Chapter 22
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 22
Repayment (3)
A letter came saying there would be a banquet at the Imperial Palace.
The Emperor requested her attendance, but for Lucia, it wasn't pleasing.
Clearly, for her, meeting many people and forming a faction would be better for the throne, but meeting people was more tiring than thought.
"I wonder what nonsense those old fogies will spout this time."
Especially, she hated others trying to cross into her territory as they pleased.
She hated even seeing the sight of them continuously mentioning their children and subtly bringing up marriage even before marriageable age.
Let alone trying to become in-laws of her who will become the Empress in the future, if she bore a child, they could even gain the qualification of the Imperial Family's maternal family.
Because she hated those who blatantly revealed greed without knowing their place, originally she wouldn't have gone using studies as an excuse.
"Would the story be different if there is a partner?"
But what if a reliable partner guards her side.
Lucia imagined. The faces of the old fogies flustered and not knowing what to do.
"Before going to Allen, I should pick up the new dress first."
The letter sent by the Emperor informed her that the dress was completed at Birtz clothing store.
Although there was no need for her to go directly without calling, Lucia decided to head there herself for a change of mood.
Thinking about how to persuade Allen too.
Even before coming to the Academy, there weren't many cases of wearing formal wear like this.
Since I didn't go to church, high society, or to meet anyone in the first place, there was no need to wear it.
So when I stayed in the Wiesent territory, I mainly wore casual clothes.
Meanwhile, I concentrated on my appearance reflected in the mirror.
Although I was ignorant about formal wear, even to my eyes, the clothes I was wearing right now were of very high quality.
To the extent that they couldn't even be compared with his clothes stuck in the closet of the Wiesent territory.
And also, it didn't seem like Aniel brought me to just anywhere.
Seeing that I saw a few employees recognizing Aniel and welcoming her when we just entered the store.
Above all, the most important point was that I also seemed to have heard about Birtz clothing store once while passing by.
Whether then or now, I didn't have much interest in clothes I wear, so I just let it pass, but if it's quite a famous brand's clothes, it was obvious that I absolutely couldn't match it with 2,000 Rupees.
"Should I tell the family and ask them to send more money."
It was noticeable to ask to send again at a time not long after receiving money.
But if I made Aniel use her wallet again at a place meant for repayment, it's a problem I absolutely shouldn't overlook.
Does father dig the ground to earn money? Although it's a Margrave family, now is a situation of devoting total war with demons.
It was awkward to keep demanding money day and night when most of the family budget is being used for military expenses.
Thinking maybe it would be better to find a side job to earn money soon, I went out to the fitting room.
"It seems you are all dressed up."
"......"
Then I faced Aniel who changed into banquet attire in front of my eyes.
Aniel's appearance I have seen until now was just clothes provided by the Academy. Even that, she wore shabbily.
But now, her appearance at the Academy couldn't be imagined at all.
The black dress, which could be misunderstood as attending a funeral if mistaken, transformed her snow-white skin and curved parts I didn't know before attractively.
Even up to jewel accessories harmoniously embedded everywhere, everything shone as if tailored for her.
Looking with a face out of my mind, I whispered unknowingly to myself.
"... You are very beautiful."
Beautiful. She shone very much. Perhaps for this moment, I felt like I could understand Iris.
Unlike me, she who would have seen her often in high society must have seen these appearances of Aniel.
On one hand, I bit my lip. I was worried that a word popped out unexpectedly might create an awkward atmosphere for no reason.
Compliments about appearance could be taken unpleasantly depending on who says it.
"Am I beautiful?"
But the opponent didn't show such signs.
With those characteristic relaxed eyes, she put herself in her view and asked.
If I really think so. I contemplated for a moment.
Is it something someone like me dares to say. But I already blurted it out.
I clenched my fist in my hand and said.
"Yes. You are so beautiful that I doubt if I am a person suitable to be the Grand Duchess's partner."
It was still so. Whether I may be by her side.
I was worried if I was causing a nuisance to her who will rise to the future Grand Duke position.
Furthermore, looking at Aniel's beautifully dressed appearance now, wouldn't it be better to stand side by side with a cooler and more handsome person than someone like me.
Just as this thought occurred, a sound was heard in my ears.
"I will check if the dress size fits."
"Yes, then I will escort you to the fitting room."
"Huh? That voice is....."
Did Princess Lucia also come here? I thought it would be good to go out and greet her at least, but that didn't happen.
"I wonder how many times I have to make you say it."
Aniel pushed me into the fitting room.
Together with herself.
"That it won't do unless it's you."
Anxious. Fretful. Aniel bit her lip.
It's again. The sensation she felt in the bathtub after sparring that day crawled up.
Why on earth am I like this.
No way. She already rose to an immune state in all areas regarding mental types. Therefore, she is even more puzzled.
Why does she become like this only when in front of Allen. When she heard the words that she is beautiful, her heart cold like ice beat violently.
A smile was about to be formed at the corners of her mouth uncontrollably. Her chest became warm to the extent she had never felt before.
She felt good. Because she hadn't felt this sensation many times since she was born.
But it didn't last long. Aniel looked at the man in front of her eyes.
Does he even know.
"I chose. Not chosen reluctantly."
She had never chosen a partner. There was also having no options, but no matter who it was, she didn't care at all.
Everyone except herself looked all the same. Faces dyed black were hard to recognize the shape.
So she had never chosen. But now is different.
"G, Grand Duchess. For now, please go out and...."
"I will do it here."
A cramped secret room. Too close. And gaze kept going to the exposed chest.
Allen wanted to solve this sense of distance somehow.
If he makes a mistake and lets go of the string of reason and touches her as he pleases, it's death confirmed on this spot. So he tried to go out for now, but sadly, due to Lucia's voice heard, he couldn't do so.
Honestly, doesn't it matter?
She and I are no relationship. Therefore, it shouldn't matter whatever he does.
But Allen's gut feeling was warning. Although the reason is unknown, it told him absolutely not to show this appearance.
He couldn't predict what would happen if he gets caught in this appearance right now. But he didn't think it would end quietly.
In the midst of being unable to do this or that wrapped in anxiety, Aniel sent a gaze staring at Allen.
"Ah."
"Don't think of other things. Concentrate on me right now."
She approached closer and whispered in Allen's ear.
Now that their bodies are completely in close contact, Aniel spoke.
"You said I was beautiful."
Is it a lie?
At those words, Allen bit his lip.
How could it be a lie. Seeing this appearance of yours, how much he is holding back right now.
"Have confidence."
Aniel grabbed Allen's chin and turned it towards the mirror.
"Because you are also cool."
There were two people side by side there.
Two people in close contact more stickily than lovers.
Although she said he was cool, not a word was heard properly in Allen's ears right now.
Even while thinking he was really cool to the extent of thinking clothes make the man, Allen's gaze headed to Aniel right next to him.
Amidst the heart beating as if to burst, Allen felt resentful for some reason.
Whether it's just because he keeps getting swept up in Aniel's pace, or because he is in a position of being constantly doubted, the specific reason was unknown.
"Ah..."
Allen grabbed Aniel's wrist.
There was no resistance.
In a state where absolutely no strength was felt, he brought the back of her hand to his mouth and bumped his lips against it.
"Will you become my partner."
And proposed formally. asking if she wouldn't become his partner.
Hearing these words, Aniel raised the corners of her mouth.
The heart changes warmly again. The warmth felt from the held hand felt good.
Above all, those two eyes staring at her blindly too.
Aniel nodded and said.
"Now you seem a little manly."
Looking at Allen who changed more manly than when she saw him at the entrance ceremony, Aniel hoped.
Please let him not hear the sound of her heart.
"M, more than that, what if the Princess hears?"
"It's fine. Since soundproofing magic is cast on every fitting room."
"That expensive soundproofing magic, you mean?"