantes was so moved that he couldn’t utter a single word. He quietly rose and tried to take in Roselina from head to toe. She was breathtaking. It was as if someone was shining a light on her from behind.
Her bare face, slender body, and even the scars visible through her clothing—none of that mattered. To Dantes, she was flawless, more beautiful than anything adorned perfectly could ever be.
“Fortunately, it doesn’t look as mismatched as I feared. Step aside. This is how it should be. You still have a long way to go before serving Her Majesty the Empress.”
Alfredo worked tirelessly to make his creation shine. Lexi and Maxie hurriedly followed his instructions. Roselina quietly bowed her head, then slowly lifted it to look at Dantes.
The moment she raised her head seemed to stretch longer than reality. When he saw his reflection in her clear eyes, his breath caught. It felt as if someone had struck near his heart. Dantes turned his gaze elsewhere first.
Alfredo, quick to notice Dantes’ reaction, peered curiously.
“Y-Your Majesty, what do you think? Is it… not good?”
“No, no. It’s quite different from what I expected.”
“Different from your thoughts? But this outfit looks even more beautiful alongside Your Majesty’s attire than on its own. For now, this maid is standing in for Miss Demeteria, but if she wore it, it would be even more stunning.”
At Alfredo’s sharp comment, Roselina bowed her head again. Dantes turned to correct the remark.
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
“Pardon?”
“You’re beautiful.”
Roselina instinctively raised her head at the familiar bluntness of Dantes’ words. Their eyes met, and Dantes continued.
“Contrary to what I imagined, you’re truly beautiful.”
Her face flushed as if burned by fire. The faint blush brightened her pale complexion, making her look even more radiant.
Summoning his courage, Dantes stepped closer to her. As the maids stepped back, he extended his hand toward her. Roselina hesitated, unable to respond. Milan approached and spoke gently.
“His Majesty wishes to view the outfits together. Walk in step, please.”
“Yes, Head Steward.”
Roselina responded softly, and Dantes, holding her hand, led her toward the full-length mirror. Their reflections filled the glass.
Dressed in matching outfits, their hands intertwined gently. It was a sight he had never imagined, yet Dantes felt an inexplicable satisfaction, as if he had long yearned for this very moment.
Roselina, lowering her gaze, briefly looked up at the mirror. Next to her, in a dress that seemed ill-suited, was a striking man. His faint smile made him appear even more composed.
While Roselina felt awkward, Dantes seemed to be enjoying the situation, so she quickly looked away. She thought they didn’t match, yet she felt a flutter seeing him so handsome. The very fact she could stand next to him made her heart race.
‘A moment like this may never happen again. So, just for now, can I take one more glance?’
Summoning her courage, Roselina looked again. In the mirror, the two of them could easily pass for a perfect pair ready to attend a ball.
Although the dresses were different in design and color, the key accents matched. They subtly emphasized that the two were a pair. Roselina marveled at the dress’s power for making her feel acceptable next to Dantes.
‘Demeteria would have looked even better here.’
She discreetly took in his strong torso and long legs, wanting to eternally remember this fleeting moment. Yet she never thought she herself looked suitable; everyone else might, but not her.
Surprisingly, the two looked exceptionally good together. Even Alfredo seemed to think so—though he couldn’t say it aloud. Nor should he.
Dantes gripped her hand a little tighter. Roselina hesitated, unsure whether to withdraw or stay still, and ended up briefly holding his hand in response. That small gesture ignited something in Dantes.
Just a momentary press of her thumb against his hand, yet he was overwhelmed with the urge to pull her into his arms, regardless of who was watching.
He felt capable of handling any consequences. Milan then cautiously approached and separated them.
“Let’s conclude this look. Alfredo, haven’t you prepared the second outfit?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Since the second outfit hasn’t been chosen yet, it’s more extravagant and prepared with confidence!”
Alfredo proudly began showcasing the clothes he had brought. Milan diverted Dantes’ attention so Roselina could change.
“This may look like a simple black suit, but notice the collar—it’s stunning. Pay special attention to the handkerchief. Every outfit for the advisors has this unique detail!”
“You made so many.”
“The royal tailor must display skill to make the Delion court shine. Since Your Majesty entrusted me with even the advisors’ outfits, I must do my utmost!”
Alfredo spoke excitedly, enjoying a busy day. Dantes pretended to focus on Alfredo, but his eyes sneakily followed Roselina’s back. The deep cut in the back of her dress revealed a hint of her shoulder blades. Dantes swallowed and spoke to Alfredo.
“If time allows, we could have one more made.”
“Anything Your Majesty commands, I, Alfredo, shall make it the most beautiful in the world.”
“Make clothes for the attendants. They will be visiting from the Terzes Kingdom that day. Make outfits comfortable to move in, yet presentable for all palace staff.”
“Pardon?”
“Milan and the head maid should have something more special.”
“Your Majesty, we…”
“Just as Alfredo said. The royal tailor must display skill for our court to shine.”
Alfredo, sweating from the unexpected direction of the command, smiled awkwardly but accepted the order.
“Of course, Your Majesty. Leave it to me!”
“Good. The second outfit will be the ones you brought.”
“Pardon? You won’t even look at the other five outfits?”
Alfredo sounded disappointed, but Dantes shook his head.
“Everything for today is finished.”
Dantes said so and fixed his gaze on the firmly closed door. His heart reached for Roselina again and again, yet he knew it would not be easy. Milan must have had a reason for separating them.
He managed to control his impulse—not because of Milan, but because of Roselina. That small gesture of briefly holding his hand gave him faith.
A belief that if he approached slowly and gently, she would not reject him.
