VWB 22

“I’ll be right back, Young Lady! Pl-please, just a little, just a tiny bit longer!”

The flushed Madam hurried away.

She was so excited that the creaking of the wooden stairs could be heard clearly.

As the sound of footsteps faded, Anna spoke in a heavily lowered voice.

“My Lady, will you be alright? Having your banquet dress made in a place like this…”

“Do you think the Madam is incapable of making a banquet dress?”

“It’s not that, but… it seems like a place that has never made a dress for a noble. I wonder if she can truly create a dress that matches your dignity, My Lady.”

“Well, if it’s really that bad, I simply won’t wear it, will I? I can always buy more Pearl Silk.”

At Yevgenia’s infinitely lighthearted words, Anna wore an expression as if she were dying of heartache over the waste.

“Still, I have a feeling the Madam won’t let me down.”

“Everyone knows your eye for quality, My Lady, so I’m sure the Madam will do a wonderful job.”

As she spoke, Anna looked like someone who would cause a great scene if the Madam failed to deliver.

Leaning back into the sofa, Yevgenia giggled and said,

“Are you showing this much loyalty over a few dresses?”

“What? My Lady, no! My loyalty has always been upright and strong! O-of course, I am also very grateful for the dresses you gifted me…”

“I know, I know. I was joking.”

Just as Anna, looking utterly wronged, was about to say something, the creaking sound echoed from the stairs once more.

Perhaps she had taken the stairs several at a time, for the Madam appeared within seconds.

Spreading the catalogs she had clutched to her chest across the table, the Madam wiped her sweaty forehead with her sleeve.

“I wasn’t sure which banquet you needed them for, so I brought various types. The first catalog is for tea parties or light gatherings with close acquaintances; the second is for banquets where one can relax while enjoying a dinner; and the third is for formal banquets where dancing is mandatory.”

“…These are all different designs?”

“Of course. I heard that Pearl Silk is a thin, flowing fabric, so I assumed you wanted something for summer and didn't bring winter designs. If you need them, I will bring the winter ones as well!”

“Well, if I find a design I like today, I might find a reason to look for winter ones too.”

At the words tossed out as she lightly flipped through the pages, the corners of the Madam’s mouth soared toward the sky.

Examining each design slowly, Yevgenia pulled out a page tucked into the middle of the third catalog.

Layers of pure white, thin fabric were gathered, held tightly in the middle by a pitch-black corset, accentuating the upper body line and adding a sharp point of contrast.

Had it been made of plain white fabric, the design might have looked stifling or even tacky, but judging by the sketch, the Madam had clearly envisioned this dress using fabric thin enough to be translucent.

Staring down at it, Yevgenia asked,

“Madam, what do you think if this dress were made with Pearl Silk?”

“I cannot say for certain as I have never seen Pearl Silk in person, but if it is as I imagine…”

“If it is?”

Swallowing hard, the Madam shouted, barely suppressing a heart that pounded violently enough to burst through her chest.

“…I believe I could create the greatest masterpiece of my life!”

At the satisfying answer, Yevgenia’s smile deepened.

Her eyes curving into crescents, she picked up the page with the design.

“Then I shall trust you with it.”

“Th-thank you, Young Lady!”

“I will send the Pearl Silk by tomorrow. I’ll also send the payment for the dresses purchased today, so you’d best calculate the total in advance.”

“Yes, yes!”

Taking the paper from Yevgenia, the Madam beamed.

Clutching the slightly worn paper preciousy to her chest, she gathered the remaining catalogs.

“First, after I tidy these up, I will take the measurements for the Young Lady and the maid. Since I have no other employees, it might take a little time…”

“That’s fine. Anna and I can wait an hour as long as we have tea.”

At Yevgenia’s praise, Anna grinned sheepishly.

Relieved, the Madam hurried back down the stairs.

An excited Anna began brewing tea, and a subtle tea fragrance filled the dress shop.

“Anna, while we wait, feel free to tell me if you see anything else you like.”

“What? But…”

“I don’t want to see this dress shop close down. Do you understand?”

“Ah… Ah! I see, I understand!”

Though it was to achieve what her lady desired, Anna was simply thrilled to obtain beautiful dresses, hats, and even gloves as a windfall.

After she had beamed and prepared cookies, the Madam, who had returned late, spoke with a somewhat awkward expression.

“I think it would be best to take the maid’s measurements first. We wouldn't want the tea to get cold while the Young Lady waits, right?”

“Ah, that’s true! My Lady, may I go first then?”

“…Go ahead. The tea is hot and there are plenty of cookies, so it’s fine if you take your time.”

“Thank you, My Lady!”

With a polite bow, Anna followed the Madam downstairs with a light step.

Watching her go, Yevgenia’s eyes narrowed.

The Madam’s suggestion had been reasonably natural, but upon deeper thought, it wasn't.

Cold tea could be thrown out and brewed again, and even if Anna ate a few cookies, she wasn't stupid enough to devour Yevgenia’s share.

That meant there was a reason why Yevgenia absolutely had to be left alone…

“Yulan, no… I suppose I should call you Nox here?”

“…As expected. The Young Lady never fails my expectations.”

A low voice, sounding languid yet somehow dangerous.

Yulan, appearing as if he had been waiting, was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

Ignoring the gaze looking down at her, Yevgenia moistened her lips with tea and spoke.

“The fact that you appeared here in person means I can assume you’re accepting my proposal, right?”

“Well… I haven't completely made up my mind yet.”

Slowly approaching her side, Yulan lightly gripped Yevgenia’s chin and tilted it up.

Accepting his touch obediently, she opened her eyes wide.

It was a declaration of will: she would listen because there was something to gain, but he was not to take her lightly.

“I recall you saying once was enough when you first visited. I’m curious why you suddenly changed your mind.”

“Why do you think?”

“Oh, are you giving me a quiz? You, the Young Lady who is the one asking for a favor?”

Yevgenia’s lips twisted at Yulan’s annoying habit of answering a question with another question.

Answering him wouldn't have cost her anything, but she couldn't help feeling irritated.

Clicking her tongue softly, she shrugged.

“To think I have to explain something so simple and obvious; I must have overestimated you.”

“I’m just an ordinary man, Young Lady. It’s burdensome if you have too many expectations.”

“It’s only natural to want to remember one's first man fondly. Make sure I don't regret this.”

Letting out a hollow laugh at Yevgenia’s formidable retort, Yulan readily withdrew his hand.

Plumping down beside her, he naturally wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Crazy, we’re outside, you know?”

Yevgenia shuddered and tried to push him away, but he was one step faster.

As their overlapping bodies tipped backward, she was trapped between Yulan’s two arms.

Beneath the shadow cast by his body, his glowing green eyes seemed to pierce her like sharp thorns.

At a distance so close she could feel his breath against her slightly parted lips, he whispered low.

“The sides are blocked, and there is no one around. Do you still think this is 'outside'?”

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