While the guest room of the Marquis Aratus couple was bustling with staff carrying various fabrics, books, lace, ribbons, etc., she stopped a costume shop employee who was passing by another guest room where only the occasional noise was heard.
“There. Come this way.”
“Did you call, Ma’am?”
As the employee entered, the maid who had received the Lady's nod stepped forward and asked in her stead.
“I heard that the Marchioness of Aratus is here. She would like to know if I can bring her the fabric and pattern she has selected.”
The employee lowered his head with a troubled expression.
“As you know, Madame, most of the fabrics the Marchioness has chosen are limited in quantity. And the design booklets are all managed by Madame.”
“Then, would it be okay if you could just tell me what kind of fabric she chose? Also, if the Marchioness has added any patterns, ribbons, or lace in the future, please let me know about those too. Would that be possible?”
The maid quietly handed over a pouch the size of a baby's fist. The employee's face brightened.
“I wonder if there is any. I’ll find out right away.”
Secretly and quietly, the same phenomenon was happening in other VIP rooms. It was completely natural.
Whatever Agatha Nobilis chose always swept through the entire empire.
It was from here that Madame Charlotte's dressing room became one of the most famous in the capital, as fashions spread there.
Madame Charlotte, with the patronage of Agatha Nobilis, exerted her influence in society by informing the nobility of the year's popular fabrics in advance through her staff and selectively revealing patterns.
If Marchioness Iris Domunia, Agatha's closest confidant and friend, is sensitive to news that mainly targets high-ranking nobles.
Another confidant, Madame Charlotte, was a source of information throughout society.
Agatha was on the platform with Enoch, trying on the robe according to the completed design.
The dress was made of the fine white fabric that had been chosen earlier and was decided to have a straight top with a slightly open chest.
Instead of being too revealing, the neck was wrapped like a choker, and the fabric connected to the neck was to cover the middle of the arms. Lace was to be added to that part and the chest line.
The side hems of the skirt were gathered generously and made to fall in a wave-like bell line.
“How about it, Enoch?”
Agatha, who had been looking around in front of the mirror, looked up at Enoch.
“...”
The man, who seemed speechless for a moment, nodded slowly.
“It suits you better than I thought.”
“You too.”
Enoch made a cravat out of the white cloth he had chosen earlier.
The suit was supposed to have a subtle pattern that would go with the dress, but when it was finished, it definitely looked like it was tailored together and would go well with it.
'It was good that we came together to match.'
Agatha's eyes narrowed gently. Madame and the costume shop staff were beside her, praising her.
“Oh my. Both of you look so good in your clothes. At this palace ball, not only Lady Agatha but also the clothes the Marquis is wearing now will definitely be trendy!”
“Thank you, Madam. Now I just need to find some matching jewelry and shoes.”
Enoch stared at Agatha's reflection in the mirror and then bent his head to whisper in her ear.
“How about putting a shawl or cloak over it?”
“Well, a cloak wouldn’t go with this dress. A shawl...”
Will it suit me?
He whispered again in Agatha's ear, who was slightly dragging her footsteps.
“It must be cold.”
“...It’s summer?”
“It’s night.”
Of course, the palace ball would be held at the end of summer, but it didn't seem like it would be cold inside.
“It’ll be okay. I’ll just stay inside.”
“...I can’t help it.”
Enoch, muttering softly, kissed the back of Agatha's hand and ordered the jewelers, craftsmen, and leather artisans to be brought to him.
A little while ago, Madame, whose eyes had been subtly sparkling, brought in a jeweler and an artisan and introduced them to Enoch.
“My boutique is connected to renowned craftsmen in the capital, Marquis. Whatever jewels and designs you choose, I am sure they will suit you and your wife very well.”
Enoch nodded slightly and led Agatha to the sofa and sat her down.
“Madam, is there a jewel you like?”
Agatha looked inside the chest filled with the finest jewels that the merchant had spread out.
‘It would be good if it went well with the wedding ring...’
The blue diamonds and sapphires definitely caught her eye.
“This is pretty. I think it would be great as a hair ornament.”
“Again. Is there anything else?”
“I want a new lace fan...”
“I guess I’ll need a jewel to pay off my debt.”
By the time she had called the tanner, had her shoes fitted, and had chosen what would be used for Enoch's brooch and buttons, a lot of time had passed.
When the Marquis Aratus and his wife returned to their honeymoon residence in the capital after dinner. What was waiting for Agatha was a flying horse from the palace. The messenger dispatched from the city center respectfully held up a scroll containing the imperial edict.
“Marchioness Aratus. His Majesty is looking for you.”
It was an order to enter the palace.
***
The honeymoon vacation has finally come to an end.
It had been postponed due to internal family matters, weddings, and unofficial negotiations, but from today, Enoch also had to attend the palace meetings.
After finishing breakfast, Agatha followed him out to see him off for the assembly, but Enoch suddenly stopped walking.
“You said the audience time was noon?”
"Yes."
By then, it was time for the roll call to end. He thought for a moment, then stopped walking again, grabbing the reins.
“Should I pick you up around the time the audience ends? I was wondering if we could have lunch together.”
Agatha opened her eyes wide for a moment, then nodded with a bright smile.
“Okay. I’ll send you a link when I’m done. Will you be at the Aratus Mansion by then?”
“No. I will be at the palace. I have some business to attend to with the military, so please contact them.”
“Yes, I will do that.”
Why am I so happy every single day these days?
Agatha smiled and rode off to see him off. The adjutant, Chad, the aide, John, and the knights of Aratus followed behind.
It was just past 8 o'clock in the morning.
"Let's begin."
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Agatha, left alone, leisurely prepared to enter the palace with her maids.
Since it was an official audience, she chose a dress that was gorgeous, yet elegant and classy.
It was a summer dress with sleeves fluttering around the elbows and made of fabric with delicate embroidery.
The slightly heavy makeup revealed neat and distinct facial features.
Plump red lips, elegant eyes, a waist belt decorated with platinum thread, and a circlet decorated with large emeralds and dozens of small diamonds.
“Madam, please open your eyes.”
An elegant and splendid lady sat on a sofa covered in mirrors on three sides. Agatha nodded in satisfaction.
“Do you like it?”
“Yeah. It’s pretty. Good work.”
After lightly congratulating the maids, Agatha stood up from her seat. It was past ten o'clock, so it was the perfect time to leave for the palace.
Her neatly styled hair and the jeweled strings on her circlet swayed together.
The person in charge of her escort today was Leon Takran, the first vice-captain of Aratus.
“Are you out, Ma’am? The carriage safety check is complete.”
A gentle-looking knight escorted her to the carriage.
“Thank you, Sir Leon. Please take good care of me until the palace.”
The carriage passed along the familiar road and soon arrived at the imperial palace located in the center of the city.
The palace she visited after a long time was beautifully transformed with cobalt blue curtains, platinum temples, and white ivory arches.
The carriage soon arrived at the Emperor's palace. As usual, the Emperor's attendant was waiting at the palace gate.
“Welcome, Marchioness Aratus. His Majesty awaits you.”
The search must have already ended.
Agatha asked as she got out of the carriage, elegantly escorted by Sir Leon.
“Where is the place?”
“This is the first audience room.”
“Let’s go.”
It had been a long time since she had headed to the first audience room. Agatha, who had just arrived at the audience room, pulled in her chin and straightened her clothes.
“Your Majesty, the Marchioness Aratus has arrived.”
“Tell her to come in.”
She let go of Sir Leon's hand and went inside, whispering softly.
"Great job."
“No. I will wait here.”
Agatha quietly straightened her expression and walked forward with lonely steps.
At the end of the red carpet, in the center of the huge audience room, the Emperor was looking down at her.
“I see the sun of the empire.”
“Come, Agatha. Sit over here.”
The door closed behind her. The Emperor was pointing to a sofa and table prepared one level below.
As soon as Agatha sat down, refreshments were served.
A slightly sweet tea and cold desserts, just to her taste.
The first to speak was Emperor Womilai II.
“I heard the news. The second Prince of the Mainukor Empire behaved rudely toward you.”
In contrast to his initial majestic welcome, the Emperor's expression looked perplexed.
It can't be helped.
Not only the Emperor of the Mainukor Empire but also the Emperor of the Roxbard Empire would never have imagined that the Prince would barge into Agatha's bedroom without permission.
They probably just wanted to make it seem like the friction that had been going on with Nobilis in the past had been resolved and relations between the two empires had been restored.
The problem was that even if she received a lot and let the incident go unanswered, what Agatha had experienced did not disappear.
It was the same with Aratus.
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