[TKOSINM] 101 - Dressing Up For The Banquet (2)

Irene still thought that her neck and shoulders were a bit bare, however, the next moment, the assistant placed a gold necklace with an amber centrepiece on Irene.

“Your neckline and shoulder line are pretty, so the necklace suits you really well. Miss.”

“Thank you.” Irene smiled shyly.

It felt good to feel the cold chain on her neck. 

“Close your eyes. I’ll start putting on my makeup.” At the designer’s words, Irene closed her eyes. She soon felt the touch of her brush hovering over her face. “The dress is so gorgeous; I want it’d be good if your face is as natural and modest as possible. If the makeup is strong, it will detract one’s eyes from the beauty.” She wanted to respond to the designer’s chatter, but Irene was forced not to move and could only listen.

“I’ll curl your hair and tie it up half with an indigo ribbon. We’re using ribbons, so there’s no need for more accessories.”

The designer’s hands swept from place to place, touching her hair, putting on Irene’s makeup, and tidying her clothing. The accessories were added as final touches.

The caress was so soft and careful, Irene almost fell asleep. She heard a voice repeatedly saying it was over.

“It’s finished. You may open your eyes. You’re so beautiful.”

At the designer’s words, Irene lifted her long eyelashes. Immediately, the assistant came with a large full-length mirror. Irene wore her shoes, stood up from her seat and looked in the mirror. 

“What do you think? Do you like it?”

They questioned her, but they were already certain about the answer. No wonder, Irene looked so pretty in the mirror. When she attended the ball of the Duchess Jasmine, she had been dressed up by Count Chase’s maids. When she went to the exhibition, she was dressed as calmly and not as glamorous as possible for the occasion. But today, as if intended, it was glamorous, sparkling, and dazzling. There was not a single corner that was not pretty. Irene was even surprised herself.

“So pretty.”

“The masterpiece of my life is now born. The main character of today’s banquet is definitely young miss. Dresses worn by milady will become fashionable in social circles, and soon more people will be looking for sapphires, amber and pearls. I’ve been running a clothing store for a long time, I’m confident.”

It wasn’t just lip service. Even her assistants were staring at Irene, lost for words.

“You’re beautiful. Miss Irene.”

“Thank you, Louiselle.”

She thought she was pretty then, but she was a little embarrassed when people around her kept saying she was pretty. Irene’s face was a little flushed. 

“It’s already time. We’re going to leave now. I wish you the best night.”

The designer bowed her head and left the room with her assistants. It seemed as if a storm had passed. Irene, who watched them go out, sat down on a chair in front of the dressing table. She once again looked in the mirror as she couldn’t believe her eyes. 

How can this be me?

When had she ever been this dazzling? She had lived believing that such fancy dress and jewellery would never go well with her.

“You look great Miss Irene. You’re more dazzling than anyone I’ve ever worked with.”

At Louiselle’s praise, Irene smiled shyly again. 

“Irene, are you ready? May I come in?

A familiar voice came through the door. 

Irene reflexively stood up from her seat, but her feet were numb after sitting down for so long, and she almost toppled over. Fortunately, Louiselle quickly grabbed her, and she regained her balance.

Right. Noel said he was coming to pick me up, but I forgot because I was admiring myself in the mirror. 

Irene inwardly admonished herself. After checking her appearance one more time, she opened the door herself. “The banquet will begin soon. If we go now…”

“Yes…”

Noel, who was speaking rapidly, stopped when the door opened. He stared at the woman standing in front of him.

“I’m just about to finish dressing up.”

“...Noel? What’s the matter? that? Is there any problem?” Irene asked worriedly. She greeted him warmly, but was concerned when his appearance wasn’t exactly welcoming. Only then did Noel come to his senses and shook his head.

“It’s nothing. Let’s go.” 

“Okay.”

As Irene left her room, Louiselle tried to follow her. But Noel stopped her.

“Louiselle, you must stay and guard the room.”

“It is my duty to protect the young miss.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be by Irene’s side. And if an assassin breaks into the room and hides himself, wouldn’t that be a problem?”

“...It would... Okay. Madame, I will stay and guard the room.”

As if waiting to receive approval, Louiselle looked at Irene expectantly, and waited for permission.

Irene nodded, and replied. “Yes, please.”

“Yes.”

After Irene said so, Louiselle went back to her room. As the door closed, Irene and Noel began walking to the banquet hall.

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