Chapter 31

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 31

Chapter Title: Dress Fitting with My Husband

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, Agatha woke up late and sat across from Enoch on the terrace of the dining hall for breakfast.

It was a simple meal: crisply grilled bacon and soft-boiled eggs, flat white bread slathered with butter and grilled, topped with jam, a tangy salad and shrimp soup, and a glass of wine.

From early morning, a procession of servants had been arriving at the newlywed mansion, bearing letters and invitations.

Among them, Agatha smiled as she read a letter from Iris Domunia, the Marchioness who was her closest confidante and friend.

Enoch had a servant deliver another slice of crispy bacon as he asked,

"You seem to have good news."

"I'm catching up on what happened in the capital while I was away, and there's some amusing news. Would you like to see?"

Agatha slid the letter over to Enoch and cut into the extra bacon, popping a piece into her mouth.

The kitchen was currently under the supervision of Noblesse's head chef and Aratus's chef, each handling their domain.

Unlike the Noblesse chef, who excelled in seafood dishes, the Aratus chef had a knack for meat.

The rich flavor of the bacon and its perfect cook.

"I thought so even when I stayed at the Aratus mansion, but your chef really knows his way around meat dishes."

"I'll have to praise him since it suits your taste."

Enoch's gaze turned to Agatha after reading the letter.

"I heard you went to the study yesterday. Did you submit the report?"

"Yes. I called in my aide last night, handled it, and went to bed."

The news from Lady Iris was mostly about the imperial family.

Apparently, starting about two weeks ago, His Majesty's mood had been swinging wildly, reaching a peak at this morning's audience.

Probably because of the official report I submitted yesterday.

The emperor had received a full account of the negotiation proceedings through the intelligence department.

With the official documents submitted and the head of the unofficial delegation—herself—returned, it was time for him to make a decision.

"He'll summon me soon. I'll do well. Of course, before that, we'll go get our clothes fitted first."

Agatha had deliberately cleared her schedule last night because she wanted to devote the entire day to dress fitting.

The man watched his wife smile brightly and quietly set the letter down. Enoch let out a shallow breath and managed a smile.

"Since you're looking forward to it, I'm sure today will be enjoyable for me too. Shall we head to the salon right after breakfast?"

"Yes. I've cleared my schedule completely for today. We can get accessories and shoes fitted too, and maybe even have dinner before coming back."

It had been a long time since she'd felt this excited about a routine outing.

After finishing breakfast in high spirits, Agatha headed straight to the dressing room. She braided her hair, coiled it into a bun at the back, and adorned it with pearls. Considering the lingering summer heat, she chose a dress made of thin fabric.

With light makeup and a fan in hand, she stepped out of the dressing room to find her husband leaning against the corridor wall.

"Enoch."

"Shall we go?"

As they descended to the first-floor hall, Second Vice-Captain Huber Carwen and First Vice-Captain Leon Takran, who were on duty for escort today, stood waiting.

"We greet the lord and lady."

The two immediately saluted. Both vice-captains looked fine, but Huber's face was particularly ashen.

Leon spoke first.

"We've heard you're going out. I've already assembled the knights for escort."

"Good work. Huber, you're ready to accompany us, right?"

Hearing Enoch's words, Huber looked surprised, glancing between Agatha and him.

"I thought Leon was handling the lady's escort...?"

"Today is an outing with my husband. I'll likely have to go to the palace alone soon, so I'd like to ask Sir Leon for that then."

Leon, who had anticipated this, saluted again at Agatha's smiling words.

"It's natural for escort leaders to change depending on the situation. I've received the schedule as the lady's dedicated escort. We're prepared."

Enoch nodded lightly and fixed his gaze on Huber again.

"Not ready? If not, then Leon—"

"I'll have my horse brought right away, my lord. We can depart immediately!"

Huber vanished out the door like the wind, his shouts echoing as he ordered the horses. Agatha let out a small laugh.

"Then I'll count on you from now on, Sir Leon."

"I'll do my utmost, my lady."

While Agatha boarded the carriage with Enoch's escort, the knight order's escort formation, led by Huber, fell into place.

After inspection, Second Vice-Captain Huber Carwen approached the carriage and reported,

"All preparations complete."

"Depart."

"We're off!"

At Enoch's command, the procession—bearing the banners of House Noblesse and House Aratus high—headed to the boutique Agatha frequented.

A stately signboard fluttered on the three-story building at the heart of the inner city.

The most famous and skilled boutiques in the capital were always popular, so reservations were essential for any noble. But exceptions always existed.

As always, Agatha was greeted by Madam Shallet the moment she arrived.

"Welcome, Lady Agatha. Upon hearing you were coming, I turned away all other appointments for today."

Sure enough, a "Closed" sign hung on the door. Agatha smiled as she introduced Enoch.

"You didn't have to go that far, Madam."

"How could I not for our most esteemed guest? Please come in, my lady, Marquis. I've prepared everything for your selection."

Madam Shallet promptly escorted Agatha to the empty VIP room on the third floor.

The circular space featured a platform, with a table and plush sofas arranged in front—perfect for choosing fabrics and patterns.

Faint sounds of other guests could be heard from some VIP rooms.

As Enoch took a seat beside Agatha, the madam spoke up.

"I've heard the news. You successfully led the unofficial negotiations with the Mainucor Empire, yes? Rumors say His Majesty will soon host a grand palace ball."

"You're as quick on the gossip as ever, Madam. On top of that, I'm planning to have a few outfits made for the autumn social season."

"Just as I thought. Let me show you the trending fabrics first, then."

Cotton, silk, wool, and more.

The salon staff brought in various fabrics. As expected from the capital's premier establishment, all were exquisite and flawless high-end goods.

"Let's start with my husband's fittings."

"Yes. We'll measure the marquis first."

While the staff took Enoch's measurements,

Agatha looked over fabrics suited to him with the madam. The ones up front were recent favorites among nobles or flagship items from major trading houses.

Examining the generally solemn, weighty cloths, Agatha eyed the madam questioningly.

"Has something happened in the capital while I was away?"

This time of year called for brighter colors.

The madam smiled, pointing exactly to the fabric Agatha found odd.

"Hee-hee. These are a bit more subdued, aren't they? Fresh from the Neuta trading house today. It seems they're planning to return soon."

"Ah."

Now that she thought about it, the colors perfectly matched the Neuta Dowager Duchess's taste.

They must be planning to reenter society for the autumn season.

Agatha set aside the Neuta fabrics without regret.

They were high-quality, as befitting a trading house's flagship,

but

"Not suited for younger nobles. I like the ones behind better. What do you think?"

The man, who had been quietly watching Agatha select, nodded as he straightened his slightly rumpled shirt after the staff stepped back.

"Looks good."

"Then this one first."

"Yes."

The madam swiftly pulled out Agatha's chosen fabric and placed it on the table.

Agatha also selected beautifully patterned ones, colors she liked, and fine fabrics regardless of origin, draping them over Enoch's shoulders and knees as he sat beside her.

With his handsome face and physique, everything looked picture-perfect on him.

He was half a head taller than most nobles, with a lean build honed by real combat—need anything else be said?

Madam Shallet's eyes, already admiring him since first sight, grew ever more intent.

The man, who had quietly observed Agatha's choices, picked up one fabric and draped it over her shoulder.

"This would suit you too, my lady."

It was white and luxurious—perfect for a dress sash or hem.

"With this fabric, we could match my dress to your cravat. Shall we have our outfits for the upcoming imperial ball made from it?"

"I'm fine with that."

"Madam, bring the pattern books."

She had wanted to share a fabric with him anyway.

Madam Shallet quickly brought several large books to the table.

"These are the designs curated for this summer's palace ball."

Agatha sat side by side with him, selecting matching formal attire. With the book between them, their figures choosing complementary patterns resembled a masterpiece painting.