Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Mermaid Line Debut
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Corsets and girdles both serve to beautifully accentuate the waistline.
But why distinguish between the two?
The reason lies in their ultimate goals when worn with clothing—they're slightly different.
Generally, a corset covers the area around the waist, extending a bit higher to the bust if needed, focusing on creating a slim waist and an elegant upper body.
Girdles, on the other hand, cover the waist along with the hips and upper thighs, concentrating on smoothly shaping the curve from the waist down to the hips.
Moreover, rather than forcing an unnaturally cinched look, the emphasis shifted to creating a natural S-line silhouette, which is why the two garments are differentiated.
Therefore, it's best to design the new garment in a way that synergizes with the girdle.
So, what allowed girdles in my previous life to overshadow corsets before they were eventually replaced by pantyhose?
It was a change in skirt silhouettes.
As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, the skirts and dresses women wore began to narrow at the hemline, eventually reaching extremes like the hobble skirt, which was so tight it hindered walking.
Of course, the hobble skirt was too extreme and faded quickly, but its influence lingered, reviving periodically as the H-line, sheath, or pencil skirt.
In any case, alongside hobble and sheath styles, a few other silhouettes emerged to match this narrowing hemline trend.
One of them is the mermaid line.
The mermaid line—or mermaid dress—is something even those uninterested in fashion have likely heard of.
It's one of the silhouettes commonly used in wedding dresses, like the national dish around here.
That's why so many people immediately picture its shape upon hearing the name.
At least in my previous life.
Not here, though.
The defining feature of this line is how it clings tightly to the thighs, then flares out dramatically around the knees—truly a fantastical species you’d never see in a place where skirts are made to flare generously from the waist.
The advantage of the mermaid line? It’s gorgeous.
Perfectly tailored from the bust to the thighs, it reveals the wearer’s natural figure without exaggeration, exuding a sexy yet sophisticated vibe.
But that’s also its drawback—few can pull it off.
Unless you’re exceptionally confident in your figure and looks, it’s not for just anyone, and the narrow hem restricts movement.
And here’s a social issue.
With such a narrow hem, you can’t wear a petticoat underneath.
Even in my previous life, where underwear lines showing was a concern, people opted for thongs or adhesive options rather than something like a petticoat that blatantly alters the silhouette.
Skipping the petticoat here? That’s basically a no-panties declaration.
In modern times, which are far more open than nudity being the norm, going panty-less under a dress still sparks minor gossip. Here, without underwear?
Would anyone dare?
"Hmm... It’s tricky..."
Logic says no, but emotion says yes.
In times like these, I push judgment aside and start sketching silhouettes with my pencil.
Deep neckline at the bust, hugging the figure down to the knees, then flaring the hem below, adding fabric to thicken the upper thighs, and leaving the lower part sheer by avoiding extra layers...
"Oh..."
Sheer again.
Is this taste etched into my DNA?
But it’s pretty, so it stays.
To avoid it looking too plain without enough embellishments, I add lace along the neckline and vertical stitching from bust to hem.
Pair it with evening gloves and a fur stole for an elegant feel with minimal decoration. And since autumn is coming soon, add something to cover the shoulders.
Truly gorgeous.
This is a dress.
After so long staring at fake dresses like parasols, seeing a real one again soothes my soul.
Once I secured unanimous approval from the imaginary judges in my mind, I lifted my head slightly to gauge reactions from the working staff.
"Hmmm~"
Excluding commoner and demi-human employees who’d never attend a ball, Herbert was an instant pass.
He’d just say it’s perfect because it suits his tastes.
Lady Fanny...
"Marie, could you scratch here with your claw?"
"Yes! Like this?"
"Exactly."
She looks swamped, so not now.
I’ll ask when she takes a break.
That leaves just one person.
"Elizabeth."
I finished my share and beckoned Lady Elizabeth over while she was helping Lord Herbert.
She glanced at me, said a few words to him, then approached with light, cheerful steps.
"Something wrong?"
"Yeah, got a question."
I spun the paper 180 degrees toward her and tapped it with my finger.
Lowering her gaze to the sketch, she raised one eyebrow and spoke.
"A dress? Based on a mermaid?"
"Oh... You spotted it right away?"
"The hem resembles a fish tail."
"Right. It’s a mermaid dress, designed to pair with a girdle."
"The silhouette is aggressively revealing—even naked would be less bold. It’d scare off anyone without top-tier confidence. Inspired by His Majesty’s words?"
I nodded with a weary smile.
"Yeah... It hit me hard."
How could it not? He’s already bored without me even trying anything.
If His Majesty’s interest fades like this, I’ll end up as just some madman.
I’ve got mountains of years left to live—I can’t wrap it up like that.
"It balances boldness with elegance. Color choice will be key. Got anything in mind?"
"White. Definitely white."
"White, huh... Is the design finalized?"
"I’ll finish by October, so no big changes from here."
"The stole hides lacking details, and fabric’s silk, right?"
"Yep."
"Hmm..."
She let out a soft hum, staring intently at the drawing.
"Hardly anyone could wear this."
"Yeah, on purpose."
To shift fashion trends, you need to poke at desires like, Can’t you pull this off? or Don’t you want to wear it?
That draws attention to the new over the old and sparks challenges.
And if only women confident in their beauty can wear this new dress?
A little prodding should yield fun reactions.
Plus, it has to dazzle His Majesty with dopamine.
"So, do you think it’d work for a formal occasion?"
"......"
She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes.
After a brief ponder, she spoke cautiously.
"Barring a few exceptions... it should be fine."
"Exceptions?"
"Weddings, investitures, mandatory holiday events."
"Ah."
So, anywhere not strictly solemn.
"More lenient than I thought. No issue for Founding Day, then?"
"Well... officially."
"Then it’s good, right?"
"You know imperial law allows women’s legs to be exposed?"
"Ah, got it."
It’s like the debate over wearing tights outside—legal or not.
So, no problem wearing it.
"Then it’s fine."
As long as it’s legal and doesn’t irk His Majesty, we’re good.
I smiled contentedly and spun the paper back.
Design’s nearly locked in; now just pick a model.
Simple, but the biggest headache.
Someone brave enough to wear a dress that’s legally fine but socially dicey?
Katerina, Emily...
Both iffy.
They’d rock it, but they can’t attend future balls anyway, so pointless.
"Hmm..."
"Someone you want to put it on?"
As I mulled over models, Lady Elizabeth asked.
I shook my head immediately.
"Not yet. I’ll refine it more and call for volunteers..."
"Then I’ll wear it."
"...What? Wait, what did you say?"
I startled, stammering in shock.
"I’ll wear it."
"......"
Why this sudden?
She’s hidden her status, skipped events—why show sudden interest in a dress?
"Just to check, this is for the Founding Day event debut."
"I know."
I frowned at her calm nod, glanced for nearby staff, then lowered my voice.
"You know why? Officially, you’re a commoner."
"Up until now."
We’ve treated her like nobility since she doesn’t hide it well, but officially, she’s a commoner.
Hasn’t even shared her family name with us.
I pointed that out, frowning, and she nodded, smirking slightly.
"But things have changed."
"What?"
"No need to hide anymore."
She flashed a triumphant smile, meeting my eyes.
Uncrossing her arms, hands on hips, she declared confidently.
"I’ll showcase your dress in the grandest way, from the highest stage. Don’t worry—just give it to me."
"......"