Chapter 56
“Maybe it’s because I’ve only ever seen you in white uniforms, but the ivory gives off a much warmer feeling, Your Highness. It feels softer somehow, yet the lower saturation compared to your hair makes your face stand out even more.”
“Secretary Shanael is right. It does have a warm tone to it. It’s perfect.”
Hasel, clearly running out of compliments, tried to ride on what I’d said. I shot him a look to come up with something different, but he only squeezed his eyes shut with a face that screamed, I’ve got nothing left.
“Shanael, which do you prefer—sky blue or ivory?”
“I like both, Your Highness. How about wearing one in the afternoon and the other in the evening?”
“You’re saying I should wear the sky blue in the afternoon?”
“Yes. It would harmonize nicely with the afternoon sky. I don’t know much about balls, but I heard there’s an outdoor banquet in the afternoon. Ivory gives off a subtle glow, so it’ll stand out beautifully under the chandeliers in the evening.”
“Hmm. That makes sense.”
Zerion seemed pleased with my advice. He adjusted his posture, turning slightly this way and that as he examined the formalwear more closely.
“I like it as you say, but let’s try on another one.”
The crown prince went back behind the screen and came out again, this time wearing a red ceremonial outfit. The vivid color made him look striking—almost fierce enough to suit a masquerade ball.
To be honest, Zerion was so handsome that anything he wore suited him.
He swept his hair back, straightened his collar, and looked at me.
“How does it look?”
Once again, I covered my cheeks dramatically and began my little act.
“Oh! Your Highness, you shine so brilliantly that I can hardly look directly at you! That’s exactly what the main character of the ball should wear, isn’t it, Aide Hasel?”
“Hahaha, indeed. I was almost blinded myself.”
“Yes, that’s it! It feels like—‘Behold, I am the Sun of the Empire!’—that kind of aura!”
“I can feel the burning passion radiating from you. If it were me, I’d definitely wear that one.”
At first, Zerion hadn’t seemed fond of the red suit, but after all our over-the-top praise, he nodded approvingly.
“Good. Then I’ll wear this one for the evening banquet. Prepare all three—the ones we chose earlier as well.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The attendant bowed. From outside, we could hear the tailors sigh in despair, but it couldn’t be helped. If the prince decided to view every outfit, we’d never get out of here.
Now that his clothes were chosen, I was ready to return to the office and resume my work.
“I’ll take my leave now,” I murmured quietly, stepping toward the exit. But just as I was leaving, Zerion—who was in the middle of changing back into his white uniform—suddenly rushed out from behind the screen. His shirt was open, exposing his bare chest.
“Shanael! Where do you think you’re going?”
I was startled—not only by his sudden shout but by the sight of his body. His face had always been flawless, but I hadn’t realized… There were long, deep scars running from his chest down to his abdomen.
I quickly averted my gaze.
“M-me? I’m done here, so I was going to go write my manuscript.”
Just then, his attendant came out from behind the screen and began buttoning up the prince’s uniform one by one. Zerion stood tall, waiting until the collar was fastened before speaking again.
“Now it’s your turn. We have to pick your dress—you’ll be attending the ball with me.”
“What?!”
Before I could protest, Hasel blurted, “Then I’ll take my leave, Your Highness,” and promptly vanished.
What? He’s just leaving me here?
I pointed toward the doorway in panic, but Zerion, apparently intent only on his plan, approached me after finishing dressing.
“Come on. I’ve already ordered your dress.”
“Your Highness, I really don’t want to go to the ball.”
“I’m only attending because of you. It’s only fair you come too.”
“Because of me? How does that make sense?”
“I had to negotiate with my father to get your pardon and release you from prison. One of his conditions was that I attend the ball. So, since I’m going because of you, it’s only fair you go too.”
“But I only went to prison because you asked me to write about the late empress! And I didn’t even ask for a pardon!”
“I rode all night to save you, and this is how you repay me? No loyalty at all.”
“You can’t drag someone to a ball in the name of loyalty!”
“I turned a blind eye about that painting you stole, didn’t I? You owe me at least this much.”
That shut me up. He really knew how to strike where it hurt.
Zerion all but pushed me out of the dressing room and into a carriage. I thought we were heading for the side palace where my room was, but instead, he took me outside the imperial palace entirely. The carriage stopped in front of a massive building.
What… the whole building’s a boutique?
I had no idea such a place even existed in the empire. Through the first-floor display window, I could see rows upon rows of exquisite gowns.
The boutique owner came out personally to greet us.
“Welcome, Your Highness. If we had known you were coming, we would have prepared in advance. It’s an honor to receive you personally.”
“I didn’t have time to send word. Show us the dress I ordered—and also something suitable for her.”
“Of course, please follow me to the fitting room.”
I followed along silently, sulking. There was no point in arguing—he’d do whatever he wanted anyway.
Zerion took a seat on the long sofa in the fitting area while I was guided behind the curtain to look through dresses with the staff.
“This one is our newest design, inspired by a trend from another kingdom. What do you think?”
I couldn’t help it—the dresses made my eyes widen. The ones in my palace wardrobe were already luxurious, but these… these were on another level entirely.
Each gown was breathtaking, like a wedding dress—so much so that it was hard to choose.
“I don’t know much about dresses…”
“Then may we pick a few that would best suit your figure and overall atmosphere?”
“Yes, please.”
At first, I’d planned to pick something quickly just to get it over with. But once I saw myself in the mirror wearing one, I couldn’t help wanting to see more. When would I ever wear something like this again? Even my future wedding dress probably wouldn’t be this grand.
“This one is the same design worn by Princess Genova.”
Or—
“This dress follows the eveningwear style favored by Queen Setaia.”
Or even—
“This elegant piece was specially ordered by the daughter of the Grand Duke.”
Every dress had been made for someone important. I almost felt guilty trying them on. But before I could protest, they were already helping me into the first one.
“Let’s start with the pink dress.”
I think they said it was the same one a certain princess had worn. That only made me more nervous—what if I looked shabby in comparison?
“May we style your hair up?”
“Yes.”
They gently twisted my hair up to reveal my neck and placed a small tiara on top. It was a fitting session, but they styled everything to perfection.
When I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh. The dress was stunning.
“Please stay just like that. This is the first one.”
The curtain was drawn back. I tore my gaze from the mirror and turned toward where Zerion sat. He was staring—utterly still—his eyes tracing slowly from my head to my toes.
“What do you think, Your Highness?”
The boutique owner asked carefully.
“Ahem… Yes. It’s nice. It suits her.”
That was all.
What? That’s it? I praised you to the heavens earlier!
I knew it, though. No matter what dress I wore, I wasn’t a princess. I lowered my head and turned back behind the curtain to change into the next gown—a golden one said to be for outdoor parties.
Since my hair was brown, the stylist let it down over one shoulder, telling me it would complement the color.
When the curtain opened again, I felt his gaze on me once more. Zerion had uncrossed his legs this time, sitting upright, his eyes locked on me.
Does he like this one better?
He looked me up and down again, his lips parting slightly but no words coming out.
Maybe he doesn’t like it?
I turned halfway to check his expression when his voice came softly.
“Shanael.”
“Yes?”
He seemed about to say something but stopped, covering part of his face with his hand.
And unless my eyes deceived me… the tips of his ears had turned red.
What’s this? I’m the one who should be embarrassed, but why does he look flustered?
