100 – Dressing Up For The Banquet (1)

“Next time, I hope I can listen to your story.”

Irene blinked at his abrupt words and stared at him puzzled.

“Yes. When the time comes, I’ll tell you.”

She smiled at him.

“Good night, then. I’ll come on the day of the banquet.”

“Yes. Sleep well, Noel.”

Irene looked at his departing back and returned to the room with Louiselle.

“I’ll clean it up.” Louiselle said, looking at the tools and plates still on the table.

“Thank you.”

It did not matter who cleaned it up, but because it was her duty, Irene obediently agreed. After Louiselle cleared the table, she prepared Irene’s bed. She changed into a comfortable chemise and laid her bedding straight. The room became dark when the lights were turned off and only one candle was lit.

crawled from onedaythreeautumns

“Louiselle? What about you?”

“I will guard the door while you sleep.”

“You must be tired…”

“This is fine. Don’t worry, go to sleep.”

“Yes…”

As Louiselle left the room, Irene lay on the podium and stared blankly at the ceiling. But she couldn’t sleep, and what Noel had said echoed endlessly in her mind.

Actually, I was envious.

In fact, the first emotion she felt from hearing Noel’s words was envy. Because I don’t know what will happen to me…

Kristen the Great had long regretted his actions. Even though he knew it was wrong, the situation and relationship had already become fixed, and he couldn’t go back. Then he later apologised. But Irene was different. Her family used abusive language with her and were violent towards her until not long ago. Discrimination by her younger sister, Riel, led to her exclusion. There was no sign of guilt on their faces.

If they apologise even if it’s too late, can I accept it?

In the past, they were family. Still, she may have tried to force herself to accept it, since they were her family. But now it was different. Because now there is a place where she could remain even if she was not by the side of her family.

And two years later…

At that time, the contract would end, and she would be alone.

Thinking of it made me feel a little down. “Let’s not get depressed,” Irene said, “let’s go to bed.” But she couldn’t fall asleep at night.

♔♔♔

From early in the morning, the Grand Duke was very busy.

Even her maid, who usually emphasised quietness, was running around frantically, making Irene realise the chaos. Irene was also distracted in her own way.

“You should try on these shoes, too, lady.”

The dress fitting that began in the morning continued until late the afternoon. She didn’t even know how many times she changed shoes.

Pairs of shoes piled up like a mountain on one side, only showed the difficulty instead. “I think these shoes suit you best.”

In the end, the shoes the designer chose were the first pure white shoes she wore. However, it was made of an unusual material, so whenever the light hit it, it had a slightly blue tint.

“Now that you’ve chosen my shoes, I have to start dressing you up earnestly. There’s not much time left until the banquet, so you need to hurry.”

Just when Irene thought it was just over, the designer said it was just the beginning. Irene became bleak, but she didn’t show it. Only that Louiselle was standing next to her, looking at Irene with her face full of concern. Looking at Irene with her firm expression, black energy radiated from her, forcing her designer assistants to sweat coldly and notice Louiselle. Irene reassured Louiselle with her face that she was fine with her efforts.

“I didn’t get an interim check because my schedule was too tight. I hope you like it.” At the designer’s beckoning, the assistants pulled out a dress that was carefully wrapped in cloth.

“How do you like it? Lady’s skin is very white, so we chose to decorate it with sapphires, amber and pearls, and the hem is greatly inflated to emphasise your slender waist. I added a lace cape on your shoulders. The waist is surrounded by a jewelled band to showcase its brilliance and luxury.

I’m planning to make jewellery like this. The fabric was deliberately chosen in the same colour as the night sky, reminiscent of the night. If the jewels are reflected in the light of the chandelier, it will be more colourful and beautiful. Do you like it?” The designer explained the details one by one. Irene listened patiently and hummed in agreement. But she didn’t really process it. She only had one impression the moment she saw the dress.

It’s pretty.

Irene reached out and swept her hand down the hem of her dress. Small gems ran through her fingertips.

“The night on a dress. So, beautiful.”

“Ho-ho. Then to hear you satisfied is a great success for me. Come on, let’s get you dressed. Honey, come here and help the lady take off her clothes.”

“Yes!”

The assistant, who loudly responded to the designer’s order, approached and stripped off the chemise Irene was wearing. The designer and other assistants then put on the dress on the slip-clad Irene. It was difficult to wear without help because there were so many accessories, and she wouldn’t know how to wear them. Fortunately, the dress was not as tight-fitting as she initially thought it would be, so the fit was surprisingly comfortable.

“You’re so beautiful wearing it! Let’s look in the mirror later. You’ll like it better that way. I’ll get your hair and makeup done right away. Please sit here.”

The designer spoke elegantly and sat Irene in front of the dressing table. It was difficult to see the dress in detail because she was sitting down, and the mirror was not that big.