Chapter 91
“My dear, you look exhausted. All this dress-up must be tiring. Why don’t you rest a little—oh? What’s that…?”
Mother had spotted something again. She’d declared the last dress would really be the last, not once, not twice, but three times already. Thankfully, she was somewhat mindful of my delicate constitution and hadn’t presented an overwhelming number of options. However, after finding one particular lace and frill-laden dress that suited me, she’d proceeded to purchase every similar design in the store… in bulk. I let out a hollow laugh as I watched the mountain of packaged goods, now practically mobile in their sheer volume.
“[I apologize for not intervening, my dear. But what can one do? You’ll get used to it eventually, ha ha! And don’t you worry about the expense. Money is the least of our concerns in House Blashur.]”
Feigning deafness to Father’s words, I turned to Mother. Her gaze was fixed, an unfamiliar seriousness etched on her face. At home, she always wore a relaxed smile, so this sharp, intense expression cast her in a new light.
‘I’ve never seen her look so serious.’
What was it? Had she encountered someone she knew? Someone dangerous, perhaps, or someone connected to her official duties? I swallowed, Mother’s fierce aura eclipsing even the thought of the beautifully wrapped packages piling up behind me. She summoned a staff member, her voice clipped and direct.
“Is it possible to have these garments monogrammed immediately?”
“P-pardon? Yes… we have a skilled embroiderer on staff who can work quickly.”
“Then please summon them at once. This is the inscription. I want it on two shawls and two shirts, in the sizes we discussed earlier.”
The staff member hesitated, then scurried away. Kin approached Mother, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“What is it, Mother?”
“Look at this.”
…A coat?
“[Minerva gets intensely focused on the strangest things, ho ho! Are you surprised, my dear? It’s one of the things I adore about her. Now, what was it that caught her eye—oh! Oh my! I see! Of course, that’s what she’s thinking.]”
What was Father on about now? My lips pursed in a frown. I cautiously approached the garment that had so captivated their attention. It was just a plain staff uniform… a frock coat, likely discarded by an employee due to the heat, hung on a nearby rack. What was so special about it? The only distinguishing feature was the small ‘lux’ embroidered on the back, the name of the boutique.
Bewildered, I glanced between Mother, Kin, and Father. What had caused Mother’s intense focus, Father’s astonishment, and the knowing smile playing on Kin’s lips? Mother had mentioned monogramming… was that it? Why would anyone want to add an inscription to a coat? Was that the latest trend in the capital? I blinked, utterly lost. Moments later, the staff member returned with someone who looked like a designer. He introduced himself as Perry and greeted us with a bow.
“I have embroidered the garments with the utmost care. If there is anything you are dissatisfied with, I will gladly make adjustments. If His Grace wears these, they are sure to become the latest fashion in the capital, and it is a great honor to be a part of this trend.”
With that, Perry presented a shawl that matched the empire waist dress I was wearing. Kin received a shirt, and Mother a shawl identical to mine.
‘Embroidered with care? A trend? Did they embroider some kind of message on it?’
I’d assumed it would be something generic, like flowers or a small animal motif. Their current obsession was coordinating outfits for a sense of family unity. Without a second thought, I picked up the shawl, expecting another round of try-ons. Unfolding it, I gasped and recoiled.
“I-I can’t wear this!”
Kin chuckled mischievously.
“Why not? It looks fine.”
I stared at the garment in horror. Embroidered in large white letters across the pale pink shawl were the words: ‘We Are Family ♥’.
They expected me to wear this? Absolutely not!
Mother, oblivious to my mortification, had already draped her shawl around her shoulders, the message on full display, and was laughing heartily. B-but she was a noble! A high-ranking noble, at that! How could she wear something like this…?
As I choked back a silent scream, Perry gently draped the shawl around my shoulders, his practiced movements ensuring it settled perfectly. He beamed, his words a chilling contrast to his pleasant demeanor.
“I admit, I was perplexed when I received the commission, but it suits you beautifully, madam. I predict this will become quite the fashion statement in the capital. It would be lovely to have a family portrait done with everyone wearing these! They complement you perfectly.”
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