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Chapter : 31
The next morning, Agatha awoke late and took breakfast with Enoch on the terrace of the dining hall.
Before them was a simple meal—crisply grilled bacon and soft-boiled eggs, thin slices of buttered toasted white bread with jam, a tangy salad, shrimp soup, and a glass of wine.
Since early morning, servants carrying letters and invitations had been pouring into the newlywed mansion.
Among them, Agatha was reading a letter sent by her closest companion, the Marchioness Iris Dominia, smiling as she did.
Enoch handed over another slice of bacon through a servant and asked,
“It seems like good news.”
“I was checking the news from while we were away from the capital, and there was something amusing. Would you like to read it?”
Agatha slid the letter toward Enoch and popped another piece of bacon into her mouth.
Currently, the kitchen was run by the head chef from Nobilis and the chef from Aratus.
Unlike the Nobilis chef, known for seafood, the Aratus chef excelled at meat.
The bacon was rich and savory, grilled to perfection.
“I thought this when we stayed at the Aratus house, but their chef really is talented at meat dishes.”
“If it pleases you, I shall commend him specially.”
Enoch finished reading the letter and looked at Agatha.
“I heard you went to your office yesterday. Did you file your report?”
“Yes. I called for my aide last night and handled everything before bed.”
Most of Lady Iris’s news was about the imperial family.
For the past two weeks, the Emperor’s moods had reportedly been fluctuating wildly, and that morning’s court session had reached a peak.
No doubt due to the official report submitted yesterday.
The Emperor had already been briefed through the intelligence bureau about every detail of the negotiations.
Now that both the official documents and the commander of the unofficial delegation had returned, he would have to make a decision.
“He’ll summon me soon. I’ll do well. But before that, we’re going to have our clothes fitted.”
Agatha had deliberately finished her work last night so she could devote the entire day to dressmaking.
Seeing his wife’s radiant smile, Enoch silently set down the letter. With a soft breath, he could not help but smile back.
“If you are looking forward to it, then I believe today will be pleasant for me as well. Shall we head to the atelier once we finish eating?”
“Yes. I cleared my entire schedule today. We can pick out accessories and shoes too, and dine out before returning.”
It had been a long time since she felt excited for a purely social outing.
After a cheerful meal, Agatha went to her dressing room. She braided her hair, pinned it up into a rounded bun, and adorned it with pearls. Considering the lingering heat, she chose a light dress.
She applied light makeup, picked up her fan, and stepped out, seeing her husband leaning against the corridor wall.
“Enoch.”
“Shall we?”
Descending to the first-floor hall, they found today’s escorts awaiting them—Second Vice-Captain Huber Carwen and First Vice-Captain Leon Takran.
“We greet the Lord and Lady.”
Both saluted. Although both men seemed composed, Huber’s complexion looked particularly grim.
Leon stepped forward first.
“We heard you would be going out today. Appropriate escort knights have already been selected.”
“Good work. Huber, you are prepared to accompany us, I trust.”
Hearing Enoch’s voice, Huber blinked, glancing between him and Agatha.
“I thought Sir Leon was solely assigned to the Lady today…?”
“Today, I’m going out with my husband. I’ll likely be summoned to the palace alone soon, and I’d like to ask for Sir Leon’s escort then.”
Smiling, Agatha spoke lightly. Leon, who had anticipated this, saluted again.
“It is only proper that escort command shift depending on circumstances. As the Lady’s dedicated guard, I have received the schedule. I will be prepared.”
Enoch nodded lightly and looked back to Huber.
“Are you unprepared? If so, Leon can—”
“I’ll have my gear brought immediately, my lord! You may depart at once!”
Huber vanished like the wind, shouting for someone to fetch his equipment. Agatha let out a small laugh.
“Then I’ll rely on you, Sir Leon.”
“I will do my utmost, my lady.”
While Agatha boarded the carriage with Enoch’s assistance, Huber and the knights formed the escort formation.
After final checks, Huber reported at the carriage door.
“All preparations complete.”
“Move.”
“Depart!”
At Enoch’s order, the procession bearing the flags of House Nobilis and House Aratus moved toward Agatha’s favorite boutique.
Madame Chalette’s Atelier
A three-story building in the heart of the inner capital displayed a stately carved sign.
Famous and skilled boutiques in the capital were always in demand, so any noble required a reservation—though exceptions always existed.
As always, Agatha received Madame Chalette’s personal welcome the moment she arrived.
“Welcome, Lady Agatha. Upon hearing you would visit, we declined all further appointments today.”
Indeed, a “Closed” sign hung on the door. Agatha introduced Enoch with a smile.
“You needn’t go so far, Madame.”
“Nonsense—one does not hold back for the finest of guests. Please, Lady and Marquis, come in. Everything is prepared for you to choose from.”
Madame Chalette led Agatha straight to a vacant VIP room on the third floor.
It was a round room with a platform, table, and plush sofa—ideal for choosing fabrics and patterns.
Through nearby doors came faint signs of other noble clients already inside.
Once Enoch settled beside Agatha, Madame spoke.
“I’ve heard the news. They say you led the informal negotiations with the Empire of Mainucor to success? Rumor has it His Majesty will soon host a grand imperial ball.”
“You are ever quick with rumors, Madame. And yes—we’ll also be choosing several outfits for the autumn season.”
“I thought as much. Then please, allow me to show you the most sought-after fabrics first.”
Cottons, silks, fine wools—
Assistants brought in armfuls of cloth. As expected of the capital’s foremost atelier, everything was exquisite and of the highest quality.
“Let’s start with my husband’s clothing.”
“Of course. We’ll take the Marquis’s measurements first.”
While attendants measured Enoch,
Agatha browsed fabrics suited to him with Madame. The pieces displayed upfront were ones nobles favored lately, or that merchant guilds promoted as signature lines.
Agatha studied the dignified fabrics, eyes asking Madame silently why the palette seemed so heavy.
“What happened in the capital while I was gone?”
At this season, brighter colors were the norm.
Madame chuckled, pointing at the very bundle Agatha questioned.
“Hoho—yes, these are somber. They arrived today from the Neuta Guild. I suspect a certain lady intends to return soon.”
“Oh.”
Now that she said it, the colors matched perfectly with the taste of the former Duchess of Neuta.
So she means to return for the autumn season.
Agatha laid aside the Neuta textiles without hesitation.
They were of excellent quality as a guild’s signature product, but—
“They don’t suit younger nobles. Something behind this would be better. What do you think?”
Enoch, straightening his shirt after being measured, nodded.
“I agree.”
“Then let’s start with this one.”
“Very well.”
Madame immediately placed the chosen fabric on the table.
Agatha continued selecting—patterned cloths, colors she liked, anything fine regardless of guild—and piled them across Enoch’s shoulders and lap.
With his handsome face and well-built figure, everything draped upon him looked like a painting.
He stood half a head taller than most nobles, had a lean but powerful frame tempered by real combat—no further description was needed.
Madame Chalette, who had admired Enoch from the first moment, was growing visibly entranced.
Meanwhile, the man, who had quietly observed Agatha selecting fabrics, picked up one and laid it over her shoulder.
“I believe this suits you as well.”
It was pale and elegant—perfect for trimming a gown or the hem of a skirt.
“With this, I could match your cravat. Shall we use it for the imperial ball?”
“I would like that.”
“Madame, bring the design books.”
Agatha already wished for them to share one fabric.
Madame briskly placed several large volumes on the table.
“These are the patterns selected for this summer’s imperial ball.”
Sitting side by side, Agatha and Enoch opened the books and chose their formal attire, their heads leaning together over the pages—a scene worthy of a painting.
