DSMBL Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Madame Chouette carefully recalled Charlotte’s words into her mind.

“A design that fits her status but isn’t excessive.”

“…Lately, in the capital, lighter designs are preferred,” Chouette began. “Rather than overloading the dresses with gems, ribbons, and lace, people prefer subtle adornments that gently highlight the silhouette…”

 “…As long as there aren’t too many jewels hanging on them.”

Charlotte’s words seemed to imply, “Do you think just adding a bunch of jewels is enough? Get it right!”

 Chouette swallowed hard, lowering her head.

“Yes, Your Grace! I’ll do my best!”

“Thank you, Chouette. By the way, what happens to the dresses I’ve worn?”

Chouette smiled brightly, quickly responding.

“We either alter them to sell as ready-made clothes or put them up for auction.” 

“Will the dresses I’ve worn be sold at auction?”

Charlotte’s words sounded like, “If you plan to sell my dresses for cheap, forget it.”

“Of course! There are many young ladies who would love to see the shadow of the Duchess, and I’m sure they’ll sell for the highest price!”

Despite Charlotte’s reputation, her popularity among the younger generation was unexpectedly high. It was all because she had come from the capital. Young ladies, especially, longed for anything connected to the capital.

Charlotte nodded.

“Hm, I see. Well, handle it properly.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

Madame Chouette’s heart raced wildly. Charlotte was still strong. She’d heard whispers that the North had been quiet because Charlotte hadn’t held any parties lately, but now, Charlotte was ordering a new dress…!

‘She’s definitely planning a grand banquet!’

Chouette clenched her fists. She would do her best to satisfy Charlotte and make up for everything she had done wrong!

Today, she had an idea: she needed to do something to attract Theo’s attention a bit more. To get closer and ease the tension, she needed something a bit more creative.

One thing that always grabbed children’s attention was bubbles.

 After a few trial and error attempts, she had finally created something decent. She bent a piece of wire, usually used for hairpins, to make a frame, then mixed up some soap with laundry soap to create bubble liquid.

“…May I ask what you’re doing?

Luna, who had been quietly pouting with a red face, asked. 

“Ah, I’m making something pretty. Is Theo coming?”

“…Not yet.”

This morning, Charlotte had met with Theo to share her divine power, but he was sulking, his cheeks puffed up in a pout, and he didn’t even look at her. She didn’t know why, but it seemed like he was really upset.

“What about now?”

“Not yet… Ah, now he’s coming.”

At Luna’s words, she quickly dipped the wand into the bubble solution. Luna stared at her with a puzzled look, then followed the direction where Theo’s hair could be seen.

Now, just a gentle blow…

And then…

 “Hooh…”

“Wow…”

“W-Wow!!” 

Theo, who had been hiding behind a tree, suddenly popped out.

 Luna covered her mouth in awe. With each “hooh” Charlotte made, small, iridescent bubbles floated up into the sky.

That reminded her of when she was a child. 

She had gone to a friend’s house, whose parents were wealthy. For every birthday, they would set up a bubble machine in the yard for the party. 

The bubbles that came floating towards her were always the most magical thing. The reason she had always endured the teasing from her friends was because of those beautiful, transparent bubbles.

They made her feel like they could take her somewhere else. Like fairies would emerge from the bubbles to save her. At any rate, bubbles were perfect for catching the attention of children.

Charlotte saw Theo staring at the bubbles with a blank look.

“Hmm. Theo, do you want to try it?”

At her words, Theo turned around with his big, innocent eyes, sparkling brightly. It was as if he had completely forgotten his previous wariness. He stumbled over to her, still not used to walking well.

 Excitedly, Theo asked her.

“Can I do this too…?”

“Of course! It’s not hard. Now, just blow carefully.”

Theo followed her instructions, pursing his lips. Then, with sparkling eyes, he let out an astonished sound. 

“Wow!!”

“I’ll give this to you as a gift.”

When she said that, Theo’s eyes widened even more. He hesitated for a moment before muttering, “…I was told not to accept gifts from witches…”

“Who told you that?”

“…My nanny. She said I should be careful around the Duchess because she’s a dangerous person…”

Theo looked back and forth between her and the bubbles with a confused expression. His nanny seemed to be a cautious person, but why was she leaving him alone like this?

 She wondered, but asking too much would be overstepping. Cassius had never allowed her to do anything; she was just a figurehead Duchess, and she had to be satisfied with her position.

 “So, do you not want it? Are you not going to take it?” 

“No!”

Theo clutched the bubble solution and shook his head. He looked like a puppy. The thought of patting his hair crossed her mind.

“Alright. From now on, this is yours. But there’s a condition.” 

“…A condition?”

Theo looked at her suspiciously again. Why was this child so wary? She had just offered him bubbles! She tapped the tea table chair.

 “Sit here for a moment.”

He hesitated, but when he saw the bubbles, his curiosity won out. He carefully perched himself on the chair. The weather was growing warmer, and Theo had been wearing shorts all day.

Theo still had an awkward walk. He had fallen the day before, trying to avoid her; so his knees were covered with fresh scrapes. 

“Tsk,”

She muttered. Her minimal divine power wouldn’t heal those wounds quickly.She sprayed some disinfectant she had prepared earlier.

 “Ow! What are you doing! Stop!”

“It’s not poison, just disinfectant. After falling down for two days straight, don’t you think your knees would hurt? Stay still or I’ll spray more.”

Theo flinched and tensed up. He was so cute. Of course, he didn’t like pain. She blew on the disinfectant to cool it down and then applied some ointment.

“From now on, don’t run off. Take your time walking, okay?”

“…It’s my choice.”

“Well, if you listen, I’ll make more bubbles for you.” 

Theo’s eyes wavered. How innocent.

“Really?”

“Yeah. I’ll be out tomorrow around 11 a.m. for tea. What about you?”

“…I don’t drink tea.”

“Okay, then. How about reading books?”

Theo’s face turned red.

He quickly lowered his head.

“…I can’t read properly yet…”

Ah. He had spent most of his time bedridden since birth, so he probably didn’t receive a proper education.

“Bring the book you want to read. I’ll teach you how to read and also read it to you.”

At that, Theo raised his head quickly.

“You’ll read it to me?”

She purposely left out the part about teaching him. It was a common trait among children—wanting to avoid studying? 

She, on the other hand, had longed for education, growing up in an environment where even reading a book was difficult. She remembered spending whole days in the school library, though she was often scolded for being late.

 “Yes, I’ll read it to you.”

“…Like my mother?”

Theo asked in a small voice. 

Like his mother? She realized then that he was still at an age where he needed his mother’s warmth. But the Duchess had passed away shortly after giving birth due to the magical energy she had been exposed to.

The Duke, too, had died before her. He had protected the Duchess from the magical energy with his own body, paying the ultimate price.

Although she had no parents, she had grown used to it. But Theo wasn’t the same. He looked so dejected, like a puppy that had been abandoned. Without thinking, she patted his head.

“Yes, like your mother. So, do you want to come?”

“…Okay.”

His soft hair slipped between her fingers. For a moment, the reality hit her again—she had saved this child from death.