Chapter 12
Chapter 12
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: In the Changing Room (3)
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Eirin had been different ever since we stepped into the women's clothing store.
She kept fidgeting restlessly, constantly glancing my way.
What's gotten into her? Even by my own standards, I've been on perfect behavior today.
I'd given our coachman Hans some free time, formally apologized to Master Otto and his son for my earlier rudeness, and dressed in neat clothes that fit my frame perfectly, grooming myself impeccably.
The current me, Julian von Reinhardt.
Just looking at my appearance now, no one would ever mistake me for a wastrel playboy. I exuded an air of refined handsomeness.
And here I was, having rented out the entire store just for Eirin—a complete 180 from my usual self—all to pick out gifts solely for her... when suddenly, an awkward hum escaped her lips.
"Ehem... hmm..."
It was something Eirin would never do under normal circumstances. Especially not with that excited look in her eyes right now.
I watched as she held up one of the store's dresses.
"You like that dress that much?"
It was nothing like the noble lady style with its wide skirts that concealed most of the lower body.
No lace at all—just a sleek black dress that clung tightly to the entire figure, with a bold side slit exposing the line of her leg.
It didn't even resemble a typical European-style dress. If anything, it looked like the kind of revealing evening gown an actress might wear at a film festival to stir up buzz.
Surprisingly, Eirin was pressing it against her body, letting out strange nasal hums.
"Heh-hum~ Hmm~."
Her expression was odd too. Unlike her usual blank face, she kept stealing glances at me.
She even thrust the dress toward me for no reason.
It was like she was flirting outright—completely out of character for her.
An awkward attempt at seduction, perhaps. Another nasal hum followed, as if she were hyper-aware of me again.
"Hng... hnnng~ hnnng..."
"You must really want that dress."
"H-how does it look... Young Master? Does it please you more than me? I picked something that seems decent."
"It's a gift for you, so it should suit your taste. Why ask me?"
"R-right... of course."
For a moment, Eirin's expression grew even more serious.
Wait. Come to think of it, I remembered reading online that when a woman shops for clothes, you always compliment her no matter what. I quickly backpedaled.
"No, actually—looking closer, it suits you well. It's different from your usual style, but that makes it appealing in its own way."
"Really? Then... would it make you flush with excitement right away... no, I mean, satisfy your eyes... or other senses?"
I had no idea what she was getting at, but I nodded anyway.
"Not bad."
"That's a relief. You're not feeling furious, or like everything around you is irritating?"
"Of course not. I'm perfectly fine. So, have we picked all the clothes now?"
We'd selected about five dresses in total. Some suitable for casual outings even at the Pantheon, others fit for parties.
The provocative one Eirin chose at the end wasn't something I'd planned for, but it was still well within my budget.
Julian has his own earldom, after all. The regent seems to manage it competently, so he's got a decent personal fortune.
Besides, compared to the extravagant spending sprees Julian went on in Demon King's Son, this was pocket change. That kind of waste had once bankrupted the territory and led to a bad ending.
As long as I wasn't dipping into the Border Count's funds, it was no issue. Julian was filthy rich, after all.
"Then let's have you try them on properly. Seeing them is one thing, but actually wearing them is different."
At that moment, the owner approached, having confirmed we'd made our selections.
"It'll be tough for this lovely maid to change into them alone. Shall I assign one of our staff to assist?"
Eirin recoiled in horror at the suggestion.
"The Young Master hates strangers entering his private spaces. I can handle it myself."
"Even so, dresses can be tricky to manage solo."
I answered for her.
"I'll help. I'm familiar with women's dresses."
It wasn't a lie. Thanks to my "Artist with Aesthetic Sense" trait, I could instantly grasp the structure of any noble lady's dress, even ones I'd never worn.
And Eirin's a perfect maid. With just a little assistance from me, she can change on her own no problem.
The owner replied in a playful tone.
"Oh my. As expected of the count whose name echoes through the capital's social circles—you're versed in ladies' fashion too."
"Something like that."
"Then allow me to guide you both to the fitting rooms."
Before heading there, I remembered one member of our group still waiting. Changing clothes takes women a fair bit of time.
That meant Uriel would have to linger in the store. Unlike Coachman Hans, she couldn't leave my side as my escort knight.
"Owner, do you have any tea or snacks suitable for guests here?"
"Tea? We have some cheap stuff for the staff, but usually, we fetch from nearby cafes to match our customers' tastes."
"Then the finest tea and pastries from the best cafe around—for Lady Uriel waiting over there. I'll cover the cost."
Surprise flickered across the owner's face.
"A high noble like yourself treating her personally? You must truly value your escort knight."
"Waiting around is boring. A little treat will help. Please."
He wasn't wrong, but truthfully, my shady inner self had ulterior motives.
Just in case something comes up. It'd be awkward if Uriel wandered near the fitting rooms. She's got a prickly personality too.
The owner and a clerk carried our selected clothes into the fitting room, then quickly excused themselves.
"Enjoy your time at leisure."
True to a high-end shop, the owner knew when to make himself scarce.
"Hmm. Not bad. This one suits you too."
"Does it, Young Master?"
Every dress I'd selected with my aesthetic sense fit Eirin perfectly.
A luxurious pure-white gown suited to the current winter season.
Dresses in soft green and yellow tones for the upcoming spring term.
Even the simple casual ones she might like—they all complemented her beautifully.
Not a hint of her alluring lower body's exposed... Face card never declines, huh.
Her doll-like face was flawlessly pale and elegantly lined.
Each different dress brought out a fresh charm from Eirin.
That allure pushed my "Artist with Aesthetic Sense" trait to its limits, thoroughly satisfying me.
"They say clothes make the woman, but even with wings, some still fall. You wear these better than any airheaded capital miss. As the gift-giver, I'm gratified."
"You're too kind. It's probably the store's fine selection. I agree—they're lovely. Thank you."
With her expressionless face, it was hard to tell if she liked the praise. But the faint blush on her cheeks suggested she didn't mind.
Anyway, even without the trait, Eirin looked stunning in the dresses. They suited her perfectly.
Hold up. Why am I... Calm down. Go back inside.
Despite the fully modest coverage, blood rushed southward on reflex.
Probably because we were alone in this sealed-off fitting room.
And every time she changed, I'd assisted up close, stealing glimpses of her seminude body in between.
Just like in the carriage—top bare without chemise or bra.
Bottoms were an eye-feast: sheer panties, white band stockings, and garter belt heaven combo.
Eirin had paraded it all before me shamelessly. My lower half kept surging and subsiding in fits.
Still, she calmed down the moment we entered. Interesting.
Outside, she'd been so jittery and weird. But inside, she even let out a relieved sigh—uncharacteristic of her.
Maybe she just hates shopping under others' eyes.
Good call renting the place out. Wonder if her affection went up a bit.
True to a luxury boutique, the fitting rooms varied: spacious lounge-like ones down to cramped spots for two.
The one Eirin picked was a tad bigger than the tiniest—roomy enough for me to help and watch her change. Fine for about four people.
But noble dresses take up serious space. Piling them aside left just enough room for two to maneuver.
"Young Master, sorry, but could you...?"
"Got it."
Eirin wore a fresh blue dress evoking a sprightly noble lady vibe.
I circled behind her.
Try not to think about it, but damn, it stirs me up again.
Sealed, narrow fitting room. Just Eirin and me. Come to think of it, whenever things heated up with her, she always undressed first.
Knowing this was the last dress felt oddly disappointing.
That weird one she picked... Maybe try it on here?
Not the noble styles, but would she brazenly slip into something so revealing right in front of me?
I couldn't exactly ask.
So I decided to savor undressing her from this final one as much as possible.
"Noble ladies' dresses are structurally intricate, aren't they?"
"Yes. If it's a hassle helping me, we could call a clerk..."
"No, it's fine. Consider it play to hone my aesthetic sense."
Using assistance as an excuse, I pressed subtly closer from behind. Her scent grew thicker the nearer I got.
Just hours ago, we'd shared sticky passion in the carriage, yet her body smelled freshly showered—fragrant and inviting.
As I undid the back laces one by one, her bare back gradually emerged.
Once all supports loosened, white skin gleamed through the gaping bodice.
Fine peach fuzz lingered near her nape. Her pristine back curved gracefully down to her waist, accentuating feminine grace.
Indeed. Even Eirin's back was near perfection.
Unthinkingly, I brushed fingertips along it, tracing that exquisite curve downward.
"Hnn-ah!"
Eirin let out a moan that echoed in the room. I'd known her breasts were sensitive, but...
Her back might be an erogenous zone too.
"Oops. Hand slipped. Sorry."
"No, Young Master. It just grazed while helping me..."
"Right. Let's get the next one on."
Her provocative evening gown remained, but now that she'd snapped out of it, she probably wouldn't wear it.
Stripping off the blue dress fully exposed her seminude form again—no chemise or bra, breasts bared.
But facing away, they stayed hidden. Or so you'd think...
Sensibly, one wall was a full, spotless mirror.
I admired Eirin's perky peach-like breasts reflected there.
This view's even hotter.
Not direct—more like peeking illicitly from behind. It thrilled my depraved side intensely. My shaft twitched in response.
"Hand me your maid uniform again."
But staring blatantly felt rude. As I stepped toward her piled clothes...
Eirin urgently grabbed my wrist.
"Wait, Young Master. There's still one more to try."
"Hm? Didn't we try all the dresses?"
"The one... I picked myself?"
I glanced at the black evening gown she pointed to. Unlike the others, it looked scant in fabric and volume.
Eirin fetched it herself and hurriedly slipped it on.
"Could you... tie the back laces...?"
"Sure."
I circled behind again, securing the laces.
"Not everyday wear, but bold in its own way. Not for capital noble ladies, but on you, it kinda..."
I was about to appraise it via aesthetic sense when...
Her palm suddenly pressed against my crotch. In a husky voice, she murmured,
"Don't you need... some service, Young Master?"