Episode 5
It was something she couldn't help.
She was of mixed blood—so she couldn't see the faces of the Akir imperial family.
The only small relief was that she could at least see Ezet's jet-black hair.
The same went for his eyes. Though it was hard to read emotions in them, she could still see the surface color.
Golden.
Cold black, dark blue, or blood-like red might've suited Ezet's cynical and chilly eyes better. But they were a dazzling gold.
She suddenly thought of the sun above the freezing Northern Moonstone Territory. Maybe because it reminded her of Ezet's eyes.
Divine beast Lor asked:
〈Did you say the Northern Moonstone Territory has lots of monsters?〉
"Yeah. Tons of them. It's one of the Gate Stone territories, after all. That should be good for you guys."
〈Master, if you put it like that, it makes us sound like monsters. We're divine beasts from legend, you know? Very holy. Just walking down the street makes people cry and bow in worship. That kind of being.〉
Ol grumbled, but Diarin pretended not to hear.
"Well, first I should sleep. Tomorrow I have hours of skincare."
Not just skin. Hair treatment, nails dyed in soft pink flower tint, polished until they shine.
Then a full-body massage—and even a visit from a famous dress designer from the capital was scheduled.
Ever since coming to this Concl mansion, it was the first time Diarin experienced such luxury.
Well, at this rate, maybe they'd even bring out salon lingerie next.
'That wouldn't be so bad.'
If she had to wear something anyway, she'd ask for the one covered in gold.
Soon after, Diarin fell asleep.
The next day.
Diarin rolled her eyes to look at the ceiling.
'...This really feels like sitting on a bed of thorns.'
Her familiars reacted instantly to her feelings.
〈Lor, the master's mood is dropping.〉
〈This demon was rarely in a good mood anyway, Ol.〉
〈That's true.〉
Diarin let their chatter flow in one ear and out the other. She habitually reached to tuck hair behind her ear, but froze at a sharp gaze.
"Oh, really! I've told you many times to be careful! You'll ruin your hair, Lady Diarin!"
"Ah, yes."
Diarin obediently lowered her hand.
She stood in front of a large mirror with clean silver decorations. She wore only undergarments, a petticoat, and a light robe.
Behind her, the main designer, Monsieur Limoud, muttered in displeasure.
"As expected of a lowly branch family member…"
His assistants were busy preparing the dress. They all pretended not to hear him.
'Monsieur Limoud.'
He was a renowned designer, known for working only with counts and above.
Diarin thought the Duke of Concl must have given very strict instructions to the butler and head maid.
Still, Monsieur Limoud didn't look pleased. She could easily guess why.
'He probably thought the dress was for Elise.'
Elise was the Duke's only daughter and the official Lady of Concl, the same age as Diarin.
The dresses in the reception room were all clearly meant for a noblewoman in her early twenties like Elise.
Now that a lowborn branch member showed up instead, it made sense that Limoud looked disappointed.
'Well, anyway.'
Diarin decided to just pick a dress.
Since the Duke had put in so much effort, she should respond accordingly. Plus, she already had a standard for choosing.
The most expensive one here!
Mages were naturally curious and greedy.
There was even an archmage who hoarded treasures like a dragon to build a personal lair.
Diarin wasn't quite like that, but seeing all the beautiful and expensive things lifted her mood.
These dresses were clearly brought in to sell to Elise—each one was so dazzling they could blind someone.
The fabric had a thread count over 60, strong and smooth. The diamond decorations on the chest were cut in a brilliant style...
'Wait, I'm judging these like a mage.'
Snapping herself out of it, Diarin looked over the dresses again like a proper noblewoman and picked the one that looked most expensive.
An assistant quickly approached.
"My lady, would you like to try on this dress? Please wait just a moment—"
"Oh, Lady Diarin Concleister."
Monsieur Limoud gently stopped her. He spoke in a professional tone.
"That dress doesn't match the color of your eyes."
"My eye color?"
"Yes. Rather than that dress…"
He brought out a blue-purple dress.
"How about this one? It's very alluring."
It was neat and pretty, but not flashy. Diarin's goal today was clear.
Pick a dress worth a fortune.
When she tilted her head, Limoud quickly smiled with his eyes.
He also kept emphasizing "Lady Diarin Concleister," subtly poking at her adopted status.
"Let's look around some more, Lady Diarin Concleister."
"Alright, Monsieur Limoud."
There were plenty of options. For example, this golden dress. The watteau pleats on the shoulders nearly touched the floor. The sheer fabric was embroidered with grape vines in gold and silver thread.
As soon as Diarin pointed at it—
Tap.
"You have excellent taste, Lady Diarin Concleister. However…"
Limoud regretfully pulled it back.
"That dress is a deep and intense gold—it'll wash out your complexion. This dark gray dress would suit you better. How about it?"
"That one?"
"Of course, Lady Diarin."
The dark gray dress was modest. Too modest—it looked like something a priest could wear.
'Why not just wrap me in priest robes?'
Diarin snarked inwardly, then smiled at Limoud.
"How amusing."
Limoud, who'd been quietly tormenting her to release his frustration, raised an eyebrow.
"Amusing? What do you mean?"
Diarin calmly tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Why, choosing a dress, of course. Seeing your masterpieces is like appreciating fine art."
"Haha. You flatter me, Lady Diarin."
Pleased, Limoud generously selected a decently made dress and handed it to her.
"Lady Diarin Concleister. What about this pure white dress? The flare from the waist is elegant, isn't it?"
Diarin glanced at it and nodded gently. Limoud smiled with satisfaction.
'At least she knows her place.'
A lowborn branch member finally realizing that just wearing one of his dresses was a family honor.
"Alright, everyone. The lady has chosen her dress. Help her try it on!"
"Yes!"
Diarin got matching makeup, a small lace hat, gloves, shoes, and jewels from Concle. She looked dazzling.
Limoud was slightly annoyed. Even though he dressed her in a middle-tier gown to slight her, she looked stunning.
But this was the Concle Ducal House. Even Limoud couldn't act out here.
As a professional designer, he politely said,
"You look splendid, Lady Diarin Concleister. As if the dress was made just for you."
His assistants clapped, catching on. Diarin looked at herself in the mirror and asked,
"Really?"
"Of course. Shall we go with this one?"
"Alright."
As soon as she replied, Limoud began writing the invoice without delay.
Payment was up to the head maid, who would check Diarin's appearance before paying.
'The head maid will be satisfied for sure.'
Still, Limoud felt bitter inside.
Why did someone of such low lineage look so refined and stunning?
It almost felt like his creation benefited from her beauty.
'Tch. At least I'll get a good price.'
He doubled the original cost. He was confident the head maid would pay happily after seeing Diarin.
Once Diarin signed the receipt, Limoud felt there was no need to be polite anymore.
What mattered was pleasing the real power— the head maid.
He left Diarin and went to fetch her.
"Here, Head Maid. Please take a look for yourself."
Limoud expected praise. At least a pleased gasp.
But—
"What kind of mess is this, Monsieur Limoud?"
What came back was a cold scolding.
Limoud, who had been smiling brightly, was stunned.
'A mess?'
Confused, he looked at Diarin—and froze.
The sparkle and makeup?
Gone.
Just the plain dress remained.
Even the carefully arranged pleats he had made were undone.
It was the exact middle-tier dress he had chosen. But without the extra decoration, it looked almost ragged.
Limoud was dumbfounded.
'Wha—when did she remove it all?'
〈I did. Pathetic human.〉
Only Diarin could hear the voice of divine beast Lor.
She figured Lor was probably wearing a very disappointed look right now.