Chapter 54
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“So… does that mean you want me to go to the ball with you?”
“That’s right. Is that too much?”
“No, not at all!”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Adrien smiled quietly, and from that moment, Samuel’s heart was thumping even louder than the carriage wheels.
So Adrien really wanted him to be her partner for the ball. And at this rate, there was only one place they could possibly be headed.
Trying to keep his nerves in check, Samuel mentally ran through what he’d need to do. He didn’t care about high society, but he couldn’t embarrass Adrien in front of her peers. He didn’t have much to offer, but at least he knew his looks were decent enough.
If they were heading to a tailor, he’d need to get fitted, then maybe take care of his skin until the ball…
“We’ll stop by the tailor to get you measured, then get ready at my place. The timing should work out.”
“…Commander, wait—are you saying the ball is tonight?”
“Of course. That’s why I brought you with me today.”
Samuel was so stunned he couldn’t even speak. This whole day was just one surprise after another.
Even a commoner like him, who’d never set foot near a society event, knew it took at least half a day to get ready for a ball. The fact that almost all the soldiers on leave today were nobles made even more sense now.
He’d barely have half a day to prepare. Fittings alone would eat up plenty of time. When was he supposed to get all dressed up?
“After the tailor, maybe we’ll stop for a light dinner at a restaurant. There’ll be food at the ball, but lots of people are too nervous to eat at their first event.”
Yet, even with a packed schedule, Adrien still managed to fit in a meal. Samuel could only nod, feeling dazed.
“I’ll just do whatever you think is best, Commander. I trust your judgment.”
Apparently, preparing for a ball with Adrien Brillante was its own kind of unique experience.
* * *
Seated on a plush sofa in the VIP room of the tailor’s shop, Adrien tapped the armrest and tried to suppress a grin.
From the carriage ride until now—Samuel’s every reaction had been so adorable.
He’d walked in wide-eyed and open-mouthed, and even though he quickly tried to act normal, Adrien had seen it all.
Inside, the fun continued. Watching Samuel blink in bewilderment as the expert tailors draped fabric over him and took his measurements was simply adorable.
But it wasn’t just that. When he’d had to take off his shirt for the exact measurements, Adrien found her throat uncomfortably dry and kept having to swallow.
After all that, the tailors presented a selection of ready-made formalwear. Samuel was currently trying them on.
Who knew that a trip to the tailor—normally such a boring chore—could be this much fun? Adrien was honestly enjoying every minute, even if she couldn’t quite explain why.
“Ensign, coming out!”
At the call from the staff, Adrien looked up.
The curtains parted, and Samuel appeared dressed in a crisp white suit. He looked shy, unable to quite meet her eyes, but it was obvious the outfit suited him perfectly.
“What do you think, lady? He looks fantastic, doesn’t he?”
He truly did.
With his white shirt, vest, trousers, and jacket, Samuel’s dark brown hair and striking green eyes stood out even more. There was an undeniable air of nobility about him, as if he’d always belonged to this world.
Adrien had always known Samuel was handsome, but she hadn’t realized just how stunning he could be. If he were styled like the noblemen, he’d be even more impressive.
If he approached her while radiating that much guiding energy, she doubted she could stop herself from stripping him right then and there—
‘…I must be out of my mind.’
This was hardly the time or place for thoughts like that, with so many people around. Trying to compose herself, Adrien managed to answer,
“You look great.”
Samuel glanced up, his ears tinged pink, as if to confirm she really meant it.
Adrien nodded, stood up, and took him by the wrist, leading him to the mirror. Even now, she could feel his guiding energy swirling toward her, making her neck flush with heat.
“What do you think? You look good, don’t you?”
“…It feels awkward.”
“It probably does. But I think you look amazing.”
“Why don’t you try on a few more? You’re so handsome, I’m sure everything will look great on you.”
“You heard her, Ensign. Try on a few more.”
“…Yes, ma’am.”
Adrien still couldn’t quite meet Samuel’s gaze, and Samuel—watching in the mirror—noticed she kept avoiding his eyes.
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