𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐦𝐢
Upon descending to the first floor, everyone was already assembled. It seems universally true that women take longer to prepare.
ㅤ
“Ladies and gentlemen, my apologies for keeping you waiting. It took me a bit longer to dress.”
“The privilege of waiting for a lady is a gentleman’s right. Emilia and Alice, what about. . .?!”
ㅤ
Roa-sama was unusually at a loss for words. Everyone’s attention on my legs made their thoughts clear.
ㅤ
“Could you keep this attire a secret? Even if it’s for capturing Dyson, it wouldn’t be good to go public with this.”
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As for me, this is an outfit I’m familiar with from a previous life. It’s easy to move in, cute, and I like it, but it’s quite indecent for a noble lady.
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“It’s covered by boots, and it makes me look like a commoner, so I thought it would be fine.”
“N, No, it’s fine!”
“Roa-sama, your voice is cracking.”
“It’s fine! There’s no problem! Surely, the town girls wear skirts of that length, so it’s not conspicuous, and thus Alice’s choice is not mistaken for the most suitable attire for blending in!”
“I’m glad you agree! It was provided by Grion-sama, after all.”
“Grion has. . . this. . .?”
ㅤ
Roa-sama’s eyes widened, and Edgardo exclaimed.
ㅤ
“Don’t look at me like that! Since Alice will be inquiring as a commoner girl, grandfather chose ordinary civilian clothes! A length that covers even the shoes would be suspicious!”
“Well, that’s true but. . .”
“Although I am certainly not of the age of a young girl anymore.”
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My correction was made but lightly dismissed.
Rene sighed and shook his head.
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“I understand Prince Linus’s feelings. Seeing a noble lady’s legs is reserved for husbands and servants. It’s no wonder you’re surprised by the unexpected.”
“Well, that’s true but. . .”
ㅤ
More than legs, what about the chest and back that are often revealed? Sometimes I see dresses that expose almost the entire back.
From my mixed perspective with past life memories, it’s unclear, but legs seem to be more valued than the chest.
As long as it’s not up to the thigh, the skirt is halfway down the calf. The legs are firmly hidden by boots, and their shape is hardly discernible.
ㅤ
“Indeed, this is more stimulating than I imagined.”
“I will refrain from asking what Arthur-sama was imagining.”
“Hmm, I feel as though my esteem has greatly diminished just now.”
ㅤ
Arthur’s troubled face was amusing, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
ㅤ
“Arthur-sama, you’re more attractive when you’re not putting on airs.”
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It’s easier to talk to and feels more approachable.
If the young ladies knew about Arthur’s puns and such behavior, they wouldn’t start saying he’s not ideal.
ㅤ
“We don’t have much time, so shall we head to the town?! Once we’re in town, you’ll get used to seeing many ladies dressed like Miss Norchev!”
ㅤ
Thanks to Shiro’s nice suggestion, we decided to move together.
A carriage without a crest was placed in front of the entrance. Having exactly what we wanted available is indeed characteristic of the trusted servants of the Valka family.
The fact that they remain unseen almost gives them a ninja-like quality.
ㅤ
“I will take the reins, Rene. Can you guide me, Edgardo?”
“Please, Rene. There’s only one road, so I think we can get there without getting lost.”
“It’s better if not all of us are seen getting off together. Let’s get off a bit before we reach the town.”
ㅤ
Everyone nods to Roa-sama’s words and climbs into the carriage.
The men’s attire is simple: shirts with slim pants, deliberately made from a fabric that isn’t of particularly high quality.
Though not high-quality by common standards, it’s superior for commoners. Despite the attempt to be inconspicuous, the clothing’s wearer stands out due to attractive features and a good physique.
It’s precisely because of these clothes that one can discern the noble aura and dignified behavior seeping through.
ㅤ
“I’m not used to these clothes, but they’re easy to move in and light.”
“Just as Prince Linus says! I agree! They’re quick to don and wonderfully light.”
“One can see how Emilia’s movements are sprightly. This attire seems to facilitate swift movement.”
“Oh, do you intend to be even more active?”
“Ah, no, not in that sense.”
ㅤ
Roa-sama, who reflexively denied Emilia’s teasing inquiry about moving more flamboyantly while pursuing Dyson, chuckled softly.
ㅤ
“Perhaps that is the meaning indeed.”
“Well, my bad.”
ㅤ
It’s a good thing that the two, who could not even talk like this before, can now banter carelessly without concern for Dyson.
Their laughter is so genuinely joyful, it’s contagious.
ㅤ
While asking Edgardo about the town and market, the time passes pleasantly. Just before reaching the crowded areas, Rene, Shiro, and I get off.
Emilia, Roa-sama, and Edgardo take a different path. Emilia is to inquire through contacts she has.
I wander the town, gathering information about Maurice Maigret, who is suspected of developing poison here.
ㅤ
We wave off the carriage and decide to walk to the town. The low-heeled boots are comfortable for walking.
ㅤ
“Alice, feel free to act as you wish. Shiro and I will be close by, inquiring around. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to use the anti-crime magic tool, without worrying about standing out. Your life is more important!”
“Understood.”
“Do you know how to use the anti-crime magic tool? It requires a bit of strength.”
ㅤ
There are various types of anti-crime magic tools: some protect the user, others incapacitate the opponent.
What I was given resembles a defensive spray from a past life. Inhaling its smoke causes all bodily fluids to pour out from one’s face, almost to the point of death.
It looks like a party cracker, which gives it a festive feel.
ㅤ
“You pull the ring out of the magic tool, correct?”
“Yes, with about as much force as it takes to mash a raw potato! Not a boiled one.”
“I see, it requires a considerable pull.”
“Can you tell from this? You’re kidding, right?”
ㅤ
This impoverished young lady apparently has occasions to mash raw potatoes.
ㅤ
ㅤ
Just before entering the town, Rene and Shiro split off.
As I enter the town under the pretense of shopping alone, I’m greeted by charming buildings with terracotta colors and white roofs. The colors of herbs and flowers planted here and there are vivid.
ㅤ
“Wow. . .! Such a charming town!”
ㅤ
Even in such circumstances, the sight of the beautiful streets lifts my spirits slightly.
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“Grion-sama and Edgardo-sama have been here too. . .”
ㅤ
Even in imagination, the pair seems mismatched with the quaint buildings.
Yet, what seems out of place actually suits them, or rather, it’s charming in its own way.
ㅤ
While heading towards the market and observing the people around, unfortunately, Maurice Maigret is nowhere to be found.
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