Chapter 17

Time flies by quickly. Aside from Catherine’s not-so-good expression when she saw Lilian’s grades after the midterms, it was a peaceful everyday life. And naturally, Yulia’s grades were excellent. Thinking about it, Catherine and Yulia always studied together. Lilian nodded her head, recalling Yulia lazily shuffling in and out of her room before exams.

Sometimes, Lilian wondered about Yulia’s study method. Yulia would solve difficult problems all by herself but then ask Catherine about much easier ones. As Yulia watched Catherine solve them, she would smile sweetly. Honestly, Lilian didn’t pick up on it at first, but seeing them study together in either the library or her room made it hard not to notice.

Yulia had expressed a desire to study in Catherine’s room, but Lilian, feeling uneasy, opposed it, so they ended up studying in Lilian’s room.

‘Looking back now, maybe that was for the best.’

Lilian didn’t doubt Catherine’s intentions. After all, her heart was completely devoted to Lilian. Besides, it was difficult to picture her being interested in someone else.

‘Wait, did Catherine express feelings for someone in the mansion…?’

That thought suddenly crossed her mind. Did Catherine actually have someone she liked? Of course, Lilian was aware that Catherine’s feelings for Lilian Beon Portus occupied much of her time, pushing any potential relationships aside. Furthermore, due to an accident in her childhood, Catherine’s facial muscles seemed stiff, making her look a bit scary when resting.

With her dark hair and blood-red eyes often referred to as ominous, well-maintained but straight long hair, and skin so pale it almost appeared ghostly, she really gave off a spooky vibe. Of course, when conversing, Catherine had her silly moments, but her overall look leaned towards fierce.

Clatter, clatter. The carriage rattled, snapping her back to reality. Catherine sat beside her, eyes closed in a perfect posture (it was impressive how she maintained such elegance even in a rocking carriage), while Yulia, sitting next to her, wore her usual enchanting smile. Undeniably beautiful, Yulia turned to look at Lilian, seemingly aware of her gaze.

Her lips still curved in that smile, which made it impossible for Lilian to dislike her. It was as if Yulia was trying to charm people unintentionally, and that sunny affection didn’t seem to be directed solely at Catherine.

When Yulia quietly approached and took Lilian’s hand, Lilian couldn’t help but grin. Whatever the former Lilian was, she was now a smitten fool. When such a beautiful and captivating woman approached her, it was impossible not to feel attracted.

“By the way, Catherine.”

“Yes, Young Lady Yulia.”

“Where did you say we’re going today?”

Lilian asked Catherine while maintaining eye contact with Yulia, still holding her hand. Catherine slowly opened her eyes at Yulia’s question.

“To Cal’s boutique. Cal, a promising designer from the Empire, has recently set up shop in the Free City, which has caused a flood of reservations from students there. In fact, his designs are renowned for their exquisite beauty.”

“Anyway, there’s a ball hosted by the student council coming up. Now that the midterms are over, we should have some fun!”

“Plus, Young Lady Yulia doesn’t have a proper dress, does she? It would be a great opportunity to get one.”

Yulia, who had been quietly listening to the exchange between Lilian and Catherine, suddenly looked alarmed at that statement.

“Huh? Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“Okay.”

“Wait a minute. I don’t have money! Places like that are expensive!”

“Money? Do you think it would matter with me right by your side?”

Lilian remarked with an arrogant smile, prompting Yulia to reflexively respond with an “Oh!” but then she shook her head in denial.

“No, but still, how can I ask my friend to pay for me…”

“Young Lady Yulia, your birthday is in two days, right?”

“Huh? Ah, yeah. How do you know?! I haven’t told anyone since I got here!”

“There are ways to find out.”

Catherine, with her expressionless face, glanced at Lilian. Oh, I see.

“Yeah. It’s a birthday gift. A birthday present, so take it.”

“But I can’t accept such an expensive gift…”

“Hey! If you don’t accept it, I’ll just order the dress and tear it up!”

“Wait a minute… I’ll take it. That’s fine.”

Eventually, Yulia nodded after hearing Lilian’s blunt remark. Seeing her, Catherine seemed satisfied and closed her eyes again. Clatter, clatter. The sound of the rattling carriage filled Lilian’s ears.

#”

“Welcome, ladies. I’m Cal, the designer.”

She looked to be in her early 30s. Thanks to her name, Lilian had thought Cal was a man, but a striking woman awaited them. Naturally, both Lilian and Yulia were seeing Cal for the first time and stared at her in surprise.

“Hehe, your expressions are quite surprised.”

“So, Cal is a woman.”

“Cal is beautiful!”

“What? Oh ho ho, you say the sweetest things, beautiful ladies.”

Cal kissed Yulia’s hand and winked. Yulia giggled like a rolling jewel.

“Are you two here to get dresses for the ball?”

They nodded. Once Cal confirmed their agreement, she slowly started to look them over. As she measured them, she pulled out a measuring tape and began checking their dimensions.

“Hmm. Great. Naturally, you want custom-made dresses, right?”

“Of course.”

“What? Hmm… are custom dresses more expensive?”

To be honest, it was a rather silly question, but Cal simply smiled, covering her mouth.

“What? Oh ho ho, of course! The items we’ve already made are different. A truly unique dress will be created by the touch of my hands. That’s a given, isn’t it?”

“L-lilian…! I’d be fine with something already made!”

Upon hearing Cal’s response, Yulia leaned towards Lilian with a panicked face. Although her whisper was loud enough to be heard, Lilian didn’t seem to notice at all.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Yulia. Cal. You’ve already received dresses for both of you, haven’t you?”

“Yes, you have more than enough already, Young Lady Yulia. So it’s too late to go back now.”

“Ugh…”

Yulia looked at Lilian with a pouty face. However, Lilian turned her head sharply with her usual cold expression. Anyone would think Yulia was paying for them.

“Ideally, we should select fabrics according to your tastes, but… inspiration has struck powerfully today. So I would like you to leave now.”

“U-uh? Is this really okay?”

“Of course.”

“Cal, what about my request?”

“Of course! I’m aware of it, Young Lady Lilian. So don’t worry.”

Request? What request? Was there something Lilian could ask for without going through me? If she were a Young Lady, she would have definitely told me. Every time this happened, Lilian reminded me that she wasn’t the Young Lady I knew.

“Then, when everything’s ready, please let me know. I’ll send my maid.”

“Hehe, of course. Catherine, dear?”

“…Yes?”

She called me? I couldn’t help but glance at Cal, a little startled since I had been silently standing there like a curtain. Cal scanned me briefly and grinned.

“Hmm, nice. You’re quite a beauty too. It feels like stepping into a flower garden. I’ve seen all kinds of beauties from the Empire and Free City, but this array of beauties is a first for me.”

“Th-thank you. But could you stop judging the Young Lady?”

“Ah, I didn’t mean to be rude. Hehe.”

Although I could have taken offense, I felt slightly bad seeing her apologize and shook my head.

“I’m sorry. It’s just a habit.”

“Hehe, that’s understandable. After all, you’re a loyal maid.”

“Yes?”

When I cocked my head at her enigmatic comment, Cal shook her head.

“No, it’s nothing. Alright, you may go back now.”

“Hmm. How long do you think it will take?”

“About a week. Since I’m making dresses for both of you.”

“It seems we can make it just in time for the ball.”

“You won’t be late, so don’t worry. Now, Morrison, please see the guests out.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Yikes, that startled me. I was taken aback by the sudden appearance of a pale-faced man from the corner, but I didn’t show it and stepped outside. As I came out, the sky had turned pink with sunset.

“I guess we should grab a bite.”

“Aren’t you the one who wouldn’t touch food unless it was made by Catherine?”

“Yeah. But she probably prepared something for us anyway.”

How did she know…? Of course, whenever I went out on these outings, I’d always prepare a lunchbox, but Lilian didn’t know that now. I pulled the lunchbox from my bag, lost in those thoughts.

“No way?!”

“Yep. I saw her preparing it before we left.”

Oh, right. It wasn’t exactly a secret.

“Hmm… this spot seems nice. There are plenty of benches and not too many people passing by.”

Looks like this was a tourist spot since there were others around having snacks as well. So, we set up our seats on a bench and began to eat our lunchboxes.