Chapter 23
Chapter 23
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: The Cardigan Compromise
-----------------------------------------------------------------
There are really so many types of outerwear that go well with dresses.
For the empire silhouette, they usually pair it with a shawl, a Spencer jacket, or a bolero jacket.
A shawl is like a blanket made of fabric—pair it with the right color, and it goes with any dress, like a staple comfort food.
A Spencer jacket or bolero jacket is a short outerwear that ends above the waist, like a crop top. It's a bit less warm and covers less area than a shawl, but it's pretty.
Its short length perfectly complements the high waistline unique to the empire silhouette, making it an ideal match.
If it were just about prettiness, I'd go with the jacket, but the problem was time.
Even if it covers less area, a jacket is still a jacket—you can't whip one up in two or three days.
It takes at least a week to make one meticulously, and besides, I didn't know the size.
A loose jacket would be a disaster.
So, should I give Sister-in-Law a shawl?
A shawl is just a piece of fabric, so no size issues. It's a common winter outerwear used by men and women alike, so I could just go out and buy one right now.
But I couldn't let go of my lingering attachment to the jacket.
Everything was iffy, so after much deliberation, I settled on a compromise: a cardigan.
Make it in the same style as a Spencer jacket, but knit it to save time.
Being knit, it can be a bit loose-fitting without discomfort, drapes lightly, and since it's not for formal occasions, it doesn't have to be a proper jacket.
Thanks to the machine, I could make it quickly, so it was the best option for now.
The cardigan's material would be silk, color black to match the sky blue.
Ivory or gray would work well too.
But considering she'd become the Countess in a few years, black gave a more composed, mature vibe.
Once I decided what to make, things progressed smoothly.
Half a day to cut the fabric and sort the yarn.
Sister-in-Law would arrive in two days, so plenty of time to wash it before giving it to her.
"Mm~ Nice."
The relaxed schedule lifted my spirits naturally.
Muttering to myself, I picked up a horn button and held it against the cardigan's front placket.
"Why is this sweater split in the front?"
As I gauged where to attach the buttons on the cardigan, Emily approached cautiously, set a teacup on the desk, and asked.
"It's not a sweater."
"Pardon?"
"Well... it's called a cardigan. It's a sweater with the front cut open and buttons added."
The name came from the Earl of Cardigan in my past life, the inventor. I debated giving it a new name here, but just used the original.
There was no title like that in this country or its neighbors.
I could always claim I made it up.
"I've never heard of such a garment."
"Of course not. It didn't exist until now."
Sweaters have ancient origins no one knows exactly, but the cardigan derived from it is surprisingly recent.
Roughly mid-to-late 19th century?
I have no idea why it didn't exist before. Probably no need for it.
In this world, maybe in some distant foreign land, but I'd never seen one—not in books or newspapers.
"Isn't it a bit short?"
As I attached the second button, Emily pointed out the short length.
Sweaters at least cover the hips, but this barely reached the upper stomach, so it must look odd.
"You're right. It's originally longer, but to wear with yesterday's dress, short is prettier."
"Won't it be cold if it's that short?"
"It's summer now, and since it's a new style for Sister-in-Law, she might not like it, so I'll give her a shawl too."
It was like a little insurance.
I preferred the jacket style, but some people like shawls better.
"Then it should be fine."
Emily nodded at my answer and quietly stepped back two paces, no longer seeming awkward.
"Mm~ It's coming together nicely."
Sipping the tea Emily brought, I finished sewing the third button completely, then lifted the cardigan and spread it wide.
No dropped stitches, no messed-up patterns.
Buttons evenly spaced, thickness just right—not too heavy for summer draping.
A quick wash, and it was ready for Sister-in-Law.
With a satisfied smile, I looked at Emily standing nearby.
"Emily, can you wash this for me?"
"Yes, same as before?"
"Yeah, cool water, lightly. Got it?"
"Yes~"
_
Sister-in-Law arrived at the mansion two days later in the afternoon.
Her red hair swaying, she carefully stepped down from the carriage and, upon seeing Mother, lifted her skirt hem slightly and bowed.
"Madam, it's been three months. I hope you've been well?"
"I've been fine, Wilhelmina. Were you comfortable on the journey?"
"From the capital to here is just four hours. It's nothing."
"Nothing? Don't act tough when you're not alone."
"Hehe~ Don't worry too much. No morning sickness, even."
"Enough. Don't stand out here long—let's go inside for tea."
"Yes."
"Head Butler."
"Yes."
The Head Butler waiting nearby bowed slightly at Mother's call and approached the carriage.
Mother watched him speak with Sister-in-Law's maid, Miss Charlotte, and the coachman as they unloaded the luggage, then turned to us with a gesture to follow.
William and Sister-in-Law stood side by side and quietly followed Mother.
"...?"
In the silence as we entered the mansion and walked the corridor, I felt a sharp gaze from the side.
Wondering what it was, I glanced over to see Sister-in-Law staring at me with her green eyes fixed intently.
"Sister-in-Law, is something bothering you?"
"Young Master, your complexion looks much better."
"Pardon?"
What was this about?
Nothing different from usual?
As I blinked in confusion, Sister-in-Law smiled brightly and continued.
"Has some spark of life come into your days? You used to have such a bored look, but now there's a smile tugging at your lips."
"I picked up a new hobby. Turns out it suits me more than I thought."
"Oh? What hobby?"
"A bit of sewing."
"Sewing?"
Sister-in-Law's eyes widened slightly.
"Making clothes?"
"Yes."
"Dresses? Or suits? What are you learning?"
"Trying all sorts. Lately, mostly dresses."
"Dresses... Impressive. If you have something you've made, could you show me later?"
"Of course. I'll show you soon."
"Really?"
Probably in ten minutes, thirty at the latest.
"Yes. You can look forward to it."
"Then I'll really look forward to it."
At my confident reply, Sister-in-Law smiled with her eyes and nodded.
_
"Sister-in-Law! Welcome!"
"Lady, so good to see you~"
In the room for tea, Hayes, who had arrived early and waited, beamed at Sister-in-Law, toddled over, and they exchanged a light hug.
Stepping back, they held hands and grinned at each other.
"Lady, you've gotten even prettier lately?"
"Hehe~ Really?"
Hayes cupped her cheek with her left hand, blushing shyly.
Smiling warmly at Hayes, Sister-in-Law gently stroked her cheek and continued.
"Hehe~ Of course. Your skin is so smooth now? And your aura feels like a mature lady. The men won't leave our pretty Lady alone anymore, will they?"
"Actually, talk of an engagement with a certain lord has been going around lately."
"Oh my, really? Who is he? If he likes you, he must be a fine lord."
"Yes... incredibly handsome and kind..."
"Goodness~ I'm getting excited just hearing this. Can you tell me more about him later?"
"Of course, Sister. Don't stand—let's sit."
Chattering excitedly with Sister-in-Law, Hayes led her to the table.
Mother and I watched warmly until Hayes sat at the table and looked at us with sparkling eyes, then we approached.
Once all four were seated, Emily carefully brought the tea tray and basket, setting the tray on the table and the basket beside me.
As Emily poured the tea, Mother glanced at the basket Emily set down and asked me, pointing to it.
"What's that basket?"
"It's a gift for Sister-in-Law."
"Eek? I didn't prepare anything."
"For me?"
Hayes and Sister-in-Law whipped their heads toward me in surprise at the word "gift."
"Haa..."
Mother narrowed her eyes, gave me a sharp look, and let out a small sigh.
"William, didn't I tell you not to make a fuss over nothing?"
"Mother, this isn't that. It's for Sister-in-Law to wear."
"What is it? Can you show us?"
"Of course."
With a confident smile, I stood, took the dress from the basket, and unfurled it.
"Oh my...!"
"Wow..."
"......"
As the sky-blue dress cascaded down, fluttering its hem, small exclamations escaped Sister-in-Law and Hayes.
Hearing that, I knew instantly the outfit was a success.