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Chapter 22
“I’ll bring it right away, my lady! P-please wait just a little, really just a little bit longer!”
The madam, her face flushed bright red, rushed out.
She was so excited that the sound of the wooden stairs creaking could be heard clearly.
When the sound of her footsteps had quieted down a bit, Anna, speaking in a lowered voice, said,
“Miss, are you sure about this? Having your ball gown made in a place like this…”
“Do you think the madam can’t make a ball gown when she sees it?”
“Well, it’s not that… But this place seems like it’s never made a gown for nobility. Do you think she can create something that befits your status?”
“Well, if it doesn’t turn out well, I just won’t wear it, will I? I can buy new pearls and silk.”
At her nonchalant words, Anna made a face that seemed like she was going to die from regret.
“Still, I don’t think the madam will let me down.”
“Everyone knows your discerning eye, so the madam will surely do a good job.”
Anna, saying that, looked like someone who would cause a big fuss if the madam didn’t succeed.
Yevgenia, leaning back on the sofa, giggled.
“You’re showing so much loyalty over just a few dresses?”
“What? No, my lady! My loyalty has always been unwavering and strong! O-of course, I’m very grateful for the dresses you gave me…”
“I know, I know. I was just teasing.”
As Anna, looking quite wronged, was about to say something, the creaking of the stairs started again.
The sound of footsteps quickly grew louder, and in no time, the madam appeared.
She laid out a pile of catalogs on the table, wiping the sweat off her forehead with her sleeve.
“I wasn’t sure which kind you needed, so I brought a variety. The first catalog is for light parties, like tea parties or gatherings with close friends. The second is for a banquet where you can relax while enjoying dinner, and the third is for formal occasions where dancing is a must.”
“…So these are all different designs?”
“Of course. I heard that pearl silk is thin and drapes beautifully, so I thought you’d be making a summer dress, so I didn’t bring any winter designs. But if you need winter designs, I can bring them!”
“Well, if I find a design I like today, I’ll probably need winter designs too.”
Yevgenia casually flipped through the catalog, and the madam’s smile reached her eyes.
As Yevgenia slowly looked through each design, she pulled out a page from the third catalog, one with a delicate white fabric layered upon itself, cinched in the middle with a black corset to enhance the upper body and add a dramatic flair.
If it had been made with plain white fabric, it might have seemed dull or even old-fashioned, but judging by the way it was drawn, it was clear that the madam had envisioned the dress being made with very thin, almost translucent fabric.
Yevgenia, silently looking down at the design, asked,
“Madam, what do you think this dress would look like made with pearl silk?”
“I’ve never seen pearl silk myself, so I can’t say for sure, but if it’s like what I imagine…”
“Like what?”
The madam swallowed dryly, trying to suppress her wildly pounding heart, and exclaimed,
“…I believe it would be my greatest masterpiece!”
Pleased with the answer, Yevgenia smiled broadly.
Her eyes narrowing into a smile, she picked up the page with the design on it.
“Then I’ll trust you and leave it to you.”
“Th-thank you, my lady!”
“The pearl silk will be sent by tomorrow. I’ll also bring the cost for the dresses we bought today, so it’s best to settle up beforehand.”
“Y-yes, yes!”
The madam, receiving the paper from Yevgenia, smiled brightly.
Hugging the somewhat worn paper to her chest, she packed up the rest of the catalogs.
“I’ll first organize these, then measure the sizes for both you and your maid. Since I’m the only one working here, it may take a little while…”
“It’s fine. Anna and I can wait for an hour if we have tea,” Yevgenia replied.
At her praise, Anna beamed.
Relieved, the madam made her way back down the stairs.
Excited, Anna started preparing the tea, and a subtle scent filled the room.
“Anna, if you see anything else you like while we wait, feel free to tell me.”
“Eh? But…”
“I don’t want to see this place close. Do you understand?”
“Ah…! I see, I understand!”
Though Yevgenia’s request was for her own benefit, Anna was simply thrilled to be able to get beautiful dresses, hats, gloves, and more along the way.
Grinning and even preparing cookies, she went out, and the madam, returning late, said with a slightly awkward expression,
“First, I should measure the maid’s size. Since your tea shouldn’t get cold while you’re waiting, right?”
“Ah, right! My lady, is it alright if I go first?”
“…Go ahead. The tea is hot, and there are plenty of cookies, so take your time.”
“Thank you, my lady!”
Anna gave a quick bow and followed the madam, her steps light with excitement.
Yevgenia, watching them leave, narrowed her eyes.
The madam’s suggestion seemed natural, but on closer thought, it didn’t make sense.
If the tea got cold, they could simply throw it out and make more, and even if Anna ate a few cookies, she wasn’t foolish enough to eat more than her share, let alone Yevgenia’s.
That meant there must be a reason for Yevgenia to be left alone…
“Yulran, or… is it better to call you Nox here?”
“…As expected. My lady doesn’t disappoint.”
A lazy, yet somehow dangerous-sounding low voice.
Yulran appeared, arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe as if he had been waiting.
Ignoring his downward gaze, Yevgenia wet her lips with her tea and asked,
“By showing up in person, I take it you’ve decided to accept my offer?”
“Well… I haven’t fully made up my mind yet.”
Yulran slowly approached and gently lifted Yevgenia’s chin with his hand.
She accepted his touch without resistance, her eyes widening.
She was letting him touch her, but it was clear she wasn’t going to make it easy for him.
“I thought you said that once was enough when you first came here. I’m curious why you changed your mind all of a sudden.”
“Do you think you know why?”
“Oh? Are you quizzing me? You, my lady, are the one asking for something, aren’t you?”
Yulran threw her question back at her with a playful tone, causing Yevgenia’s lips to curl into a slight frown.
It wasn’t that answering him would cause her any loss, but she couldn’t help feeling irritated.
With a soft tsk, she shrugged her shoulder and said,
“Is it really necessary for me to explain something this obvious? I must have overestimated you.”
“I’m just an ordinary man, my lady. If you set your expectations too high, it might be a burden.”
“People usually remember their first man fondly. Don’t make me regret it.”
Yevgenia’s sharp reply made Yulran smirk as he willingly withdrew his hand.
He sat down next to her casually and pulled her waist into his embrace.
“Crazy, we’re outside, you know?”
Yevgenia shuddered and tried to push him away, but he was quicker.
Their bodies toppled back, and she was trapped in his arms.
Under the shadow of his body, his sharp green eyes seemed to pierce through her like a thorn.
In the close distance, she could feel his breath on her lips, and he whispered softly,
“There’s nowhere to go, and no one around. Do you still think we’re outside?”
