If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 15
Liam’s worried gaze shifted to Ruby, who was quietly seated on the couch.
“I apologize; this is the attire our employees wear. I think it would be a good idea for you to change into it as well.”
“Yes, of course I will.”
Despite being a noblewoman who didn’t officially work in the Duke’s estate, she accepted the maidservant clothes without a hint of objection. After briefly surveying her surroundings, she confidently disappeared into the Duke’s dressing room.
Liam was momentarily puzzled by her actions, but since he had instructed her to change first, it was difficult for him to interject. He gazed awkwardly towards the dressing room, feeling a bit flustered.
Just then, Ivan, who was sitting on the one-seater sofa with his eyes closed, beckoned to Liam.
Quietly, Liam walked over to the Duke’s side, leaned down, and whispered in a low voice. “Is there anything you wish to say, my lord?”
“Did you manage to keep those maids’ mouths shut?”
“Fortunately, I was able to stop them from talking about the young lady’s exploits here, but I was unable to prevent the news about her looking after the Duke.”
“Ha, spreading like wildfire if wildfire also had wings.”
“I apologize. Perhaps I should have been more thorough in my policing… My mistake.”
What he said to those learning to be butlers under him felt like a joke.
“No, what difference would it make if we delayed it for a day or two, as they’ll eventually find out anyway.”
“Um, my Lord?”
“Speak.”
“Why exactly have you decided to keep the lady by your side?”
“Hmm.”
Ivan’s lips twitched at the obvious question. After contemplating for a moment, he reluctantly spoke up, a look of discomfort etched on his face.
“I’ve decided to test her abilities for a week. Until then, that’s all you need to know. If the abilities she demonstrates are genuine, then I will provide an explanation.”
“Yes, I understand.”
While the two were deep in conversation, Ruby, who had been wearing her cloak the whole time to change her attire, finally removed it. As she proceeded to take off her dress, tears welled up in her eyes. Every garment Ruby wore was personally made by her mother. Her mother had crafted functional dresses specifically tailored for her, as she loved to move around.
The dress, designed to be easy to put on and take off by herself, slid down to reveal linen undergarments. Ruby’s skin, as fair as her face, was soon partially covered by the maid outfit.
Ruby was unfamiliar with the dress, but she didn’t mind. At least, not at first. But when she stood in front of the mirror in her dressing room, the details of the outfit made her cringe.
“It feels like I’m cramming my body into these clothes.”
She squinted at her unusually tight chest area. They were holding up, but they looked a little precarious, as if they might spill at any moment.
“…Does this look alright?”
Having always worn clothes tailored by her mother, trying on ready-made attire revealed quite a few ill-fitting areas. Unlike the tight chest area, the sleeves and waist were rather loose, and the skirt was even shorter due to her proportionally long legs.
After rechecking the bust area once more, Ruby nodded to herself. “This should be fine.”
Thinking that the least she could do was follow the Duke around, Ruby gathered up her clothes and headed out the door. Ivan, who had been waiting for her to come out, checked the time as soon as he heard her stir, and then stood up.
“My day has already started late. I must hurry, so follow—”
While donning the jacket Liam handed him, Ivan belatedly glanced towards Ruby and quickly averted his eyes, the ears peeking through his hair turning bright red.
Waiting for him to continue, Ruby stared at Ivan, who for some reason hadn’t said anything more, and then shrugged.
“I’m just supposed to accompany you, right?” she asked, not forgetting to flick her bunny ears as a bonus.
