Chapter 23

After that, I slightly changed my plans and headed to the clothing store first.

This was the place where Rebecca and I had previously had matching outfits made.

When I entered the store, the merchant who had come to the duke's house before immediately noticed me and approached with a friendly smile, probably the store manager.

"Welcome, Duchess Bernhard. It's a pleasure to see you again."

"Yes, thank you for the dresses you made for Rebecca and me before. They were wonderful."

"It's my pleasure. I'm glad you liked them."

As we were talking, the manager noticed Alan standing next to me.

"Excuse me, is that your butler?"

Butler? Does he not know that Alan is the head of the Bernhard family?

Oh, right, he can't recognize him because of the magic glasses that obstruct recognition.

"Um..."

I wasn't sure if I should reveal Alan's identity, so I glanced at him and our eyes met. He nodded once and took off his glasses.

Instantly, the manager's eyes widened and he bowed.

"Y-Your Grace, Duke Bernhard! I apologize for my rudeness!"

"It's fine, don't make a fuss."

"Of course, this way, please."

The manager bowed slightly and led us to a room at the back of the store.

I had initially thought of taking a quick look around the store, but after the manager's voice drew attention from the other customers, it seemed better to go to the back room.

We were led to the back room and sat on a sofa, with the manager sitting on the sofa opposite us.

"So, Duke and Duchess Bernhard, what kind of outfits are you looking for today?"

When the manager asked, I started to speak.

"I'd like to order about three outfits today. I haven't decided on the designs yet, so could you show me a few options?"

"Of course. We have a catalog with designs, so I'll prepare that for you."

"Thank you."

The manager quickly brought the catalog, and we started looking through the designs. As expected, most of the designs were for women's dresses.

"Could we also see some designs for men's clothing?"

"Of course."

The manager brought the catalog without any surprise, but Alan, who had been quiet, spoke up.

"Why men's clothing? I'm not very knowledgeable about fashion, but do you wear men's clothing, Sophie?"

"No, I don't wear men's clothing."

"Then why?"

Alan tilted his head in curiosity.

"Remember when Rebecca and I bought matching outfits, and you said you wanted one too? So today, I thought we could order new outfits for the three of us."

I smiled as I said this, and Alan's eyes widened.

Actually, I hadn't expected him to come today, so I had planned to surprise him with a gift.

Since we were shopping together, I thought we could choose the designs together.

Alan seemed surprised but soon smiled warmly.

"I see, thank you, Sophie."

That smile was the closest to the gentle smile I had seen in my premonition.

Oh, that unexpected smile made my heart race.

It even reminded me a bit of Rebecca, making him seem very endearing.

"That's a great idea, Duchess. If you leave it to us, we'll make sure to create outfits for your family of three."

"Family, huh..."

Alan repeated the word, reacting to the manager's comment.

From the outside, we probably looked like a family.

Of course, they don't know that Alan and I have a loveless marriage contract.

"Yes, please. Rebecca and I will have the same sizes as before, but for Alan..."

"I remember my size. Can I just tell you verbally?"

"Yes, thank you."

Alan told the manager his size, and we continued looking through the designs. Since Rebecca and I are women and Alan is a man, the options for outfits that all three of us could wear were limited.

"Which one do you like, Alan?"

"Hmm, we can buy all of them, you know?"

"Hehe, no, that's not the point. It's more fun to choose."

I showed Alan the catalog and pointed to a design, saying, "This one is good. All three of us can wear it."

"...Yes, that's true."

Alan smiled slightly and agreed. He also pointed to a design and suggested, "What about this one?"

"I like this one. Which design do you prefer?"

"I don't like overly elaborate decorations."

"Hehe, that's very Alan."

We continued our conversation and chose from the catalog.

Shopping is fun, especially when you can discuss and choose with Alan.

I hope he feels the same way.

"Is this one okay?"

"Yes, let's go with this one."

We chose a design for a jacket that both men and women could wear, with a modest amount of decoration.

It's not suitable for formal events but would be perfect for everyday use.

"Thank you. We'll make it as quickly as possible, so please wait a few days."

"Yes, thank you."

The manager went to talk to another employee and returned quickly.

"The jacket you chose is almost the right size for both of you. Would you like to try it on? The design and color are slightly different, but it will give you an idea of the fit."

"Sure, that would be helpful."

"Understood."

The manager brought the jacket, and we tried it on and looked at ourselves in the mirror.

Yes, it's good.

Personally, I like the calm and elegant design.

If the color and size can be adjusted, it will be perfect.

"Alan, what do you think?"

I turned around to check how Alan looked in the jacket.

Yes, it suits him very well.

Of course, anything would suit Alan.

"Yes, it suits you very well."

"Huh?"

"Hmm?"

Suits me? Huh, looking at himself?

Does Alan usually say things like that?

"What do you mean?"

"Isn't it obvious? Sophie looks beautiful in it."

"Oh, um..."

When I asked "What do you think?" I meant to ask about the fit and comfort, but Alan interpreted it differently.

...Since he was just complimenting me, I felt a bit flustered.

"Thank you. Alan, you look very good in it too."

"Yes, thank you."

The manager and the employees were looking at us with gentle smiles, which made me a bit embarrassed.

After that, Alan and I were seen off by the manager as we left the store.

Since we didn't carry any items, Neo, who was probably nearby, didn't come to pick up any packages.

"I'm glad we found good ones."

"Yes, that's true."

I'm very satisfied with the matching outfits for Rebecca, Alan, and me.

I'm looking forward to receiving them.

Since I couldn't surprise Alan, maybe I'll surprise Rebecca?

As I was thinking about this and about to start walking...

"Sophie, your hand."

"Oh, yes."

He was offering to escort me again.

I thought and extended my hand.

"Sophie, thank you for remembering our promise."

I was momentarily confused but realized he was talking about the matching outfits.

"Of course, I remember our promise."

"Yes, but I was very happy. Thank you."

Alan smiled and took my hand, then kissed the back of it.

I was so surprised that I froze for a moment, but the sensation of his lips and the warmth gradually made my face turn red.

"Eh, eh...!"

I alternated between looking at the back of my hand and his face, flustered.

Seeing my reaction, he chuckled again.

"Hehe, are you okay? Your face is very red."

"Wh-Whose fault is it...!"

"Mine? Well, probably."

Alan laughed happily, and I felt embarrassed and looked away.

I didn't expect him to do something like this, so I was really surprised.

My heart was racing more than ever.

"Sophie, did you dislike it?"

"N-No, I didn't dislike it, but..."

"I see, that's good."

Alan smiled gently, took my hand, and we walked through the city.

"Where are we going next?"

"Um, over there."

"Is that the wrong direction? Let's walk around until you calm down, then."

"Y-Yes..."

After that, Alan led me through the city, but my face remained flushed, and I couldn't look at him.