Chapter 53
Chapter 53
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: The Perfect Stockings
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From a combinatorial perspective, I love maid outfits and suits the most.
The outfits themselves are beautiful, of course, but it's the situations that come with them that really appeal to me.
They make my heart race.
Just imagine it.
A woman in a maid outfit, her lips curving into a subtle smile as she whispers, "Young Master."
Or a woman in a suit, wearing round metal-rimmed glasses, calling out sharply, "President."
Even imagining it sends shivers down my spine.
But if you strip away the situations and combinations and just ask me to pick my favorite clothing purely on its own, I'd have to go with stockings.
Stockings are divine, and the women who wear them become works of art.
Legs are already a beautiful part of the body in their own right, but add stockings, and even standing still boosts their allure by about four points.
That's probably why, even in the modern era where corsets and petticoats from up to the 19th century have been relegated to niche fetishes, stockings remain a staple in fashion.
So, what are the ultimate stockings?
A lot of people claim to love stockings, but opinions diverge wildly on which kind reigns supreme.
It starts with color debates—black, white, or flesh-toned?
Then pantyhose, thigh-highs, or thigh-highs with a garter belt?
Sheer enough to see through or thick like tights?
And it doesn't stop there: mesh lovers, silk purists calling for a classic revival, or fans of early 20th-century nylon stockings with their signature seams and keyholes—every preference screams for attention, turning the debate into a minefield.
I like all kinds of stockings, so I respect most tastes, but there's one thing that torments me.
The eternal question: pantyhose or thigh-highs with garter belt?
Pantyhose aren't ordinary from the start.
As the name suggests, they're a fusion of panties and stockings—a lewd invention from birth.
Yet this brazen garment hugs from toe to waist, accentuating every beautiful curve.
And that's not all their charm.
The band crossing the navel and waist, pressing into the flesh so it bulges slightly above; the subtle translucency revealing skin no matter the color; that unique texture—pantyhose captivate men entirely.
But that doesn't mean thigh-high stockings with a garter belt lose out.
Classic combinations endure for good reason.
The shy peek of thigh flesh where the stockings end; the garter belt straps slicing into pale skin, holding the stockings tight; the subtle indents where they grip the thighs—these drive men wild.
Pantyhose harmonize the lower body and waist, while thigh-highs with garter belts perfect the legs.
Stockings with panties, or stockings with garter belts.
They’re both monster-tier seducers who ruin men for fun. Picking one? Impossible
That's why this dilemma torments me.
Of course, pantyhose can mimic thigh-highs by varying colors above and below.
But their fatal flaw? They can't be paired with a garter belt.
I once foolishly thought, "Just layer a garter belt over pantyhose, right?"
But then there's no point to the garter belt.
The beauty lies in it securing stockings that threaten to slip, creating that taut pull, and the straps swaying with every leg movement.
If you're just slapping it on your waist like a flower, why not embroider a garter belt pattern on pantyhose instead of wearing the real thing?
But enjoying a garter belt means giving up pantyhose.
And pantyhose won't work under complex dresses that cover the lower body—women couldn't wear them.
Releasing both? Synthetic fibers need blending for that signature stretch, so producing both right now would be a huge burden.
The ultimate solution: combine pantyhose and garter belt into one.
Theoretically perfect.
If I can capture the garter belt essence, I could enjoy the waist band pressing into flesh alongside it, all in pantyhose form.
Even Buddha or Jesus couldn't resist this.
The issue with such hybrids is they often twist into grotesque, ambiguous failures—but hey, it's worth a shot.
Failure is the mother of success, and challenges drive progress.
So I started with sketches.
To see what my design would feel like.
First, add a crotch seam to pantyhose.
Then, pattern the stockings to evoke a garter belt.
"Hm..."
Not bad?
The opening shows thigh compression, waist flesh pressing out, garter vibes...
If the real thing turns out like this, it'd satisfy by proxy.
"Emily."
"Yes?"
"Take a look at this."
"Yes."
Liking it, I showed the drawing to Emily.
"What do you think?"
"What kind of clothing is this?"
"It's called 'pantyhose'—stockings you can wear without a garter belt. For convenience, I removed the crotch part."
"Uhmm..."
Emily stared at the drawing, her earlobes turning faintly red.
Then, with anxious eyes darting and a trembling voice, she said,
"Y-Young Master."
"Yeah."
"As I often say, your... sexual sensibilities seem quite broken."
"What?"
Her personal attack left me flustered.
I don't consider myself chaste, but this isn't some socially scandalous design.
It's just stockings.
Stockings exist already, garter belts too—why the gut punch of criticism?
"Why? What's wrong with it?"
"Um... it looks incredibly lewd at first glance."
"No, it's no different from stockings with a garter belt? Similar exposure, and undergarments touching skin are all like this."
"But it feels different—hard to explain... It just seems like releasing this to the world would cause a huge uproar."
"Seems fine to me..."
To me, no issues, so what's the problem...?
I don't get it.
"Really weird?"
"Yes."
But her firm rejection confirmed some embarrassing aspect.
She'd never opposed this strongly unless it was for the catalog.
And it wasn't even for her to wear.
"What now..."
I drummed my fingers on the desk, furrowing my brow.
I still want to prototype it...
"If you're attached, why not ask others?"
"Others?"
"Especially nobles—they might give more detailed feedback than me."
"Ah!"
I lightly smacked my forehead in realization.
Right, I have colleagues now.
Too used to working solo, I forgot.
Ask coworkers—why torment Emily alone?
Our diverse group—Empire's best—could offer varied opinions.
Popularity? Ask brother or townhouse staff...
"Great idea. I'll ask on Monday."
_
"Everyone, stop what you're doing and pay attention!"
Monday arrived. At the shop, I clapped repeatedly to draw the staff's eyes as they prepped.
"What's going on?"
As gazes fixed on me, Princess Elizabeth spoke for the group.
I lightly shook the paper in my hand and said,
"I've got a new design, but I'm not sure about the vibe. Mind sharing your impressions?"
"Lord William."
Princess Elizabeth narrowed her eyes, gazing steadily at me.
"If it's work-related, just ask boldly."
"Ah, yeah..."
Her mix of approval and scolding left me sheepish as I spread the paper on the table.
"Here it is—everyone take a look and chime in."
"I've always wondered how the man trusted by the Imperial Family designs."
"Excited to see what it is."
Princess Fanny and Lord Herbert approached first.
Then staff gathered around the table, eyeing the paper.
"Oh..."
"H-Hiiik..."
"Wow...!"
Staff expressions grew subtly awkward, sighs escaping here and there.
Except Lord Herbert and Princess Elizabeth, most hid discomfort poorly.
"S-So... what do you think...?"
Feeling uneasy, I asked for feedback.
Exchanging glances, they smiled awkwardly and spoke cautiously.
"Very... bold..."
"Super challenging."
"A bit... decadent."
"Perverted."
"......"
Ehehe, this one's toast.