Chapter 292

Shami, Count Galette’s Daughter
Today, I asked Young lady Shami a few simple questions and sent her home to start brainstorming ideas for her dress.

I began working on it, but… it’s all so plain.

Shami, the Count Galette’s daughter, is the quintessential noblewoman—for better or worse.
At least, she embodies what I imagine a noblewoman to be.
Young lady Kou’s uniqueness is simply an outlier.

Even for her requested dress, she’s asked for subdued or plain colors—truly textbook noblewoman preferences.

She’s 17 years old this year, the same as my “officially set” age.
Her hobbies were also very lady-like: embroidery, admiring flowers, and other refined activities.
Nothing particularly stood out.
She was fairly tall, which made most dresses in this world look a little unflattering on her.
However, that’s not an issue my shop can’t handle.

The real problem was finding that *something* that makes her stand out.

If it were someone as distinct as Young lady, it would be much easier.
Then again, Young lady Kou is a unique case.

For now, I have no clear way to express her essence in the dress.
I’ll have to spend more time talking to her and observing her to figure it out.

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“My special skill… is it?”

“Yes. Is there anything you’re particularly good at?”

It’s been four days since Young lady Shami began visiting my shop.
We’ve had many conversations and questions so far, but she remains elusive.
She is, without a doubt, a true noblewoman.

However, making an ordinary dress would damage my reputation.
I must uncover some unique trait of hers!

“Well, as far as special skills go… there’s nothing particularly unusual I can do. At home, I mostly embroidered, enjoyed tea, or strolled through the gardens.”

Hmm… still no defining trait stands out.
Isn’t there *anything* distinctive about her?

“… Oh? This tea has a rather unique fragrance.”

“Yes, it’s imported from the Darshe Principality”

“From Darshe? I’ve heard it’s a country far more advanced in civilization than even this nation, especially compared to the old kingdom. Is that true?”

Oh? That’s what she’s curious about?
I can’t answer that myself, so I’ll have Plum handle it.

“Well, yes. Compared to this country, they are quite advanced in the development of magic tools. Magic-powered vehicles are even widely available for civilian use, and their roads are designed with that in mind. Why do you ask?”

“It’s just… my family estate is in an extremely impoverished region. I was wondering if there might be ways to bring even a little prosperity to it.”

Hmm, so that’s where her thoughts lie.

It’s admirable, but it doesn’t really help me pinpoint her individuality.
I need to draw out something more specific.
This may take a bit more time.

What do you think about this chapter?