Chapter 66 …
The Feeling Called Jealousy
While they stared at each other with puzzled expressions for a long moment, Ridel was the first to burst into laughter.
“Well, actually, we’re partners pretending to be lovers. Though, to be fair, we are that close and comfortable with each other in reality as well.”
At Ridel’s words, Bobri finally let out a low sound of understanding.
“Ah, I see. Then these days, it’s popular to just match accessories lightly.”
“Let me take a look,”
Bobri quickly handed the accessory catalog to Ridel. Then he stayed close to Bella, who was still struggling with the overwhelming number of designs, and began recommending various items. Surprisingly, Bobri immediately understood Bella’s body type and pinpointed designs that would suit her perfectly.
“Wow… this is why professionals are truly different,”
Bella exclaimed as she looked over the dress designs narrowed down to just five options. Out of the enormous number of designs, being able to condense them like this was entirely thanks to Bobri.
Ridel, having also decided on her accessories, checked a few items off on a memo and handed it to Bobri.
“Then let’s start by trying on some of the samples I brought, and we can take measurements as well.”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
Bella smiled brightly and got up, following Bobri. At that moment, she still didn’t know that the sample dresses Bobri had brought were a total of ten.
When Bobri clapped his hands, the staff quickly entered with ten dresses and a temporary dressing room. That was when Bella instinctively sensed that something was off.
“Hmm… is that… considered light?”
“Of course. Usually, we bring twenty dresses, but we only brought ten this time because otherwise I thought you might run away,”
“Goodness…”
Bella couldn’t tell whether she should call it extreme or impressive; she just gaped at the staff lining up and entering the room.
“So, is someone here to help me with the dresses today?”
Bobri pointed to Ridel with a gentle expression.
Come to think of it, Chey was nowhere in sight. Even though she couldn’t show it, she had hoped to get Chey’s advice on the dress designs—but that was clearly too much to hope for.
“Yes. That’s right.”
Bella nodded a little bitterly. At that moment, a soft knock sounded from outside the door.
“Miss, I heard you need a bodyguard.”
“A bodyguard?”
“Yes.”
Bella tilted her head in confusion, having no real need for one. But she figured that having someone else present might ease the awkwardness of being with Ridel alone.
“Come in.”
Typically, advice on dress selection was something reserved for couples or lovers. Breaking the norm and listening to both Ridel and the staff’s opinions might be better in this case.
This wasn’t because she was heartbroken over not being able to pick the dress with Chey. Absolutely not. Really. Definitely not.
The drawing-room door opened, and Sean walked in. Naturally, he lightly placed his forehead on the back of Bella’s hand and withdrew.
“Sean?”
Sean usually maintained a respectful distance, so Bella called him with some curiosity.
“I will act as your bodyguard, so feel free to look around.”
However, Sean didn’t continue the conversation; he simply stepped back with a light smile, as if he had truly come to act as her bodyguard. It seemed Ridel had secretly arranged this. Given Sean’s cautious nature, it was plausible that even among the store staff, a spy could exist.
“Please come inside.”
Following Bobri’s guidance, Bella entered the dressing room to try on a dress.
“Hmm… as expected, lighter fabrics suit you better. Do you have a color preference?”
After a brief thought, Bella recalled the blue lion symbol of the Preload Duke and the icy blue of Chey’s eyes.
“…Blue.”
“Since your features are on the cooler side, blue tones will suit you more than red ones. Let’s prepare accordingly. Shall we step out like this for a moment?”
Bobri, having lightly pinned the slightly loose dress, drew back the curtain. Except for when she was very young, Bella had never worn such an elaborate dress before, so she awkwardly lowered her head.
“Bella, lift your head. You look stunning.”
Ridel playfully said this to ease Bella’s discomfort, smiling brightly. Bella slowly lifted her head and glanced around the drawing room. As expected, it wasn’t anything she had wanted. Perhaps slightly upset, she felt the awkward, shy feeling melt away.
“How does it look?”
“It suits you. It might look better with one more layer added to the gown.”
Bobri nodded in agreement with Ridel’s comment.
“It’s better that the dress isn’t too heavy.”
“…?”
Startled by Sean’s sudden opinion, Bella looked at him. Ridel seemed confused as well. Everyone in the room froze for a moment. Speaking first without being asked could be grounds for dismissal due to strict hierarchical norms. Yet a mere servant was giving advice on a dress, typically reserved for couples. Even Bobri closed his eyes tightly in disbelief.
Bella broke the silence. She stepped forward and came right in front of Sean.
“…Sean?”
She whispered his name. Sean glanced briefly at the people behind Bella before lowering his upper body.
“Do you want me to be Sean?”
“…No.”
The low voice was clearly Sean’s, yet the tone and slow cadence reminded her of Chey. Sean watched Bella, who was confused, as a faint smile slowly curved his lips.
“Everything you feel and think is right. Don’t doubt it.”
“…Really… Chey?”
Her thoughts and feelings told her it was Chey, but what she saw and heard was Sean. Was he joking? Or was Ridel up to another mischievous plan? Or was it truly Chey?
“I was a bit upset that you gave him a name,”
“…?”
Bella lifted her head and met Sean’s gaze. Ah. Now she was certain. At that moment, she knew.
“It took some time to borrow this body. Still…”
“Chey.”
“Glad I didn’t arrive too late.”
Sean—no, Chey—smiled gracefully and lightly kissed the back of Bella’s hand. It was him. The one Bella had been waiting for. The only person who always waited for her with a soft, elegant smile.
A smile blossomed on Bella’s face. She lightly held Chey’s hand as if to make sure it was real, then let it go, filled with longing.
“Perfect timing.”
Chey lightly nodded and glanced at the people behind Bella. They were more curious about what the two were whispering than the earlier commotion.
Ridel, seated on the sofa, stared at them with an expression that was hard to read—was it anger or amusement? Chey, knowing exactly what that feeling was, smiled faintly and stepped back.
“Miss, may I dare to give my opinion on your outfit?”
“Of course.”
Bella nodded, playfully tapped Chey on the shoulder, and returned to the dressing room. Amid the stunned crowd, Bobri was the first to regain composure and quickly guided Bella into the dressing room.
While Bella changed, Ridel’s gaze remained fixed on Chey.
“Sean.”
“Yes.”
At Ridel’s call, Chey didn’t even look at him, replying briefly.
“I didn’t realize you had such taste.”
“You flatter me.”
“Earlier, you seemed very close to Miss Bella.”
“….”
Only then did Chey turn to look at Ridel. Seeing his eyes, he had to suppress a laugh. Ridel, unable to see Chey’s soul, firmly believed the man before him was Knight Sean. And he was feeling intense jealousy toward Sean, his subordinate. It was clear enough to be concerning.
