Chapter 419

Dinner with Duke Roberaud
After we finished discussing future matters, the meeting was adjourned for the time being.
Next on the schedule was a dinner.
Since it required formal attire, I had to wear the furisode.
And this time, since we had time, my hair was styled up as well.
That part was quite the ordeal too.
I had already explained how I wanted it done, so I left it to the maids, but staying still for so long was its own form of suffering.
I really did leave it all to them, but still—it was rough.

Once my hair was done, I met up with Marquis Vardmoi and headed to the dinner venue, but when he saw me, he had a strange look on his face.

I wonder what’s wrong?

“Marquis Vardmoi, is something the matter?”

“No, it’s just... Lily, I didn’t know you could look like that.”

How rude!
Even I can dress up if I want to!

… Though, it’s true I never do.
I always go for clothing that prioritizes ease of movement, and I would never wear a dress that restricts that.
Styling my hair for a long time is a pain too, so I normally just tie it up and call it a day.
Fine, what Marquis Vardmoi said is accurate.
It’s frustrating, but he’s right.

“Well, I *can*. I'm just not good at it.”

“I figured. From what I’ve seen of you, I’d say you’re even less suited to dresses than Kou. Given your status, you likely never needed to live as a proper lady, so it makes sense. But going forward, you might not be able to avoid it.”

“You’re right. I’ll do my best to learn.”

“Good. You’ve got Miss Plum with you, after all. She should have no trouble instructing you in etiquette. Now then, shall we go see the stunned face of Duke Roberaud?”

You’re treating me like some kind of rare beast!
But I can’t really argue—compared to how I normally look, I probably do seem like some rare creature, so I’ll keep quiet.
I’m aware I give off that vibe.

Escorted by Marquis Vardmoi, I arrived at the dinner venue, where Duke Roberaud and two women, three men, and two girls—eight people in total—were waiting.
Maybe they’re Duke Roberaud’s family?

“... Marquis Vardmoi, is that woman beside you Miss Lily?”

“Yes. I was just as surprised when I saw her.”

“.. .I’m truly astonished. I had the impression of her as a lively girl, but now she exudes a sort of allure. And that dress—what splendid embroidery and dye work.”

“It’s not just the bodice. Lily, spread your sleeves and show them.”

“Okay.”

I spread out my sleeves so the pattern on the furisode could be seen as a complete picture.
Even members of the duke’s family, who were surely used to seeing fine paintings, couldn’t hide their surprise.
All right—looks like I’ve made an impression.

“How magnificent! To use those rich sleeves to form a single painting—how extraordinary! Marquis Vardmoi, where did you find such a dress?”

“I didn’t. Lily made it herself. She’s actually a tailor by trade, specializing in clothing design. This dress is traditional attire from her homeland, and it’s called a furisode.”

“A furisode! What an opulent-looking garment!”

Yep, looks like it left the intended impact.
I’m glad I went through the trouble of making this furisode.
Now then, I wonder what kinds of conversations will come up during the dinner?

What do you think about this chapter?