Droit du Seigneur: His Lordship's Right of the First Night - Chapter 54
“Dear lady, this dress is in the style of the Kingdom of Frontera, aligning with the latest fashion trends in the capital.”
“What do you think of this color? With your fair skin, it would complement a dress coat beautifully….”
“My lord! I won’t be traveling again, and I can’t wear these clothes while working. Why on earth are you buying all this…?”
Louise, who had almost fainted upon hearing the price of just one dress, desperately tried to protest, but Richard seemed uninterested in listening.
“You truly have a discerning eye. This is our most expensive dress. Your ability to choose high-quality items is remarkable.”
The boutique owner, ecstatic about the record-breaking sales, bowed politely with hands clasped.
“The fitting will be done in a day. I’ll have it delivered by tomorrow afternoon at the latest.”
“Good.”
“And the payment….”
“I’ll write a check now.”
“Oh, thank you so much!”
Ordinarily, completing the fitting for such a detailed dress in one day would be impossible. Especially for a popular boutique like this one, appointments for the ball season had been fully booked long before the dates were even announced….
For the average person, purchasing a dress now would be difficult, let alone just browsing. However, in the marketplace, where money talks, sometimes the impossible becomes possible.
The quick-witted boutique owner knew whose mansion this was. He also recognized the imposing, statue-like man before him. Archduke Günther, who had never kept a mistress and insisted on remaining single, cherished this woman.
Although he was curious about the origins of this fairy-like, extraordinarily beautiful girl, who could make even him turn his head, he quickly dismissed the thought, mentally calculating this month’s record sales.
“Then, I’ll prepare the additional dresses, shoes, and accessories Your Highness ordered and send them as soon as they are ready.”
He often received orders for a dress of a count’s wife in the morning and a dress for the same count’s mistress in the afternoon. This profession required eyes that could see but pretend not to and a heavy tongue to keep secrets. For the boutique, increased sales were the priority, and unnecessary curiosity would only bring trouble.
The boutique staff, who had come for the appointment, bowed several times before leaving the mansion. From then until the next day, Louise spent her busy hours learning etiquette and social dances.
“I was worried since you said you had never learned etiquette before, but you pick it up very quickly! Proper etiquette is more about the grace and dignity of the person rather than detailed rules. At this level, you will leave a good impression at any gathering.”
“Your social dance skills are more than adequate. The dances are usually predetermined, and you’ll need to know just one or two of them.”
In the following days, while supplementing her skills, Richard took her on a tour of the capital in a carriage. Though they had always shared the same bedroom at the manor, this was their first time dining together at restaurants, watching plays, and eating ice cream at cafés outside. It was a wholly new and enjoyable experience for Louise.
‘I’m glad I can create many happy memories with him before we part ways.’
The sadness of their impending separation was somewhat alleviated by the cheerful and busy schedule.
Then finally, the day of the ball arrived.
***
“There are so many people here!”
Louise’s eyes widened as she saw the square of the capital filled with a crowd. Although it was always bustling, it had never been this crowded due to the foundation festival period.
The floral decorations around the streets and shopfronts were more extravagant than usual. Exotic bands played unfamiliar instruments and sang along the main streets.
“Today marks the end of the official events and balls hosted by the imperial family, but the public festivals for the citizens are just beginning.”
“Oh, I see….”
During the past few days, they had toured the capital, but Louise was particularly interested in the art gallery, which unfortunately had been closed for maintenance. Since the ball at Vellus Palace was in the late evening, they decided to visit the art gallery during the day.
“If you feel it’s a shame to leave right away, we can stay longer and enjoy the festival.”
“But extending our stay would make things harder for you when we return, my lord. You’re always so busy….”
“I’ll see if we can adjust the schedule. A few days might be manageable.”
Richard smiled slightly at her concern. Dressed in an adorable pale yellow dress, Louise looked every bit the part of a noble lady out for a stroll. His large hand gently patted her head.
“Let’s visit the art gallery first and then decide.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“It’ll get much more crowded once we’re inside, so stay close to me.”
“Yes, my lord…”
“You’re so small. If you get lost here, no one will be able to find you.”
As Richard spoke and clasped her small hand, Louise turned her face slightly red. Perhaps it was because they had been physically intimate every day, but lately, he didn’t seem to hesitate at all with minor displays of affection. Unlike at the manor, he didn’t seem to worry much about others’ gazes.
