~Chapter 21~
‘He understood my meaning, so why did he come?’
Both Riden and Henji’s father, Baron Dolomy, stood awkwardly until Marick explained the situation clearly.
However, Riden sensed they hadn’t come just to apologise.
Marick uncrossed his legs and set down his documents.
Baron Dolomy, who had been looking around the atelier made for Riden, spoke with a pitying expression.
“I hope I’m not disturbing you while you’re busy.”
Marick answered coldly.
“You are disturbing us. You weren’t invited.”
Surprised by Marick’s bluntness, Baron Dolomy hurriedly removed his hat and bowed low.
“So, Baron, why are you bothering Lady McCurry?”
“Ah, well…”
After hesitating, he opened the box he carried.
Inside, the fabrics were shredded beyond use.
“Oh my, how did this happen?” Twiffany asked lightly.
Baron Dolomy took a deep breath and explained.
“I know everything here is for the Count’s daughter, but I wanted my daughter to also wear fabric seen by these master artisans. I asked Serawang to take a look, but overnight a stray cat must have torn them up!”
Serawang, still absorbed in sketching, looked up blankly when the tailor Phil nudged him and explained.
“…Did I do that?”
Everyone went silent.
“Haha, did I forget?”
Then he bowed his head and resumed working, unbothered. The Baron, feeling wronged, raised his voice.
“My daughter Henji must debut this year, but now her fabric is ruined… Count Sir!”
Baron Dolomy bowed so deeply his back bent at a near right angle.
“Please, I beg you! As you see, there are plenty of materials here for debutante gowns, and the artisans seem to have some time. Please, I beg you to show mercy so my daughter may debut!”
Marick didn’t answer. He merely raised an eyebrow as he looked at Riden standing quietly behind.
“Baron?” Marick called.
“Yes, Count Sir!”
Marick tilted his chin in another direction.
“You should beg over there. All of this is prepared by the Duchess for Lady McCurry. Why ask me?”
“But…”
Bowing to the Count was one thing, but bowing to a girl his daughter’s age was difficult.
Marick smirked.
“With that attitude, do you think Lady McCurry will believe your desperation?”
“Ah, no, I am desperate. Lady McCurry!”
He ran towards Riden, who watched him silently. Marick turned his eyes to her, curious and expectant.
‘How will she respond…’
Baron Dolomy remained deeply bowed. Riden looked at him and then at Henji behind him before speaking softly.
“Please stand up, Baron.”
Helping him up, she smiled kindly at Henji.
“Now there are two debutantes to prepare. Shall we have a tea break first?”
At the round tea table in the atelier, an elegant afternoon tea set was laid out.
Marick lifted his teacup first, prompting others to follow.
“The tea smells lovely,” Riden commented.
Marick agreed with his gaze. Baron Dolomy replied eagerly.
“It’s supplied by a local farm. Not bad, right?”
“Yes, truly,” Riden said with a calm smile while flipping through the Kenwulf family’s jewellery catalogue Twiffany had brought her.
‘Wow… this is real?’
She pretended indifference but was awestruck.
The first page showed a tiara redesigned from a medieval noble family’s piece for Lady Donimax, still used at royal weddings.
‘Two layers of diamonds and pearls… it must weigh a ton.’
The next pages showed equally stunning pieces, all part of the Duchess’ vast collection.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Riden said, going to Twiffany.
“Twiffany, does the Duchess ever reward retainers with jewellery?”
Twiffany glanced around before whispering back.
“Because of the bracelet the Baron’s daughter wears? It looks expensive but it isn’t from the Duchess. The Duchess keeps nearly everything she acquires. She rarely gifts them, only occasionally to other noblewomen, never to retainers.”
‘As expected… Twiffany understood my real question immediately.’
Henji’s bracelet was from Lady Donimax’s collection – a piece so exclusive that even Donimax didn’t know she owned it.
‘So this is the place from that rumour…’
“Thank you, Twiffany.”
“Anything for our little chick~”
Riden blushed awkwardly before returning to her seat. Henji glanced at her with curiosity.
Riden smiled warmly.
“Serawang will make your dress… but what about accessories? You’ll need jewellery to match. Don’t you agree, Baroness Henji?”
“Accessories too?”
Henji’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Of course you’ll need them—”
At that moment, Baron Dolomy, who hadn’t paid attention to his daughter’s bracelet until now, suddenly grabbed her wrist in shock.
He pulled her arm behind her and said hastily,
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, but that won’t be necessary.”
“Really? Seeing her bracelet, she seems to enjoy fine accessories.”
He flinched, panicked.
“No, really, it’s fine.”
“Father, what are you doing!”
‘So it IS real.’
With this, Henji’s debut was effectively ruined, and Riden felt her penalty funds were secured.
‘She won’t debut, but at least she’ll have a dress to hang in her room. Cheers.’
She sipped her tea contentedly.
“I’ve finished looking. May I choose now?”
“Please do.”
However, Henji surprised her.
Instead of choosing one gown sketch, Henji selected three designs.
“These would suit me perfectly. They’re so elegant and noble—”
But suddenly,
Swish!
The sketches vanished from Henji’s hands, appearing in Serawang’s grip.
“Apologies, milady. These are exclusive designs for the future Duchess.”
“Then this one—”
“Also hers.”
“What about that one—”
“That too is for Lady McCurry!”
“Then what will I wear?!”
Henji turned to Baron Dolomy in tears, who could say nothing. Her eyes then landed on Riden.
“Lady McCurry, do you really need all these designs? If you could spare just three for me, I’d be so grateful…”
‘Look at her, demanding gifts after rescue.’
Riden intended to refuse bluntly, until—
Baron Dolomy grabbed her hand and pleaded,
“Lady McCurry, Henji has never worn a good dress because of her useless father. Please, just this once, show mercy. If she throws a tantrum, my heart breaks… I’m sure your parents would feel the same for you…”
‘Huh?’
Riden pulled back her hand quickly, covering her ears as an unexpected high-frequency sound rang out.
