Chapter 420

Finally, it was the morning of the fourth day, the day I’d been eagerly waiting to receive my reward from Ethan.

After yesterday’s incident in the office, I managed to calm my desires somewhat and regain my composure. As a result, I avoided any impulsive attempts to rush into Ethan’s room at dawn.

Instead, I began my day by choosing an outfit for today’s outing. Since Ethan had agreed to go on a date as part of my reward, I was preparing to head out to the Blackwood estate’s commercial district. …Though, for some reason, I was getting ready in the maid’s waiting room with Isabel and Katarina, rather than in my own quarters.

“Hm, a black outfit seems a bit too usual. How about something brighter for a change, Lilith?”

“I have a purple dress that might suit you. Would you like to try it on?”

“Purple could look nice, but doesn’t Katarina’s outfit not fit Lilith? I mean, Lilith has a, well, bigger chest…”

“That’s true. Lilith’s figure is definitely fuller... How about borrowing one of my skirts instead?”

For two hours now, Isabel and Katarina had been fussing over my attire, changing my outfit repeatedly. Isabel was my first and closest friend in this world, and Katarina, though somewhat reserved, followed me around loyally. It was hard to say no to them, especially when they seemed so invested.

‘I had just planned to go out in my maid uniform…’

Even though it was a date, it was still within the Blackwood estate. I figured someone might recognize Ethan if we ran into anyone, and if that was the case, it would be better to wear the maid uniform. …Apparently, though, these two weren’t going to let me go in my uniform without a fight.

“Can’t I just wear anything? If there’s nothing suitable, I’ll just go with the maid uniform as planned…”

“No way!”

“That won’t do…”

Even Katarina, who was usually so timid, opposed the idea, so I couldn’t bring myself to object. I’d just have to humor them until they were satisfied. I’d done similar things for Natalie and Agnes before, so it would be a bit hypocritical to refuse now.

“Oh, I know! Remember that blue dress with lace embroidery I made? You could wear that!”

“Lace embroidery? Wasn’t that the dress Isabel made as a side project…”

“Now’s not the time to worry about that! What matters is that Lilith has something nice to wear for her date with the young master!”

“Well, actually, I also knitted a light summer sweater. It could go nicely over a dress…”

“I appreciate the offer, but isn’t that a bit much? If it’s something you both made for selling…”

“No, it’s okay! Lilith is like a benefactor to me, so I’d really like her to have it…”

“…”

“Lilith, hurry! Breakfast will start soon, and this is our only chance to get you ready!”

“...Fine, fine.”

They were so enthusiastic about dressing me up that they even offered the clothes they had made as side projects. I’d have to compensate them later; it felt odd to take garments they’d crafted to sell. It wasn’t as if we’d be going far from the estate, yet they were making such a fuss.

Despite my thoughts, I let Isabel and Katarina dress me up, indulging their excitement.

Two hours and multiple outfit changes later, after breakfast, I was finally ready. I met Ethan at the front of the Blackwood estate, wearing the outfit they had chosen for me.

The pale blue dress, light and perfect for summer, caught the breeze easily. Because it was so sheer, I had to swap my usual black undergarments for white ones, and with no maid uniform, I skipped the stockings and garter belt as well. Despite the beige sweater from Katarina covering my shoulders, I still felt a bit exposed.

‘Honestly, my maid uniform would’ve felt more comfortable.’

I’d rarely worn casual clothes without Ethan’s permission before. The swimwear I wore during marine study was technically a class requirement, so that was different. If Ethan wanted me to change back, I was ready to do so. But soon enough, the Blackwood estate doors opened, and Ethan stepped outside.

-Creak.

“Good morning, Master Ethan.”

“…Ah, yes. Morning, Lilith…”

“…”

“…”

Ethan was dressed in more casual attire than the suit he usually wore around the estate. It was a relief to see that I wasn’t the only one dressed for a date. If he’d been in his usual Blackwood-emblazoned suit, I would’ve felt overly excited by myself.

Since today’s outing was part of my “reward,” I thought it would be appropriate to thank him before we set out.@@novelbin@@

“Thank you for agreeing to go on this date with me today.”

“No need to thank me. You earned this ‘reward’ fair and square by winning our duel.”

“But my reward was only supposed to give me the right to, um… be with you in bed.”

“It’s fine. I’ve asked you on dates several times too, haven’t I? Besides, it’s not like we can’t go on dates whenever we have the time.”

“I see.”

“Feel free to ask for dates whenever you want. We’d just need to check the schedule, of course, but since you helped me finish my work early, we had time.”

Well, dating wasn’t exactly a “dirty” thing. It was something any couple could do. As an official couple, even if temporarily, a date shouldn’t feel so unusual.

“…”

-Glance, glance.

“...?”

After our conversation, Ethan kept glancing at me, his expression a bit uncertain. I tilted my head in confusion, and he cautiously complimented my outfit.

“T-That dress looks really nice on you, Lilith…”

“Does it?”

“Yeah. It gives you a softer look than usual. You’re always beautiful, of course, but today you look fresh and sweet.”

“…Um, thank you. You look very good as well, Master Ethan.”

“Thanks.”

Ethan was really laying on the compliments early into our date, making my face heat up even more in the summer sun. I quickly redirected the conversation.

“W-Why don’t we continue our talk in the carriage? Steward Dietmeier is waiting for us.”

“No need to worry about me, Miss Lilith. Just pretend I’m not here.”

“Well, since we’re heading to the market district, we’ll have at least a 30-minute carriage ride. We can chat on the way there.”

“…Alright, Lilith.”

With that, Ethan opened the carriage door first and offered his hand to me. Normally, he would board before me, but today he seemed intent on escorting me first.

“Please, Lilith. After you.”

“N-No… It’s more proper if you go first, Master Ethan…”

“Today’s a date, Lilith. The man escorts the woman, not the other way around.”

“But this is the Blackwood estate. As your maid, I should be the one to serve you…”

“On a date, there’s no ‘Master’ and ‘maid.’ Just get in, Lilith.”

“…”

It seemed he wanted to set aside our roles for the day, even calling me by a nickname. I couldn’t refuse him any longer, so I took his hand and stepped into the carriage.

“Alright, then. Thank you for today, …Ed.”

“…”

“…”

It felt unexpectedly awkward to use the nickname I hadn’t called him by in so long. His cheeks flushed a bit too, and we boarded the carriage with a lingering embarrassment.

Dietmeier, true to his word, stayed quiet, leaving just the two of us in a somewhat awkward silence as the carriage began its journey into town.