Chapter 65 – Chapter 3: Another Memory – 1
Mr. Aban opened the calendar.
“Let’s see. Today is the 18th, and the fall festival is on the 21st… “I’m a little short on time, but I’m not at the point where I’m giving up yet.”
“What’s going on at the fall festival?”
“Of course! We’re announcing Tia’s new business at the fall festival. “By attracting a lot of attention from the upper class, we get investment in our business and increase our size.”
Afterward, I heard a detailed explanation.
It is said that fall festivals are largely divided into three categories.
First, the ‘feast’ held in the palace by the royal family and the newly rich.
Second, the ‘banquet’ held by nobles in the salon.
Third, ‘festivals’ enjoyed by ordinary citizens on the streets.
Among these, it was said that participating in the ‘banquet’ was important.
But suddenly a question arose.
“If you’re going to promote a new business, wouldn’t a ‘feast’ with many newly rich people be a good idea?”
“No. People who want to make some money flock there, so if you don’t have a proper foundation, it’s best to avoid it. Rather, you should think the opposite. “I go to nobles first who have a lot of money saved up, but are anxious because their influence is gradually disappearing.”
“Aha! Okay! But wouldn’t other people who think like us also want to attend the banquet?”
Haha! “I swear that won’t happen.”
Mr. Aban smiled confidently.
“Nobles are horribly picky about lineage and birth. So, Tia should learn this one thing properly as well.”
Then he pretended to hold a fork and knife with both hands.
“… Etiquette.”
Since ancient times, the nobles who have lived in Deseo have strictly maintained their traditions.
However, as the city grew bigger and merchants had more money, the authority of ‘nobles’ began to decline.
The value of money became more important than social status, and even nobility became someone to look up to.
Nevertheless, they still discriminated between the noble and the lowly and discriminated against people.
Things like origin, family, and etiquette.
Of course, from the perspective of the ‘newly rich’, most of whom were commoners, this nobleman’s attitude could not help but be seen as arrogant.
It is said that they fought for a long time because they could not eat each other.
It is said that this strange atmosphere began with the appearance of a new king in Deseo, but now it is almost confirmed that the new rich have won.
Therefore, the nobles were said to be in a very difficult situation as they were under a lot of internal and external pressure.
“What’s more, His Majesty is supporting the ‘rich’ like us. Because in the end, money is more important.”
“There are some complicated circumstances.”
“Haha. “It’s Deseo’s complex political story, so there’s no need to remember it.”
Mr. Aban kindly explained.
“There is only one thing for Tia to do. She goes to the beleaguered noble union and gains recognition. Nobles will definitely welcome the idea of starting a new business for themselves.
“Can I do it? These are people who value nobility so much… “I’m just ordinary.”
“It’s quite possible. “I saw it.”
He spoke with a firm voice.
“Tia. What can you say… They resemble old nobles. I felt the conviction to protect ‘what is most important to me’ rather than money or gold. Like a noble knight who raises his sword to protect someone precious.”
“… !”
Those were very grateful words.
It felt like they were calling me a ‘knight’ when I came all the way to Deseo just for the Ritz.
“Not only that, your red hair is also a symbol of the old royal family. That alone will win you a lot of favor from the nobles.”
I touched my bangs.
Since long ago, I had heard so many times that my hair color was unique, so I didn’t really feel anything.
However, since this hair is said to be a ‘symbol of the royal family,’ it feels like an awkward crown is placed on it.
“So, only ‘etiquette’. If you learn this well and enter the banquet, you will be recognized even by the arrogant nobles.”
“Okay…”
Mr. Aban got up from his desk.
“I will help you. “Don’t worry about anything else and just focus on learning etiquette.”
“Well, thank you very much for your words… “Why are you helping me like this?”
“Hmm? There’s no other reason. “I want to do the same thing as Mr. Modales.”
“Neaaaaa-?”
Uncle Posao, who had been quiet, flinched.
He grinned and pulled his fedora down.
“… The advice Tia gave me was very impressive. ‘Do good deeds without expecting anything in return.’ So I decided to do that. “The reason I visited the government office today is that I also want to start a new business.”
“What business is it?”
Instead of answering, he showed a piece of paper with something written on it.
I read the writing.
“‘Saint Lucretia Foundation’… ?”
“It’s named after Tia. I plan to donate some of my wealth to the poor of Deseo. I established a foundation with the goal of making this city a better place to live. How do you feel?”
It was a noble thing that I could not even dare to evaluate.
I can’t believe my name was included in the name of such a glorious and honorable foundation.
Just… At that time, I only shared my personal thoughts to comfort Aban.
It was just too much.
“Great…”
“Haha. Well, with something like this. “I think Tia is more amazing.”
He slammed the calendar shut.
“Ruler… ! Mr. Modales. Shall we make Miss Tia a ‘noble lady’ together?”
“Ahhh… Yes, yes! Joe, it’s good.”
“Then first thing.”
Mr. Aban’s finger pointed to my shirt.
“Let’s change clothes first.”
* * *
Slurp-.
“Hmm…”
Slurp-.
“Hmm… Anything else?”
Slurp-.
“I don’t think this is right.”
Slurp-.
“It’s uncomfortable.”
Slurp-.
“Ha… “It’s hard.”
How many times did you go back and forth to the locker room?
I’ve given up on counting now.
No matter what I wore, there was nothing I liked.
I once again thought that upper class women were really amazing.
Because I have to wear these cumbersome, uncomfortable, and annoying clothes every day.
And that’s formal attire!
Do you need to catch someone in a formal manner?
The employees were equally pitiful.
He must have gotten sick of me saying he didn’t like anything no matter what he wore, so he didn’t even bring out new clothes anymore.
No matter how you think about it, it’s just a shirt and pants.
That’s the best.
Just put it on, put it on, and you’re done!
The clothes of nobles were too heavy with many frills and unnecessary decorations.
In the meantime, I even pulled the waist strap to make my waist look thinner…
I was suffocating to death.
When I was exhausted and resting in ecstasy.
The hostess said after much thought.
“There is a dress I made specially for the young ladies who are having a tantrum.”
Finally, the final costume came out.
It was a pure white dress.
The frills are only attached to the hem of the skirt, and all decorations have been removed.
It was the most monotonous dress I’ve ever seen.
“Uhm…”
I reluctantly took the dress and tried it on.
It is much better because it is much lighter.
Just like when I worked at the bar, I didn’t like the ‘dress’ itself.
Something… The feeling of the wind flowing between my legs is very awkward.
Also, the frills rubbed against the boots and made an annoying sound.
But when I tried to wear shoes, I hated them because they were so uncomfortable.
“Ugh…”
In the end, I couldn’t choose any dress and had no choice but to sit there blankly.
Jingling-.
Mr. Posao, who had been away for a while, returned to the store.
“Oh, how are you, Tia? “Two, have you looked around?”
“No… “There is nothing I like.”
“Uh… Really?”
“Look at this! “How on earth can I wear such uncomfortable clothes?”
I spread out my dress as if to show the man.
“… Oh.”
But when the man saw me, his eyes widened, and he could not speak.
Like a person shocked by a beautiful work of art, he remained mute for a long time, then came to his senses and stammered.
“Three, oh my… Too… It’s so beautiful!”
“… Yes?”
“T, Tia… Look…”
The man pointed behind me.
There was a mirror.
I approached there.
“…”
I stared blankly at my reflection in the mirror.
A girl wearing her pure white dress, her red hair tied up and hanging down on her left side.
A small ruby sparkles on her exposed chest.
I grabbed the hem of her skirt and turned her to the side.
Although she has never seen a noble’s daughter… Maybe it feels like this?
Uncle Po Sao’s face was reflected over her shoulder.
“Well, it’s gorgeous…” . Tia.”
“… “Is it pretty?”
“Huh. Looks like an angel…”
“Hey-.”
I don’t know.
Looking at the man’s wide smile, I think this dress suits him well.
After all, being told you’re ‘pretty’ is… I wonder if it feels good even if I keep listening to it.
“I decided. “I’ll take this!”
“I understand.”
While I was cutting the dress to fit my body.
I walked around the streets with my uncle and looked at various costumes.
There were a lot of pretty and wonderful clothes in Deseo.
You could see the wealth of the person through the sophisticated feel of the clothes.
After looking around the clothing room, we headed to her jewelry store.
As expected from the best city, there were many colorful decorations.
For example, there were various patterns in bracelets woven with small jewels, ribbons tied with soft silk, and lightly tied headbands.
As I looked with admiration, a red ring placed on the display stand caught my eye.
It was amazing how bright red it was, like ruby, but a bit cloudy.
I was looking at the ring up close, and Uncle Posao asked.
“Wow, are you interested?”
“No… Not really. “I just saw it because it was fascinating.”
“Ha, try it on. Let’s see if it suits you and feel it.”
“… Is that so?”
I took out the ring on display and tried it on my ring finger.
“Um-.”
Even with just the slightest movement of the finger, the gem sparkled in the sunlight and displayed various colors.
The inside of the red gem looks a little deep and dark.
The sunlight shining on the hard and smooth surface seemed to capture the Red Sea.
“What kind of jewel is this? “I don’t think it’s Ruby.”
“It’s called a garnet.”
“Garnet? “Is it because it’s the same color as a pomegranate?”
“Yes. That’s right…”
“Hmm-.”
The man next to me grinned.
“Ears, like a noble… Tia. Well, it suits you well.”
“It doesn’t suit me. A gem like this.”
“Naaah- I’m serious! Tia looks good in red… I think Lee and Ritz also gave him a ruby necklace as a gift…”
That’s right. The necklace Ritz gave me…
The reason he gave me the ‘ruby’ gemstone was because I thought it would look good in Ritz’s eyes. So I guess that’s what I chose.
This ‘garnet’ is also a red color.
It’s definitely similar to my eye color. I thought that he wasn’t just talking loudly.
“Lol-. I see. Thank you!”
I returned to the cutting room.
Since there wasn’t much left until the finishing work was done, I was thinking of picking up the dress in person.
“T, Tia! Look at this…”
Uncle Posao brought something.
It was a belt.
“T-Tea… It’s old…”
“Um, that’s right.”
This belt, which I am currently wearing around my waist, has all the seams torn and has a lot of grime on it.
I got it from Ritsu four years ago as a gift for her birthday. It’s probably natural.
Uncle Posao suggested.
“Do you want to change it to this?”
“Yes, well… “I’ll try it on.”
Click.
I untied the old belt and wrapped the new belt the man gave me around my waist.
“It’s not bad, but this belt has no pockets. This is a bit disappointing-.”
I talked about the inconveniences.
Instead, Uncle Posao smiled brightly.
“Poetry, it’s fascinating! Tia has become prettier… “I’ll add more pockets later.”
“Pretty… ? Huh, hmm-.”
What you said is correct.
It’s a little uncomfortable to wear, but you can get used to it slowly.
All you have to do is add pockets.
“… Well, okay. “I’ll take this.”
Hehe… Well, then I’ll put this in my bag now…”
“Yes.”
The belt I originally used went into the bag.
Tia looked at the bag in silence.
But soon she turned her head, put on her new belt, and walked to the man’s side.
