Chapter 55
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Samuel tried on four more outfits. There were shades popular among young noblemen—burgundy, a deep green similar to a military uniform, and even gray. The last outfit he tried was a black evening suit—not quite true black, but much darker than gray.
Gold buttons and embroidery added subtle highlights, and the shirt’s high cravat collar made the whole look quite distinguished.
But there was one problem.
“This one’s a bit tight.”
“It does look that way.”
“We can quickly alter something that’s too big, but making a small garment larger is tricky to do on the spot.”
Serena, the owner of the tailor shop, and Adrien discussed this with intense focus as they scanned the perfectly dressed man before them.
Feeling awkward, Samuel avoided their eyes. He had no idea what expression or posture he was supposed to have in this situation, but he kept sneaking glances at Adrien’s face.
Every time he emerged in a new outfit, Adrien’s reaction was about the same—except for her obvious surprise the first time he appeared.
Still, he couldn’t tell which outfit she actually liked best. Adrien wasn’t one for big emotional displays or flowery compliments; Samuel just had to pick up on the subtle hints himself.
It was a little frustrating. The unfamiliar setting was awkward, and having to change clothes so many times was exhausting.
And unlike his superior, who didn’t seem concerned at all, Samuel was increasingly aware that Adrien needed time to get ready too. He felt responsible for making sure she had enough.
The whole day had started because Adrien had misunderstood the look on his face back at the shop. If not for that, he wouldn’t be stuck here wasting time.
He let out a quiet sigh, raked a hand through his hair, and tugged at the back of the pants, which were slipping a little.
The movement made the tucked-in shirt stretch tight across his chest, showing off his solid pecs, and the fitted jacket hugged the muscles of his arms.
Gone was the awkward, boyish air—what stood there now was a man with a striking, almost sensual look.
It was only natural that both women fell suddenly silent, forgetting their critique of the outfits.
“…Commander?”
It took Samuel a moment to notice the change in atmosphere.
His innocent green eyes met theirs, and the two women instantly put some distance between them—though neither seemed to know why.
“It looks good, but it’s not going to work.”
“…Is it weird?”
“No, it looks good… but it’s not the right choice.”
Samuel tilted his head in confusion, then walked over to the mirror. Truthfully, he liked this outfit best; it reminded him of the way Adrien’s blonde hair would blend with his own darker shade.
Now, there was another reason to prefer it.
He turned this way and that, looking at himself in the mirror. The fit was snug, but not unwearable.
And what he really liked was that, in the reflection, he could see Adrien watching him.
“I want to go with this one.”
Samuel said, looking back at her.
Adrien was silent for a moment, her eyes flickering before she seemed to give in.
“…Alright, if that’s what you want.”
“Excellent choice! I bet everyone at the ball will have eyes only for you, Ensign!”
Adrien looked a little put out by the comment, but Samuel didn’t mind one bit.
* * *
“What’s everyone standing around for?”
There was a standoff of sorts at the Brillante townhouse.
It was a showdown between the household staff and the unfamiliar man Adrien had brought home for the first time. Adrien couldn’t hide her surprise at the whole scene, glancing back and forth between them.
“He’s one of my people. I’m taking him to the ball with me.”
“…He’s a guide, then?”
“Yes.”
“R-right. Please follow me, miss.”
The butler, regaining his composure first, led Samuel up the stairs. Even after Samuel disappeared, the stares didn’t stop—if anything, more staff and even a few guards joined the spectacle, openly gawking.
At first, it had just been the butler and a personal maid, but now everyone seemed to be getting in on the act.
“Ensign Samuel, is it?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“My apologies, sir. It’s just that this is the first time the Miss has brought a gentleman home. We’re all a bit excited.”
Samuel accepted the awkward greeting, though his gaze kept dropping to the floor.
He watched Adrien chat casually with the staff, which surprised him.
He’d known she wasn’t a typical high-and-mighty noble, but it was hard to imagine the famed Light of Justice being so down-to-earth.
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