What I Gained by Giving My Body - Chapter 2.18

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Caitlyn thought to herself.

‘W-what am I even doing here?’

It seemed Archduke Akbar intended to create a dressing room for her on the level of a Count’s daughter. Was it a form of compensation, or simply out of spite? Unless she were the Archduke himself, there was no way to know, but the latter seemed far more likely. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be subjecting her to this punishment of changing through dozens of outfits.

“How fortunate that we have a model whose figure so closely resembles Lady Hardick’s! That way, you can try on her dresses yourself before choosing.”

Addressing Caitlyn—who was merely the sister of a baronet—as “young lady” was a serious breach of etiquette, yet no one present pointed it out. Miss Sabina added cheerfully. She had been beaming the entire time; after all, a customer who spared no expense was already purchasing her tenth dress, so it was only natural she would be in a good mood.

“And that girl has been the most skilled lately, so most of the pieces we’ve been preparing to show our customers were made with her in mind.”

Caitlyn inwardly resented the model whose name and face she didn’t even know. Why……! Why did she have to be so unnecessarily skilled and cause Caitlyn such suffering?

“This one is poor. Next.”

“Bring number nine hundred and fifty-three immediately!”

Caitlyn changed her clothes while swearing inwardly for the dozens of times. She only had to leave her body to the touch of the clerks who undressed her, but having already put on over fifty outfits, even just standing still was exhausting.

Indeed, Archduke Akbar was an incredibly fastidious man. Too bright, too dark, doesn’t match the hair color, needs to harmonize better with the eye color, looks vulgar……. The moment she saw the dress the clerk newly brought out, Caitlyn let out a silent groan. She could tell the result without even trying it on.

It was so light and fluttering, a garment where flowers made up most of the decoration. It must be one of the pieces prepared for next spring, but it was completely outside the Archduke’s taste, as he preferred luxurious and harmonious clothing. He would likely order her to take it off the moment she put it on.

Caitlyn sighed as she pulled the dress up. Having to do it even while knowing it was a waste of effort was truly unpleasant, but she had no choice but to comply since the Archduke wanted it.

“……It’s beautiful.”

She blinked.

‘Did I hear that wrong?’

However, with the Archduke’s following words, Caitlyn realized her hearing was still perfectly fine.

“I’ll take this one.”

Miss Sabina cried out at the top of her lungs. It seemed to be a masterpiece she had poured her heart into, as she looked genuinely delighted.

“As expected, Your Grace has such high standards! It is fluttering yet not light, elegant yet not plain, and brilliant yet not vulgar. If I may be so bold, it is one of my masterpieces.”

Roxias Akbar rose from his seat.

“I believe this is enough.”

Miss Sabina looked quite disappointed.

“Truly? It would be good if you looked at hats, gloves, and shoes as well…….”

“Send those things to the Hardick family after choosing them well on your own. Ensure it is not lacking, but plentiful.”

Miss Sabina’s mouth hung open. It was because, in her quick-calculating head, the amount she would bill Archduke Akbar was rapidly being drawn.

“Of course! Now that I know well what suits Lady Hardick today, I shall select them diligently and send them over.”

Archduke Akbar grabbed Caitlyn’s hand and pulled. Caitlyn stepped down from the platform, stumbling. Her only thought was that she wanted to rest as soon as possible. But as she tried to follow Archduke Akbar out, Miss Sabina, who had been repeatedly expressing her gratitude until just a moment ago, spoke up in a troubled voice.

“Your Grace, Lady Hardick. I am truly sorry to say this, but what the Young Lady is wearing now is a sample dress…… If you leave it, we will manufacture a new one.”

Archduke Akbar looked down at her with a cold gaze.

“Earlier, you said you would give me an engagement gift.”