Growing Feelings (9)
Without bothering to search, Cecil instructed a man to find the Marquis Wensonâs carriage. Of course, the fact that he was looking for it didnât leak out.
Whichever way they went, his capable knights couldnât find the Marquis Wensonâs carriage or Rowena.
Whereâd she go?
He thought she would be busy preparing for the engagement ceremony because they had a tight schedule. Of course, most of the preparations were made by the imperial family, but the bride would also need to do something.
They said she met Lady Wenson⦠Did she go to get a dress or something?
He said that the timing was right, so she should have gotten it early, but it was also an important matter for women to choose which dressing room to use. Each duchess or marquis had a dressing room where they often fitted dresses.
However, there would not have been such a dressing room in Count Adeliaâs. Paul Adelia was a stingy man to his daughter.
If Rowena had already become a crown princess, there might have been a specialized dressing room she would often visit to exert her influence.
In fact, Count Adelia had not yet decided on the dressing shop, as he was saving the amount of money he received.
âTo the streetâ¦â
There was no certainty that Rowena was there, but Cecil decided to head there.
* * *
âDid you decide?â
Rowena looked in wonder at the designerâs careful questioning voice.
âWhy do you ask me so many things? Have you ever met my father separately?â
âOh, no! Iâm not. We only sent the design and asked for your opinion. It seems like youâre worried about many stores⦠Please take your time to look around.â
The designer stepped back from Rowenaâs side, making excuses with a panicked face. Rowena looked at her suspiciously and turned away.
She wasnât the first designer to respond strangely. Every store she went to see the dress for the engagement asked similar questions. Like they noticed her or invited her to their stores.
Of course, she would fit in an engagement dress somewhere. But there was a rather strange feeling about their response.
What? I know thereâs a rumor going around, butâ¦
The content of the conversation was impeccable, but something was unclear.
Donât tell me. Heâs so stupidâ¦
He was a father who was always worried about money. Paul, who was not a gambler but just plain greedy, wanted to have a bigger estate, better knights, and everything to be the best in the country. So he always wanted money.
There was no way to make money over Rowenaâs engagement. She had an idea in her head, but Rowena erased it.
Itâs an engagement to the royal family! If Rowena wears a shabby dress, the royal family and the countess will be punished. He will not be the only one to be humiliated.
Donât tell me you really!
Rowena glanced at the designer and wondered how she knew the count. As soon as she asks, she will insult the count. She suspected her father of being a snob who chose the cheapest dressing room for money.
âItâs amazing.â
âRowena! How about this?â
Lyria brought a lovely peachy dress to Rowenaâs body. The weight of the dress must have been considerable, but she seemed to have forgotten the etiquette that she had to uphold in her familyâs name because it was exciting to choose Rowenaâs dress.
Kian was watching it with a restless face. Other knights were parked outside because they were men. It was a convenient time for Kian to be beautiful.
âI think itâs pretty.â
Rowena whispered.
âBut wouldnât it be a little expensive?â
She was taught by the aristocracy that it was impolite to weigh the price. However, Paul always paid less than the limit, so Rowena and Pina had to be stumped for the dress.
âThe royal family said theyâd pay for it, so you can choose your favorite dress. I heard the palace chief told you to get at least five right?â
He even offered jewelry to decorate the dress. The jewelry was to arrive at the Countâs house a few days earlier than the gifts to be sent from the royal family.
âThatâs true, butâ¦â
When she heard about it, Rowenaâs first place to think of was the dressing room, where she gave out unsold dresses without frowning for a small amount of money.
She didnât mean to keep everything, as she only needed a practical dress that she would wear many times rather than an engagement dress.
But wouldnât it be okay to buy one here?
The problem was her stingy father didnât seem to allow it.
âLetâs get about eight! That will be good!â
Even though it was not her money, she said excitedly. Rowena only had one dress to wear for the engagement day, but she wondered why she had to get eight.
Maybe because sheâll change her mind about which dress she was going to wear on the big day? Or because she might lose or gain weight? Another dress as a backup?
Maybe just as a present for her fiancé.