Chapter 51
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 51
I’ve been choosing only plain, white clothes from my wardrobe to seem more good-natured and humble. Is it not working at all? Artemisia scanned me and offered a cautious critique.
“Hmm… It does suit you well, but it’s a bit out of style…”
“It belonged to the late Countess.”
“Ah! It has a timeless, classic feel. That makes it quite unique and wonderful!”
Yep. I knew it wasn’t so bad.
* * *
Raphaella sighed as he watched Artemisia diligently selecting fabrics.
First, she’d sent a chill down his spine by suddenly suggesting leather. Now, she was eagerly rattling off designs that would suit Lady Rohanson, showering her with praise. They were truly siblings—she was the spitting image of her younger brother.
“Sir Gabriel, how about this fabric? Doesn’t it look perfect on the young lady?”
But why was Misha trying so hard to make Lady Rohanson and the Commander look like the perfect couple when she believed her own brother had a crush on the lady?
He wasn’t sure if he should call that an overabundance of professional dedication. Just then, a familiar face approached Raphaella.
“Sir.”
“It’s been a while, Sister.”
Daisy handed a letter to Raphaella.
“Please deliver this to Sir Gabriel.”
“Is it a love letter?”
At his habitual joke, Daisy shot him a fierce glare without a trace of a smile.
“I don’t mind if you read it first.”
Geez, can’t even take a joke, Raphaella grumbled as he unfolded the letter.
‘Bishop Zabaniya…?’
He was briefly puzzled by the familiar sender’s name, but once he finished reading, Raphaella cursed inwardly. Sending a spy to the Rohanson mansion? That damn old man must have a death wish. We’ll throw him a grand funeral when the time comes, so why is he so eager to dig his own grave?
“Is Mr. Phonor safe?”
“What do you mean? He came and gave his lesson just yesterday. Why? Do you not trust me?”
“Because you have completely become Lady Rohanson’s person now, Sister.”
The nun who had once accused Evangeline Rohanson had become her loyal maid after the orphanage incident. The once helpless, terror-stricken woman could now bare her thorns for Evangeline’s sake.
“Your Commander is completely infatuated with the young lady. Why shouldn’t I be?” Daisy snapped back.
She was pointing out that Gabriel was also sticking close to Evangeline Rohanson despite having some inkling of her true nature.
Since she was right, Raphaella couldn’t argue and simply shut his mouth.
He really didn’t know what the Commander was thinking. It certainly wasn’t a warm, soft emotion like affection.
Yet, the mere fact that Gabriel had thoroughly hidden everything about Lady Rohanson during their meetings clearly showed how much he cared for Evangeline.
What was even funnier was that Raphaella himself had done his absolute best to help his Commander. Raphaella looked at Evangeline, who was wrapped in the fabric Misha had draped over her. She looked utterly fed up, as if she had been forced into playing dress-up.
Her red eyes blinked, and her gaze shifted toward him. It was only a passing glance, but the sheer pressure she exuded made his heart plummet. Ah, so this is it, Raphaella muttered to himself, not even realizing he’d spoken.
“You’re right… It seems we’ve all been possessed by a demon.”
Misha, Daisy, the Commander, and even Raphaella himself.
* * *
What are those two doing?
Daisy and Raphaella were sitting suspiciously close to each other. The atmosphere between them was strange… My RoFan reader’s intuition began to tingle. Raphaella, do you seriously have feelings for Daisy?
Wasn’t Daisy supposed to end up with Jelly as a side couple? As I pondered this, I wondered if Raphaella was one of those “forever single relationship gurus”—the type who can’t manage their own unrequited love but excels at matchmaking for their boss. Yeah, you see those kinds of characters in novels sometimes.
As I watched them suspiciously, Daisy handed Raphaella a letter. W-What? Is that a love letter? I thought it was unrequited love!
Daisy opened her mouth. What was she saying? I strained my ears to listen as closely as possible.
“—completely infatuated, so why shouldn’t I be?”
What?! Daisy just dropped a bombshell confession! She said, “I’m completely infatuated, so why shouldn’t I be?” My heart pounded wildly at this unexpected romance.
So Raphaella wasn’t the one with the unrequited love! Judging by the letter and everything, Daisy was the one who liked Raphaella! Come to think of it, the first time I saw Daisy, she was with Raphaella, too.
I must have had their roles reversed this whole time. Oh, Jelly… I guess you’re the one with the unrequited love. What are you, the second male lead in everyone’s story?
I was so curious about their conversation that I kept glancing over, and then my eyes met Raphaella’s. Busted! I quickly looked away, pretending I hadn’t been watching and couldn’t care less. I really wanted to hear the rest, but of all the times to get caught!
“How about this one?”
“I like it.”
Pretending our eye contact had been a complete accident, I made a big show of being fully focused on choosing fabrics with Artemisia.
“Right? I thought so too! How is your taste so refined, my lady? It will definitely suit you. It will also pair perfectly with Sir Gabriel’s formal wear!”
Artemisia wrapped the fabric tightly around my body. M-Madame, I can’t breathe. Before I could complain, the fabric unraveled. Phew, that was a close call.
“Now, we need to take your measurements…”
Artemisia glanced at the men. Ah, taking measurements meant I had to undress. In other words, she was telling them to get out. At the polite eviction notice, Gabriel stood up.
“Since the young lady must be tired from hosting guests, I shall take my leave now.”
Come to think of it, Gabriel really is straightforward. He’s actually leaving the moment he’s asked. Well, he must be busy, so keeping him here any longer wouldn’t be polite anyway.
“I leave the young lady’s attire in your capable hands.”
“I would do my best even if you didn’t ask, Sir Gabriel,” Artemisia said, rolling her eyes playfully.
“Ah, my lady. About the chaperone I mentioned before.”
Right, Gabriel did say he would look for a chaperone. But what about it? Did he fail to find one? Did everyone refuse because my reputation is so terrible?
Evangeline’s mother had passed away, her maternal family had cut all ties, and the Count had only provided a tutor while completely ignoring things like a chaperone. There was no way for me to find one on my own.
“Marchioness Toten has readily agreed to act as your chaperone.”
“Madame Toten?”
“Yes. She is a deeply devout woman who frequently visits the Temple. Madame Toten has one child, and I heard the child is quite sickly. Upon hearing of your situation, she said it reminded her of her own child.”
So there was someone! Thank goodness there’s at least one person. She must have only heard about Evangeline being sickly, without hearing any of the other strange rumors.
“She is highly influential, so she will surely be of help to you.”
Wow, “be of help.” He really is the classic male lead who’s only warm to his woman. Gabriel lowkey treats people like tools, doesn’t he?
“Madame Toten asked if she could meet with you privately before His Highness the Crown Prince’s Birthday Banquet. Would that be alright?”
Of course! Madame Toten? Just hearing her name makes her sound so gentle and kind. I’m absolutely certain that if it weren’t for her, there wouldn’t be a single person in this world willing to be my chaperone.
“If you give me a convenient date, I will convey the message for her to visit.”
“I will go to her instead.”
I mean, she’s doing me a huge favor by being my chaperone, so I can’t just order her to come to the Rohanson Mansion. My already terrible reputation would plunge straight into the gutter.
“Tomorrow is too soon, so could you tell her I will visit in two days?”
“Wait, make it three days! Please go in at least three days. Even if I can’t finish a custom dress by then, I’ll bring some ready-made clothes tomorrow and alter them for you!”
I wanted to strike while the iron was hot and go tomorrow, but Artemisia pushed the date back. I could just wear what I already have, though. Artemisia shook her head.
“I want you to wear clothes made by me, my lady.”
“Won’t you be too busy making my debutante dress?”
“Not at all! It’s completely fine.”
“Well, if you say so.”
Since I had nothing to lose, I gave her the go-ahead, and she looked visibly delighted. Artemisia seemed to have a strong sense of craftsmanship. Was she the type who insisted her clients only wear her creations?
It wasn’t a whole week, just three days. I could wait that long; it wasn’t an urgent matter. So, taking Artemisia’s opinion into account, we decided I would visit in three days. Gabriel said he would send a letter in advance.
“Sir Gabriel.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Could you visit me one more time before the debutante?”
It wasn’t out of any ulterior motive; I just had no one to practice dancing with.
I had memorized the steps, but I hadn’t actually practiced with a partner yet. And out of everyone I knew, Gabriel was the only one who could play the male lead’s part.
By the way, is this really a RoFan? How is Gabriel the only noble male character I’ve met so far…? Is Gabriel lacking in charm? Is the story trying to eliminate all rivals to leave only the male lead route?
“If you call, my lady, I will come at any time.”
Gabriel promised with a shy smile. With visuals that striking, he really didn’t need to monopolize the spotlight like this…
Hearing this, Artemisia made a fuss, squealing, “Oh my, oh my!” Was that exactly how I looked while watching Raphaella and Daisy earlier?
After Gabriel and Raphaella left, Artemisia and her assistants meticulously recorded my measurements. It was as if her talkative self from moments before had vanished; she was incredibly serious while taking my measurements. She was indeed a master artisan chosen by Gabriel.
“Artemisia. If it’s not too much trouble, could you make some clothes for my maids as well? It’s not urgent, so you can take your time.”
I was still bitter about how my girls had been utterly looked down upon before because of their clothes. I had bought them a ton of new things since then, but custom-made dresses were on a different level. Besides, since Artemisia was a famous dressmaker, now was my chance to use my connections a bit.
“Of course. I don’t understand why such rumors surround someone who cares so deeply for her subordinates.”
Artemisia readily agreed. Her immediate, unhesitating “yes” was so cool. Perfect. I’ll pay her double.