MAS 10

-chapter 10-

“What on earth… is all this?”

Mary’s eyes widened as she saw the designers who had come to my room.

“I know, right…?”

From what I’d heard yesterday, there were still ten more days until the banquet.

“Your Grace, I am Madam Rubia from Arc Boutique. It is an honor to meet you.”

“I am Madam Clurella from Crudia Boutique.”

“I am…”

Several more people introduced themselves one after another.

But as the introductions continued, Mary’s expression became increasingly peculiar.

‘Is something bothering her?’

“Ma’am, could you come over here for a moment?”

Just then, Madam Rubia called me over to take my measurements, so I diverted my attention from Mary.

After taking my measurements, it was time to choose a dress.

Each madam opened her design book and tried to appeal to me.

Looking at the extravagant dresses—what they called princess dresses—my eyes naturally sparkled.

Honestly, trying something like this had been a wish of mine since my previous life.

As a child, my family couldn’t afford it, and as I grew older, it was naturally impossible.

‘Now this feels like it’s finally happening.’

I chuckled inwardly and focused on choosing a dress.

But, as with anything, moderation is key.

After flipping through several design books containing very similar dresses, I began to feel a little bored.

Was it that I had no talent for choosing clothes, or that all these dresses looked the same? What was I supposed to do?!

The madams, seeing me growing impatient, pressed me to finish the process, and only after completing everything did they finally leave.

By that time, I didn’t even have the energy to wave goodbye.

‘Choosing clothes is not as easy as it looks.’

For some reason, just sitting and gesturing had left my whole body sore.

‘But when else will I get to enjoy such luxury?’

All of this was only possible until Ciderion returned from the war.

Later, I’d probably look back on this moment and reminisce, thinking, “Ah, that was the time…”

More importantly—

“Mary.”

“Yes?”

“Are you hurt? You’ve looked upset ever since the madams came in.”

Mary’s expression had darkened drastically the moment the madams entered.

At first, I thought it was because there were just too many people, but on second thought, Mary wasn’t the shy type.

“Oh, no… it’s nothing.”

Mary shook her head, but I could see right through her.

“Nothing? That’s what a ‘nothing’ face looks like? Come on, tell me! I’ll listen to everything.”

When I patted my chest as if to assure her, Mary opened her mouth with a face that looked like she might cry.

“Well… actually…”

It turned out the reason for Mary’s gloomy expression wasn’t that serious.

“They’re madams from salons that nobody uses?”

“Yes… Madam Rubia became unpopular because she copied the Empress’s dresses, and Madam Clurella…”

In short, all of them were madams from salons that were avoided due to certain issues.

“Oh… so that’s it.”

“Excuse me?”

“The dresses don’t even have their names on them. How am I supposed to know?”

Mary looked at me a bit pityingly at my confident words.

…Somehow that made me feel a little irritated.

“Well, ma’am, I can’t argue with what you think, but each boutique has its own design philosophy… so you’ll probably notice it immediately.”

Hearing that, I could understand Mary’s concern to some extent.

‘Well, sure. Each should have some unique style to stand out.’

But there was really no need for Mary to worry, because I had no intention of joining high society.

‘Attending the banquet is just an experience I want to try once in my life.’

Besides, from everything I’d learned from countless romance novels, I was definitely not suited for high society.

I preferred a few close friends rather than many acquaintances.

I didn’t like dressing up much, and I was so indifferent to the world that people joked if I was a spy.

‘And now, me, in high society.’

Moreover, if I divorced Ciderion, there’d be no reason for me to enter high society at all.

So Mary really had nothing to worry about!

It was just unfortunate that she didn’t know this and was quietly worrying.

‘But if I told her, she wouldn’t just worry—she’d probably grab me by the neck.’

I patted Mary’s shoulder gently, as if encouraging her.

And I made a decision.

‘Mary, trust me. I’ll squeeze a hefty alimony out and make sure at least you get spoiled!’

Of course, this was assuming she followed me instead of staying with the Duke’s family.

Time passed faster than expected.

“Ma’am, wake up.”

Flash.

Mary’s voice woke me, and suddenly the room lights were on.

I can’t sleep with the lights on.

Frowning, I pulled the blanket over my chest and covered my eyes.

“Ugh… Mary, I’m sleepy…”

“No. Today is the banquet.”

Ah, right. I had forgotten.

Reluctantly, I opened my drowsy eyes.

And…

…?

Outside the window, it was still dark.

‘Am I still half asleep…?’

“Come on, now that you’re up, you need to wash your face.”

Mary handed me the washbasin water.

“Mary.”

“Come on, there’s no time!”

I quietly raised my hand and pointed at the still-dark window outside.

“What time is it?”

“Let’s see… five o’clock!”

Mary didn’t seem to find it strange at all. I asked again.

“What time does the banquet start?”

“Two in the afternoon.”

“Then how many hours until it starts?”

“You don’t think I’d forget that, do you? Let’s see… seven hours left.”

“Wrong! It’s nine hours left!”

I shouted and buried my face under the blanket.

“Oh my! Ma’am! Of course, I was joking! I know there are nine hours left.”

“But you woke me up!”

I glared at Mary like a famished beast for several days’ worth of sleep.

No matter what Mary said, I was going back to sleep.

I’m still growing, so I need proper rest!

As I glared at her, Mary suddenly softened her eyebrows and spoke with a sad expression.

“…I just don’t want you to be ignored.”

“…Huh?”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t make you suffer because of my selfishness. I was too immature.”

“Mary…”

“Go back to sleep. I know you hate being woken up.”

With that expression, how could I not feel guilty?

I sighed deeply and pulled the blanket down.

“Alright. Let’s get ready then.”

“Really?”

As soon as I spoke, Mary’s mood brightened as if she hadn’t been sad at all, handing me the washbasin.

“Come on, there’s no time. Hurry!”

That sneaky Mary.

Everyone experiences moments of regret in life.

If asked when, I would say just a few hours ago.

“Mary…”

“Yes, yes.”

“When will this end…?”

“Almost done.”

“You’ve said that seven times already.”

“Ma’am, becoming beautiful always comes with a bit of pain. Just a little longer.”

“A little…?!”

To me, ‘a little’ means less than ten minutes.

I kept covering my mouth to stop yawning while stealing glances at the mirror.

‘Mary’s actually pretty skilled.’

Every time Mary worked her small—well, bigger than mine—hands, I could see subtle changes happening to me.

‘Though the pace is painfully slow.’

“All done!”

After what felt like ages, Mary finally finished.

I examined myself, feeling exhausted as if a whole day had passed.

“Wow…”

I couldn’t help but admire my reflection.

“How’s this?”

As Mary proudly said, my appearance had become even cuter than before.

‘Honestly, it’s my face, but it’s really cute.’

I dislike children, but if I had a daughter like this, I think I could raise her well.

The longer I stared at the mirror, the more Mary’s smile stretched vertically toward her cheeks.

Then—

Knock. Knock.

Someone knocked on the door.

“Let’s see who’s here. One moment! …Master?”

Mary’s words made me widen my eyes and turn toward the door.

“Huh…?”

Why is he here?

Seeing my expression, Ciderion spoke in a voice full of annoyance.

“What are you preparing for all day?”

Startled by his prickly gaze, I immediately apologized.

“S-Sorry!”

“Never mind… you…”

Ciderion’s words slowly trailed off.

What’s happening?

“Um, Ciderion?”

“If you’re ready, come out.”

Then—BANG!—the door slammed shut.

What the heck?

‘Still, this really makes the banquet feel real.’

Ciderion and the banquet.

Remembering our first meeting, this would have been impossible.

At first…

‘He said I was ugly.’

Not only that, but when I grabbed his shoulder, he pushed me away, saying I was dirty.

Wow, thinking back, he was a total trash human.

‘And at first, he wouldn’t even talk to me!’

But now, at least he talks to me—sort of.

…Do I have to like this?