Chapter 120
Chapter 120
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: Countess Tigris's Unusual Order
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"Is black tea alright for you to drink?"
"Since it looks like there's nothing else but black tea, that will do."
"Yes..."
Contrary to my worries, the beastkin woman—no, Countess Tigris—behaved quite reasonably.
Her manner of speaking was a bit blunt, but she followed our suggestions without protest.
It wasn't because she was taller than me or because her fangs flashed sharply like blades every time she spoke.
Right now, she was quietly sipping her tea without a word of complaint.
"......"
Her etiquette was so impeccable that not even the clink of her teacup disturbed the silence dominating the parlor.
Should I speak first?
Or should I wait for Countess Tigris to open her mouth?
I had no idea how to act, as little was known about beastkin customs.
The three things I remembered were that they were 'arrogant, aggressive, and short-tempered,' which made me hesitant to act rashly.
"Sir William, you're the son of Count Hume and his wife, correct?"
"...Yes, that's right."
As I fiddled nervously with my teacup, stealing glances at her, her perked ears twitched back slightly, and she spoke first.
A beat late, I answered her question, and she gazed at me with a bored expression while her tail whipped strongly against the floor with a thwack!.
"Then act with more confidence. The Count Hume couple I know are tougher than anyone and as predatory as they come."
"I see..."
That was a rather tricky request.
She couldn't mean for me to act rudely, but I had no idea how my parents behaved in public...
For now, I straightened my back.
And met Countess Tigris's eyes directly, putting some steel into my gaze.
"That's better. A shame you're still a bit green, though."
"We can discuss that later. Please tell me the reason for your visit."
"Why else would someone come to a clothing shop? To have clothes made, of course."
"What kind of clothes do you want?"
"I'd like animal ear headbands and tails, plus a babydoll lingerie set."
"...?"
I furrowed my brow the moment I heard her answer.
"You already have something nice. Why specifically request animal ears and tail accessories?"
"They're not for me. They're for my husband."
"Your husband?"
"My husband is human."
"...Ah~"
About five? No, six years ago?
There was a rumor about a human noble entering a beastkin family as a son-in-law.
Everyone was shocked that a family prioritizing 'strength' above all in marriage had taken in a human, of all races. So it was her.
"Now I remember a bit."
I nodded with a slight smile, and she lifted one corner of her mouth in a smirk, as if reminiscing about that time.
"Heh— the empire was in quite a uproar over it back then."
"For even someone as oblivious to high society as me to remember, it must have been a huge scandal."
"My father was furious and opposed it fiercely. Though he eventually acknowledged him."
"I see."
I could already tell there was a thrilling backstory just from a few words.
A haughty, domineering young lady from a fierce family, overcoming opposition to win her love.
A delicious romance novel practically wrote itself.
"Curious about the details?"
She instantly picked up on my interest, flashing a sly smile and quirking her eyebrow.
If I weren't working, I'd have focused entirely on the story, but thinking of Prince Herbert and Princess Fanny cutting fabric, I shook my head.
"I'm working right now, so let's save it for next time."
"I almost would have been disappointed if you'd said yes. There are too many people who can't separate business from personal and get nosy about others' lives—it's tiresome."
"Haha..."
I gave an awkward smile as she casually dropped a chilling remark while sipping her tea.
Why did receiving one customer feel like a live job interview...?
I swallowed and picked up my teacup.
My hand trembled faintly from my belatedly racing heart.
Moistening my lips with tea to calm myself, I composed my expression and met her eyes again.
"What specific animals does the Countess have in mind?"
"Rabbit and tiger. Two kinds, please."
"Pardon?"
I furrowed my brow again, unable to comprehend her words.
Why two?
"The tiger for your husband, and the rabbit for you?"
"Both for my husband. I'm just curious which he'll pick."
"I see."
It felt a bit odd, but I nodded for now.
"Ahem, do you have a preferred design?"
"Rumor has it you made Imperial Knights headbands so convincing even beastkin were fooled. You handle it. As long as it evokes rabbit or tiger and maintains quality, I'll trust your aesthetic sense."
"Any preferences on color or such...?"
"None. Go wild."
Even fewer conditions than Uncle Chang—tricky in its own way.
Great for a free spirit to run wild, but hell for the picky.
"The babydoll is for you to wear, obviously. What's the occasion for this commission?"
"Why do you ask?"
"To guide the design direction."
"For the bedroom. Our anniversary's coming up, and I want a fresh vibe."
"......"
Without a hint of hesitation, she bluntly revealed her private life.
Is this beastkin boldness?
I get the reason, but a euphemism would be nice.
No warning, so what face should I make?
"Understood... Then I'll base the tiger on yours, and reference someone else for the rabbit."
"Sure."
At least the purpose was clear—relief.
For that use, make accessories cute and fluffy, lingerie sexy.
Rubbing my nape, I stood.
"To take measurements for reference, I'll fetch a female assistant. Please wait a moment."
"Got it."
"Hm..." After learning what I could from Countess Tigris and sending her off, I sat at my workbench, twirling my pen as I sank into deep thought. The production method was already solidified—no issues there. The design was vague, but using universally appealing colors should ensure success. Yet I sat with a grave expression because I couldn't easily grasp why she'd placed this order. Meddling in others' marriages is odd, but the Tigris couple didn't seem intimate enough for such an event. And the Tigris family weren't the affectionate type. Sure, exceptions exist, but that rabbit on the list nagged at me. Someone who eyed me critically—a stranger—would dress her husband as a bunny? Is the rabbit ears a trap? Like answering 'yes' to 'Do I look fat?' and dying—like picking it sparks a fight? Or am I overthinking? Ah, damn, I should have heard their love story. I'm dying of curiosity. "Tch..." I clicked my tongue, stopped twirling the pen, and set its tip to paper. Make what she requested first, investigate the nagging part separately. Haunted by wild suspicions fueling my delusions, I wondered if I was prejudging, so I sought Mother right after closing. "Mother, do you know Countess Tigris well?" No certainty, but she might, so I asked outright. "...Countess Tigris? You mean Henrietta?" "Yes." And as if my choice was right, Mother called her familiarly with a gentle smile. "We haven't seen her since she grew up and we got busy, but when she was a little kid, we saw her often. Such a cute girl." "...Cute?" But Mother's description differed from the woman I met. She didn't strike me as cute at all. Her sharp gaze and large build felt intimidating. "Hehe~ Of course, she's grown into a strict one now, but back then, despite being beastkin, she got along well with humans. She especially adored Her Highness the Second Princess and your father." "A mage, not a knight?" "Strength is strength. They're old now and not at their peak, but back then they vied for empire's strongest. Why else would noble faction call us 'butchers'?" "I see." "Henrietta always asked about the civil war, so they found her awkward, but beastkin don't care about that." "Hm..." Minus the childishness, it matched her current image. But doubts about the commission lingered. She idolizes the strong, yet rabbit... "Why ask suddenly?" "Countess Tigris visited the Atelier today for a commission. First beastkin client, so I asked." "Hm~ Anniversary approaching?" "You knew?" "Of course. The girl who sang about marrying a strong man she couldn't beat found her ideal type and wed him." "Ho..." A clue emerged from Mother's words. I hurriedly pulled out my notebook and jotted her tales hastily. "That man is a mystery too—how did he beat a girl who could tear people barehanded without mana...? Glad they still get along." Wait, what? "Uh... tears people?" "Yes, like pulling a carrot." Mother mimed ripping her arm off seriously. "Whoa..." What is that guy? How strong is a human to conquer her? More than that, why rabbit for him...? My head grew more tangled. "Hrm..." Scratching my head, I noted 'Make clothes very sturdy' at the bottom and cautiously closed the notebook.