Chapter 35
I stepped in front of Axel, blocking the view so that Lord Shuian and Xenon, who had just entered the study, couldn’t see him.
“Oh, Lady Judith. You’ve come again today. You’re as diligent as ever.”
“You’ve come again…”
“Haha. Hello, gentlemen.”
We exchanged awkward greetings for a moment, but then an irritated voice came from behind me.
“What are you doing up there, Lady Judith? Aren’t you coming out?”
“J-just a moment, Your Highness. No, there’s still dust in your hair, so stay right there. I’ll brush it off for you!”
The instant I hurriedly reached for Axel’s hair, Xenon pointed at him oblivious to the situation and chimed in.
“Uh, Your Highness. What’s that in your hair? It looks like bunny ears. Haha. It’s ridiculously cute—doesn’t suit you at all.”
“…Did you just say bunny ears?”
“N-no… Your Highness, just a moment.”
Despite my attempt to stop him, Axel raised his hand and felt his own hair, soon grasping it in his fingers. As I watched his expression grow increasingly menacing, I changed course and bolted toward the door.
Finally face-to-face with what had been attached to his hair, Axel uttered my name in a chilling tone. He shot up from his seat as if ready to grab me at any second, and I bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle in greeting.
“…Judith Melberine.”
“Haha. Well then… Take care, Your Highness! I’ll see you next time!”
With that, I swiftly slipped out of his study.
Having fled Axel’s study like a fugitive and hurried back home, I was now in the midst of writing him a letter. It contained an apology for today’s incident and a note saying I’d be busy for the next few days and might not be able to visit.
Of course, the part about being busy was a lie.
Far from busy, my only task here was to admire Axel, but to survive, I had to fib.
After all, now that Axel had discovered the bunny pin today, I couldn’t even begin to predict what might happen if I faced him tomorrow.
In the worst case, he might issue a ban on photographs…
The thought made me shake my head vigorously.
“That absolutely cannot happen…!”
I had to prevent that at all costs, no matter what.
So, my plan was to hide until Axel’s anger subsided as much as possible, then reappear before him once things seemed somewhat okay.
After entrusting Mary with the letter, which was filled at length with all sorts of detailed excuses, I was now lying blankly on my bed.
“So, what should I do starting tomorrow…?”
The idea of spending time alone without Axel again brought a sigh bursting forth.
I should have been more careful from the start. Of all times, why did the guards have to show up right then…!
But no matter how much I tore at the blankets in regret, nothing would change.
I stopped tormenting the innocent bedding, hugged my pillow, and stared up at the ceiling.
Come to think of it…
Axel always wore clothes of similar designs. And they were all based in dark tones, at that.
Surely, Axel would look great in other outfits too…!
Something dawned on me, and I sat up abruptly with wide eyes.
Good heavens, why hadn’t I thought of dressing Axel in different clothes all this time? There couldn’t possibly be an outfit that wouldn’t suit him—he’s more perfect than any mannequin.
“Yes, the next date spot will be the tailor’s shop!”
The thought of trying various clothes on him there and finding the perfect match already made my heart flutter with excitement.
“Or I could design something myself and have it made.”
I had quite a talent for design, so there was no reason I couldn’t.
It would be a huge loss not to try modern attire on him. Even if he couldn’t wear it out, it would be great to make some for personal collection.
Axel in a modern suit instead of his uniform… I couldn’t even imagine how dashing he’d look.
The desire to dress that perfect mannequin in different clothes surged wildly within me. Overflowing with enthusiasm, I immediately got out of bed and headed to my desk. I pulled out a pen and began sketching the flashes of ideas from my mind onto the paper.
How much time passed like that? Having burned every last bit of my limited artistic soul, I finally looked at the completed designs and smiled contentedly.
“Finally done!”
Now, all that was left was to take these designs to the tailor’s shop.
Glancing at the sky, which had grown completely dark without me noticing, I wished for morning to come quickly and drifted off to sleep in bed.
As soon as dawn broke the next morning, I boarded a carriage and headed straight to the most famous tailor’s shop in the capital.
The staff, having been notified in advance, were waiting outside for me. As I stepped down from the carriage, the madame approached with a tense expression and greeted me.
“I-I greet Lady Judith Melberine. I am Madame Heclaine of the Artzen Tailor’s Shop.”
“Yes, Madame Heclaine. Nice to meet you. I’m sure my sudden contact surprised you, but thank you for the warm welcome.”
“Not at all. We’re simply delighted that you’ve chosen our shop once again, my lady. It’s an honor to serve you today. Please, come inside. I’ll escort you.”
With utmost courtesy, Heclaine guided me into the shop. Upon entering, I had to make an effort not to show my surprise.
It wasn’t called the most famous tailor’s shop in the capital for nothing. Endless chandeliers sparkled under the light from the high ceilings. Rows upon rows of gorgeous dresses lined the space.
As I discreetly surveyed the interior, I suddenly noticed something odd.
Come to think of it, there are only staff in the shop—no customers at all.
How is that possible?
My question was resolved almost immediately. The madame bowed her head and approached me to speak.
“Regarding the point you mentioned during your last visit to our shop, we’ve made corrections, but I’m not sure if it will meet your approval.”
Corrections to a point I mentioned? What could that be? Oh, wait…
With a slight frown creasing my brow, I glanced at her with an ominous look and asked.
“…My memory’s a bit fuzzy—what exactly did I point out back then?”
After a brief flash of confusion on her face at my question, the madame calmly replied.
“…Well, you said that other people interfere with your shopping, so we shouldn’t allow anyone in besides you, my lady.”
I swallowed a sigh inwardly. I knew it.
I couldn’t know exactly what Judith had said, but somehow I couldn’t shake the feeling that the madame was softening it considerably in her retelling.
It was obvious without seeing it. She must have thrown a massive fit, hurling every threat imaginable.
‘To think I was that kind of nightmare customer…’
Now I understood the excessive tension etched on their faces.
I felt a faint pang of guilt toward them. Even though it wasn’t my doing, I needed to set the past right.
And right now, there was exactly one way I could step up for them.
‘Capital… Nothing but pushing through with capital.’
Just as I was thinking of buying a ton of clothes here to ease my guilt a little, I sensed an anxious gaze from the side.
“My lady? Is there perhaps something that displeases you…?”
“Oh, nothing at all. I like it.”
“I’m relieved. Then, shall I guide you to the women’s apparel section?”
“Ah, today I’d like to take a look at the men’s apparel.”
“Men’s apparel… Do you have a gift in mind?”
“Yes.”
As I nodded in response, the madame’s expression turned serious in an instant. She cautiously asked me.
“…My lady, if it’s not too presumptuous, may I ask who you intend to gift it to?”
“Oh, it’s for His Grace the Grand Duke. So I’d appreciate it if you paid special attention.”
The moment my answer ended, a gleam flashed in the madame’s eyes. She quickly signaled the staff with hand gestures, setting them in motion.
With just one small wave of the madame’s hand, the staff began moving in perfect unison.
