The 7th Marriage is Planned [Novel] Chapter 32

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 32

Chapter Title: Dress Fittings and Imperial Summons

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In the midst of the Aratus Marquis couple's VIP room buzzing with staff ferrying in all sorts of fabrics, pattern books, laces, and ribbons, a voice called out from another VIP room that had only echoed with the occasional footstep.

"You there. Come over here."

"Did you call for me, my lady?"

As the employee stepped inside, the noble lady's close maid stepped forward at her nod and spoke up.

"We've heard that the Aratus Marchioness is in this room. Could you tell us if you might bring the fabrics and patterns she's selected?"

The employee bowed with a troubled expression.

"As you know, my lady's maid, most of the fabrics the Marchioness has chosen are in limited supply. And the patterns are all managed by Madam herself."

"Then at least give us a hint about which fabrics she picked. And if she's added any patterns, ribbons, or laces later, let us know about those too. That should be possible, right?"

The maid subtly offered a pouch the size of a baby's fist. The employee's face lit up.

"Of course. I'll go find out right away."

Quietly and discreetly, the same scene was unfolding in the other VIP rooms. It was entirely natural.

After all, whatever Agatha Noblesse chose always swept through the entire empire.

That was why Madam Shallet's dress shop had become the top name in the capital—trends spread from here.

Backed by Agatha Noblesse's patronage, Madam Shallet wielded influence in high society by tipping off nobles in advance about the season's trending fabrics through her staff and selectively revealing patterns.

If Iris Domunia, Agatha Noblesse's closest confidante and friend as the Domunia Marchioness, was sensitive to news among the upper nobility,

then Madam Shallet, another close ally, was the go-to source for trends across all of high society.

Agatha was up on the platform with Enoch, checking the fitting of the ceremonial gown made to the finalized pattern.

The dress used the fine white fabric they'd just selected—a straight-top bodice with a subtle plunge at the chest.

To offset the bold exposure, a choker-like collar wrapped the neck, with fabric extending from there to cover midway up the arms, and lace was planned for both that section and the neckline.

The skirt's side panels were gathered full to cascade in soft waves down to a bell line.

"What do you think, Enoch?"

Agatha, who had been turning this way and that in front of the mirror, looked up at Enoch.

"......"

The man, momentarily at a loss for words, slowly nodded.

"It's better than I expected... suits you perfectly."

"You too."

Enoch had made a cravat from the white fabric they'd chosen earlier.

The tuxedo would feature faint versions of the subtle motifs going into the dress—once finished, it would clearly match without clashing.

We did well coming to match outfits.

Agatha's eyes curved in a gentle smile. Madam and the shop staff were showering them with praise nearby.

"My goodness, both of you have such impeccable figures. At this imperial ball, it won't just be Lady Agatha's dress—His Lordship's outfit is sure to start a trend too!"

"Thank you, Madam. Now we just need jewels and shoes to match."

Enoch gazed at Agatha's reflection in the mirror before leaning in close to her ear.

"How about a shawl or cape over it?"

"Hm, a cape wouldn't suit this dress. A shawl..."

Would it?

As Agatha trailed off, he whispered again into her ear.

"It'll be cold."

"......It's summer."

"It's nighttime."

The imperial ball was at summer's end, but the indoors hardly seemed chilly.

"I'll be fine. I'll stay inside."

"......Can't be helped, then."

Enoch murmured softly, pressing a kiss to the back of Agatha's hand before ordering jewelers, gemcutters, and leatherworkers brought in.

Madam, whose eyes had been sparkling subtly for a while, promptly fetched and introduced the jewelers and artisans.

"My boutique connects with the capital's finest craftsmen, my lord. Whatever gems and designs you choose will suit both the lady and yourself perfectly."

Enoch nodded lightly and led Agatha to the sofa, seating her.

"My lady. Any jewels that catch your eye?"

Agatha examined the boxes of top-grade gems laid out by the merchant.

Something that would match the wedding ring well...

Blue diamonds and sapphires stood out.

"These are pretty. They'd make a nice hairpiece."

"And? Anything else?"

"I want a new lace fan..."

"Then gems for the fan as well."

After summoning the tanner for shoes, selecting items for Enoch's brooch and buttons, time had flown by.

By the time the Aratus couple finished dinner and returned to their capital honeymoon manor,

a messenger horse from the palace awaited Agatha. An envoy from the chamberlain's office reverently held up a scroll bearing the imperial decree.

"Aratus Marchioness. His Majesty summons you."

It was an order to enter the palace.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

The honeymoon vacation had finally come to an end.

Until now, family matters, the wedding, and unofficial negotiation escorts had kept things at bay, but starting today, Enoch had to attend court conferences.

After breakfast, as Agatha followed to see him off to the audience,

Enoch suddenly halted.

"The audience is at noon, correct?"

"Yes."

That was about when the morning audience would end. He pondered briefly, gripped the reins, then stopped again.

"Shall I come fetch you when it's over? We could have lunch together."

Agatha's eyes widened for a moment before she beamed and nodded.

"Sounds good. I'll send word when it's done. Will you be at the Aratus manor by then?"

"No, at the palace. I have business at the war ministry—send word there."

"Alright, I will."

Why were her days lately so blissfully happy?

Agatha smiled as she saw him off on horseback. His adjutant Ched, advisor John, and the Aratus knights followed behind.

It was just past 8 a.m.

"Let's begin."

"Yes, ma'am."

Left alone, Agatha leisurely prepared for the palace with her close maids.

For this official audience, she chose a dress that was splendid yet elegant and refined.

A summer gown with delicate embroidery densely covering the fabric, sleeves fluttering from the elbows.

Slightly heavier makeup accentuated her poised, sharp features.

Full red lips, graceful eyes, a waist cinch adorned with platinum thread, and a circlet dangling a large emerald amid dozens of small diamonds.

"Ma'am, open your eyes."

On the sofa amid three-way mirrors sat an elegant, radiant noblewoman. Agatha nodded in satisfaction.

"Like it?"

"Yes. Looks beautiful. Good work."

After lightly praising the maids, Agatha rose. Past 10 a.m.—perfect time to head to the palace.

Her loosely cascading hair mingled with the swaying gems of the circlet.

Her escort today was Leon Takran, First Vice-Captain of the Aratus Knights.

"Ready, ma'am? Carriage inspection complete."

The mild-mannered knight escorted her to the carriage.

"Thank you, Sir Leon. Take good care to the palace."

The carriage soon reached the palace at the inner castle's heart via the familiar route.

The palace, visited after a long while, had been beautified with cobalt-blue drapes, platinum threads, and white-arched gateways.

It quickly arrived at the emperor's palace. As always, the emperor's chief chamberlain awaited at the gate.

"Welcome, Aratus Marchioness. His Majesty awaits."

The audience must have already ended.

Agatha gracefully accepted Sir Leon's escort from the carriage and asked,

"Where to?"

"The First Audience Chamber."

"Let's go."

It had been ages since she'd headed to the First Audience Chamber. Upon arrival, Agatha lifted her chin and straightened her attire.

"Your Majesty, the Aratus Marchioness has arrived."

"Let her enter."

Releasing Sir Leon's hand as she entered, she whispered softly,

"Thank you for your trouble."

"Not at all. I'll wait here."

Agatha composed her expression calmly and stepped forward with noble grace.

At the end of the red carpet, in the center of the vast audience chamber, the emperor looked down upon her.

"I see the Sun of the Empire."

"Come in, Agatha. Sit here."

Thud. The door closed behind her. The emperor gestured to the sofa and table prepared one step below.

As Agatha sat, refreshments arrived promptly.

Tea slightly sweetened to her taste, and chilled desserts.

The emperor, Warmirai II, spoke first.

"I've heard the news. The Second Prince of the Mainucor Empire behaved shamefully toward you."

Unlike the initial dignified welcome, the emperor's face looked troubled.

It was unavoidable.

Neither the Mainucor Emperor nor the Roxibad Empire's own had imagined a prince barging into Agatha's bedroom without permission.

They had simply wanted to stage a resolution to the old friction with the Noblesse family, restoring relations between the empires.

But even if much was offered and the incident swept under the rug, what Agatha had endured wouldn't vanish.

The Aratus family felt the same.

Chapter 32

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