My Engagement Got Broken, But I Don’t Remember Getting Engaged in the First Place - Chapter 34

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A few days later, Elias brought her to a high-class boutique. The famous shop, which even the normally oblivious Nora has heard of, was true to its fame, exuding an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere even from outside.

She hasn’t even stepped inside but Nora already wanted to go home. In contrast to her increasingly gloomy mood, Elias was in high spirits. After heading through something like the reception area at the back of the store, they sat on the sofa. The seat was fluffy and comfortable, a far cry from their worn down sofa back home. The image of her father leaning uncomfortably on the sofa at home flashed in her mind, making her feel complicatedly sad.

The female modiste smiled widely at them as she brought out an array of dress designs and fabric samples for them to look at. As he from the House of Marquis, Elias was an excellent customer because his payments would surely never be delayed unlike others. If only more customers from the upper-class nobility would purchase their juice products, their estate’s revenue would be more stable. The modiste’s voice jolted Nora out of her reverie.

“May I inquire what particular dress you prefer, my lady?”

“I don’t have any preference. I don’t know much about fashion, but… I think I’d want something blue.”

“Good point. You were invited as the ‘Azure Nightingale’ so a blue dress would be very fitting.”

The modiste nodded in agreement and started compiling an assortment of fabric samples. Elias quickly sorted through them and arranged them in front of Nora. Because of his swift judgment, the choices were narrowed down into a handful, making it easy for Nora. She felt like all the fabrics he chose were expensive but she couldn’t pretend to ignore them anymore.

“How about the design of this dress?”

“Is it all right to leave the choice to me?”

“Of course, my lady, you’re the one singing at the ball, after all. Could you tell me what kind of song it is?”

Indeed, it would be rather strange and revolting if what she wore would not match the atmosphere of the song. The modiste sure had a more sound perspective when it comes to these things. She was completely different to Nora, who was scared out of her wits just from seeing the price of the fabrics.

“The song is about wishing for the prosperity of the country and appreciating the blessings of nature..”

I say that but I don’t think that fully captures the essence of the song.

“I’ll sing a bit of it, would you mind listening?”

As it was the kind of song about wishing for the prosperity of the country, it was challenging to sing without an accompaniment. But at the same time, since it’s also a song about appreciating the blessings of nature, it was easy to hum along to. Singing such a gentle and uplifting melody has improved her mood.

“…That’s how it sounds.” After singing a verse, she looked at the modiste who seemed bewildered with her mouth wide open.

“Pardon me for singing out of the blue.”

Did she think I was crazy?

It was fine with Nora if she had thought so but she felt sorry for dragging Elias with her.

“That was such a lovely song. Your voice is warm and soothing, my lady. I gather you would like a dress that compliments this song well?” The modiste glanced at Elias for approval and the dashing gentleman with grayish brown hair nodded with a smile.

“I got it. This way please, my lady. First, I would need to take your measurements.”

Elias smiled and waved at Nora, who was whisked away by the enthusiastic modiste to another room.

As soon as they entered the room, the modiste immediately went into work. She smiled upon noticing how Nora looked amazed with her professional dexterity.

“I didn’t expect young master Elias to bring a lady.”

“Young master…?” The modiste seemed to be having fun while taking Nora’s measurements, but the latter furrowed her brows at the rather incongruous way she addressed him.

“I had made a blue dress before, was it perhaps given to you, my lady?”

“Oh? Well, yes, I think so.”

“Our shop has long been of service to Marquis Calum, and I’ve seen Elias and Allan since they were young. Elias is quite popular with the ladies, but I’ve never seen him give a dress to anyone nor bring a lady here. You are the first, my lady.”

“I see…”

Nora felt that she must hold back her honest thoughts, so she gave a noncommittal reply.

“He may have unusual interests but please take care of young master Elias.”

Did she mean the food tasting thing? Either way, I’ll be troubled if you ask me to take care of him.

“Oh no, it’s not what you think. Elias was just helping me with my dress this time. After all, I am but a baron’s daughter…”

“Oh… It must be tough for young master Elias to hold himself back, but it might just be the best for him.” The modiste seemed to be convinced of something, but Nora was somewhat afraid to ask.

—–

“I’m coming with you?”

Karl and Perre came back home from their countless attempts to negotiate with Duke Lindell. It turned out that the duke was only willing to negotiate with them if Nora would also come.

“To be honest, it smells fishy.” Perre was against the idea but they had no other choice. Preventing the increase in the toll fee was literally a matter of life and death for them and their estate.

“It seems like the ‘Azure Nightingale’ has been the talk of the town for both positive and negative reasons. Do they really find it that interesting? In any case, if I could help with the negotiations, I must go.”

“Duke Lindell has a rather bad reputation. He seems to be fond of singers and painters, so you might have caught his eye. Please be very careful.” Perre warned with a disgusted expression.

How does he know such things?

“An old poacher makes the best keeper, as they say. I asked someone in the same line of area, so to speak.”

“But they don’t seem to be a good lot. Are you okay?”

“I’m not interested in joining them, whatsoever. I just asked around to snoop information.”

But still, Perre’s got quite the looks. Will something really not happen just because he says so?

Despite Nora’s worries, Perre just smiled.