Chapter 31
Chapter 31.
The next day, Agatha, who woke up late, sat across from Enoch on the banquet hall's terrace and had breakfast.
It was a simple meal: crispy bacon, soft-boiled eggs, white bread spread with butter and grilled flat, jam, a tangy salad, shrimp soup, and a glass of wine.
From the morning, a procession of servants carrying various letters and invitations had been pouring into the newlywed mansion.
Among them, Agatha was smiling as she read a letter sent by her closest confidante and friend, Marchioness Iris Domunia.
Enoch, through a servant, handed her another piece of crispy bacon and asked.
"It seems there's good news."
"I'm checking the news from while we were away from the capital, and there's an interesting story. Would you like to see it?"
Agatha pushed the letter towards Enoch and took a bite of the extra bacon.
Currently, the kitchen was overseen by Nobilis's head chef and Aratus's chef, each taking responsibility.
Unlike the chef from Nobilis, who was skilled at seafood dishes, the chef from Aratus had a knack for meat.
The savory flavor of the bacon and its perfectly cooked texture.
"I thought so when I stayed at the Aratus residence, but Aratus's chef seems to be good at meat dishes."
"If it pleased you, I suppose I should praise him."
Enoch's gaze shifted from the letter to Agatha.
"I heard you went to your office yesterday. Did you submit your report?"
"Yes. I called my aide last night and finished it before sleeping."
Most of the news Lady Iris conveyed was about the Imperial family.
It was said that for about two weeks, the Emperor's mood had been fluctuating wildly, and this morning, it had reached its peak during the morning audience.
It was probably because of the official report submitted yesterday.
The Emperor had been fully informed of the events during the negotiation process through the intelligence agency.
An official document had been submitted, and she, the head of the unofficial delegation, had also returned, so a decision had to be made now.
"He'll call me soon. I'll go and do a good job, of course, but first, we're going to get our clothes fitted."
Agatha had deliberately finished all her work last night because she wanted to focus solely on getting fitted for clothes today.
Seeing his wife smiling brightly, the man silently put down the letter. Enoch let out a shallow breath and smiled reluctantly.
"Since you're looking forward to it, I think I'll enjoy today as well. Shall we head to the tailor's right after we finish eating?"
"Yes. I've actually cleared my schedule for the entire day. It would be nice to get accessories and shoes fitted, and have dinner before returning."
It had been a long time since she felt excited about an outing, even a ceremonial one.
After finishing their meal with enjoyment, Agatha went straight to the dressing room. She braided her hair, coiled it into a bun at the back, adorned it with pearls, and chose a dress made of thin material, considering the lingering heat.
She applied light makeup, grabbed a fan, and stepped out of the dressing room, where she saw her husband leaning against the hallway wall.
"Enoch."
"Shall we go."
When they descended to the first-floor hall, the Second Commander, Hubert Karwen, and the First Commander, Leon Takran, who were assigned to guard them today, were standing together.
"We greet the Lord and the Lady."
The two immediately offered a military salute. Both commanders looked fine, but Huber's face was particularly grim.
Leon spoke first.
"We heard you were going out. We've already selected the knights who will escort you."
"Thank you for your trouble. Huber, you're ready to accompany us, aren't you?"
Hearing Enoch's voice, Huber looked at Agatha and him alternately with a slightly surprised expression.
"I thought Leon was in charge of the Lady's escort...?"
"I'm going out with my husband today. I anticipate I'll need to go to the Imperial Palace alone soon, and at that time, I'd like to ask Sir Leon for his assistance."
Agatha said with a smile, and Leon, who had already expected this outcome, offered another military salute.
"It's natural for the escort commander to change depending on the situation. As the Lady's dedicated escort, I have received the schedule. I will be prepared."
Enoch nodded lightly and looked back at Huber.
"Are you not ready? If not, I'll have Leon-"
"I will immediately order them to bring my horse, my Lord. You can depart right away!"
Huber, who disappeared out the door like the wind, could be heard shouting for someone to quickly bring the horses. Agatha chuckled softly.
"Then, I'll be counting on you in the future, Sir Leon."
"I will do my best, my Lady."
As Agatha accepted Enoch's escort and boarded the carriage, the escort formation led by Huber and the knights was completed.
The Second Commander, Hubert Karwen, approached the carriage after the inspection and reported.
"We are ready."
"Depart."
"Depart!"
Enoch gave the order, and the procession, flying the banners of Nobilis and Aratus high, headed towards the boutique Agatha frequented.
"Madame Challet's Atelier"
A stately signboard fluttered on the three-story building located in the heart of the inner city.
Boutiques famous for their skill in the capital were always popular, so reservations were essential for any noble, but there were always exceptions.
Agatha, as always, received Madame's warm welcome the moment she arrived.
"Welcome, Madam Agatha. We decided not to receive any more visitors today after receiving word of your arrival."
Indeed, a "Closed" sign was hanging on the door. Agatha introduced Enoch and smiled.
"You don't have to go to such lengths, Madame."
"How could we not, with our most honored guest arriving? Please come in, Madam, Marquis. Everything has been prepared for you to choose immediately."
Madame Challet immediately led Agatha to a vacant VIP room on the third floor.
It was a circular space with a platform, a table, and plush sofas arranged in front of it, ideal for selecting fabrics and patterns.
In some of the VIP rooms, the presence of guests who had arrived earlier could be felt.
As Enoch sat down beside Agatha, Madame opened her mouth.
"I heard the news. You successfully led the unofficial negotiations with the Mainyucore Empire, didn't you? There are rumors that His Majesty will soon host a grand Imperial banquet."
"You're still quick with the rumors, Madame. In addition, I plan to have a few outfits made for the autumn social season."
"As expected. Then, I'll show you the most popular fabrics first."
Cotton, silk, wool, and more.
Various fabrics were brought in by the atelier's staff. As expected of a place renowned as the foremost in the capital, they were all beautiful, high-quality items with nothing lacking.
"I'll have my husband's made first."
"Yes. We'll start by taking the Marquis's measurements."
While the staff measured Enoch.
Agatha, along with Madame, looked through various fabrics that would suit him. The ones placed at the front were those that had recently been favored by nobles or were representative products from various merchant guilds.
Agatha, examining the generally solemn and weighty fabrics, asked Madame with her eyes, "What happened in the capital while I was away?"
At this time of year, the colors were usually bright.
Madame pointed to the fabric Agatha found peculiar and smiled.
"Hoho. These are a bit somber in color, aren't they? These are new arrivals from the Neuta Merchant Guild, released just today. It seems they will be returning soon."
"Ah."
Come to think of it, the color perfectly matched the taste of the Duchess of the Neuta family.
'They must be planning to return for the autumn social season.'
Agatha unhesitatingly set aside the Neuta Merchant Guild's fabric.
As a representative product of a merchant guild, the fabric was quite luxurious, but.
"It's not suitable for young nobles. I think the ones behind this would be better. What do you think?"
The man, who had taken the staff's hand away and lightly adjusted his slightly disheveled shirt, nodded.
"They look good."
"Then, this one first."
"Yes."
Madame quickly took the fabric Agatha chose and placed it on the table.
In addition, Agatha selected items with beautiful patterns, colors she liked, and simply elegant and fine fabrics, regardless of the merchant guild, and placed them on Enoch's shoulders and lap.
The man, whose body was as handsome as his face, looked picturesque in anything he wore.
He was half a head taller than most nobles, with a slender frame and muscles honed by real combat, so what more could be said?
Madame Challet's gaze, which had been admiring Enoch since she first saw him, was becoming increasingly intense.
The man, who had been quietly observing Agatha's actions, picked out a fabric and placed it on her shoulder.
"This would suit you well too."
It was white and luxurious, beautiful enough to be used as a dress sash or hem.
"If we use this fabric, it will match my dress and your cravat. Shall we have our outfits for the upcoming Imperial ball made with this?"
"I am agreeable."
"Madame, please bring the designs."
She had wanted to share fabrics with him anyway.
Madame Challet quickly placed several large books on the table.
"These are the designs carefully selected for this year's summer Imperial ball."
Agatha sat beside him and chose formal wear to be made together. With the books placed between them, the sight of them choosing designs that would suit each other was like a masterpiece.
