Chapter 161
Translator: Yonnee
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“We’ve emptied out the entire boutique for you today, Lady Rosé!”
Crowell smiled as she stepped inside. Her hair was in an updo that resembled an ice cream swirl. I couldn’t help but be impressed.
She reminded me of a model, given her 170cm height, high updo and nude-tone lipstick, which was completely different from the style of make-up commonly seen in this world. It suited her well.
“Now then…”
She pulled a pair of glasses out of a drawer. Holding a notepad in her hand, Crowell soon began to observe me closely.
I didn’t notice this earlier because she had a smile on her face before, but she actually had quite a cold impression when she was expressionless. There seemed to be a reason why she smiled like that.
She reminded me of Leona, too.
“Shall we get your measurements first?”
Feeling myself get pulled in, I quickly nodded as Crowell said this. She led me to the next room. Meanwhile, Mercy and Blanc waved at me.
“We’ll be waiting for you in the drawing room, so take your time, Big Sis!”
With Mercy’s encouragement, I followed Crowell into the fitting room. It was neat around us, and there were several mirrors.
“May I start?”
“Yes.”
Bringing over something that looked similar to a tape measure, Crowell started taking my measurements. It was a completely new experience for me. After all, I used to just buy ready-made clothes and wear those.
“Is there a style of dress that you have in mind? Perhaps jewelry or lace design as well.”
Was this what it felt like to be a VIP at a department store? Crowell considered my physical features carefully.
“I don’t have anything in mind yet.”
“Then I shall get the catalogue for you right away. Would it be alright if I ask for you to wait just a moment?”
Crowell smiled as she responded to me, continuing to treat me in a relaxed yet courteous manner.
Seeing her act like this immediately reminded me of the first time I met Albert, back when I was treating him like my boss.
“We’ve prepared tea for you inside.”
With a round grin, she led me to a drawing room, which was connected to this fitting room.
The walls of the drawing room were neat and had a modestly colorful design. In my eyes, it wasn’t just fancy—rather, I could see the care that went into the design.
As expected, people at the top of the industry were just different. Thoughtfully, there was a connected drawing room like this, and the sense of customer service was just great.
“Big Sis, back so soon?”
With an open catalogue in front of her, Mercy was already looking over different types of cloth and lace.
Every time she turned a page, I saw that there were sketches of dress designs onto the pages, and next to those sketches were actual lace and frill samples.
It was a catalogue of pre-designed dresses so that the customer could envision them easily, and so they could decide right away.
Blanc stared at the teacup in front of him, then he took a sip.
“Ptheeew…”
However, he soon frowned and stuck his tongue out, as if he didn’t expect that it was going to be that bitter. So adorable. I put a cube of sugar into Blanc’s tea.
After stirring it with a teaspoon, I recommended Blanc to try out the tea again.
There was a half-doubtful look on his face as he eyed it, but the moment he took a sip once more, his eyes went round. Blanc beamed brightly.
“Yummy.”
His wide smile made my mood so light. Blanc really had the power to cheer me up just by being who he is.
I met many people before, studying their tone, their voice, their expressions and how they all changed. But Blanc was still Blanc.
“Here you are.”
Back in no time, Crowell handed me three thick catalogues.
The first one contained cloth samples, the second one contained lace and frills, and the third one was much like what Mercy had—a catalogue of full-fledged dress designs.
“When I heard that you will be visiting us, I tried to imagine your atmosphere and appearance and designed accordingly. Please give your feedback comfortably.”
While turning over the first page of the catalogue of designs, Crowell explained like so as she poured a cup of tea.
“…All these thick books?”
“His Majesty specifically ordered them. And I really like my job. Haha, I enjoyed it.”
“Crowell, I liked the dress you made last time,” Mercy commented.
“Yes, we’ve also prepared a sketch to match that design since you liked it.”
Crowell then took out a pile of papers. I don’t know where she got those.
The sheets of papers were filled with her sketches. Mercy took those designs with a big smile.
“Please go ahead and take a look, Lady Artius. Let me know anytime if none of these catch your eye.”
With a smile the whole time, Crowell said this with a genuinely giddy expression. I was worried that Albert coerced her into forced labor somehow.
I thought of this before, that if Albert were to fall in love, the receptor of that love would be the only one who wouldn’t see how he’d turned into a tyrant. Was it possible?
Still though, even if there would be times when I’d feel a little sad that he couldn’t put me first all the time, I wanted him to be the kind of king who’d be loved by everyone.
Mercy seemed to be thinking along the same lines as me. While looking over the designs, she spoke up.
“Even if you were commanded by His Majesty, aren’t all these a little too much?”
But as Mercy pointed it out, Crowell’s eyes widened and she shook her head. And more than I would have expected, there was a determined light in her eyes.
“Not at all. I made all these because I wanted to. That’s why I’m also very grateful to you, Lady Artius.”
“…You know me?”