IDEFYEM - Chapter 13
Black Man, I'll Do Everything For You Except Marriage!
"..."
At that moment, even Sarah left the room after being summoned by the maid.
Feeling awkward in the silence that had passed for a while, I asked playfully.
"Why do you look at me like that? Is your heart racing?"
"No."
For a moment, I felt embarrassed by the firm answer.Kael quietly opened his mouth and spoke in a low voice.
"My heart is tickling."
Wow, that's right. This guy was a player. I couldn't even get my money's worth, so I smiled a little embarrassed.
"Is this also a rehearsal for attending the masquerade ball?"
"I won't be able to see it anyway because I'm wearing a mask, but... You could say that too."
"This is what it looks like at the prom...."
The man spoke in a sighing voice and seemed to be thinking about something.
"Don't you need a partner by your side?"
Um, partner.
I definitely wanted to attend with Kael, but I preferred to be alone so I could carry out my plans more easily.
I asked slyly, imitating him as usual.
"Why? Do you want to go with me?"
"Yes."
But Kael answered right away as if he was right on top of my head.
Shouldn't you be embarrassed here?
Embarrassed that the situation was going differently than expected, I began to persuade him.
"Kael is very busy."
"I have time to be with you."
"It's really not going to be fun this time, is it?"
"It's okay. Because you make me happy just by being with you."
Will I be able to overcome that speaking skill even once?
Holding my tongue, I eventually gave up on talking and declared seriously.
"Actually, I'd rather go alone this time. I have work to do."
Hmm, the eyebrows of the man who made a regretful sound drooped.
"I'm sad. I know you're not disappointed at all."
"I'm serious. I was hurt."
Kael shamelessly put on a sad expression.
I glared at him slightly, but I felt weak at the pitiful eyes and stopped.
"Anyway, just this once, don't follow me. I will do well on my own."
"... Of course."
For some reason, I was a little suspicious of his obedient attitude. I decided that a good thing is a good thing and not to dig into it any further.
"Then shall we go by carriage now, Enri?"
The voice asking politely sounded quite unfamiliar.
Now that I think about it, it's not just me who made it up, but Kael also looks a little different.
It would have been nice to have a couple of buttons loosely undone in the mansion, but today he was wearing a uniform that fit his broad shoulders.
It felt a bit like a full-fledged date.
Huh, I cleared my throat and took the hand he held out.
After walking a short distance, we got into the prepared carriage and the wheels started rolling.
"Did you sleep comfortably last night?"
"Sure. I slept much better than when I stayed at the Duke's residence."
Actually, I went to bed late because of the fight with Vermont.
I still felt good thinking about how I fell asleep peacefully after that.
"Fortunately. I was worried whether I would be able to stop by the furniture store today."
The man sitting across from me grinned at me.
Uh... You must be kidding, right?
You must be sincere.
I laughed it off and only after getting off the carriage did I understand Kael's plan.
***
[Aria Dressing Room]
It was a sign in front of me.
Not long ago, I remember hearing Marta boasting that she had waited several months to get a dress from here.
"Kael, here...."
“Yes, Enri.”
Naturally, I urgently stopped the man who was trying to enter the dressing room with me.
"Now, wait a minute! Well, I don't mean to offend you. I don't think you know the price of women's clothes...."
"It's chilly. Let's go in and talk."
"Yes? It's summer now!"
Kael escorted me, who was hesitant, and eventually brought me into the dressing room.
I was anxious as if I was in a place I couldn't come to, but my eyes widened when I saw the sight coming into view.
It's like exploring a crow's nest.
Everywhere is full of sparkling clothes and accessories. For a place where even a duke's daughter like Martha would wait, they must have only brought in the highest quality goods.
That admiration lasted only a moment, and then I looked at him with puzzled eyes.
Why on earth did you bring me to a place like this?
"Isn't it really a mistake?"
"The destination is right here."
"Do you know where this is? You could buy a house for the price of a dress!"
The man made a low humming sound and tilted his head.
"It's because of me that you left the Duke's residence without even packing your bags properly."
"No, I've said it many times, but what I took care of properly was..."
"It's okay if you don't lie on purpose. I already know how much you think of me."
"That's really all my baggage...."
"I cannot tolerate any inconvenience in your life at the Count's residence. Now, let's choose clothes or accessories."
Oh, really. You don't really listen to what people say!
It was clear that he knew the whole situation and, did it on purpose. I wanted to say something more, but soon the owner of the dressing room appeared.
She was a middle-aged beauty with a gorgeous appearance who somehow reminded me of Sarah.
"Thank you very much for visiting our clothing store. We will do our best to accommodate you without any inconvenience..."
At that time, the owner of the clothing store, who met Kael's blue eyes, stopped talking for some reason.
"I'm sorry, Your Excellency Count. You even gave me a message in advance, but I was not good enough and I almost mistook you for someone else."
Could you mistake that face for someone else?
I had doubts for a moment, but everyone makes mistakes. The owner, who seemed ready to say anything she wanted even in front of the royal family, was very polite to Count Kael.
After all, you shouldn't judge people by their impressions.
While watching them from afar, unaware of the impending ordeal, Kael spoke.
"Is there anything you like?"
"No, even if I were to blindly ask you to choose...."
The owner of the clothing store wisely intervened.
"Of course, the dress you are wearing now suits you well, but the color is dark and it feels a bit out of style. This light color will go well with the lady's beautiful pink hair."
As expected, Kael let out a short affirmation. As I followed the direction the owner led, another world unfolded.
"The light grey-blue color looks elegant. Is there anything made of a thinner material?”
"It's made from imported fabric, and it's much lighter than it looks, so you won't feel hot or stuffy at all."
"That's okay."
As I collapsed from exhaustion after trying on dozens of dresses, Kael and the owner continued their heated discussion.
A man who noticed me before half of my soul was lost came towards me.
"Are there any other guests here besides us?"
"Haha, that's right."
That's right, it sounds the same!
I stared at the man's face, which clearly seemed to be hiding something suspicious.
I asked, pinching my palms several times because I felt like I was dreaming.
"I'm only going to buy one pair anyway, do I need to see this much?"
"Did you say it was a set, Enri?"
"Sure?"
When I felt anxious and raised my face, I saw a genuinely puzzled expression.
"I will buy everything you try on. They say the rest will arrive after repairs... I would guess about 30 pieces."
"I beg your pardon?"
I forgot how tired I was and jumped up. Am I misunderstanding something?
Actually, this was a cheap dressing room? Are all those clothes from malicious inventory?
However, the design was too delicate and beautiful to hold such hope.
"Don't think about refusing. This is necessary considering the owner who has been working hard for us for two hours."
The man who read my thoughts spoke as if he were the first player.
"Kael, can you pay for everything? Aren't we going to go bankrupt like this?"
Kael smiled slowly in front of me, who was heartbroken.
"Why are you laughing?"
"You are the first to worry about my money."
I blinked in bewilderment. Even my father, a Duke, didn't buy me proper clothes because money was tight.
"The Count's business is really...It looks like it's going really well?"
"It's enough for you not to worry like this."
"Isn't this something I can't repay even if I succeed?"
"I'm telling you not to pay back."
"And what's in it for you?"
"Enri, who has earned my debt, will often think of me."
Kael smiled heartily as if he was truly satisfied.
Sometimes I don't know if he has a good personality or if it's weird. The man had just finished talking with the owner about delivery.
"Thank you for hanging out."
"No, no! I am more grateful."
"Now let's go to a place where we can rest for a bit. Let's go see what you like."
I felt like a child who went to the hospital and was comforted. Meanwhile, I was completely exhausted and left the dressing room without opening another word.
The owner with the brightest expression I've ever seen saw us off.
It was fortunate that at least two of the three were happy.
Putting aside my expression of death from the burden, Kael guided me to the downtown area.
Anyway, it has been a long time since I went out. I felt like I could breathe in the fresh air.
Sunny weather, friendly company.
Let's say it's something that's already been done and can't be helped. I had a feeling that the remaining time would be quite enjoyable.
"There is a big bookstore nearby."
"Wow, how did you know I liked books?"
"After looking around the bookstore, let's go eat. I have a look."
"Hehe, that's right."
It was my first time going to a bookstore in this world. I couldn't hide my anticipation and smiled, but I felt strong gazes from next to me. Did you laugh too informally?
"Hmm."
Even now, I was flexing my neck with the intention of behaving like a Duke's daughter. At that time, a voice I never imagined I would hear here rang in my ears.
"Sister!"
After listening for a moment, I snorted and shook my head. I guess I heard it wrong. Why is Martha here...
"Sister, let's talk."
A voice that got closer in an instant rang near my ear. I took a step back, feeling goosebumps rising.
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