Chapter : 7
“Could you wait a moment?”
After asking for my understanding, Calante brought over a box filled with various makeup tools and accessories.
“I’ll fix your hair and do some light makeup as well.”
“Do you do all of it yourself?”
“Yes.”
“That’s unexpected.”
I hadn’t imagined that a designer at such a large shop would handle hair and even the smallest details of makeup personally.
“It’s our Calante way to pursue overall harmony, including hair and makeup that match the outfit,” Calante said confidently.
There was pride in her voice. Her passion for her work shone brightly, and it made me realize she was truly recognized in her field.
I’ve been so absorbed in my studies and in serving my master until now.
If I were my master, I would probably find me a burden.
For my master’s happiness, I can’t be a burden.
Now that my master would be with the princess, me sticking around would certainly be a distraction. I decided I must start being independent from my master.
“All done,” Calante announced.
I lifted my head and looked in the mirror. My usually messy hair was neatly pinned up, and my lips and cheeks looked alive, like flowers had bloomed there.
“Thank you.”
I said it sincerely and left the room. This was the first time my master would see me like this, and my heart was pounding fiercely. My chest always raced when I saw him, but this time it felt extreme.
Why am I so nervous?
I took a deep breath.
“Master.”
I called out to him. He was seated, going through some documents, and the sight of his perfect profile and the golden hair cascading down was almost artistic.
“Master.”
“Yes?”
It took several calls before my master finally looked up. My eyes met his, eyes that always reminded me of the sun.
I hoped to see some change in his expression. I wanted him to be slightly surprised by my new appearance. But there was no change in his expression at all.
“How do I look?”
Blinking, my master said,
“You remind me of the night sky. Just like your name.”
“…Right?”
I was overwhelmed that we were thinking the same thing, but I hesitated. The words I wanted to hear didn’t end there.
There are so many things you could say, right?
You could say I look good, that I’m pretty, or that I have a surprising charm in this look… No, that’s too far. What could my master do if he found me attractive? Lately, I’ve been having strange thoughts.
My master glanced me over lightly from head to toe and asked,
“Do you like it?”
“Yes, I love it.”
“Then that’s enough.”
He folded the documents and put them in his bag before standing. Glancing at his watch, he suggested we go and turned to Calante.
“Get a necklace and bracelet that match the dress as well. Have them sent to me.”
“Understood. Thank you for using our service.”
As Calante bowed politely, my master’s gaze returned to me.
“Then go change, Themis. We can’t be late for dinner.”
“…Yes.”
Once again, he didn’t compliment me. I went back with Calante, sulking.
“Did he not like how I looked?” I asked while changing clothes with Calante’s help. Was it only fine in my eyes? Perhaps his aesthetic sense was different from mine.
“No, not at all…”
Calante smiled as she helped me put on my outerwear.
“Maybe he just didn’t want to evaluate it.”
“Is a compliment an evaluation?”
“To some people, it could be.”
I pondered her words.
“But I wanted to hear my master say I looked pretty.”
“Why do you think that is?”
“It’s the heart of a student wanting to look beautiful to their master.”
It felt a little embarrassing saying it out loud, but Calante gave a faint smile.
“Everyone wants to look pretty.”
“…”
“But I think Themis must truly understand the reason behind it herself.”
…So she knew my name. I could finally understand why Calante was such a popular designer.
“Here’s the box with today’s purchases. The dress will be delivered to the Mage Tower.”
The box she handed me was three-tiered and quite heavy. Inside were the makeup tools I’d used, along with the necklace and bracelet, neatly arranged. I opened each compartment, checked the contents, and held the box carefully.
“Our staff will also come to the Mage Tower, so don’t worry too much about how to use them.”
Though kindness is rarely without reason, Calante’s actions didn’t seem like they were just to impress my master.
“Why are you helping me so much?”
She winked.
“Think of it as an investment for the future.”
Calante didn’t elaborate further. Regardless, it felt like a new connection had been made.
The restaurant was crowded from the entrance.
“Cleric!”
“Cleric Everett!”
As I approached, I realized that the crowd was gathered around Everett and was shocked.
We were supposed to meet in secret… how did they know?
From afar, his glossy black hair stood out. Most people here had light-colored hair. His dark hair contrasted beautifully, like a night sky, drawing attention.
His eyes resembled a red moon, with sharp yet deep features. When expressionless, he had a charisma that could overwhelm anyone. He seemed like a sharp sword ready to deliver biting words at the slightest mistake. Yet, when his eyes softened, you realized your initial impression was just a prejudice. Everett, despite his sharp appearance, had a warm heart, like a spring-like beauty.
“Please bless me too!”
“No, bless me…”
“Me!”
People shouted as they blocked his path. Everett pushed them aside effortlessly—he was incredibly strong—and walked forward.
“Sister, I came out to eat, so I won’t stay long. Please visit the temple later.”
Even though the crowd could have overwhelmed him, he smiled gently as he moved through them. Once inside, my master sat crookedly in his chair, exhaling.
“You’re too soft with people.”
“The desire for blessings exists in everyone.”
“If you live properly but make even a small mistake, people will gossip. Better to lower expectations, like me.”
Even though he said that, it didn’t work on Everett.
“I’ll try,” he said with a smile, politely rejecting my master’s words. My master’s eyes narrowed slightly before relaxing.
“Take good care of Themis today.”
“Don’t worry.”
“See you at the temple later.”
“Yes.”
My master entrusted me to Everett and left. I felt conflicted—distrustful, yet happy that he cared.
I stared at my master’s departing figure until I noticed Everett had stepped outside again.
What’s going on?
Following him were clerics, talking with serious expressions.
“Could you wait inside for a moment?”
Everett asked, and I nodded eagerly. This seemed like my chance to shine.
As Everett closed the door, I pressed my ear against it. The restaurant’s poor soundproofing made even the faintest voices clear.
“Gate after gate suddenly appeared?”
