MPBGS 51

Chapter : 51

I’ve been trying to dress in only plain white, undecorated clothes from my wardrobe, aiming to look kind and free of vanity—does it have no effect at all? Artemisia glanced over me and carefully offered her assessment.

“Hmm… those do suit you, but they’re a bit out of fashion….”

“They belonged to a deceased countess.”

“The fact that they aren’t tied to trends gives them a classic yet highly original and wonderful feel!”

Yeah. So it seems they weren’t bad after all.

Raphaela sighed as she watched Artemisia diligently choosing fabrics.

Artemisia had suddenly brought up leather earlier and sent chills down her spine, and now she was personally stepping in, enthusiastically praising designs that would suit the Rohanson young lady while freely listing ideas. As expected of siblings—they were exactly alike.

“Sir Gabriel, how about this fabric? Doesn’t it suit the young lady perfectly?”

But why is Misha, who believes her younger brother is in love with the Rohanson young lady, trying to pair the commander with her as the perfect couple?

It was hard to tell whether to call that a strong sense of professional dedication. At that moment, a familiar face approached Raphaela’s side.

“Sir.”

“It’s been a while, Sister.”

Daisy handed Raphaela a letter.

“Please deliver this to Sir Gabriel.”

“A love letter?”

At her habitual joke, Daisy shot her a sharp, unamused glare.

“You may read it first if you’d like.”

She really doesn’t let me joke at all. Raphaela grumbled as she unfolded the letter.

“Bishop Zabania…?”

She had just wondered at the familiar sender’s name for a moment before finishing the letter, and then silently cursed inwardly. Sending spies to the Rohanson estate? That damned old man—has his time come already? If he dies, he’ll still get a proper funeral, yet he’s digging his own grave.

“Is Fonor alright?”

“What do you mean by that? He even taught a class yesterday. Why? Don’t you trust him?”

“You’ve completely become the Rohanson young lady’s person now, Sister.”

The nun who had once reported Evangeline Rohanson had, after the orphanage incident, fully transformed into the young lady’s loyal attendant. Someone who had once been helpless and terrified now even had thorns she would bare for Evangeline.

“Your commander is just as smitten with the young lady, so why shouldn’t I be the same?”

Daisy snapped back sharply. Even while roughly guessing Evangeline Rohanson’s true nature, Gabriel was no different—he too was drawn to her.

Since it was true, Raphaela couldn’t refute it and fell silent.

I don’t know what the commander is really thinking. It’s definitely not some warm, soft feeling like affection.

Yet the way he had meticulously hidden everything about the Rohanson young lady during meetings clearly showed how much Gabriel was concerned about Evangeline.

What was even more ironic was that Raphaela herself had been supporting such a commander to the best of her ability. She looked at Evangeline, wrapped in the fabrics Misha had provided. She looked rather exhausted from being forcibly involved in what seemed like a doll-play session.

Those red eyes blinked, then turned toward Raphaela. It was just a brief glance, yet the overwhelming presence in Evangeline made Raphaela’s heart sink.

Ah. So that’s what it is. Raphaela muttered unconsciously.

“I see… It feels like we’ve already been ensnared by a devil.”

Misha, Daisy, the commander—and even Raphaela herself.

What are they doing?

Daisy and Raphaela were sitting unusually close together. The atmosphere between them felt… odd. A romance novel reader’s instincts began to tingle. Raphaela, don’t tell me you have feelings for Daisy?

Wasn’t Daisy supposed to end up as a secondary couple with Jelly? After thinking it over, she began to wonder if Raphaela was the kind of “single pro at matchmaking” character who fails at her own love life but succeeds in pairing up others. Yeah, there are characters like that in some novels.

While she was suspiciously observing them, Daisy handed Raphaela a letter. Wait, what? Is that a love letter? Weren’t they not in a one-sided crush relationship?

Daisy spoke. What was she saying? I focused as much as I could to listen closely.

“—I’m completely smitten… so why shouldn’t I be allowed as well?”

What? Daisy had made a direct confession. She was saying she liked her—so why couldn’t she be the same? My heart started pounding at the unexpected romance.

So Raphaela wasn’t the object of unrequited love after all! The letter, Daisy giving it—she must like Raphaela! Now that I think about it, when I first saw Daisy, she was always with Raphaela.

Maybe I had the roles reversed from the start. Jelly… maybe he’s the one with unrequited love. Could he be the universal second male lead type?

I kept glancing over, unable to ignore their conversation, and then made eye contact with Raphaela.

Caught! I quickly looked away, pretending not to care. I’m curious about what happens next, but of all times, I get caught now.

“How is this?”

“I like it.”

Acting as though it was just a coincidence, I made it clear that I was fully focused on selecting fabrics with Artemisia.

“Right? I thought so too! Your taste is truly exceptional, young lady. This will surely suit you perfectly. It’ll also pair beautifully with Sir Gabriel’s formal attire, like a matching set!”

Artemisia wrapped the fabric around my body. “S-Sir, I can’t breathe—” Before I could complain, the fabric slipped away smoothly. Phew, I almost died.

“Now we need to take measurements….”

Artemisia glanced toward the men. Ah, to take measurements, I’d have to undress. So that was her way of asking them to leave. At the hint, Gabriel stood up.

“I believe the young lady must be tired from hosting guests, so I’ll take my leave.”

Come to think of it, Gabriel really doesn’t hesitate. He actually left just because he was told to go. Still, he must be busy—keeping him here longer would be impolite.

“I’ll entrust the young lady’s attire to you.”

“Even without Sir Gabriel saying so, I will do my utmost.”

Artemisia shot him a sideways glance.

“Oh, young lady. About the chaperone I mentioned earlier….”

Right—the chaperone. Gabriel had said he would look into it. But why bring it up again? Could it be that none was found? Perhaps the rumors were so bad that everyone refused?

Evangeline’s mother had passed away, her maternal family had cut ties, and the count had only provided tutors—no chaperone was arranged. There was no way for me to secure one from my side.

“The Marchioness of Toten has graciously agreed to serve as your chaperone.”

“The Marchioness of Toten?”

“Yes. She is a devout woman who frequently visits the temple. Lady Toten has one child, and the child is said to be in poor health. After hearing of your circumstances, she said it reminded her of her own child.”

There was someone! I was relieved she at least had one person. It seemed the Marchioness had only heard about Evangeline’s frail health and not the other strange rumors.

“She is well-connected and will surely be of great help.”

Well, “of great help”—as expected of the male lead who is only warm to the heroine. Gabriel really does treat people somewhat like tools, doesn’t he?

“Lady Toten asked if it would be possible to meet separately before the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet. Would that be alright?”

Of course. The Marchioness of Toten? Just hearing the name made her sound kind and gentle. I was certain—without her, there would be no one else to act as my chaperone.

“Please tell her to visit on a day that is convenient for her.”

“I will go to her.”

No, since she’s offering to act as my chaperone, I couldn’t possibly ask her to come to the Rohanson estate. That would only drag my already poor reputation further into the mud.

“Tomorrow would be too soon, so please ask her to come in two days.”

“Wait a moment. Three days! Please come in at least three days. Even if the dress isn’t finished, I’ll bring ready-made clothes tomorrow and have them tailored.”

I had planned to move quickly and have her come tomorrow, but Artemisia pushed the date back. I could just wear something I already had.

Artemisia shook her head.

“I would really like you to wear something I’ve made.”

“Wouldn’t you be busy making debutante dresses?”

“No, it’s perfectly fine!”

“Then that works.”

I had nothing to lose, so I agreed. She visibly brightened. Artemisia must take great pride in her craftsmanship—perhaps she believed her clients should only wear her creations.

Waiting three days wasn’t a problem. It wasn’t urgent anyway. So, we decided to meet in three days as she suggested. Gabriel said he would send a letter in advance.

“Sir Gabriel.”

“Yes, young lady.”

“Would you be able to visit once more before my debut?”

There was no ulterior motive—I simply needed someone to practice dancing with.

I had learned the movements, but I hadn’t practiced with a partner even once. And among the people I knew, Gabriel was the only one who could take on the male role.

By the way, is this really a romance fantasy novel? How is it that the only noble male characters I’ve met so far are Gabriel…? Is Gabriel lacking in charm? Or is this some kind of strategy to eliminate competitors and leave only the male lead route?

“If the young lady calls for me, I will come at any time.”

Gabriel smiled shyly as he made the promise. With looks like that, he really didn’t need to compete with anyone else….

From the side, Artemisia watched this and exclaimed, “Oh my, oh my.” Was I just like that earlier, watching Raphaela and Daisy?

After Gabriel and Raphaela left, Artemisia and her assistants carefully recorded my measurements. Unlike her chatty demeanor earlier, she became extremely serious when taking measurements. Truly befitting a craftswoman chosen by Gabriel.

“Artemisia, if it’s not too much trouble, could you also make clothes for my maids? It’s not urgent, so please take your time.”

I still felt bitter about how my maids had once been looked down upon because of their clothing. I had already bought them plenty of clothes, but tailored garments are different. And since Artemisia is a renowned dressmaker, this is a good opportunity—I should make use of a connection.

“Of course. I don’t understand why such rumors surround someone who cares even for those below her.”

Artemisia accepted readily, without hesitation. Seeing her agree so easily was impressive. Good—my respect for her just doubled.