Youve come to meet me in quite an unusual manner.
I thought it might be a bit surprising for you.
Jonas scrunched up his nose and ruffled his bangs.
Anyone else might have fallen for such a trick, but Iona never kept such company in the first place.
Perhaps because she hadnt grown up like a typical noble, she found the company of servants more cumbersome than comforting.
Even today, she had left Marsha at home.
We had agreed to meet after todays gathering, so it was expected, Iona said.
I did try to surprise you, albeit unsuccessfully.
Iona had informed Leroy of her return first, as he had requested before she reached the capital.
Considering this, it seemed he had sent Jonas to meet her, as their meeting was already scheduled right after the aforementioned gathering.
Did your visit to the estate go well?
Yes, it was a bit busy, but well worth the effort.
Didnt Duke want to see you? I know I did, Dame.
It seems now you have a good relationship with your sister.
What?
Youre basically singing my praises, arent you?
No, I wasnt
By the way, Im curious about how Yulia is doing these days.
Ignoring Jonass flattery that wasnt exactly flattery, Iona inquired about Yulias well-being.
Jonas scratched his neck, looking somewhat perplexed, but then answered willingly.
Shes doing well. Seems like shes even made some friends.
Thats good to hear. Ive been busy and havent been able to pay much attention to her, so I was worried.
Youve done more than enough by bringing her along with you. She even found a partner for the royal ball recently, saying she doesnt need me anymore.
It seemed couples who had mutual understanding had already claimed each other early on.
For a moment, Iona felt a twinge of sympathy for Ernas earlier nervousness. But then Jonas continued speaking, and she found herself suddenly rigid.
Which leaves me as the odd one out, I suppose. The Duke will be attending with you, Dame Iona, anyway...
...
Oh, he mentioned that you two would meet today to order matching outfits. Couple outfits.
Matching... outfits?
Yes, Ive heard that couples often coordinate their clothing. Not that Im an expert.
Iona felt a faint trickle of cold sweat down her back.
Matching outfits, really?
Since she had already told Leroy in advance, she hadnt been particularly concerned about his reaction to this matter.
Even if she attended as Richards partner, she assumed that Leroy would understand, provided she explained the situation well.
But it seemed Richards took this royal ball more seriously than she had expected.
This is awkward.
For all she knew, Richard might have made this decision just to make Leroy uncomfortable.
It felt a bit unfair that while someone else was pushing the envelope, she found herself tasked with delivering the awkward message.
Ill have to discuss it first and then decide how to handle this.
Iona swallowed an inward sigh and looked out the window.
As she tried to gauge her location by the landscape, she soon realized that the carriage was heading in a direction different from what she had anticipated.
Since they hadnt specified a meeting place, Iona had assumed they would meet at Jonas relatives house as usual. But perhaps that wasnt the case.
Iona turned to Jonas with a puzzled expression.
Where are we going?
Ah, we recently renovated a house. Duke plans to take you there from now on.
It was customary for people of power to have at least one secret residence in the capital, unknown to others.
It seemed like a place that had been neglected for a while but was now prepared for their clandestine meetings. Iona nodded, accepting the explanation.
After a while, the carriage stopped in front of a terrace house.
Upon arrival, Iona realized it was a place she already knew.
Though she was a lady in name only, she was aware of some of the real estate ownedor at least held under different namesby the Dukes family.
Iona donned the veiled hat offered by Jonas and stepped out.
Jonas, who seemed to be visiting this place for the first time, hurriedly pulled out a note with an address written on it to get his bearings.
Iona glanced at the note and spoke.
Follow me this way.
What?
It says No. 57, doesnt it?
Ah, yes.
Jonas scurried after Iona, almost as if their roles as guide and guest had been reversed.
Iona found the exact location without any signs of confusion.
Upon reaching the top floor of the building and ringing the bell, the waiting maid immediately opened the door.
The master is waiting for you inside.
Iona took off her hat and shawl, handed them to the maid, and entered.
Compared to a mansion or other townhouses, the space was modest, yet fully furnished and complete in its own right.
The entire room smelled strongly of wood, as if the furniture and flooring had recently been replaced.
As Iona moved toward the living room, she narrowed her eyes slightly at the sound of a womans voice coming from behind the wall.
Opening the door, sure enough, there was a familiar face sitting across a low table from Leroy.
Hello, Dame Iona. Its an honor to see you again.
Penelope, a staff member from the Modrov Manors tailor shop who had made a house call last time, rose to greet her.
To think the person to take her custom clothing order was already here.
Iona had intended to spill the beans to Leroy as soon as they met; she found herself in an unexpectedly awkward situation.
Misinterpreting Ionas confused expression, Leroy kindly explained the situation.
I thought itd be best to order our clothes for the royal ball in sync with your return. The timing was a bit tight to get it done on the date we wanted.
Since its for Dame Iona and Duke Leroy, we made it happen. But you must keep it a secret that were taking additional orders at this time, she said, covering her mouth with her index finger and offering an awkward smile.
Unable to think straight, Iona decided to move her body instead, sitting beside Leroy as naturally as possible.
Leroy, who had been thoughtfully looking over a catalog, slid it towards Iona, saying, Good timing. Ive been hearing all sorts of recommendations, but I cant quite imagine them. What do you think?
Im... not really sure about these kinds of things.
Ah.
Recalling Ionas sparsely filled wardrobe, Leroy let out a candid sigh.
Then lets leave the design to the experts and at least decide on the color. Do you have a preferred color?
Iona usually just wore whatevereither the royal knight uniform or something Marsha had picked out for her. The idea of having a preference was unthinkable.
Before Iona could speak, the person in front began listing several options.
The trend these days is fabrics in turquoise with a sheen. Or, we could go in a completely different direction with red silk mixed with black lace to give it a powerful feel. The color would also match beautifully with your eye color.
Not bad.
A darker tone, but if its properly adorned, its likely to stand out more than anyone elses. It would also match well with the Dukes outfit.
Both Leroy and the woman looked at Iona as if seeking her approval. Overwhelmed, Iona gave a slight nod.
A quick back-and-forth later, the consultation was swiftly concluded.
Thanks to her, who had already gathered insights into Ionas preferences from their last encounter, most of the decisions were made for her.
Then Ill take my leave. Ill come by your place for a fitting in a week, said the woman, her melodic voice filled with formality. She left her seat without delay. Iona tried her best to send her off with a smile, as the woman had clearly carved out time from her busy schedule for them.
Still, an air of awkwardness was inevitably felt.
As soon as the door closed, Leroy swiveled his body toward Iona. Leaning back against the arm of the sofa, he surveyed her intently.
You look pale. Are you unwell?
Extending his arm toward Iona in a familiar manner, he expressed his concern.
Youve come to meet me in quite an unusual manner.
I thought it might be a bit surprising for you.
Jonas scrunched up his nose and ruffled his bangs.
Anyone else might have fallen for such a trick, but Iona never kept such company in the first place.
Perhaps because she hadnt grown up like a typical noble, she found the company of servants more cumbersome than comforting.
Even today, she had left Marsha at home.
We had agreed to meet after todays gathering, so it was expected, Iona said.
I did try to surprise you, albeit unsuccessfully.
Iona had informed Leroy of her return first, as he had requested before she reached the capital.
Considering this, it seemed he had sent Jonas to meet her, as their meeting was already scheduled right after the aforementioned gathering.
Did your visit to the estate go well?
Yes, it was a bit busy, but well worth the effort.
Didnt Duke want to see you? I know I did, Dame.
It seems now you have a good relationship with your sister.
What?
Youre basically singing my praises, arent you?
No, I wasnt
By the way, Im curious about how Yulia is doing these days.
Ignoring Jonass flattery that wasnt exactly flattery, Iona inquired about Yulias well-being.
Jonas scratched his neck, looking somewhat perplexed, but then answered willingly.
Shes doing well. Seems like shes even made some friends.
Thats good to hear. Ive been busy and havent been able to pay much attention to her, so I was worried.
Youve done more than enough by bringing her along with you. She even found a partner for the royal ball recently, saying she doesnt need me anymore.
It seemed couples who had mutual understanding had already claimed each other early on.
For a moment, Iona felt a twinge of sympathy for Ernas earlier nervousness. But then Jonas continued speaking, and she found herself suddenly rigid.
Which leaves me as the odd one out, I suppose. The Duke will be attending with you, Dame Iona, anyway...
...
Oh, he mentioned that you two would meet today to order matching outfits. Couple outfits.
Matching... outfits?
Yes, Ive heard that couples often coordinate their clothing. Not that Im an expert.
Iona felt a faint trickle of cold sweat down her back.
Matching outfits, really?
Since she had already told Leroy in advance, she hadnt been particularly concerned about his reaction to this matter.
Even if she attended as Richards partner, she assumed that Leroy would understand, provided she explained the situation well.
But it seemed Richards took this royal ball more seriously than she had expected.
This is awkward.
For all she knew, Richard might have made this decision just to make Leroy uncomfortable.
It felt a bit unfair that while someone else was pushing the envelope, she found herself tasked with delivering the awkward message.
Ill have to discuss it first and then decide how to handle this.
Iona swallowed an inward sigh and looked out the window.
As she tried to gauge her location by the landscape, she soon realized that the carriage was heading in a direction different from what she had anticipated.
Since they hadnt specified a meeting place, Iona had assumed they would meet at Jonas relatives house as usual. But perhaps that wasnt the case.
Iona turned to Jonas with a puzzled expression.
Where are we going?
Ah, we recently renovated a house. Duke plans to take you there from now on.
It was customary for people of power to have at least one secret residence in the capital, unknown to others.
It seemed like a place that had been neglected for a while but was now prepared for their clandestine meetings. Iona nodded, accepting the explanation.
After a while, the carriage stopped in front of a terrace house.
Upon arrival, Iona realized it was a place she already knew.
Though she was a lady in name only, she was aware of some of the real estate ownedor at least held under different namesby the Dukes family.
Iona donned the veiled hat offered by Jonas and stepped out.
Jonas, who seemed to be visiting this place for the first time, hurriedly pulled out a note with an address written on it to get his bearings.
Iona glanced at the note and spoke.
Follow me this way.
What?
It says No. 57, doesnt it?
Ah, yes.
Jonas scurried after Iona, almost as if their roles as guide and guest had been reversed.
Iona found the exact location without any signs of confusion.
Upon reaching the top floor of the building and ringing the bell, the waiting maid immediately opened the door.
The master is waiting for you inside.
Iona took off her hat and shawl, handed them to the maid, and entered.
Compared to a mansion or other townhouses, the space was modest, yet fully furnished and complete in its own right.
The entire room smelled strongly of wood, as if the furniture and flooring had recently been replaced.
As Iona moved toward the living room, she narrowed her eyes slightly at the sound of a womans voice coming from behind the wall.
Opening the door, sure enough, there was a familiar face sitting across a low table from Leroy.
Hello, Dame Iona. Its an honor to see you again.
Penelope, a staff member from the Modrov Manors tailor shop who had made a house call last time, rose to greet her.
To think the person to take her custom clothing order was already here.
Iona had intended to spill the beans to Leroy as soon as they met; she found herself in an unexpectedly awkward situation.
Misinterpreting Ionas confused expression, Leroy kindly explained the situation.
I thought itd be best to order our clothes for the royal ball in sync with your return. The timing was a bit tight to get it done on the date we wanted.
Since its for Dame Iona and Duke Leroy, we made it happen. But you must keep it a secret that were taking additional orders at this time, she said, covering her mouth with her index finger and offering an awkward smile.
Unable to think straight, Iona decided to move her body instead, sitting beside Leroy as naturally as possible.
Leroy, who had been thoughtfully looking over a catalog, slid it towards Iona, saying, Good timing. Ive been hearing all sorts of recommendations, but I cant quite imagine them. What do you think?
Im... not really sure about these kinds of things.
Ah.
Recalling Ionas sparsely filled wardrobe, Leroy let out a candid sigh.
Then lets leave the design to the experts and at least decide on the color. Do you have a preferred color?
Iona usually just wore whatevereither the royal knight uniform or something Marsha had picked out for her. The idea of having a preference was unthinkable.
Before Iona could speak, the person in front began listing several options.
The trend these days is fabrics in turquoise with a sheen. Or, we could go in a completely different direction with red silk mixed with black lace to give it a powerful feel. The color would also match beautifully with your eye color.
Not bad.
A darker tone, but if its properly adorned, its likely to stand out more than anyone elses. It would also match well with the Dukes outfit.
Both Leroy and the woman looked at Iona as if seeking her approval. Overwhelmed, Iona gave a slight nod.
A quick back-and-forth later, the consultation was swiftly concluded.
Thanks to her, who had already gathered insights into Ionas preferences from their last encounter, most of the decisions were made for her.
Then Ill take my leave. Ill come by your place for a fitting in a week, said the woman, her melodic voice filled with formality. She left her seat without delay. Iona tried her best to send her off with a smile, as the woman had clearly carved out time from her busy schedule for them.
Still, an air of awkwardness was inevitably felt.
As soon as the door closed, Leroy swiveled his body toward Iona. Leaning back against the arm of the sofa, he surveyed her intently.
You look pale. Are you unwell?
Extending his arm toward Iona in a familiar manner, he expressed his concern.
