<CHAPTER 23>
A Huge and Dirty Secret
“Make His Highness’s formal attire with this.”
Bluish-purple was a bold color.
It suited a splendid dress, but it was not appropriate for men’s formal wear.
If used for a full outfit, it would create a dull impression from head to toe.
Or worse, an overly flashy and chaotic image.
Even Rexfail, who was not particularly sensitive to such matters, understood that.
But matching outfits mattered more, so he was willing to accept Evelyn’s suggestion.
Just as he was about to call the official, Evelyn spoke first.
“There’s no need to make a new outfit.”
“Ivi.”
“Please use this fabric for the lining of the cape.”
Considering Rexfail’s taste, Evelyn judged he wouldn’t wear a bright cape over a dark outfit, so she suggested using the fabric as lining instead.
Satisfied with her idea, she nodded to herself.
Then she felt his gaze.
“This is a first.”
Matching outfits and making decisions together like this were both new experiences.
“Now we should decide the rest.”
Seeing the Crown Prince smiling in satisfaction, Evelyn quickly changed the subject.
Rexfail quietly returned to his seat.
Before the fabrics were cleared away, Evelyn selected materials and designs for Camilla and Silayan.
Both had entrusted her with their choices.
Since no additional jewelry would be added to the dress, the jewel merchants withdrew.
Accessories would be chosen later during fitting.
Once they left, Orlando asked the official something and learned that no further preparations were needed.
So he quickly ordered people to set up partitions.
“We will take your measurements.”
A temporary wall was set up around Evelyn.
Inside the enclosed space remained only the designer, Camilla, Silayan, and Evelyn.
With only her head visible above the partition, Camilla and Silayan began removing her dress.
Startled, Rexfail asked.
“What are you doing?”
He wasn’t asking out of ignorance.
For royalty, exposing one’s body to attendants was normal.
But the thought of another man seeing her body made his chest burn.
“We need to take measurements.”
Since Raven had only recently entered the palace, it was obvious her measurements needed to be taken.
Why is he reacting like that?
Evelyn remained calm.
She had shown her body to many designers before.
It was part of her duty.
But Rexfail felt anything but calm.
Up until now…
Because they hadn’t spent much time together, he had never thought about such things.
He felt an urge to track down every designer who had ever made her clothes.
“Leave.”
Rexfail removed the partition and pointed at the designer.
The man, startled by his expression, quickly left.
“Your Highness?”
After dismissing even the attendants, Rexfail stood behind Evelyn.
“I’ll do it.”
Evelyn froze at the warmth behind her.
Rexfail picked up the measuring tape.
“You’ll need to remove the clothing to measure.”
Hearing that, Rexfail cursed under his breath.
“The attendants—”
“I’ll do it.”
He refused to risk anyone seeing her.
“As you wish.”
His hands trembled as he unfastened the buttons along her back.
It was his first time undressing a woman.
As the buttons came undone, her skin gradually revealed itself.
His heartbeat pounded loudly.
Evelyn felt the same.
Being undressed by someone was not new.
But this felt entirely different.
Her senses focused on her back.
Soon, Rexfail loosened the silk ribbon at her waist and let the dress fall.
She was left in thin undergarments.
“Please start from the neckline.”
Following instructions, Rexfail carefully measured.
Even the tightness of the tape felt stimulating.
Evelyn felt overwhelmed.
He avoided touching her as much as possible, yet the closeness made every sensation vivid.
His breath brushed against her skin.
Her entire body tensed.
By the time he finished measuring her neck and shoulders, she could barely stand.
“Let’s finish quickly.”
Trying to steady himself, he measured her arms and back swiftly.
Evelyn gradually calmed enough to correct him if needed.
Then came the problem.
“Now please measure the bust.”
At those words, Rexfail froze.
“Wrap it around the front and back. You’ll need to measure from the front.”
He moved to stand before her, avoiding her gaze.
In silence, they completed the measurement.
Holding his breath, he managed to measure the fullest part.
Just as he exhaled, the designer hesitated.
“There’s no mistake.”
But the designer didn’t continue immediately.
“What?”
At the unexpected request, Rexfail looked over.
Then he met Evelyn’s eyes.
We’re really going this far?
He felt as though he had uncovered a hidden and uncomfortable truth.
Evelyn’s face flushed deeply.
To continue, she would have to remove the thin undergarment covering her chest.
Rexfail stood frozen, unable to process it.
His thoughts scattered.
Evelyn, meanwhile, felt an overwhelming embarrassment for the first time in her life.
The redness spread from her face down her neck.
Seeing her avoid his gaze, something ignited within him.
As he lowered his eyes, his gaze fell directly on her figure.
