Chapter 22
Chapter 22
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Royal Academy of Arts - [1]
This is a salon. A salon that everyone knows. Or should I call it a boutique?
Sitting on the sofa in front of the fitting room, where soft lighting and classical music filled the air, I wore a blank expression.
Rozina had dragged both me and Haruna here.
In my previous life, I'd just buy clothes online without much thought, but to end up in a place like this...
"All dressed! Coming out?"
Haruna's grumbling voice came from behind the curtain.
Swish.
The velvet curtain parted to both sides.
"Ugh... This thing's too tight? Can't breathe."
I had to stop sipping my tea. Because Haruna's body had always been hidden under her baggy work clothes and apron.
Crazy. I knew it, but still.
I hadn't noticed because she was always covered in grease and grime.
The figure revealed above her dress was... well. No need for words.
The deeply plunging emerald tube-top dress, her white shoulders and collarbone... they barely registered.
The problem was the massive volume threatening to burst out of the dress's bodice.
And her height too.
That volume combined with her height... yeah. Dangerous thoughts creeping in. Her silhouette jiggled with every step, drawing my eyes inexorably.
"..."
That was a bit dangerous. No idea where to look.
"What do you think? Weird? Told you this isn't for me."
Haruna shyly covered her chest with her arms and twisted her body.
And then.
"..."
Rozina, standing beside me, had her eyes go wide.
She stared straight through at Haruna's chest, then stealthily glanced down at her own.
Then back to Haruna. Like she'd dressed her herself but was still shocked.
Defeat was etched in Rozina's eyes. Her gaze turned icy cold.
"This won't do."
Rozina said firmly.
"Too... vulgar."
"Pardon? Vulgar?"
"Yes. The Royal Academy values the empire's dignity and decorum. That... embarrassing outfit would get stopped at the door."
"Uh... Didn't you pick it out for me, Lady Rozina?"
Haruna tilted her head and asked back, and Rozina's brow furrowed sharply.
A slightly venomous expression.
"No! Absolutely not!"
Rozina gestured to the shop assistant.
"Take that off her. Something loose-fitting, lots of decorations, high-necked to cover everything. With plenty of frills."
"Um... I hate hot stuff."
"Be quiet."
Rozina shoved Haruna back into the fitting room.
While Haruna changed again, it was my turn.
"Aiman-nim, this will do for you."
Rozina had picked out a deep navy tailcoat. Even to my untrained eye, the fabric screamed luxury.
And Rozina even had a servant style my hair. Slicked back my messy bangs with gel for a neat look.
"All done."
I stood in front of the mirror.
"Oh..."
Guy thing: Looking in the mirror and thinking I look handsome. Kinda nice? Felt like right after a shower.
"How is it? Decent?"
I fiddled with my tie and asked Rozina. She stared at me through the mirror, silent.
"Lady Rozina?"
She snapped out of it.
"Ah, yes? Oh. Yes. Decent enough."
"Glad to hear it... By the way, how's Serika doing at school? Nah, with her personality, she's probably not. No incidents?"
Rozina's brow twitched slightly at my words. She looked at me in the mirror, then the floor, then back.
No clue why. She seemed conflicted, then spoke.
"Serika hasn't said a word about you at the academy."
"... Yeah. Can't have a commoner as her weak spot."
Rozina shook her head at my words.
"Aiman-nim."
"Yes?"
"From now on... don't dress up too much."
"Pardon?"
"And never slick your hair back. Keep it down, cover your eyes a bit."
Doesn't suit my style? I checked the mirror again. Looked pretty good to me.
Well... others see differently than yourself.
"Too tacky?"
"Yes. Really bad. Tacky."
Really bad? Harsh words. But yeah, makes sense. She's a lady who's mingled with nobles.
"Noble tastes are tough. Got it. I'll stick to my usual."
"Yes. Do that. Poor Serika must have it rough with your fashion sense."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ A stormy week passed. A lot happened in that time.
Hans officially got hired by the Bellua Family or something. Red Beard was in for twenty years of unpaid grunt work, apparently.
Hans had excitedly told me he could finally escape being a "mage (prospective)."
-Got it. If you ever get married? I'll play piano to celebrate.
-Ooh... But Aiman. Got a question.
-What.
-How do you manage a harem? How many lovers you got exactly?
-What the hell, you crazy bastard.
Something like that happened. Piano tuning felt perfectly done now too.
And today. The end of Rozina's promised week. At the front door, she stood with her luggage packed.
Rozina was back to her glamorous, dignified lady self.
"..."
An awkward silence flowed. A week. Long if long, short if short. Spending it together had built some attachment.
Rozina turned to me. Gracefully lifted the hem of her dress with both hands and curtsied elegantly.
"The past week... was truly enjoyable."
A hint of regret in her voice.
"And I learned so much. Things more important than family name or money... sincerity and how to treat people."
When we first met, her eyes held desperation, fear, pleas... Now they were clear and pure, reflecting me.
"I'm the one who's grateful, Lady Rozina."
I bowed politely too.
"Thanks to you, I shed a huge burden. Business too, and my daily life got much more comfortable."
"Hehe. You're too kind."
Rozina laughed brightly at my words.
"When I get back..."
She said with resolve.
"I should formally apologize to Serika. In front of the academy students?"
"Hm... Better one-on-one, I think."
"Thank you for the advice."
"... Just to say it again."
I shook my head.
"I won't force Serika to forgive you, Lady Rozina. Forgiveness belongs to the victim."
"Yes. I know. I'll bear the consequences of my actions. Even if unforgiven, I must apologize."
She definitely felt changed. A week is enough time for a person to change...
"Well then. Farewell."
She turned, opened the door. The Bellua Family carriage waited outside.
But as she stepped over the threshold, she hesitated. Glanced back at me.
"And..."
She peeked coyly, lashes fluttering as she looked up at me.
"Can I come back again sometime?"
I shrugged.
"Sure. I'll treat you to tea if you do. Play a few piano pieces too. As a guest next time."
"No."
Rozina smiled playfully yet alluringly.
"Not as a guest. As a maid."
"... Pardon?"
"Feels like there's still some tending left undone. To me, Aiman-nim, you've got a long way to go."
"I know I'm sorely lacking myself. But you don't have to."
"I want to."
"..."
Rozina said confidently.
"Next time I come, I'll fix your clothes, ease your nerves. As your personal maid."
Personal maid. I couldn't respond to that.
Does she know what she's saying? Of course she does.
"Well then. It was truly enjoyable. A time when I could forget I was a noble."
"... Glad you enjoyed it."
"Farewell, 'Master'."
She drew out "Master" at the end, didn't wait for my reply, and boarded the carriage with light steps.
And clink.
The carriage door shut, wheels rolled away. I stood rooted, watching it go for a while.
"Ha..."
Haruna poked my side curiously from beside me.
"Aiman."
"What."
"Master?"
"Don't."
"Master Aiman. I'm so excited for the Royal Academy."
"Don't."
"Tomorrow we'll go, right? Master... you'll protect me, won't you?"
Surprisingly, Haruna dodged my swat with ease. I could only sigh.