Chapter 162

Translator: Yonnee

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Crowell’s words were unexpected. Today was the first time we’re meeting.

…Or was she someone who was acquainted with the original Rosé Artius? I’ve never met anyone who knew her before I came to possess her body.

“Yes.”

Crowell nodded as if it was obvious. I gulped heavily. I felt a bit conflicted about whether or not I could ask.

But what Crowell said after this evaded my expectations yet again.

“I heard that you helped my younger sister.”

“…Younger sister?”

As she gave some instructions to her assistants, Crowell faced me again and nodded.

“Don’t tell me, it’s…”

I recalled the person who gave off the same atmosphere as Crowell.

“That’s right, it’s Leona.”

“I didn’t know you had a younger sister?”

Mercy stepped forward from the side. Crowell readily admitted it.

“I didn’t mean to hide it, but it’s rare for anyone to notice since we don’t look all that similar. And we’re practically estranged from our household. Anyway, I heard that my younger sister owes you a favor.”

“I’m the one who owes her. On the way back out of the prison, she was the one who carried the other people with me.”

“Regardless, she made it out of there because of you, Lady Artius. Otherwise, she might be locked up in prison with the other knights. That’s why I prepared my designs more diligently.”

Certainly, Crowell and Leona had such similar atmospheres. Both strong and relaxed.

The last time I talked to Leona was at the dungeon. It was nice to hear about her here at an unexpected place.

“How is Leona doing? We met for the first and last time back then…”

“She’s doing very well. Actually…”

Crowell took the pile of sheets out of my arms and raised it up high, laughing jovially. Then, she lowered her head and whispered into my ear.

“I was told that she’s going to be the interim knight commander. You’re the only one I’m telling this to, Lady Artius.”

“Interim knight commander?”

“Most of the positions in the knighthood are inherited through nepotism, it’s possible for her to take the spot because there’s not many people after the clean-up.”

Crowell scratched her head a bit awkwardly, then she took out a notepad and a pen.

“Please take your time and tell me what you want, Lady Artius. In the meantime, I’ll be sketching the design. I’ve prepared about thirty garments beforehand for you to try out, and I’ll have them ready while you eat the refreshments.”

“…Thirty garments?”

“As expected of you, Crowell.”

“Ohoho, it’s my duty.”

No, it’s not normally your duty to do this. I listened dazedly to her and began to look at the designs one by one.

The sketches were much more detailed than I thought, and there were various types of dresses.

“I thought that it would be good to have a ballgown in advance because you’ll be making your debut in high society at the upcoming banquet.”

And there, I saw the dress that was adorned with diamond-like gems. The sketch alone already told me just how glamorous it would be.

“I believe that you will dominate high society as soon as you debut. With me beside you, there’s absolutely nothing to fear!”

Crowell smiled confidently. Her words soothed me, especially with how I got a bit nervous earlier as I received those people’s wary gazes.

Crowell was really thinking of my well-being. I couldn’t believe how kind and friendly she was being to me just because I helped her younger sister.

Honestly, I wasn’t thinking all that much about it when I did it, but the aftermath was significant.

It came to me as a realization, that little acts of mine could cause butterfly effects.

Since so much had been prepared for me, it’s only right that I review them all properly.

I started looking through the design sketches, choosing which designs I liked.

I admired how Crowell thoughtfully sketched all these with me especially in mind. Someone who gets so passionate in their work would inevitably make beautiful things.

Looking through her work, a thought popped into my mind—that I should give Albert a suit as a present.

I’ll ask Crowell about it later.

Her assistants came into the room with all sorts of hats in their hands. Then, Crowell set down her pen and notepad, rubbed her palms together, then smiled at Blanc, who was sitting beside me.

“I’ve also prepared many kinds of hats that will suit cats well.”

Crowell held out two hats to me.

“You can match, too.”

The first hat was small, its size looking as if it would fit Blanc perfectly. And the second hat was larger and would fit me.

The moment he heard that he and I could match hats, Blanc’s eyes began to sparkle.

And so, it wasn’t long before a mini fashion show began.

* * *

Choosing dresses took much longer than I thought. Still, it was thanks to Blanc that I didn’t feel as exhausted as I would have been.

“I like this one.”

With a swagger in his steps, Blanc walked around while wearing the hat that fit him perfectly. He was so cute, even with the way that he fiddled with the little hat.

“Then, next stop, His Majesty’s gift?”

“Yes.”

I asked Crowell about it earlier, and she recommended a place to me. It was on the third floor of the building next to her boutique.

“Honestly though, he’s going to like anything that you give him.”

Mercy muttered as we climbed the steps. And I agreed with her. Whatever it was that I’d prepare, I couldn’t imagine Albert making a frown in response.

Even so, I want to buy something for him that’s useful and easy to use once he receives it.

“I think it’s a good gift anyway.”

After she said this, Mercy opened the shop’s door.