Chapter 39


    The carriage had a high threshold due to itsrge wheels.


    “Pardon me.”


    Aftering back to his senses, he carefully lifted Laritte into the carriage.


    It felt as if he was lifting a feather.


    He followed after her, and as he entered, the curtains of the carriage shook lightly.


    The carriage departed for Old More Street, one of the severalmercial streets within the Duchy.


    “Where are we going?”


    “Old More Street, particrly to Nichs Boutique.”


    Ian was determined to make Laritte look more colorful and beautiful than Rose.


    But Rose was wearing a dress from Yeokrin.


    He could of course take it away, but it was not the right time yet.


    Since there was a more elegant and better way to use it now.


    ttening Rose’s nose without taking it back.


    There was only one ce in the world that could create a dress to beat such a dress.


    The carriage pulled to a stop into the street.


    Laritte descended while holding Ian’s hand.


    There were also misceneous goods being sold such as fruits and meat. The more they walked


    further into the street, the calmer it felt.


    The two, holding hands, crossed the grayish semi-circr bridge above a trickling stream while a cool


    spring breeze touched them.


    It felt like they were out here for a walk.


    “Here we are.”


    At the end of the bridge was a very old-fashioned small store.


    Above was a que with the name ‘Nichs Boutique engraved on it’.


    Opening the door, they went inside. The ce had the scent of wet sunflowers.


    A man in a suit got alerted by the sound of the bell that was hung near the door.


    “Wee, Duke. Duchess.”


    “Yes…..”


    “I am the designer of this establishment, Nichs. I’ve been waiting for your arrival.”


    The man’s hair was shorter than Ian’s, but he was very tall.


    He wore a monocle in his right eye, and his hands were covered in white gloves.


    He was a ssic and neutral handsome man.


    “It has been a long time, Duke. I designed a uniform that would suit you, sir. Would you like me to show


    you a sketch? If not, that’ll be fine as well.”


    Ian shrugged at his stiff tone.


    This was their first meeting after Ian’s treason was proven to be false.


    But that awkwardness was soon gone.


    Designer Nichs was a very famous image.


    This was the boutique brand that had been supplying clothes to the royal household of Mironoa.


    Although there were many branches around the world, the main store where Nichs resided was one


    of these small shops.


    He knew about clothes so much that he was called the king of boutiques, but he did not make an attire


    just for anyone and the fabric they offered for any amount of money.


    This was the reason why it was hard to find a Nichs’ designed dress, which is usually the first choice


    of many young lovers, in the society even though he was the owner of the dress boutique.


    “By the way, the Duchess is very different from what I imagined…..”


    “Yeah, as I’ve already told you, we’re here to order my wife’s dress today. What can you think of that


    would best suit her, designer?”


    Ian was confident about Laritte being the best customer for Nichs’ design.


    Laritte was a very beautifuldy even though she had a slender body.


    Designer Nichs’ sharp eyes professionally studied Laritte’s figure from head to toe.


    “Hmm……”


    He circled around her, uttering vague exmations.


    In fact, contrary to Nichs’ stiff expression, he was very satisfied.


    He had never seen anyone so elegant than his own designed dress.


    Dresses have always enhanced human dignity, but they have never increased in value when people


    put them on.


    But!


    ‘Now I’d be able to do my best work of all times!’


    The revtion struck Nichs’ mind.


    No one would have noticed, but from the moment he saw Laritte, his heart had been racing.


    Her sparkling silver hair, her dense features, and her calm expression caught his eyes.


    He had met many young people, but she was the first one who made him feel such a strange feeling so


    far.


    He thought for a moment that a dress would shine more if the Duchess wore it.


    Thanks to the Duchess.


    Quickly taking her measurements, he spoke to his assistant standing next to him.


    “Excuse me. I just got an inspiration.”


    He took a step towards his workstation, but the assistant quickly stopped him.


    “Huh? Pardon? But, teacher. The Duke is standing right there.”


    “Don’t nag me again. Aaahh.”


    With that, he disappeared into the inner room at a speed equal to light.


    Only the assistant scurried back before acknowledging Laritte.


    “Ah, oh, my. What do I do? Please forgive him, Your Heavenly Grace. My teacher is not usually


    impolite….. but I think it’s because he has something on his mind. And I’ve never seen him like this for


    years, or perhaps even decades.”


    Ian shook his head instead.


    He wouldn’t show it, but he was satisfied.


    “I understand his sincerity. When will the dress be finished?”


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    “The Watteau clothing takes two to three weeks, and the long dress with res and jewels takes a


    month. I don’t know what dress you’re ordering for, Your Grace, but….. it usually takes that much time


    to procure materials.”


    “What if we issue a one-month priority transit within the Ducal Decree?”


    There wasn’t much time left until the party Rose was attending.


    “Then, it will be there in a week, Your Grace.”


    Since his teacher was a genius, it would be a lot easier if the materials were supplied within the right


    time.


    Ian nodded in a satisfied manner.


    Perhaps he would be able to show Miss ‘Dress-borrower’ Rose Nichs’ handiwork.


    Furthermore, it would be the perfect way to imprint Laritte’s presence on all social circles.


    “I’d like to see the other dresses present here.”


    In addition to custom-made clothes, he could buy ready-made clothes here.


    They were the work of his assistant created under the guidance of Nichs.


    But even those dresses were valuable.


    “Do you want any specific design, Your Excellency? Even if you don’t have a specific design in mind,


    you can select as much as you want.”


    “My wife doesn’t have a closet yet. It’s impossible for me to allow her to go out with only a single dress.


    So, show me every dress that can be worn on a banquet and on a daily basis.”


    He also asked for a dress that could be worn daily, which was natural.


    He had only seen her in simple clothing in the vi and his Duchy.


    Until then, Laritte was not able to adapt to the aristocratic air.


    “Ian.”


    “Yes, Laritte. What is it?”


    “I don’t need these many dresses. They’re expensive, aren’t they?”


    Just as birds plucked their feathers to shape themselves pristine, the aristocracy boasted their attire.


    The quality of one’s clothes indirectly showed the wealth of the family.


    Then, what level of dress would the Duchess of Reinhardt need?


    Laritte grasped the hem of Ian’s sleeve. It would not be enough even if they sold all the furniture in the


    vi.


    “One dress is fine. I don’t even enjoy social gatherings anyway.”


    Ian did not want this reaction from her.


    A deep sigh from him spoke his feelings.


    “Haaa…..”


    “Ian? Tell him quickly that he doesn’t have to bring those dresses.”


    Ian called him back.


    “Wait a minute.”


    “Yes, Yes. Duke.”


    However, it was not to fulfill Laritte’s wish.


    Instead, a shocking remark came out of his lips.


    “I’ll take the ten most expensive dresses that would fit this woman, so please fill out the receipt.”


    “Ian!”


    The bill was going to be paid by one of his employees when an anxious Laritte grabbed his hand.


    When the employee couldn’t pay, the assistant’s features fell t in confusion.


    “Laritte, you can pay someone elseter.”


    Ian stepped in, taking a hold of Larite in his arms before beckoning the employee to finish the payment.


    “But it will be really expensive.”


    “If you cut the Ducal property in half, there’ll be more than that.”


    Laritte also had a reason to be this sensitive in her own way.


    Rose had taken away his mother’s treasured dress from her.


    In what way could shepensate for the property of the Duke? By buying a dress on her own!


    Her innermost thoughts leaked out from her lips. Thanks to Ian’s warmth that she felt around her.


    “I couldn’t even keep the dress of the previous Duchess safe within my grasp. I’m sure you already


    know. I’ve kept my mouth shut so far…… but I didn’t forget that I’vemitted a huge crime.”


    “You’re worried because of that? Haa.”


    He continued after a deep sigh.


    “You know what? My mother’s dress can be recovered at any time.”


    “What?”


    “Through the court, by force, or by paying a fine…..”


    His sweet voice rang in her ears.


    “I didn’t do it because I didn’t want them to escape so peacefully, Laritte.”