Chapter 24

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: The Dress Shop in the Parlor
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The next day, Marin stared at the dress laid out on her bed, lost in thought.

The stiff navy fabric made it look utterly plain and shabby.

Her light pink dress meant for public outings had torn at the sleeve, leaving this ragged one as her only option.

Just as she let out a groan—

Knock knock. A soft knock was followed by Yuria's timid voice.

"It's me, Yuria."

"Come in."

Marin threw a robe over her nightgown and welcomed Yuria.

Yuria glanced at the shabby navy dress on the bed, then hurriedly lifted the light pink dress in her hands.

"Miss Marin. I fixed the sleeve."

"What? Already?"

"Yes, here."

Marin unfolded the dress Yuria offered, her face lighting up in surprise.

The torn sleeve had been perfectly mended with intricate floral embroidery. It even looked freshly laundered, the hem spotless.

"Yuria, you're amazing."

Marin gaped in admiration.

"It's nothing."

Yuria spoke shyly, but her reddened eyes betrayed a sleepless night of work.

"Thank you so much. I was worried because I had nothing to wear."

"I'm happy if you like it, Miss Marin."

Yuria's eyes sparkled as she beamed.

"But your skills are incredible. Where did you learn?"

"I've always liked embroidery, so I practiced on scraps of fabric."

"Wow, it's truly impressive."

Yuria fidgeted under Marin's praise and changed the subject.

"I left breakfast in Lady Roanna's room."

"Okay, thanks. Oh, wait a second."

Marin pulled ten silver coins from her coin pouch and held them out to Yuria.

Yuria waved her hands frantically, flustered.

"I didn't do it expecting anything."

"I know, Yuria. I've already received plenty of your kindness. But I want to pay for your skill."

"My skill?"

Yuria's red eyes wavered in confusion.

"Yes. I love this sleeve embroidery. Will you accept it?"

". . . Thank you."

Yuria fought back tears and accepted the ten silver coins carefully.

It was far more than typical mending fees. No one had ever praised her talent while paying her before.

Yuria's loyalty to Marin grew even stronger.

* * *

Marin entered the parlor, only to jolt in shock and shut the door again.

***

Olive, standing beside her, watched with his usual polite smile.

"Mr. Olive, what's inside there?"

Marin pointed at the door, eyes wide.

"Yes."

"I have to go in there?"

"Yes. The maids who insulted you and Lady Roanna are technically from the Duke's Castle, so His Grace the Duke sent this as an apology."

"That's what this is? I thought it was just buying one dress from the dressing room?"

She had been in the office yesterday too. The Duke had only called Olive and said one word: "Dressing room."

She couldn't fathom how that turned into such a long explanation.

"You remember I was there too, right?"

"Of course."

Olive smiled innocently.

"Winter is approaching, so he said to get warm outfits. For Lady Roanna as well."

"He said that too?"

"Yes."

Olive grinned brightly.

"I was right there."

"Lady Roanna has arrived. Shall we go in?"

Olive greeted Roanna with a nod, pretending not to hear Marin as he changed the subject.

Roanna and Yuria, who had escorted her, stood there blankly, puzzled.

"Marin."

"Mom."

"Is something wrong?"

Roanna whispered, glancing at Olive.

Marin silently examined Roanna's dress. The brown sleeves were frayed, the fabric worn thin.

Worst of all, it was a very thin summer dress.

"Mr. Olive was right."

Olive smiled faintly behind her without a word.

"Mom, we need to buy dresses."

"Dresses?"

Roanna tilted her head.

"Yes. His Grace the Duke owes me, so he said to spend freely this time. Let's spend until his fortune is wiped out."

Marin straightened her shoulders proudly.

*Cough.*

Olive, listening behind, choked roughly but pretended nothing happened.

Marin intended to accept the gift fully and repay the favor properly.

"Let's go in."

Olive smiled lightly and flung open both parlor doors.

The guest parlor was decorated luxuriously, fitting the Duke's Castle atmosphere.

In the center, at the tea table, a woman sat sipping tea.

Behind her stood countless mannequins, each draped in beautiful dresses.

Marin eyed the row of mannequins with a slightly overwhelmed gaze. She had just shut the door in shock from the sheer volume of dresses.

She had expected to buy one from the dressing room. Not for the entire shop to be moved to the castle.

Olive led them to the tea table and introduced the woman.

"This is Idre Smill, designer from Bloria Dress Shop."

"Hello. I'm Idre Smill."

Idre set down her teacup, rose gracefully, and bowed.

She wore a white dress with a black pearl necklace wrapped twice and dangling long around her neck.

Idre, with brown hair and blue eyes, was a side character from the novel who later became the female protagonist's exclusive designer.

Marin's inner fondness swelled at meeting another novel character.

***

"Hello. I'm Marin."

Marin greeted warmly, and Roanna beside her introduced herself.

"Hello. I'm Roanna."

Idre struggled to keep her excitement in check as she looked at them.

Her Bloria Dress Shop was a small boutique.

She was the only designer, as the owner.

By designing dresses her own way instead of following trends, noble ladies too busy chasing fashion rarely visited.

In short, it was always on the brink of ruin.

Then came her last chance. Contact from House Vines, the empire's richest.

One condition: discretion.

His Grace the Duke, injured and secluded, wanted a dress designer?

The western social circles would erupt if word spread.

Secrecy was inevitable, and she could agree to that easily.

The reward, however, was immense.

"Our lips are sealed. Whether dozens or hundreds of dresses, we'll prepare whatever you desire. Shoes and accessories to match. If you don't pick any, we'll order all your current dresses and everything from the catalog."

Idre restrained her rising smile and eyed the two women.

The middle-aged one was gaunt and pale, but had the looks of a beauty from her youth.

The younger was slim too, but her fresh light green eyes made her a cute beauty.

"Then, I'll step out for the ladies. Miss Marin."

"Yes."

Olive leaned close to Marin and whispered.

"Rest until afternoon. Visit only at bedtime."

"Yes. Understood."

Marin whispered back, glancing around cautiously.

She knew how inviting a grown woman over late at night could spark dangerous imaginations.

As Olive closed the door, the women in the parlor exchanged awkward glances.

Yuria swiftly cleared the empty teacups.

"I-I'll g-get more t-tea and t-t-trea-ts."

Yuria's face flushed before strangers, her stutter returning.

"Yes, thank you."

Yuria nodded quickly at Marin's warm gaze and hurried out.

Idre flashed a professional smile at them.

"Shall I take measurements? Who would like to go first?"