Chapter 6

The people from the dress shop brought in a large amount of luggage and started trying dresses on Abbie, who was standing there. It seemed they had been informed of Abbie's build in advance, as all the dresses were the right size and design for a teenage girl.

"Since the lady has clear green eyes, this one, this one, and yes, this one too."

"Really, that many?"

"It's not enough yet. For a countess, even ten or twenty times this amount wouldn't be unusual."

"Um, how much will the total cost be?"

"The earl will take care of it, so you don't need to worry, my lady."

(For someone who has been living frugally, this is a dizzying conversation,) thought Abbie.

"Still, this is quite sudden. You're getting married today and meeting the king tonight?"

"That's right."

The shop owner whispered in her ear.

"Are you in a hurry because of a baby? If so, I can prepare something more comfortable."

"Of course not. I only met the earl recently. There are various circumstances."

"I see. Then let's start with these five dresses. Since the designs are for young girls, we'll make adjustments to the dress you'll wear today! Right now! Immediately!"

With that, five women started working at once. They removed the ribbons and lace from the collars with a speed that felt almost menacing.

In no time, the dresses that emphasized cuteness were transformed into elegant dresses suitable for adult women. As she watched in amazement, Ort entered the room.

"Ort, is there something for me?"

"The people responsible for your skin and hair have arrived. And please call me Ort."

"Understood. I'll be careful."

In the room Ort led her to, four women were waiting with their luggage.

"We will take care of your preparations for tonight's meeting."

"Um, Ort, I mean, Ort, I thought you were a former soldier, but you're very observant."

"I have three older sisters."

"I see, that makes sense."

From there, Abbie spent a long time being polished, with scented oils applied to her skin and hair, and makeup applied. At first, she was asked to undress completely, but Abbie said,

"Absolutely not. I have a small birthmark on my back that I don't want anyone to see."

The women gave up and suggested she wear a short, non-transparent camisole, allowing her to avoid lying face down.

At one point, her stomach growled from hunger, but Ort, as if hearing it, timely brought in some light snacks that could be eaten with one hand.

As she ate them little by little, Abbie quietly spoke to the woman styling her hair.

"Would tying my hair up high make me look a bit taller?"

"My lady, I wouldn't recommend that. It would be like announcing loudly that you're concerned about your height. The nobles would use it as an attack point."

"Ugh, what a scary world. I wonder if I can handle it."

"My lady, Lord Eagan will surely protect you."

"Yes, that's true."

(If I had married out of love and desire, it would be different. But since we are using each other for our own purposes, I have to try my best,) she encouraged herself.

She remained still as they applied makeup and styled her hair, which was loosely gathered to highlight her cuteness. She put on the hastily adjusted dress, a light blue one that hugged her slender upper body and flared out from the waist.

In the full-length mirror, a graceful, petite noblewoman was reflected.

"How lovely, my lady."

"Even with cuteness, there's a hint of maturity."

"Leaving the hair loosely gathered was the right choice."

The women from the dress shop and the makeup artists looked satisfied, as if they had accomplished something. The dress had become a simple, age-appropriate one, and she wore accessories they had brought, including small earrings and a simple choker, which drew attention upward.

"By drawing attention upward, you create a neat and mature impression. My lady, please stand tall and go with confidence."

"Thank you. I know I'm inexperienced in these matters, but you've been so kind. Thank you for your help."

"My lady, a simple 'thank you' is enough."

"Thank you."

She had braced herself for the possibility of being seen as a baron's daughter who had married into wealth, but unexpectedly received support. Abbie's heart warmed.

"We are always on the side of women. No matter what position our customers are in, we take pride in our work."

For the past nine years, Abbie had lived within her family home, only going out when absolutely necessary. The women who had been living and thriving in the world with their own skills seemed dazzling to her. The phrase "always on the side of women" resonated deeply in her heart.