Chapter 112
Chapter 112
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 112
Chapter Title: Tail Defense and Design
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My defense against the pitfall that had started by mistake ended very fortunately with a not guilty verdict.
There was my own diligent explanation, of course, but Emily stepping forward to defend me—insisting I couldn't possibly have had any impure intentions—played a huge role.
"Young master was just genuinely curious about the tail. I've served at his side for over ten years and spent so much time with him that I know it for a fact."
"I-I know he's not the type, but still... isn't it a bit much?"
"You're right about that. But I just want to clear up any misunderstandings about the young master. He's absolutely not the kind of person who would show impure intentions toward others. He's a total coward who backs down at crucial moments and is hyper-aware of everyone around him."
"...Emily, do you maybe not like Sir William?"
"I was just stating the facts."
"Ah, uh... yeah..."
Her words had a bit of bite to them, and the stares from the others grew as cold as if I were a total idiot, but hey, it was a defense.
And Emily had every right to say that much...
"Then, Fanny, help me out a bit..."
Anyway.
Having traded a mental scar for averting total ruin, I couldn't check the tail myself, so I roped in Princess Fanny.
"I just need to check the tail, right?"
"Yeah."
"I'll confirm it and draw a picture to show you. That okay with you, Mari?"
I'd originally planned to have her handle the root design, but somehow it ended up with Princess Fanny checking the ears and tail herself, then sketching them out.
"What's the difference...?"
"That sounds fine to me."
"Huh?"
Strangely enough, Mari agreed to it readily.
I thought seeing it myself or through a drawing was the same thing, but apparently it felt different to the person involved.
Or maybe she felt safe with a scaredy-cat like me not looking directly.
"Fine... whatever. Just draw it quick and show me. I need to send it off by Friday."
"Got it."
But what did the reason matter? The important part was that she'd agreed.
No room for second thoughts, so the moment Mari gave the okay, I sent her and Princess Fanny off to the break room.
Then I covered for Princess Fanny's tasks while waiting for them to bring back the drawing.
"Here you go, Sir William. I drew it as detailed as possible, so it should be perfect for reference."
"Thanks, everyone. Mari, you must've been embarrassed, but I really appreciate the help."
"D-Don't remind me!"
"Sorry."
I got the drawing after they'd hogged the break room all morning, even spilling into half an hour after lunch.
I wondered what on earth could take so long, but that question vanished the moment I saw the sketch.
It had taken that much time, and it was of a quality I could boast about.
The fur texture, the ear angles and fluffiness, and for some reason an exquisitely detailed depiction of the panties—it was all top-notch.
"Fanny, this... uh, isn't it kind of sexy?"
"I figured you'd prefer it this way..."
"No, I mean... sigh... never mind. Good work."
I worried it might be too explicit, but... the more detailed, the better for making the clothes.
I let it slide.
"Haa..."
With the drawing in hand, it was time to pour everything into the commission.
Before sketching, I reconfirmed the must-have elements for this job.
First: Perfect historical accuracy for catfolk features.
Second: The tail and ears must be clearly visible.
Third: It has to look like servant attire.
Simple conditions on their own.
But combining all three? Extremely tricky.
Especially the tail.
As seen in the previous drawing, a catfolk's tail emerges a bit lower than the waist, higher than where the butt crack starts.
This spot overlaps with layers of clothing for both men and women, so the more realistically you try to depict it, the more headaches it causes.
Most people solve it by skimping on quality—slapping a tail onto a sloppy waistband and wearing it over the clothes.
But that's not for me.
I might hate flashiness, but I can't tolerate shoddy craftsmanship.
Even if it's simple, the construction has to be near-perfect. That's the direction I—and my staff—aim for.
Even if it's hard, we stick to it as best we can.
So, for a perfect tail, the first hurdle was: How do I get the tail in that exact position?
There are plenty of ways, but the core rule: Minimize discomfort while keeping the tail there.
It's a ball, so dancing involved. Servant outfits are light, but not that simple.
Petticoats and garter belts under the dress are standard.
Adding tight-fitting accessories? Straight to discomfort city.
Best to avoid adding extra undergarments.
One method keeps clothing count the same, positions it right, and secures the tail solidly... but it's not ball-appropriate.
Only for lovers alone in a place where they can 'return to their primal state.'
So, modifying existing undergarments it is.
Among waist-worn undies, perfect candidates for both genders: drawers for men, garter belts for women.
Reinforce the waistband to bear the weight, tweak the silhouette a bit, attach the tail, and boom—visually, it sprouts from the butt like a true catfolk.
Tail positioning solved. Next issue.
The materials for crafting the tail itself.
Catfolk are bigger than cats, so their tails are proportionally large and thick.
Curious how big? Think leopard tail.
Leopard and catfolk sizes match up.
Specifically: 60cm long, 4cm diameter, excluding fur volume.
A basic tail? Sew leather into a cylinder, stuff it with cotton. Done.
But I want a cat tail that stands straight up.
Bonus if it can change shape.
For that: Weight the base for balance, rigid yet lightweight.
"Gotta ask Patrick about this."
Not my expertise.
If Patrick can make a skeleton or core, great. If not, long wire for a stiff tail it is.
Last problem: How to route the tail out through the clothes.
Catfolk prefer separated tops and bottoms to avoid snags, low-waist pants, or holes in the back.
A tiny few hide theirs for protection, but only when needed.
Butler suits with tail holes? Easy reference.
Maid dress? Problem city.
One-piece with a full skirt.
Hard to lower the waistline, and the poofy skirt messes with tail hole placement.
Poofy skirt an issue? Catfolk tails emerge along the spine at a slight downward angle from the root.
Full skirts hide that angle.
I want the root fully exposed, so poofy skirts are a pain all around.
I see skirt volume as key to Victorian maid dresses and don't want to kill it, but...
This commission is for a catfolk maid, not just any maid.
"Urgh..."
For a non-human catfolk maid, sacrificing the skirt for the tail is justified. So, tears in my eyes, I abandoned my principles this once.
"Haa..."
Sighing to soothe my troubled heart, I inspected the rough sketch.
Looks good on paper, but how'll the tail and hole work in real life? No clue.
Well, when in doubt, make it and see.
"Fanny, I'm heading to a supplier. Mind the atelier while I'm gone!"
"Of course. Take care."
_
I rushed to the forge like my life depended on it.
Seeing Patrick after ages, I skipped the chit-chat and cut straight to it after greetings.
"Patrick, can you make a skeleton or core for a snake-like doll? Thin, light, sturdy, flexible. About 60cm long."
"Easy peasy."
"How long to make one? Day or two?"
"Just grab wire from the warehouse and cut it."
"Huh? For real?"
"Yep."
The tail skeleton worry? Way simpler than expected.
Thinking it might be too much, I asked cautiously, but Patrick just grinned like 'That's it?'
"Weight? Not too heavy, right?"
"Around... 70g. Up to 100g max. Thickness 2-3mm."
"Hmm..."
With cotton and leather, tail totals 300-400g?
Like a bulky wallet or phone with case...
Doable...
"Can you whip up five right now?"
"Give me five minutes."
Grinning ear to ear, he went to the warehouse, grabbed coiled wire, fiddled at a machine—pulling levers, tweaking—then waddled back clutching a bundle.
"Here. Check 'em out."
"Uh, yeah..."
True to his word on simple: Exactly what I envisioned, straight from warehouse stock.
"How much?"
"Whole bundle? Maybe 2 silver."
"......"
Like fifty pieces for 2 silver.
One meter of fabric equivalent.
Like the wire in hangers from my past life, snagged cheap like screws at a hardware store.
"That's... something..."
They make wire this fine so easily?
"What is?"
"Eh, never mind..."
Hard to explain, but the feeling was oddly surreal.