Chapter : 61
What kind of word combination is that?
“Miss Viviana’s mansion?”
I asked, bewildered, and Viviana nodded, stepping outside the mansion.
Following her, I saw a carriage waiting at the mansion’s gate.
It wasn’t an outing carriage; it was a small one, drawn by a horse that seemed smaller than usual.
“You take a carriage inside the mansion?”
I asked, eyes wide, and Viviana nodded.
“Walking would be difficult for you…”
Wait, difficult to walk? Where are we going that requires a carriage?
I already regretted coming… my legs felt sore, and my energy was draining.
I forced a small, awkward smile and stood still.
At that moment, a butler approached, bowed politely, and spoke.
“Your Grace, Miss Viviana has a separate mansion. We will be escorting the guests there from now.”
Separate mansion? This place is already huge, and she has another one?
The wealthy really are frightening…
Still dazed, I got into the carriage.
It was indeed a bit far for me to walk.
As the carriage moved a little, a small annex came into view.
‘So this is what the richest person in the Empire looks like…’
The small mansion was like a quaint villa, with red bricks and ivy climbing the walls, similar in style to the main mansion.
I wondered how beautifully it would be decorated inside and stepped in with a hint of anticipation.
Looking at interiors was always fun.
“Wow…”
I couldn’t help exclaiming as I entered the open doors.
It felt completely different from Viviana’s sophisticated, urban image.
The old-fashioned wood-toned furniture looked like a scene out of a vintage movie.
‘Seeing something this extravagant, it almost doesn’t feel real…’
Owning a mansion of this size in such a location—this is what life with a silver spoon must be like.
‘I wonder if she has any hardships in life too…’
Lost in thought, a staff member approached me.
“Please, this way.”
Following the guide to the parlor, I saw a familiar face.
“Yurie!”
At my voice, Yurie, sitting in the room, turned her head.
The parlor was packed not only with Yurie but also with unfamiliar people. The density of people was dizzying.
Yurie approached, lightly holding my arm, and asked,
“Miss, did you enjoy today?”
“What on earth is going on? How did you get here?”
I grabbed Yurie’s hand, and she smirked.
“I came by carriage.”
Not what I meant…
I frowned, and Yurie laughed.
“When I heard you were coming to see the dresses at the marquis’s, I left immediately.”
“Just to look at dresses…?”
“The count said it’s a rare occasion and decided you should also get your dress fitted.”
I didn’t understand a single word.
“Why a dress all of a sudden?”
Seeing my confused expression, Yurie explained carefully.
To summarize, although I didn’t know, the moment the party was mentioned, the Emperor had granted me fabrics and accessories.
Furthermore, a tailor was sent so I could have my dress made.
“That’s her.”
I looked, and the tailor approached with a greeting.
“Hello, Miss Weden. I am the designer, Madame Suzy.”
“Oh, hello. I’m Selene Weden.”
I lifted my skirt slightly to greet her. Madame Suzy quickly scanned my clothes and asked,
“Shall we take your measurements first?”
“Just a moment.”
I explained the situation to Viviana and Eloi, who were watching.
“The Emperor… sent them?”
Yurie, standing beside me, bowed politely and continued.
“As our lady will be viewing the dresses with the two young ladies, we asked the marquise for permission to join.”
“That sounds really fun.”
Viviana nodded, and Eloi leaned close to whisper.
“That’s Madame Suzy, right? I heard she’s fully booked until next year…!”
“Really…?”
“Yes, my sisters tried to make a reservation too, but were refused without exception.”
Eloi gazed at the fabrics on display, envious.
As I moved toward Madame Suzy, Yurie came along excitedly.
“Ruri will bring the trunk. The Emperor also granted accessories and shoes!”
“Oh… thank you. But why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
Yurie shrugged.
“The Crown Prince requested it.”
Suddenly?
The mention of the Crown Prince made me stop and look at Yurie.
“He also told the Emperor, so you may open them whenever you like.”
“He earnestly requested it for you as well.”
Madame Suzy approached, smiling.
“Really?”
Surprised, I asked, and she extended her hand.
“Whenever you wish, Miss Weden, you can leave everything behind and come. It’s a promise.”
“Oh, I heard you’re very busy. I’m sorry. If I had known sooner…”
I scratched my head awkwardly, and Madame Suzy pulled me behind a partition, winking.
“I’ve really wanted to meet you. It’s an honor.”
“The honor’s mine.”
“Shall we lift your arms?”
Following her instructions, I moved.
Madame Suzy expertly removed my dress at a speed almost invisible to the eye and took my measurements.
She was so professional and fast, I barely had time to feel embarrassed.
“Let’s go to the sofa.”
“Thank you so much…”
The nicest words I’d heard all day.
I thought it would be over after taking measurements, but it was just the beginning.
“How many dresses do I need to make?”
“One dress wouldn’t be enough, and instead of two, the order was for three dresses.”
Why? I only have one body!
I’m going to a fashion show, not a party!
Even though the tailor will make them, the thought of trying them on made my head spin.
“You can tell me the designs you want, and I’ll make them exactly, or leave it to me entirely.”
I stared at Madame Suzy, then looked at Viviana and Eloi on the sofa examining the fabrics.
Viviana pulled out a piece of blue chiffon and said,
“I found something similar, and I heard you both had quite a time.”
“It’s really beautiful.”
Eloi smiled, but her expression seemed slightly gloomy.
I doubted her family could have gotten such fabrics, even if she was wealthy.
If the Empire’s richest, Viviana, struggled to get it…
Watching the fabrics and Eloi alternately, I suddenly had an idea.
I whispered softly in Madame Suzy’s ear while she searched through her bag.
“…what if I…”
“What?! I don’t mind, but this is such a rare opportunity!”
Madame Suzy jumped at my suggestion.
I carefully chose my words, thinking about how not to upset the others.
“Neither of you have completed your dresses yet, right?”
“Yes.”
Viviana and Eloi answered together.
I bit my lower lip and continued.
“I… I’d like to give two of my three dresses to Miss Viviana and Miss Eloi… would that be okay?”
“What?”
Viviana’s eyes widened, and Eloi dropped the fabric she was fiddling with.
Slowly, I explained.
“I have many dresses I’ve never worn… I thought it would be nice to match for the party we’re all attending together…”
“I’d be very grateful…”
Eloi’s cheeks turned bright red. Viviana smiled and sat closer to me.
“Thank you for the precious gift. I will make sure to repay you.”
“Repay me? Thank you for accepting it so graciously.”
I thanked Madame Suzy as well, who had approached with the measuring tape.
I apologized for giving her extra work, but she laughed, saying making dresses was her greatest joy.
‘Finally, it’s over…’
Ah! Another instinctive “flag-raising” comment from me…
I glanced around, but no one seemed willing to leave.
My spine, unable to endure the long standing, leaned slightly to the side.
