Chapter 35
“I don’t know if I have an exceptional eye for people, but I am quick at reading the room.”
Iella shrugged her shoulders once.
“Everyone keeps saying I flatter too much, but if I’ve gone this far with flattery, shouldn’t I be given some sort of reward?”
“I’ll give you one.”
When Franz readily answered, Iella’s eyes went wide.
“Really? I was just saying it.”
“No need to refuse.”
She already had nearly every top-quality art supply stocked from the merchants. What more could possibly be prepared for her? Yet the word reward still stirred her expectations before she could stop herself.
But—
Her expectations were so far off the mark they may as well have been in another world.
“What is all this?”
The reception room was so large and lavishly filled with dresses that it looked as though an entire boutique had been moved inside. Gowns that looked expensive even at a glance were arrayed in dazzling rows.
“Choose one. Whatever you like.”
Even with the words offered so casually, Iella only stared blankly at them without moving, then turned her head toward Franz.
“Are you giving me these?”
“Mhm.”
“And why should I be receiving these?”
To her question, Franz replied without a shred of hesitation.
“To satisfy my sense of aesthetics.”
“Then shouldn’t you be the one to choose whichever pleases you?”
“Not a bad idea.”
Franz didn’t deny it. He walked straight over to the wingback chair and sat down.
“Begin.”
His command fell the moment he sat.
‘No, that’s not what I meant…’
Unable to put her feelings into words, uncertain what she even should say, Iella stood dazed. A middle-aged woman who introduced herself as Madam Dupont came forward and led her away.
“This way, miss.”
“Ah? Y-yes…”
Inside the adjoining fitting room, Iella waited a moment before Madam Dupont returned, followed by an attendant who wheeled in a rack loaded with dresses before promptly leaving.
There had to be at least a dozen or more gowns, and Iella sighed inwardly.
Considering all the dresses displayed outside, perhaps this smaller selection was something to be grateful for—or maybe it wasn’t. She couldn’t quite tell.
“Shall we begin, then?”
Madam Dupont’s buoyant voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
“Madam Dupont… do I really have to try on all of these?”
“Of course.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary…”
“Miss, your skin is so fair that nearly any color would suit you. But clothing also has to match the wearer’s atmosphere. I’ve picked out ones that will fit you perfectly. Trust me. Now, let’s start, shall we?”
Dupont’s words, spoken with such certainty, left Iella with the uneasy sense that unless she agreed, it would never end.
With practiced hands, Dupont helped her into the first dress, scrutinizing the fit with the eye of an expert. After quickly arranging her hair as well, the woman smiled in satisfaction, letting out a delighted exclamation.
“Bravo, bravo!”
Even without elaborate jewelry or excessive exposure, she looked like an elegant goddess.
“It suits you so well. Hardly any alterations are needed. How could you have been hiding such a beautiful figure all this time?”
At first Dupont had thought this plain, even dowdy young lady only transformed thanks to her gown—but that wasn’t it. She’d only offered a little help. The mysterious, captivating beauty radiating from Iella wasn’t something that could be manufactured.
When she praised her with envious eyes, Iella flushed scarlet and raised her hands to cover her upper body in embarrassment. Of course, nothing was really hidden, but the gesture was so endearingly shy that Dupont smiled warmly.
“Why hide it? You’re beautiful.”
She guided Iella firmly to stand before the mirror. Words weren’t necessary.
“See for yourself.”
Hesitantly lifting her head, Iella caught sight of her reflection. Her breath caught—she was so beautiful it startled even her.
“Lovely, isn’t it?”
As Iella stared dazedly, unable to look away, Dupont spoke gently, encouragingly.
“Be confident. You’re more beautiful than any young lady I’ve ever seen.”
Bolstered by her words, Iella was able to shake off some of her embarrassment and unease. Right now, Madam Dupont felt like a strong ally.
“Now then, shall we go surprise the gentleman outside?”
Franz had seen countless beauties across Lapland—he probably wouldn’t be that surprised. Still, Iella drew courage from Dupont’s suggestion and stepped out. Without her, she would have dug her heels in until she was dragged.
“Thank you for waiting.”
When Dupont opened the door, Franz was reclining in his chair, sipping tea.
He’d just begun to grow bored from the delay. But when he looked up and saw Iella walking toward him, for a moment words left him. He simply stared.
His cold, impassive face didn’t change, but Dupont, sharp as ever, smiled knowingly.
“Well? Hoho, I suppose that was a foolish question.”
“Wow! She’s a real beauty, isn’t she? Stunning.”
Hans gave her a thumbs-up with genuine admiration. Dupont puffed up proudly as though the praise was meant for her.
“Isn’t she?”
“Thank you, Mr. O’Neill, that’s very kind.”
“It’s no empty flattery—it’s the truth.”
Hans grinned brightly, and Iella couldn’t help but smile back. She was grateful that he eased the atmosphere so she wouldn’t feel too self-conscious.
“Next.”
Franz set down his cup and spoke in his flat tone. In an instant, the cheerful mood collapsed into silence.
Dupont faltered briefly but recovered with professional ease, leading Iella back into the fitting room.
‘Tch. He’s no green boy. Just how many sly snakes are coiled up inside him? That poor innocent girl is going to have a hard time…’
As soon as the two vanished, Hans turned on Franz with disapproval.
“Your Highness, really—you couldn’t spare even one word of praise? Are you in a foul mood?”
He seized the opportunity to unload his complaints.
“What did I tell you? Didn’t I say she was a beauty?”
He puffed up proudly, shoulders squared, and Franz gave a small laugh.
“Someone as money-loving as me is doing this absurd thing—if there’s no satisfaction in it, shouldn’t I just stop right here?”
Listening to Hans’s tirade, Franz replied with cutting decisiveness.
“Harsh as ever…”
Hans muttered in discontent, but when Franz fixed him with a steady gaze, he flinched and forced a laugh.
“Anyway, Lady Clarance is so beautiful—you’d best be careful, Your Highness, haha.”
He tried joking his way out.
“If you’ve time for nonsense, go do your work.”
“I was just leaving. Busy man, me.”
When Hans finally left the parlor, Franz’s indifferent eyes softened at last.
Back in the fitting room, as Iella prepared for the second dress, Dupont spoke reassuringly.
“He’s only stiff because he’s shy. Men are like that—don’t worry, miss. He definitely likes what he sees.”
“It’s fine.”
Iella smiled faintly.
And it truly was fine. When he’d given no reaction beyond that flat “Next,” she’d felt almost relieved. If the prince had praised her like Dupont or Hans, it would have been far too overwhelming.
From then on, Iella continued modeling gown after gown, dozens in succession, each chosen by Dupont, each presented to Franz.
Each time, all she got was another detached “Next. Next. Next.” His expression remained unreadable—never showing what pleased or displeased him.
“Do I really have to wear this one too?”
Like a doll moved by other people’s hands, Iella glanced at her reflection in horror.
It was a pale peach gown, like the first one, but this time scandalously revealing. The off-shoulder cut exposed half her chest. She felt practically naked.
“This is too embarrassing… I want to take it off.”
“No need to be shy. All the young ladies dress like this these days. You look stunning. Don’t you like it?”
The gown’s wide neckline highlighted her collarbones, its ornate golden embroidery gleaming. The multi-layered tulle skirt swelled richly, accentuating her narrow waist and elegant bust line—but it was far too provocative.
“It is beautiful. But this is my first time in something like this…”
“What did I say earlier? Trust me completely, remember? Do you know how many young ladies have been dying to get their hands on this dress? There’s only one—it’s a limited edition, and it’s yours.”
“A limited edition? Then surely it should go to someone who really needs it.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. Others are desperate to stand out, while you seem desperate to hide yourself. Confidence, miss! Have confidence!”
“Yes… confidence.”
When Dupont scolded her with a stern look, Iella quickly lowered her gaze and nodded meekly.
