Chapter 51
I've been trying to look somewhat kind and free of vanity by picking only plain white clothes without decorations from the wardrobe, but is it having no effect at all? Artemisia scanned me and cautiously gave her assessment.
"Hmm... It suits you well, but it's a bit out of fashion..."
"It's the late countess's clothes."
"That unfashionable feel comes off as classic and incredibly original—it's great!"
Yes. So it wasn't bad after all.
***
Raphaella sighed watching Artemisia diligently select fabrics.
Artemisia had suddenly brought up leather, sending chills down her spine, and now she was enthusiastically suggesting designs perfect for Lady Rohanson while showering her with praise. Like siblings, she was exactly like her own brother.
"Sir Gabriel, how about this fabric? Doesn't it suit the lady perfectly?"
But why was Misha, who thought her little brother had a crush on Lady Rohanson, trying to pair her with the commander as the perfect couple?
Was it professional spirit or what? Just then, a familiar face approached Raphaella.
"Sir."
"It's been a while, Sister."
Daisy handed Raphaella a letter.
"Please pass this to Sir Gabriel."
"A love letter?"
Daisy shot her a sharp glare without a hint of a smile at the habitual joke.
"You can read it first if you like."
Sheesh, can't even joke around. Grumbling, Raphaella unfolded the letter.
'Javania Bishop...?'
Briefly puzzled by the familiar sender, Raphaella cursed inwardly after reading it all. Sending a spy to Rohanson Mansion? That damn old man, is it his time to die? If he dies, they'll handle the funeral properly—why dig his own grave?
"Is Mr. Phonor safe?"
"What do you mean by that? She taught a lesson and left yesterday too. Why? Don't believe me?"
"Because you're fully Lady Rohanson's person now."
The sister who had once reported Evangeline Rohanson had fully converted to Lady Rohanson's loyal maid after the orphanage incident. From being listless and fear-stricken, she could now bare her fangs for Evangeline.
"Our commander is head over heels for the lady too—why can't I be?"
Daisy shot back sharply. It meant even Gabriel, who somewhat grasped Evangeline Rohanson's true nature, stuck by her side.
True enough, Raphaella couldn't retort and shut her mouth.
She couldn't fathom what the commander was really thinking. It couldn't be some warm, soft affection.
Yet thoroughly concealing Lady Rohanson at the meeting showed how much Gabriel cared for Evangeline.
Even funnier, Raphaella had helped him do it to the best of her ability. She glanced at Evangeline, wrapped in fabric that Misha held up. She looked fed up, forcibly drafted into doll dress-up.
Red eyes blinked and met Raphaella's. Just that eye contact made her heart sink from Evangeline's intimidating presence. Ah, this is it. Raphaella murmured unwittingly.
"You're right... We all seem enchanted by the devil already."
Misha, Daisy, the commander, and even Raphaella herself.
***
What are they doing?
Daisy and Raphaella sat huddled suspiciously close. Their vibe was odd... My romanta-sy reader's instincts tingled. Raphaella, do you have feelings for Daisy?
Wasn't Daisy supposed to pair with Jelly as a sub-couple? Pondering it, I wondered if Raphaella was that single love doctor who fails at her own crushes but succeeds at matchmaking others. Yeah, novels sometimes have characters like that.
Watching suspiciously, Daisy handed Raphaella a letter. What, what is it? A love letter? It wasn't a crush?
Daisy spoke. What was she saying? I strained to listen intently.
"—head over heels, so why can't I be?"
What? Daisy confessed outright. She's saying since you're smitten, why can't I be! My heart pounded at the unexpected romance.
Raphaella wasn't the one with the unrequited love! Giving the letter made sense now—Daisy liked Raphaella! Come to think of it, I'd first seen Daisy with Raphaella.
I must've mixed up the roles from the start. Jelly... you're the one with the unrequited crush. What, like the nation's heartthrob?
Too distracted peeking, my eyes met Raphaella's. Busted! I quickly looked away, pretending no interest. Damn, caught right when I wanted the follow-up.
"How about this?"
"I like it."
Pretending it was an accidental glance, I threw myself into fabric selection with Artemisia, making it obvious.
"Right? I thought so too! Lady, your taste is impeccable. It'll suit you perfectly, and match Sir Gabriel's formal wear like a pair!"
Artemisia wrapped fabric tightly around me. Wait, teacher, I can't breathe. Before complaining, it loosened smoothly. Phew, close call.
"Now we need to take measurements..."
Artemisia glanced at the men. Ah, need to undress for measurements. So, time to leave. At the dismissal cue, Gabriel stood.
"You must be tired entertaining guests, my lady, so I'll take my leave."
He's no-backdown too. Told to leave and he actually does. Well, he's busy—holding him longer would be rude.
"I'll entrust the lady's attire to you."
"Even without Sir Gabriel saying, I'll do my utmost."
Artemisia rolled her eyes.
"Ah, my lady. About the chaperone I mentioned before."
Oh right, Gabriel said he'd find one. But why bring it up? Did he fail? Rumors too bad, everyone refused?
Evangeline's mom passed, cut ties with maternal family, count only sent tutors—no chaperone care, so no options on my end.
"Marchioness Toten gladly agreed to chaperone."
"Marchioness Toten?"
"Yes. She's deeply devout, visits the temple often. She has one child, who's frail. Upon hearing your situation, she said it reminded her of her own child."
She exists! Relieved there's at least one. Must've heard only about frailty, not weird rumors.
"She has wide connections, so she'll surely help."
No, help? Typical male lead, warm only to his woman. Gabriel subtly treats people like tools too?
"Marchioness Toten asked if you could meet before the crown prince's birthday banquet. Is that alright?"
Of course! Marchioness Toten? Sounds kind and gentle just from the name. I'm sure without her, no one would chaperone me.
"Tell her to come whenever convenient."
"I'll go myself."
No, she's chaperoning, can't summon her to Rohanson Mansion. My bad image would tank further.
"Tomorrow's too soon—say in two days?"
"Wait. Three days later! At least then. Can't make a full dress, but I'll bring ready-made tomorrow for alterations!"
Strike while iron's hot for tomorrow, but Artemisia pushed it back. Just wear what I have? She shook her head.
"I'd love for you to wear something I made."
"Aren't you busy with debutante dress?"
"No! Totally fine."
"Then."
No loss for me, so I allowed it, and she visibly brightened. Artisan pride, huh? Customers must wear only her creations.
Three days over a week? No rush. So we set for three days later per Artemisia. Gabriel would send a note ahead.
"Sir Gabriel."
"Yes, my lady."
"Can you visit once more before the debutante?"
Not ulterior motives—just no dance partner.
Learned steps but no practice. Among acquaintances, only Gabriel can play male part.
Is this really romanta-sy? How's Gabriel my only noble guy met so far...? Lacking rivals to force male lead route?
"If you call for me, I'll come anytime."
Gabriel promised with a shy smile. No need to monopolize with that face's impact...
Artemisia nearby went 'Oh my, oh my' dramatically. Did I look like that spying on Raphaella and Daisy?
Gabriel and Raphaella left, and Artemisia meticulously recorded measurements with assistants. From chattery to dead serious—befitting Gabriel's choice.
"Artemisia. If not rude, could you make clothes for my maids too? No rush, take your time."
Still mad kids got dissed over clothes. Bought tons, but custom's different. Famous designer—perfect chance. Use connections.
"Of course. Can't fathom such rumors about someone who cares for underlings too."
Artemisia accepted readily. No hesitation, cool. Great—double pay.
