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TL: ALT
Chapter 47 – At the Royal Academy
Let’s dress Mariel up beautifully!
Prepare an outfit suitable for the sparkling battlefield of socializing.
This is easier said than done.
After all, this was not an era of mass production but rather a time of handcrafted goods.
Even in the royal capital, clothing for the nobility was not readily available.
Furthermore, the nobility valued fashion.
The finest piece could be looked down upon if it was out of style.
The best option would have been to keep up with the latest trends, but there were no tailors who could produce such outfits quickly enough.
Realistic options were limited to seeking out secondhand clothes that had hardly been worn or going to a costume rental shop.
Even if they bought extravagant clothes, there would be almost no occasion to wear them.
They decided to rent from a costume shop.
“Wow, that’s amazing!”
“Thank you so much for getting me such a wonderful dress.”
“They say even a beggar looks good in fancy clothes, but when a beauty like Mariel dresses up, you really stand out. It suits you so well; you look beautiful.”
“Master always says that to me, telling me I’m beautiful.”
“It’s the truth, so I have to say it properly.”
Wataru wasn’t just saying it to flatter her; he meant it.
He was still nervous when he looked at Mariel.
When she came out of the costume rental shop, she was wearing a simple black afternoon dress.
Though not overly decorated, the dress accentuated her beautiful figure and brought out her refined beauty.
The contrast between her long silver hair and the black dress was beautiful, too.
Wataru was surprised by how much her appearance changed with a simple outfit change.
She had always had a noble aura, but now she looked like a lady of the manor or a princess of the nobility.
Aire stared intently at Mariel.
“Mariel, you look so beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Would you like to try it on, too, Aire?”
“Not at all. I prefer clothes that are easy to move around in. I’m a warrior, after all.”
If it were just her voice, Aire’s response would have sounded normal.
However, given the way her tail was drooping, it was clear that she didn’t mean it.
Reason and emotion are two different things.
Although Aire is usually straightforward and cheerful, it’s not unusual for her to want to dress up like a princess.
Without thinking, Wataru embraced Aire’s shoulders.
It was so soft that it was hard to believe such violent power could come from such a gentle body.
“I’ll make sure you get to wear a nice dress someday. If we keep up this business, there’ll be times when we have to attend banquets. When that day comes, we’ll make up for today and go all out.”
“Is that okay? But isn’t that a waste?”
“No, your desire won’t go to waste. Besides, there will be times when your protection is needed without disrupting the atmosphere. Mariel is the star this time, so wait for the next opportunity.”
“Hmm… It’s okay. I’m myself, and I received something precious from Master.”
With that, Aire lightly tapped her beloved sword at her waist.
〇〇〇
It was uncommon for a noblewoman to walk to school.
So, a carriage had to be arranged.
These two items alone, including the rental clothes, cost a fortune, and Wataru was shocked.
However, buying them would cost all the money he had brought with him.
Nobles earn a lot of money, but it seems they also have to spend just as much.
Wataru was a merchant himself, so it didn’t cost him that much, but he still rented clothes for the occasion.
He was determined to do everything properly.
“I’ll go first, then Master, and then Mariel.”
“Okay, let’s go. Here, Mariel. Take my hand.”
“Yes, thank you.”
The carriage stopped at the academy, and Aire got out first.
After checking the surroundings, Wataru got out and reached inside to help Mariel out.
He took Mariel’s hand and helped her out of the carriage.
(If it were just this scene, I could be one of the nobility, right?)
Mariel stepped out of the carriage, standing tall and beautiful. She maintained a slight tension on her face while forcing a smile and taking Wataru’s arm.
Now, even if she met her former classmates, she could show them up.
If she didn’t see them, it wouldn’t matter.
For Wataru, relieving Mariel’s psychological burden would be a great success.
The Royal Academy was very large.
Since nobles attended, there were guards at all the entrances and exits. It was surrounded by imposing gates and magnificent walls that looked like castle walls.
There was a section for carriages, where Wataru and the others parked theirs.
The academy was very quiet.
According to Mariel, only the children of nobles, those from a certain class who could afford the high tuition fees or talented young women recognized as outstanding in the local community who received financial assistance were allowed to attend the Royal Academy.
She said that everyone there was well-mannered and would not make a mistake in front of nobles, so it was generally a calm place.
Several nobles passed by as they made their way to the academy.
Mariel froze for a moment, but they passed by without incident.
There must have been many nobles she didn’t know since they were from different grades.
She caught someone glancing at her, but that was all.
“Ara, isn’t that Mariel-san?”
“It’s been a long time, Laura-san.”
“I’m glad to see you’re doing well. I was worried when you suddenly disappeared.”
“I’m sorry to have caused you concern. As you can see, I’m doing fine now.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
The person who noticed Mariel was a young girl named Laura de Brasseur.
Laura was two years younger than Mariel and seventeen at the time. She was the second daughter of the Brasseur baron family and would turn eighteen this year.
Judging from the man carrying her bag, Laura was probably on her way home from school.
She looked at Mariel for a moment, gave her a cruel smile, and then quickly hid it.
Mariel, on the other hand, kept a perfect smile on her face, but Wataru noticed that her eyes weren’t smiling.
(Women’s battles are scary!)
Although they seemed to be concerned about each other’s well-being, they were both well aware of the reason for Mariel’s expulsion.
This meant that, beneath her words, she was probably implying that she had fallen into ruin because she couldn’t repay her debts.
If Wataru said anything carelessly, he might say something he shouldn’t.
While escorting Mariel, Wataru watched the two of them exchange words.
Those mocking Mariel’s downfall were members of other baronial and knightly families in dire straits.
Those with wealthy territories, like Baron Moye, or those in higher positions who managed large territories, could afford to be compassionate.
Now that the Hanover family, who had been in the same predicament as them, had fallen from grace, they probably felt a dark sense of relief that it wasn’t them.
In this regard, it seems that there is not much difference between nobles and commoners or even between this world and Earth.
Mariel smiled beautifully, making Wataru shiver, and introduced him.
“This is Wataru-sama. He is a very capable merchant who mainly does business with the Moye family and in Southern Ship Town. He has agreed to support our family in the future.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Wataru. I will do my best to help Mariel’s family.”
“H-heh. What a wonderful connection! Mariel-san is a very beautiful woman. A gentleman wouldn’t leave her alone.”
“I heard that the Brasseur family suffered greatly from the recent drought. How are things now?”
“Ugh, thanks for asking. We had a normal harvest last year.”
“That’s wonderful. I hope the water god continues to protect you.”
(Hey, Aire. Aren’t you scared? It’s like she’s saying Mariel took a rich man for herself.)
(I don’t want to take part in this fight.)
Aire and Wataru exchanged glances and seemed to agree.
Wataru couldn’t tell how serious their exchange was, but it was clear that Mariel, a supposed slave, had the upper hand.
Laura tried to remain calm, but it was obvious that her spirit was slowly being broken.
She must have felt pressured by Mariel, whom she secretly despised, to be more composed than expected.
He also realized that the Brasseur family was in a difficult situation.
Compared to Mariel, her clothes, figure, and beauty were modest.
Mariel’s qualities and Wataru’s wealth were powerful weapons.
The man accompanying Laura seemed to be trying to help her.
“Ojou-sama, it’s almost time for your next appointment.”
“Ara, yes, that’s right. It’s a shame, but I’m busy. Let’s meet again sometime.”
“Good day, Laura-san. I hope we can have a leisurely chat over tea next time.”
Urged by Mariel’s calm words, Laura got into the carriage.
As the door closed, a face contorted with regret appeared.
The coachman pulled the reins, and Hyupos began to run slowly.
“Aaah! What was that woman?!”
Hysterical screams carried on the wind from the departing carriage.
“Hehe… She’s so upset.”
“The Brasseur family must be struggling with debt due to the drought, just like us. I heard rumors are circulating that their marriage plans are in disarray.”
“Well, whatever. Good job, Mariel.”
“Yes! Thanks to you, the fear I was feeling earlier has completely vanished!”
Mariel laughed, and her expression was bright and cheerful as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
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