Pride and Sanctimony

Chapter 21

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[Lexus] “We should probably buy some new clothes, right?”

Soaked in water, Lexus sent Valentia a smile.

She’d never seen this man look so disheveled before. Even soaked in muddy water, it did nothing to dissuade or damage his brilliant appearance.

He’s just a little messy……..A dirty Prince, heh.

[Valentia] “Yes. I think that would be best.”

Valentia nodded, forcing down the corners of her lips, not wanting a smile to slip through even by accident. Though she’d been suffering from his whims all day, she did not hate the idea of spending more time with him.

[Lexus] “I know of a decent shop. Let’s go together.”

[Valentia] “Yes. Let’s.”

The place they arrived at was a famous boutique in the capital—La Vie en Rose. With the way the staff immediately welcomed Lexus, ushering them inside, it seemed he was a repeat customer.

Hearing that the Prince had arrived, the owner of the boutique immediately came out, completely stunned to see the state of the Prince’s appearance.

[Owner] “Welcome, Lord Prince. What’s happened? How did you end up like this?”

She stopped talking, letting out a sigh. She was clearly holding back the phrase, how on earth did you become such a mess?

[Lexus] “I had some business to take care of.”

[Owner] “I will bring you a wet towel to wipe off the mud. Bring one for the lady, too. Please, sit here for now.”

Maybe it was because it was a VIP room, but everything down to the chairs seemed more luxurious than was afforded to the Baroness.

Though they were only a barony, the lowest possible rank, the Syner family was also part of the nobility because of their wealth. In other words, they were completely ordinary people who dressed up and lived luxurious lives because they had the money to do so.

Even Valentia, who was treated as the black sheep of her family and could not partake, was technically a noblewoman and lived life within sight of nice things.

But this was the dressing room of a famous boutique in the capital. The kind of place where only nobles of considerable note could get their clothes tailored a few times a year, and only when they made a reservation. 

Being here was like catching a glimpse of an entirely different world.

[Lexus] “They can take your measurements too, Valentia. They also deal with ladies’ attire.”

[Valentia] “Why?”

[Lexus] “Once they have your measurements, they can pull clothes of your size so you can change.”

[Valentia] “It’s fine. I didn’t get much on me.”

[Lexus] “No. I can’t turn away from a lady in this circumstance.”

Lexus gave a slight nod. Though the staff didn’t recognize Valentia at first, they quickly recognized that gesture, taking Valentia and naturally ushering her to the next room.

[Staff] “This way.”

[Valentia] “Alright…..”

[Staff] “Please, wipe the dirt from your face first. Here, a warm towel.”

The staff moved deftly and skillfully, naturally handing over a towel with such practiced motions. Valentia took it from them, wrapping her cheeks with that soft, warm towel. While she did that, the staff started preparing several different types of drinks, handing them over just as easily.

[Staff] “It will take some time for the Lord Prince to prepare. Would you like to come and look at the samples in the meantime?”

[Valentia] “Oh, alright.”

Usually, she was not an easy customer, but this time, she fell along with the employee’s rhythm so easily. The staff here were extremely professional, and were good at what they did, which made it feel only natural to follow along with them.

[Staff] “How do you like this outfit? The owner confirmed that this style will be popular at court in the future.”

[Valentia] “It’s pretty.”

[Staff] “Isn’t it? And what about this one? The fabric is truly wonderful.”

The employee chattered about various different types of topics as she brandished a tape measure to take Valentia’s measurements.

She took every minute measurement, down to the length of her wrist to the center of her palm. Even the smallest, strangest details were included, like her ring size, all politely measured.

[Staff] “Luckily we have some dresses ready that already match your size. Would you like to choose?”

[Valentia] “I’m not sure. I’m alright with anything.”

[Staff] “Then shall I choose for you?”

[Valentia] “I would appreciate that.”

The employee went around, pulling out a few outfits while talking about the latest trends. Valentia occasionally nodded, thinking about how she couldn’t understand a word of it, even though they were speaking the same language.

[Staff] “May I touch your hair while I’m at it?”

[Valentia] “I’m fine.”

[Staff] “If you feel uncomfortable, you may refuse, but since the dress will look so lovely on you, I think it’d be good to do your hair, too. If I can’t give you a hairstyle to match, I might end up losing sleep and missing work tomorrow. So is it alright?”

The employee spoke with such a mournful voice that Valentia eventually relented and nodded. With her permission, the employee quickly united the band that was keeping Valentia’s hair pinned back, and her long hair unfurled around her shoulders.

Her curly hair was inherited from her mother. It was long, down to her waist, and she would usually roughly tie it back or keep it in a bun to make sure it didn’t get in her way.

[Staff] “You have naturally curly hair. The curls are so lovely. Now, lie down here.”

[Valentia] “What?”

[Staff] “I think I’ll need to wash your hair as well. I’ll finish it quickly.”

As the employee urged the already sitting Valentia to lie down, she slowly poured warm water, stopping every so often to make sure the temperature was still good. Now, Valentia was lying down, for the first time experiencing the luxury of someone else washing her hair for her.

According to their master’s will, the Baron’s servants also ignored her, so naturally she did not have a maid by her side. And her lack of experience with this kind of treatment made the soft and skillful hands running through her hair feel a little awkward.

[Staff] “Your ends are a little bit damaged. Is it alright if I trim them? Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable, I will leave them as is.”

[Valentia] “I would appreciate that.”

The employee gave a bright smile, happily and carefully trimming the ends of her hair.

Valentia would occasionally cut her hair on her own, but she kept it long and kept the curls tied back, so it was never noticeable—much less the ends.

But this employee was so skilled with her work that not only did she wash Valentia’s hair, but she also massaged and washed her face with ease. By the time Valentia came back to her senses, she was already wearing makeup on her face.

[Staff] “Your hair is very beautiful, so it would be good if you took care of it. Otherwise, it would be too big of a shame. Other ladies have to face the burning curling iron to get their hair like this.”

[Valentia] “I see.”

[Staff] “Look. See how big of a difference a comb and hair oil makes?”

Her light brown hair was washed and combed through gently. After the oil was applied, her hair was like a flowing waterfall down her back.

She was wearing a pure white blouse, gently hugging her body with delicate lace cuffed around the wrist and neckline, and pure pearls threaded as buttons.

Over that was a vest, of which the neckline plunged deeply like a V and cinched around the waist like a corset, defining her figure. The skirt fell down to her knees, tight like a mermaid cut with a short slit down the side.

The employee carefully gave her a set of pearl earrings, matching the pearl embedded headband. Even the lining of the slit on her skirt was decorated with pearls to accentuate the elegant air of her attire.

With a neat looking jacket worn atop as a finishing piece, she definitely looked more passable.

Her faintly narrowed eyes, always carrying a constant shade with them. looked clearer than usual, and her blurry and pale pink eyes seemed more vibrant now. Her skin was bright and her once dry lips were like supple fruits.

[Staff] “Your Highness, she’s ready. Look! Our masterpiece!”

With how many noble girls passed through this dressing room, ‘masterpiece’ seemed like an exaggeration. It was obvious she was just trying to be polite to the person the Prince had brought, but she still felt very embarrassed.

Presumably already finished getting ready, Lexus was sitting on the sofa, leaning back like he was drowsy. In his hand was a long rod, attached to which was a string leading to a piece of fluff—a toy.

As he moved it around, Goldie would jump in turn, chasing after it.

Playing with Goldie, Lexus had his eyes slightly closed like he found it somewhat amusing. Then, hearing the sound of the employee’s voice, he turned his head.

And Lexus’ eyes fell on Valentia. He looked at her without saying anything.

Why isn’t he saying anything? Do I look that strange? Valentia thought, anxiously.

Considering all the women he met up with were gorgeous beauties, she might not look so great in his eyes by comparison, even if she was dressed up a little bit.

[Lexus] “Ah, oh……Yeah, you’re pretty.”

Lexus muttered, casting his gaze to the ground and avoiding her eyes. Then, he buried his face in his hands, like he couldn’t control his expression, so his only choice was to hide it entirely.

Goldie came up to him, scratching at Lexus’ new suit pants with his front paw, seemingly disappointed that Lexus had stopped playing with him.

But it was as she expected.

It was an insincere compliment that he was speaking just to be polite. But that wasn’t so bad. She was just glad he didn’t insult her to her face.

[Valentia] “You look handsome as well, Lexus. Though I’m sure you’ve heard that plenty.”

He was originally a very handsome man, so there wasn’t much left to praise. It was just a case of fishing a jewel from the mud and washing it off.

After that, the two of them left the dressing room being sent off by the employees.

The cool wind of the evening set in, blowing past them. Her light brown hair was now flowing free, being carried on the wind and fluttering in front of Lexus. Turning to Lexus, Valentia brushed her hair behind her ear.

[Valentia] “Thank you. Because of you, I get to wear such lovely clothing. Though of course, it doesn’t suit me in the slightest.”

[Lexus] “Nonsense. You’re beautiful.”

…….Was being praised supposed to feel like she was being stabbed in the side? Knowing they were words spoken without heart, it made her feel a little sick.

[Lexus] “You should dress like this more often.”

[Valentia] “……I don’t have that kind of sense.”

Actually it was because the Baroness did not allocate her a large budget for her clothing. All the money Valentia had, she was spending on her education.

[Lexus] “I’d like to ask you to have dinner with me, but it’s too late, right?”

[Valentia] “Yes. Perhaps next time. I will buy you a meal to thank you for today.”

[Lexus] “Alright. Next time.”

Habitually, Lexus reached out his hand to escort her, and realizing how he’d done it again, he smiled and lowered his hand. Even though he knew the noble lady before him was one who would not hold his hand, he gave it out freely without even realizing it.

[Lexus] “I’ll get a carriage for you.”

[Valentia] “Yes. Thank you for your help.”

He hailed a passing carriage. Once Valentia was inside, she turned and looked at him, and Lexus smiled and gave a light wave. Valentia nodded lightly, receiving his farewells.

[Lexus] “Get home safely.”

[Valentia] “Return home safely.”

Then the carriage door was closed and it started off on its departure.

After the handsome Prince started his regular interference in her life, so many things were different, both big and small. Today was one of those things, being one of the busiest days she’d had in a while. 

It was strange, but stranger still was that she didn’t hate it.

If a carriage were to roughly pass you by, splashing muddy water on you as it went along, you would normally feel bad and depressed for the rest of your day.

But Valentia did not show any mournful or saddened signs when it happened. Rather, being struck with water alongside the Prince, she had to fight back her laughter instead.

[Valentia] “Pft.”

Valentia smiled without her realizing. And as she imagined Lexus’ ridiculous expression, that small smile grew and grew.

[Valentia] “Haha!”

All by herself, she burst into a fit of laughter, laughing to herself for a long time. It was a very refreshing laugh.

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