Chapter 92
Chapter 92
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Uniform Shopping with Mother
-----------------------------------------------------------------
There were about three months left until academy enrollment and two months until departure for the academy.
"Mother. I'm planning to go get my uniform fitted. Would you like to come with me?"
"...Huh?"
And on such a day, I suddenly visited Rozalin's room and asked her that.
It would be boring to go alone, right?
I could go with Lize, but... I wanted to go with Rozalin for something like this.
We might not be blood-related, but it was still a big event for my academy enrollment as her daughter.
"What do you think...?"
That's why I made a point of asking Rozalin directly.
She didn't have to come with me, but I wanted to go together.
After all, I'd be heading to the academy soon, and our time together would decrease dramatically, so I wanted to make some memories before then...?
Anyway, for those reasons.
"I never expected Camellia to ask me first. If it's okay with you, Camellia... mind if I join?"
"Of course."
In truth, Rozalin treated me so well despite being my stepmother, and I'd known that for a long time.
I wasn't an idiot or some dumb blonde beast who couldn't recognize when someone cared for me.
From the start, Rozalin had shown me so much kindness that it was impossible not to notice.
There were times when I gave her jewelry or various gifts, but those were ultimately just material things.
Of course, the jewels were valuable, but they couldn't compare to the worth of Rozalin's smiles and affection toward me.
That was the kind of kindness she showed me.
"Shall we head out right now?"
"I was thinking of having lunch first, then going afterward."
"I see... Then could Mom come along too...?"
"Of course."
I'd already answered that just moments ago.
"Then shall we meet at lunch a bit later? You look like you have some work to do, Mother..."
I said that while glancing at Rozalin's desk.
It was a bit far, but I could make out some documents, probably related to her management of the mansion's internal affairs.
"Yeah, let's do that. See you a bit later...?"
"Yes, Mother."
With that, I left Rozalin's room.
"Heehee..."
It was nothing major, but my mood definitely improved.
It was just going to get a uniform fitted—something as simple as getting a few clothes tailored—but it felt so good.
I had no idea what Rozalin was thinking, but she probably liked it too?
She'd always seemed to enjoy dressing me in cute outfits... though it embarrassed me.
"Lize, for today when we go out, should I wear a shirt that's easy to change in and out of?"
"I'll prepare accordingly."
"Good."
There was still plenty of time before we left.
Lunch was coming up too, but... I found myself chatting excitedly with Lize like a kid without realizing it.
Hmm... Should I buy Lize a new maid uniform too?
*
-Creak...
The carriage came to a stop in front of a shop that was a bit larger than your average clothing store.
It was the destination for today: a store with a sign that also read "Specialist in Academy Uniforms" next to the main signboard.
"Madam, Young Lady."
After the carriage stopped, Lize opened the door and offered her hand to help us down.
I always wondered about this whenever we received such assistance—why did nobles bother with it...? Honestly, I had no clue.
Sure, it was customary, but... pretending it was hard to get out of a carriage felt weird.
Well, even I thought that way, but Lize scolded me so much that I just behaved obediently.
"The store's bigger than I expected."
"It's probably because this is the most accessible specialist academy uniform shop in the southern region."
"That could be."
"And looking at how many people are inside... it definitely seems that way."
Through the glass window, the shop was filled with quite a few young nobles around my age.
Of course, since they sold other clothes too, there were non-uniform customers, but most were browsing academy uniforms.
"Shall we go in?"
"Yes."
After hearing Rozalin, we entered the shop.
As soon as we stepped inside, an attendant greeted us and recited the standard clothing store lines.
"We're here to get academy uniforms fitted. Is it possible to do it now?"
"Yes, of course. Which academy's uniform are you looking for...?"
"Solchemia Imperial Academy."
"Ah... Y-yes! I'll prepare them promptly...!"
The attendant looked a bit surprised at Rozalin's words and quickly headed into the back of the store.
Probably because I mentioned Solchemia.
It wasn't just any academy—it was the empire's top institution, the one most watched and invested in by the empire.
It was only natural.
"Hmm... Mother, should we sit over there and wait? It might take a bit longer..."
"C-Customers! Allow us to escort you to the waiting room...!"
"Uh..."
"This is to ensure you can spend your waiting time comfortably with the highest quality products and service...!"
...Hmm.
I hadn't done anything, yet it felt like I'd pulled some noble privilege abuse.
Even for Solchemia Imperial Academy, this reaction was too sudden...
"Ah."
I roughly understood.
It wasn't just because of Solchemia... They saw us and assumed we were very high-ranking nobles.
Rozalin had such refined elegance and beauty, and while I didn't resemble her in looks, I was definitely pretty too.
"Pfft..."
"Camellia, what's wrong?"
"Just... something funny."
I didn't explain in detail, but honestly, the attendant's misunderstanding was a bit amusing...
Aside from our stunning appearances, one of us was the illegitimate child of a declining baron's family, and the other from a nouveau riche house?
No idea how highly the attendants ranked us, but... the truth was definitely lower than they thought.
And so, Rozalin, Lize, and I waited in the lounge for a while.
It wasn't just sitting around—we had some light refreshments and suitable tea... it was decent enough.
Of course, not perfectly tailored to our tastes?
"C-Customer! We've brought the fabrics and uniforms used for Solchemia Academy uniforms. We'll measure precisely for sizing afterward and cut accordingly. These are for your daughter to try on...!"
As we sat waiting a bit, the attendant arrived carrying various fabrics and uniforms.
The ensemble consisted of a black-based blazer and skirt, with a crisp white shirt.
They'd brought so many in different sizes...
It seemed like too many, but since they brought them on their own without our instruction... it was awkward to complain.
"Oh, thank you. The fabric looks... nice."
"The one you're touching now is for spring and fall, and we're fetching the summer fabric from the warehouse...!"
Rozalin was touching the fabric and chatting with the attendant.
I just sat quietly, listening to their conversation.
"Camellia, want to feel the fabric?"
"Yes."
"It really feels high-quality. Start with this shirt fabric, then try the one next to it for the blazer."
"It's definitely... soft. Overall."
"Right? It feels pretty similar to the material of the shirt you're wearing now."
Just as Rozalin said, it was premium fabric.
No wonder it was an empire-run academy—thinking about them making hundreds or thousands of uniforms with this level of quality was impressive.
While we experienced the uniform fabrics, the attendants busily prepared the clothes hanging on the racks.
They were working so diligently that it almost felt bad just sitting and watching.
They really didn't need to try this hard...
But no matter what we said, they'd obviously keep at it, so I just stayed quiet and still.
"Um... customer? What size would you prefer for the uniform...? We can make it roomy if you wish, or a bit snug. Since you're still in your growth spurt, I personally recommend a bit roomier..."
"Hmm..."
"Camellia, what do you think?"
"I'd like to see the standard size first. Fitting my body closely rather than roomy."
They had plenty of prepared sizes anyway, and I had no intention of buying just one or two outfits and calling it done.
Why skimp when we had the money?
I'd be wearing the uniform daily for three years at the academy—buying only one or two would be inconvenient and a huge loss.
Of course, that didn't mean I'd buy dozens of ill-fitting ones like some fool.
"Then, please wait a moment while we measure you. It won't be perfectly exact... but we'll adjust that during the final production..."
"Yes, that's fine. Please prepare."
"Y-yes!"
...Honestly, they were working so hard it was starting to feel pitiful.
I always thought this, but the difference in treatment between nobles and commoners was just too stark...
"Haha..."
Of course, I wasn't complaining about the service—I just stayed quiet.
No need to avoid good treatment, right?
Especially since this was about clothes I'd be wearing.
"Hmm..."
After that, I changed in the fitting room.
The attendants could have helped, but... I didn't want to show my body to anyone except really close people like Lize or Rozalin.
Even if I wasn't too shy about showing skin, that was a no-go.
After changing, I slowly stepped out of the fitting room.
"Mother, how does it look? It's not too uncomfortable to move in..."
It was just about right.
Not perfectly tailored to my size, but not bad either.
The fabric was good, and the tailor seemed skilled?
"Camellia..."
"Yes, Mother. Is something off maybe?"
I hadn't checked every detail in the mirror.
I worried there might be something weird.
"You look incredibly cute!"
"Really...?"
Rozalin suddenly stood up from her chair.
Not just standing—she came right up to me and started examining me up close.
She was observing so intently, ignoring my gaze or anyone else's, just focusing right in front of me.
"M-Mother...? Um... just a little..."
She was examining so closely that I unconsciously pushed her back a bit.
She'd come so near that she could see down my dress's neckline.
I couldn't help it.
If I'd let her stay that close... my face would turn red again.
"Ah... sorry. It suits you so well, I got carried away... hehe..."
"...It's okay."
My face hadn't turned red yet, so it was fine.
Not yet.