My Favorite Smut Author Is My Husband! - Chapter 21
Ashulin, feeling a surge of desire at the sight of Lily bouncing slightly like a child, quickly reprimanded himself and disembarked from the carriage first, then helped Lily down. Since they had rented out the entire boutique for the day, only the staff awaiting the duke and duchess greeted them.
“Your Grace, thank you for visiting us again. Duchess, we will do our utmost to serve you.”
It seemed Ashulin was indeed a regular. Lily, feeling the strong resolve of the staff to win over her as well, flinched slightly and leaned on Ashulin’s arm as she returned their greetings.
“Would you like us to bring out a catalog and some tea? Or would you prefer to take your measurements and try on the prepared outfits right away?”
“Lily.”
Ashulin, feeling proud of the small warmth clinging to his arm, smiled and called her name to ask her opinion. For some reason, Lily felt as though she was increasingly being swayed by this man, who had seemed naïve when they first met. She released his arm and stepped forward.
In the brief moment she let go, Ashulin’s expression turned sullen, unnoticed by Lily but much to the shock of the designer, who had known Ashulin since his youth.
“Let’s take the measurements and look at the clothes right away. I don’t have any particular preferences, so just something comfortable.”
“Understood, Duchess. Then, please come this way—”
“Wait. Who will be taking the measurements?”
The owner, who was about to lead Lily into the fitting room, froze at the cold tone of Ashulin’s question. Had he done something wrong? Just a moment ago, the duke had seemed strangely gentle and sullen, but now he exuded an aura as if he might slit someone’s throat at any moment.
“One of my apprentices will be taking the measurements and recording them. Though an apprentice, they are quite meticulous…”
“No.”
“I beg your pardon? Ah, yes! Then I will do it personally…”
“No.”
The owner faltered, unsure what to do. All the tailors were men. Ashulin glanced around with glaring eyes, finally realizing the problem when he saw Lily, who was looking at him curiously, completely unaware of the situation.
“She can do it.”
In the end, Ashulin pointed to one of the few female apprentices nearby, hurriedly avoiding Lily’s puzzled gaze. The owner, however, instantly caught on to the duke’s jealousy and smiled knowingly.
“Of course, we’ll ensure everything is done without any mistakes. Since it’s been a while since you visited, Duke, would you like to come inside and get measured as well?”
“…Let’s do that. Unless, Lily, is it alright if I come with you?”
“I don’t mind.”
Though the duke hadn’t visited the boutique himself, he had always ordered clothes through catalogs sent to the ducal estate, and his measurements had been updated regularly. Yet here they were, being measured again together, with the owner inwardly thinking that only the duke was causing any fuss. The duchess, whom he had assumed to be picky due to her upbringing, was surprisingly modest and easygoing.
“Please, both of you, come this way.”
The owner gestured them into the room, wondering how such a delicate lady had ended up married to such a beast of a man. Regardless, he vowed to serve them well.
***
“I think I’ve chosen enough dresses.”
“Lily, feel free to choose more if you like.”
“No, really, this is enough.”
The duchess was even more humble and easygoing than her first impression had suggested. The boutique owner, who had been bracing himself for difficult customers, felt so moved he could almost cry, having gotten through the entire process without any insults.
“Very well, Duchess. If there’s anything uncomfortable about the dresses or anything you’d like to add, please don’t hesitate to tell us.”
“Everything’s fine. I’ll order them as they are.”
Lily had never been particularly interested in clothes. Compared to the boutique she used to frequent, where she had been bombarded with questions about every little decoration, she was content to purchase just three dresses here without much fuss. She turned to look at Ashulin after making her selection.
Before Ashulin could respond, the owner quickly made another suggestion.
“Now that you’ve selected your dresses, how about some loungewear, ribbons, or shoes? As you can see, we don’t just follow trends here but focus on sophisticated designs.”
“Ah!”
The duchess suddenly let out a small exclamation, as if remembering something she had forgotten. Sensing another potential sale, the owner discreetly signaled for the dresses to be taken away.
Lily hesitated for a moment before clearing her throat, her ears turning red.
“Ahem. Well… Unlike young ladies, married women often wear silk chemises and gowns at night, don’t they? I don’t have any of those.”
Lily finished speaking, hoping her face wasn’t as red as it felt. What she said was true—traditionally, married women did wear such garments at night.
Lily had only ever worn her wedding chemise, as she tended to avoid change and prioritized comfort. She thought to herself, *”Maybe I should have said I had a few.”*
Was it just her imagination, or had the air suddenly grown still? She regretted saying she had none at all, worried she might seem too childish for simply wearing pajamas.
“Exactly! Many newlywed ladies often place bulk orders,” the owner said, clapping their hands and cheerfully breaking the silence, which reassured Lily that her concern had been unfounded.
While Lily smiled back, relieved, the boutique owner caught sight of the duke’s frightening expression—he was still seething with jealousy over something as simple as who was taking her measurements. The owner, feeling a cold sweat down their spine, acted quickly, pointing to the female apprentice, grateful that she was brave enough for the task.
“This young lady will assist you in selecting and trying on the slips. We will all leave the room, so please feel free to browse at your leisure. If you need anything, just ring the bell.”
“Both of us…?” Lily asked, her eyes widening in surprise. While she had mentioned a chemise, she likely needed to purchase additional undergarments as well. Did this mean she had to choose those with Ashulin in the room?
“Yes, the two of you may go in together.”
As both of their faces flushed simultaneously, the owner took their leave, thinking that if everything went smoothly, the apprentice deserved a permanent position.
