Uniform Making
Today, I came to our residence in the royal capital in the morning to have my academy uniform made.
I’d assumed we’d be going to a shop, but apparently, nobles have the tailor come to the estate for measurements. Of course, in our case, the capital’s ultra-famous haute couture madam came in person to take the measurements.
I imagined someone covered in flashy jewelry, acting all high and mighty… but—
“My, what a darling young lady. It is truly an honor to be allowed to make your uniform, my dear.”
She was a kind-looking grandma with a soft smile.
Despite my embarrassment, I stripped down to my underwear in front of Madam, Mother, Martha, and the other maids. I raised my arms, turned around, and all that. I was thoroughly measured from top to bottom.
Once that was over, we moved on to the design.
The academy uniform requires only a blazer and a specified color. The shirt and bottoms are apparently up to the student. For reference, Sarah and Anny wear knee-length pleated skirts. Noble girls often feel it’s shameful to show their legs, so many opt for long skirts.
As for me, I requested a wrap culotte skirt—something that looks like a skirt at first glance, but is actually a pair of culottes with a fabric flap over them.
“…………”
“U-Um… Is it no good?”
“Joan, why would you wear something like culottes—those short pants—under a skirt?”
Mother asked curiously.
“Well… if I’m wearing them underneath, even if the skirt flips up, no one can see my underwear.”
“Why would your skirt flip up?”
“Uh… maybe when I’m running or fighting?”
“Why would you be fighting!? What exactly are you going to the academy for!?”
“… Yes, sorry.”
I got scolded by Mother...
“But, young lady’s design is quite revolutionary. I must say, while the reason might not be befitting of a noble lady… I’ve never seen a wrap skirt like this before. It never even occurred to me that one could simply wrap fabric into a skirt. By the way, young lady, how is this skirt secured?”
“Um, with buttons or a brooch, or by tying ribbons or cords. I requested a knee-length one, but if you made a long version, I think the three-dimensional, asymmetrical silhouette would give it a refined look.”
“M-Marvelous! Please, allow me to bring this design to life!”
Madam clasped both my hands and begged with shining eyes.
“O-okay.”
I answered instinctively, overwhelmed by her intensity. But when I glanced at Mother, she was smiling… without her eyes smiling.
“Ahem… Madam Goodman. Let’s speak further about Joan’s design later, shall we?”
“Y-Yes, of course. I do apologize for getting carried away, Madam.”
In the end, we decided to have both a midi-length flared jumper skirt and a knee-length wrap culotte skirt made.
The wrap culotte skirt was allowed as a compromise since I’d be the “advertising face” for selling it in Lampail territory.
After placing the uniform order and finishing lunch, Father arrived in the capital via the teleportation gate. For some reason, I had to go to the royal castle after this—but I still didn’t know why. Honestly, it’s such a hassle. If I have to go somewhere, I’d rather go to the guild…
“Haah…”
“What’s wrong, Joan?”
Father asked as I looked out the carriage window with a sigh.
“… It’s a pain.”
“Heh… You’re not wrong. We don’t even know why we were summoned.”
“But I’ll endure it if I get to see Brother Aran.”
“Right. You should thank him for your birthday gift too.”
“Yes.”
Just like last time, we were led to His Majesty’s office.
After sending everyone else out and applying a soundproofing spell, His Majesty spoke.
“I’ve been waiting, Miss Joan. It’s been a while—you’ve grown.”
“It’s been some time. I trust Your Majesty is—”
“Hey, Miss Joan. Can’t you call me Uncle Alex like you used to?”
“Please don’t. I was still a child back then—”
“You don’t need to speak formally either.”
When I looked to Father for help, he sighed with an exasperated face and nodded.
“Alright then… Uncle Alex, have you been well?”
“Ah, that’s what I wanted.”
With that, His Majesty spread his arms wide.
Huh? What?
“… Hey! Alex, what exactly is your business?”
“Stan—come on, what’s wrong with a hug? It doesn’t cost anything.”
“Yes it does!”
“You two, shut it! … Joan, how have you been?”
“I’ve been well, Uncle Holger.”
He gently patted my head in response.
“Holger…”
“Holger…”
Heheh, Father and his friends are just as close as ever.
“So, down to business… Joan. Remember when I asked if there was anything you wanted?”
“Ah… yes, I remember.”
“You forgot, didn’t you…”
“Ehehe.”
“Well, no matter. So? Have you decided? I was planning to treat it as your birthday gift as well.”
“…… Excuse me, but may I ask the intent behind this gift?”
“Intent…? Why do you ask?”
“There’s no real benefit in giving something to me. Even if I gave you some food from my past life, a gift seems a bit much. If the merit is about Snowy or Pearl, they’re my subordinates, so you don’t need to give me anything for them. Although, since I made contracts with them, if you demand them, that’s going to be a problem…”
“………”
“… Most kids would just happily accept, you know?”
“With all due respect, nothing is scarier than something free. If you accept a gift with no strings attached, you may feel obligated to return the favor later—and that can cost more in the end. Sweet deals always come with a catch.”
“… Miss Joan is too sharp… Holger…”
“Why are you looking at me? You explain it!”
“You’re the chancellor! I’m the king!”
His Majesty puffed out his chest proudly as he declared that.
“Haah… Miss Joan, the truth is…”
The Chancellor explained that during the Diamond Wolf subjugation, some members of the monster subjugation squad had made fun of me, and the gift was meant as an apology for that.
“Hmm… But that was four years ago, and I wasn’t bothered by it. So I think I’ll pass.”
“”Miss Joan…””
What do you think about this chapter?
