It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 74
Of course, I had assumed the space would be empty, but instead, the dressing room was filled with dresses.
“…When did this…?”
“I prepared them when I drafted the initial contract. Dresses take time to make, after all. I thought you’d need something to wear until your custom pieces were ready.”
How did he even know my measurements? No—more importantly, with this many dresses, was there even a need to call for a tailor?
While I stood dazed and frozen, Lionel scanned the selection.
“If you wear something too modest to the masquerade, you’ll stand out even more. You’ll need to show at least a little shoulder.”
I knew that, of course.
Particularly when it came to a masquerade hosted by Dantère Ortatum, where the intentions were clear. Any naive young lady who chose a conservative gown was bound to become a target for humiliation.
Snapping out of my daze, I stepped closer to Lionel.
“I’ll need a maid to help me get ready. And a mask. I’ll choose a dress with just the right amount of exposure.”
Even if I was dressed plainly now, I was once the youngest lady of Solen. My sense of style wasn’t lacking.
“I understand. Then I’ll go prepare as well.”
After Lionel left the room to grant my request, I selected a bold, deep wine-colored dress with an off-shoulder design that exposed my collarbones and upper chest.
Then, I tried on several pairs of shoes from the display in the dressing room, carefully choosing a pair that not only matched the dress but was also comfortable to walk in.
It had been so long since I had worn heels that picking a pair based on appearance alone seemed like an invitation for disaster.
A short while later, the head maid arrived with two attendants in tow.
“I heard you requested maids to assist you. These two are the most skilled in the household.”
“Thank you. I’ll be in your care.”
“You may speak comfortably. You’ll soon be the Lady of Luanax, after all.”
“I’ll do so when the time comes.”
Servants typically dislike it when a fiancée acts as if she already owned the household. Sure enough, the head maid looked subtly relieved.
With the help of the maids, I quickly began getting ready.
First, I soaked in fragrant, oil-infused water to let the scent settle into my skin and smooth its texture.
I was impatient, but I had neglected my appearance for far too long. If I didn’t start with the basics, there was no way my makeup would apply properly.
Fortunately, the maids the head maid had chosen were truly skilled. After passing through their hands, my skin and hair gleamed with a healthy sheen.
To create a stark contrast from my usual appearance as a priestess, they applied a more mature-looking makeup style and swept my hair up to expose my neckline.
Lastly, I slipped into the dress and checked for any areas that might need adjusting.
I wasn’t sure how Lionel had gotten my exact measurements, but the dress fit as if it had been tailored just for me. That was a relief.
Once I put on the shoes, a knock came at the door.
“…May I come in?”
It seemed he had been informed that I was nearly finished.
“Yes, I’m ready now.”
Moments later, Lionel stepped into the room, dressed in formal attire for the ball.
He held two masks in his hand as he made his way toward the powder room—only to freeze mid-step.
“Lionel? What’s wrong?”
Puzzled, I glanced at him, only to see him avert his gaze.
His suspicious reaction made me observe him more closely—then I caught it. The tips of his ears were turning red.
And somehow… that made me feel embarrassed, too.
