The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 70

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Chapter 70

Kin and the designer’s gazes turned to me. A concept? What’s that about? I racked my brain, but having no prior knowledge of masked balls, I had no idea what she meant.

I blinked, admitting I hadn’t thought about it. The designer’s eyes lit up with an odd excitement as she handed me a booklet. “Then how about a vampire theme? I believe it would complement your fair skin beautifully.”

Ah, so that’s what she meant.

The booklet showcased a blood-red mask and a matching gown. Beside it was a design for a male vampire: blood-red trousers, and a tailcoat with no shirt underneath.

The last time I remember, society was quite conservative. A jacket with nothing underneath? Since when had society become so progressive? Was it because of the masked ball?

I almost dropped the booklet in shock. If Kin wore that… Even with a mask, his physique would be obvious, and people would flock to him. I didn’t need to actively introduce him to others; women would be lining up regardless.

Displeased, I wrinkled my nose and handed the booklet back, about to suggest something else, when Kin spoke.

“Something else. My wife suits a fairy-like image. You have no eye for these things.”

How embarrassing…! Kin had said the words, but my face burned. Maybe you see me as a fairy, but consider other people’s perspectives too.

I glanced at the designer; she was staring at me with a grave expression. Of course she’s serious. The Grand Duke is spouting nonsense; she’s probably wondering how to respond.

After a long pause, she spoke slowly. “Indeed, a fairytale theme does seem fitting. When I first met you, I thought you were the most innocent person I had ever seen…”

I wanted to disappear. My eyelids fluttered as I shrank back into the sofa. The designer shook her head, then, with a determined look, declared, “However, a decadent style would also suit you quite well. A decadent beauty contrasting with your innocent face! It’s what they call ‘reverse charm,’ isn’t it?”

I had no idea that was called ‘reverse charm.’ Can I please be excluded from this serious discussion? I blushed crimson, my ears burning.

But their earnest debate had only just begun. They discussed color palettes, fairy wings, the allure of blood-red hues, and the world-shattering power of high heels.

“I…I don’t like either of them…” Wouldn’t normal clothes be alright?

My timid plea was lost in their passionate exchange. Defeated, I could only watch, my blush reaching my neck.

***

After what felt like an eternity of mortifying discussions, I stared at the floor, too exhausted to even voice my opinion.

“…Then I’ll see you at our next appointment.”

Kin smiled with satisfaction as he dismissed the designer. He was determined to put me in fairy wings, and no one could stop him. The designer had fought valiantly despite the difference in their social standing, but Kin’s stubbornness had won.

Kin’s victory meant I, at the ripe old age of twenty, was going to wear fairy wings. Even with a mask, I would be essentially announcing, I’m a fairy! The thought filled me with embarrassment.

Kin sat before me, elegantly crossing his legs. I avoided his gaze, taking a sip of tea. He shrugged, attempting to console my crimson face. “There are people who wear ridiculous angel costumes, so what’s wrong with a fairy wearing fairy clothes—ow!”

That wasn’t comforting at all; it was pure teasing. I pummeled his shoulder. He didn’t react to my blows, which only fueled my frustration. I’d have to see the designer again when she brought the clothes, and I was already dreading it.

Mid-punch, I stopped, glaring at Kin. He chuckled at my sullen expression. Well, I’m not going down alone.

“You have to wear clothes with wings too.”

I expected him to refuse, giving me an excuse to back out. But my plan backfired spectacularly.

“Of course I will.” Kin replied, nonchalant.

This isn’t how it’s supposed to go.

“It’ll be fun, right?”

The fairies I knew were cute, tiny spirits with delicate wings… A 190cm tall, hulking male fairy… Well, it would be entertaining. Annoyingly, he was handsome enough to pull it off.

Kin played with my hair, then muttered thoughtfully, “I should call a painter before the ball.”

Appalled, I bit his hand. He finally reacted, pulling back with a wince. “Ouch!” Seeing him in pain made me feel slightly guilty, but I didn’t regret it.

I was about to threaten him with the vampire outfit for the next ball, but stopped myself. …There won’t be a next time. I hid my expression behind my teacup. The tea was bitter. But Kin didn’t give me time to dwell.

He rose, a playful grin on his face, and extended his hand. “My Fairy Lady, would you care to learn a human dance? Shall we?”

Kin definitely needed to be bitten more.