Chapter 14
I let out a startled cry. At that, Kaiden pretended to lower his head.
“It’s a bit crude.”
“You’re telling me to wear a dress now!”
“Yes.”
At a banquet, noble men and women bring partners. Unmarried men and women sometimes attend without one, but it’s common for family members to act as partners.
When I was around 16, Kaiden had once been my partner under the pretense of being my guardian.
But in the eyes of the nobles, a Swordmaster of commoner origin was merely a tasty target to tear apart.
I hadn’t worn a dress even once since that day.
“No way!”
“That’s why it’s a punishment.”
“Ugh…!”
I couldn’t retort. Kaiden was looking at me with stern eyes.
[It’s the perfect chance to reinvent your image! Why are you refusing?]
‘…I just don’t want to.’
To others, like Blade’s reaction, they might think, ‘Is this a punishment or a reward?’
But to me, at least, it was a punishment.
For the past ten years, I hadn’t managed to fit into noble society and had been an outsider.
To them, someone of commoner origin was an untouchable existence.
They didn’t say much when I wore a knight’s uniform. But if I wore a dress, it was obvious what they’d say.
‘They’ll mock me, saying I’m a ruffian draped in ill-fitting leather.’
I lowered my head and muttered.
“…The nobles will make fun of me.”
“They won’t. Lady March has prepared a beautiful dress for you.”
Kaiden tried to reassure me. I pouted.
“I still don’t want to.”
“Just stay by my side.”
“They’ll still talk.”
A Swordmaster’s hearing is far superior to that of an ordinary person.
“I’ll keep them so distracted they won’t even notice.”
“Am I a child?”
“Not a child. A naughty puppy, maybe.”
I glared at Kaiden but soon let out a sigh.
Kaiden had always put in a lot of effort to help me adapt to noble society. I know he means well.
But he’s never been a commoner—not just any noble, but a grand duke from birth.
Kaiden looked at me with a calm gaze, showing an unwavering resolve.
“Your answer?”
…Fine. Let’s go, let’s go!
If I think of it as a way to look good in Kaiden’s eyes, I’ll do it even if I don’t want to.
“Sigh… Don’t say anything if the dress doesn’t suit me.”
I couldn’t hide my sigh.
* * *
The next day.
As soon as I woke up, I was overwhelmed by the maids who stormed in to help me get ready.
I was scrubbed and polished, and layers of delicate fabric were draped over me.
“I knew the dress would suit you!”
“Lady March, don’t lie.”
I grumbled in response, but my reflection in the mirror wasn’t bad.
‘It’s been seven years since I last wore a dress, hasn’t it?’
I awkwardly scanned my appearance.
Wearing a military uniform every day, I felt uncomfortable in this flimsy fabric that seemed like it would tear with the slightest movement.
Lady March looked at me with a proud smile.
“Ho ho, my taste hasn’t failed me yet. Now, you’ll have to wear the thirty dresses prepared for your stay at the palace beautifully, won’t you?”
“What?”
I turned to Lady March in shock, wondering if I’d misheard.
“You meant three dresses, right?”
“Oh, what are you talking about? It’s one month, so thirty dresses!”
I couldn’t comprehend it.
“Th-thirty dresses…?”
“I wish I could go with you… Such a pity.”
“No, wait, when were all these dresses prepared?”
When I asked in a fluster, Lady March widened her eyes as if surprised.
“Oh, didn’t you know? The Duke has been preparing dresses for you every year, Sir Marion.”
“…What?”
I was stunned.
I had no idea. After the humiliation I faced at the Emperor’s birthday banquet at 16, I hadn’t worn a dress since.
Instead of dresses, I wore uniforms or practical men’s clothing.
And yet, all these years, dresses were prepared for me annually…?
“No way… There’s never been anything like this before.”
As I muttered with a dazed expression, Lady March smiled gently.
“The Grand Duke said so. He didn’t know when you might change your mind and want to wear a dress. The Duke is a very thorough person, you know.”
For some reason, I felt strange.
“…Did you sell the dresses from when I was younger?”
Lady March shook her head.
“No. They’re all stored in your dress room, Sir Marion.”
I had my own dress room? I had no idea.
When I lived at the ducal estate, I thought I was supposed to wear only the clothes Lady March or the maids provided.
And I assumed the clothes that disappeared were naturally sold.
I was so dumbfounded I could barely speak.
I came here at 13. Back then, I was too young to attend banquets, too naive to know better.
Noble young ladies typically have their debutante at 16.
Kaiden must have prepared thoroughly to give me a debutante. But I hadn’t worn a dress since then.
So that means…
“Six years’ worth of dresses… are piled up?”
“Of course. Now, let’s do your makeup and hair. Girls!”
Lady March hummed as she called the maids. I was led to the vanity by their hands.
A warm, overwhelming feeling surged from deep within my chest.
I’m just a commoner-born ruffian.
* * *
Kaiden and Lucas had finished preparing and were waiting for Marion at the front entrance on the first floor.
Kaiden, as befitting a Swordmaster, wore a black uniform adorned with countless medals.
With a cloak accented by red lining, he exuded his characteristic intimidating presence.
In contrast, Lucas wore a dazzling white uniform embroidered with golden thread.
With a cloak featuring striking white ermine fur, he looked almost like an angel descended from the heavens.
But neither said a word of praise about the other’s appearance, merely staring intently at the red-carpeted staircase.
They were bored. They knew women took a long time to get ready, but boredom was unavoidable. Then, voices came from upstairs.
“Lady March, these shoes are so uncomfortable. I can barely walk.”
“Endure it until the carriage. If you say you’ll go barefoot from here, I’ll cry!”
“And can I put a sword inside the skirt…?”
“Oh, please, Sir Marion. Don’t say such dreadful things about putting a sword in a lady’s dress!”
Marion and Lady March appeared, bantering like they were performing a skit. Marion, sensing people’s gazes, looked up.
“Oh, Your Grace, Your Highness.”
Marion descended the stairs in a sky-blue dress that complemented her red hair, with a navy cloak draped over her.
The dress fluttered as if a breeze swirled around her.
With light makeup, Marion’s face glowed. Her lips, lightly touched with color, spread a soft red hue like flower petals.
Everyone gathered at the entrance on the first floor marveled at Marion’s appearance. None of them had expected this sight.
Not even Kaiden, who had seen Marion in a dress seven years ago.
“You’re truly beautiful, Marion.”
Lucas approached the stairs and extended his hand to her.
Unfamiliar with escorts, Marion flinched briefly but gave an awkward smile and placed her hand on his.
“Thank you, Lord Lucas.”
“I mean it. I thought a goddess was descending.”
“…Th-that’s a bit…”
Marion’s face flushed bright red. She looked extremely flustered, never having received such compliments before.
Her eyes darted around until they met Kaiden’s.
“…What do you think, Your Grace?”
Kaiden looked at Marion with an expressionless face.
There was no reply. Marion, who had hoped for praise, muttered dejectedly.
“As expected, it doesn’t suit me…”
“It’s fine.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Marion let out a sigh of relief, as if truly reassured.
Lucas continued to compliment her, saying it suited her well, as he led her forward. They passed Kaiden and headed out the door.
Kaiden followed them, thinking to himself.
‘It’s not just fine.’
☆▪︎▪︎▪︎☆▪︎▪︎▪︎☆▪︎▪︎▪︎☆
By Anna 💓.
