Chapter 439
It feels like déjà vu.
“The Lady can pull off any style, so picking just one is incredibly difficult. If it were up to me, I’d want to offer several options!”
“Please hold back on that. Having multiple wedding dresses would just be odd.”
Seeing Mar and the royal tailor chatting so cheerfully gives me an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. Even though it’s a new situation, it feels oddly familiar, as if I’ve experienced something like this before.
Then it hit me.
‘This happened before the abdication ceremony, too.’
I wondered why I felt this strange familiarity with the scene unfolding before me, but I had indeed encountered a similar situation. Before the abdication ceremony, Mar had used me as a mannequin for days. It was justifiable as I had to attend the event as the Crown Prince’s godfather, so I needed to pick a stunning outfit that everyone would remember. Eventually, it all fell apart, and I just ended up going in a standard uniform—but that doesn’t erase the experience of being a mannequin.
Mar seems like she’s in a similar boat now. In fact, unlike me, who felt tired back then, she’s closely examining the dresses the tailor is showing her with sparkling eyes. If given enough time, I’d bet she could spend not just days but weeks doing this.
“What do you think looks good on me, Carl?”
While engaged in an enthusiastic chat with the tailor, Mar suddenly showed me five dresses and asked for my opinion.
I instinctively flinched. Not only was the sudden attention on me a problem, but as the tailor pointed out, Mar could pull off any style without breaking a sweat.
‘What should I do?’
But I couldn’t simply say, “They all look beautiful!” It’s a once-in-a-lifetime wedding. Choosing a precious dress for such a significant occasion, how disappointed would Mar be if her fiancé gave a half-hearted response?
“Well, um—”
“Oh, Lady? Asking the groom is pointless. You’d look lovely no matter what, so let’s just hope he doesn’t suggest you wear them all!”
“Is that…really the case?”
As I wracked my brain for a suitable response, the tailor’s impeccable support opened a path for me.
‘Thank goodness.’
Seeing Mar’s bright smile relieved the pressure on my shoulders. She wasn’t so cold-hearted that she’d ask, “Then what do you think would suit me?”
I subtly turned my gaze to Mar’s back and exchanged a glance with the tailor, who silently gave me a thumbs up.
‘Professional…’
I was genuinely impressed. I had heard he was the best tailor on the continent, but his skills and service were unparalleled. He didn’t simply create beautiful garments but also ensured the happiness and peace of his clients.
Surely, a talent like him would be awarded a title of nobility. The royal family really has an eye for talent—even if they do end up working them like dogs.
“Hmm, I think this dress would suit the Lady wonderfully.”
“Then are we making a completely new one based on this?”
“Absolutely! These are just samples; we’ll craft a unique, bespoke dress just for you!”
The tailor emphasized the word ‘unique’ to draw Mar’s attention. I quietly retreated to a corner, awestruck.
For the first time in a while, I was grateful to the Emperor. Sending such a talent my way is truly appreciated—
‘Oh, wait, it was the Empress who sent him.’
I briefly mixed up whom to thank. Swearing at the Emperor would suffice.
My own presence began to fade even further.
“Is that the one you’ve decided on? It looks lovely. It really suits you.”
“It’s not overly flashy… I think it’s just right!”
Before I knew it, my fellow lovers who had gathered in the mansion started filtering in one by one.
‘Looks like they showed up a bit later than I expected.’
Holding my breath, I watched the lively discussions and compliments being exchanged among them. Mar’s wedding wasn’t solely her celebration. It was also a kind of signal that other lovers’ weddings were drawing near.
Because of this, Mar’s wedding dress was enough to attract the interest of other couples, and naturally, the tailor welcomed the lovers as they entered the room with open arms. The more perspectives shared, the better; it’s easier to notice details others may have missed.
While the collective intelligence was growing, there was, of course, nothing I could do. I only hoped questions like “Which one looks better?” wouldn’t be thrown my way while silently praying.
“Oh! Since Duke and Lady are here, would you like to choose something you like? The Empress has entrusted me with the dresses you’ll be wearing as well.”
As the tailor persistently stirred up excitement, I felt grateful yet again. As long as that tailor was around, my chance of suffering looked to be almost zero percent.
*
Holding our lovely daughter, Charlotte, I wandered through various parts of the Empress’s palace.
Ever since she focused her gaze on the world, Charlotte’s curiosity had exploded; the moment she lay on the bed, she often stretched her little hands and started squeaking. During those times, the only way to calm her was to carry her down the halls, like now.
With so many duties to tackle as Empress, it could be annoying, but surprisingly, not a hint of irritation crossed my mind.
“Oh, how sweet!”
“Are you enjoying it?”
“Ah-oo!”
How could I feel burdened when greeted by such a bright and beautiful smile? In fact, even if Charlotte were to dislike being held, I’d want to carry her around every day.
– Coo-bi—coo—coo!
– Is that…—!! Right now—!!
– —!! —!?
Suddenly, I smiled gently at the clamor ringing in from afar. Initially startled by what the commotion was about, I soon came to accept it as a daily occurrence in the palace.
“I guess another escape has happened again.”
“Ah-oo?”
Reacting to my muttering, Charlotte babbled in response, and I pressed a careful kiss on her forehead.
Even now, when she’s unable to speak properly, she’s so cute; how happy would I be when she starts to chatter away? I feel a flutter of excitement thinking about it.
“Grandpa’s chickens have come to visit. When you grow up a bit, you’ll be able to play with them.”
I didn’t explicitly say, “As long as you don’t get eaten,” but those words hung in the air unspoken.
The ruckus outside wasn’t due to a playful visit but an escape attempt, and it was thanks to the knights’ desperate efforts that any chicken would make it inside the Empress’s residence.
No doubt, one day when Charlotte walks on her own, she’ll be able to see those chickens. Even though she was born in one of the most noble places in the Empire, she’ll have a chance to experience, even a little, the lives of commoners.
“Ah-oo—!”
Charlotte smiled as if she were anticipating that future.
…Is my daughter a genius for understanding her parents’ words? It certainly seems that way.
“Your Grace.”
Just as I was about to kiss Charlotte’s forehead again, the head maid’s voice came from behind.
“Baron Nilon has returned.”
“Ah, back sooner than I thought. Seems he overdid it again.”
“He said he was delighted to see some great models.”
At her words, a chuckle escaped me. Baron Nilon, the royal tailor, is a genius forged from talent, hard work, and passion. That’s why he handles tasks with astonishing speed and returns with ease as if nothing happened.
But I didn’t expect him to finish so quickly again. He had been assigned to design Princess Marghetta’s dress, along with sketches for other ladies’ gowns. It shouldn’t have been something to handle so quickly.
Of course, the dressmaking isn’t done on-site; it happens when one returns. The other ladies’ designs are merely at the concept stage, but even so, that’s a remarkable speed.
“Make sure to tell him he did a great job. I’ll have to reward him generously after this.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Watching the maid gently retreat while bowing, I decided to make my way onward.
If I lingered around too long, I feared Charlotte would grow bored. I definitely don’t want to see my little angel frowning.
“I’m sorry, dear. I had no choice; it relates to your godfather’s matters.”
“Ah-oo!”
I softly spoke to Charlotte as she blinked at me, and her hands reached out as she beamed.
‘What a bright little one.’
That smile led me to break into a grin as well.
And considering she reacted so quickly to the mention of her godfather, I felt hopeful that she and the minister would remain close as she grows up.
‘She’ll be just fine.’
Thinking of the minister I’d watched over the years, my hope transformed into certainty. As long as Charlotte didn’t end up clashing with the minister during her rebellious teenage years, he would surely cherish and take care of her.
Even if she did go through a rebellious phase, he’d likely just sigh and take care of her. That’s just the kind of person he is.
“When your godfather gets married, let’s celebrate together. I’m sure he’d be thrilled to have you, dear, making the occasion shine.”
Considering the wedding venue being at St. Paronas Cathedral and the royal tailor being involved, it’s only natural for the royal family to attend as guests. The Empress would certainly lend a hand to such esteemed persons.
Moreover, since the Crown Princess’s godfather is tying the knot with a Ducal family, it’d be even stranger if the royal family didn’t show their faces.
‘Now I’ve repaid the debt, Erich.’
Princess Marghetta, my first wife, is getting married with the royal family’s strong support, so the second wife, Duke Marcilio, will surely receive similar treatment. With the first and second wives having glamorous weddings, it’s only fitting that future spouses also receive their due treatment.
Thus, naturally, the fifth, Erich, will have a wedding just as splendid. I’ll be able to repay our only junior who genuinely celebrated our marriage.
‘…I didn’t expect them to open up the cathedral, though.’
Even now, it seems absurd, and I can’t help but smile.
Even if unforeseen events occur, as long as the outcome is good, I’m fine with that.
*
When I woke up, the butler greeted me with a somewhat stiff expression.
“A gift has arrived from the Kingdom of Armain. Specifically, it’s from the third prince, Rutis Robens—”
I cracked a smile at the ensuing statement.
He couldn’t come as a guest, but he sure sent a gift before the ceremony even began.
‘That was too quick.’
Has he sent it rushing thinking it better to be early than late? Knowing his personality, it seems like something he would do.
‘…Thank you.’
Nonetheless, I sincerely expressed my gratitude towards Rutis, who wasn’t even here. After all, he’s congratulating me on my wedding.
In return, it might be embarrassing, but I’d have to lavish the delivery person with splendid hospitality before sending them on their way.
‘Next up is Lather, perhaps.’
Or maybe Tannian.
My connections span across the continent, so I’ve experienced all sorts of things.
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