“The ratio of metals used in forging the blade would be different too. After all, it’s a sword made for killing.”

“…..”

Somehow, it’s a rather chilling topic.

It’s a bit unnerving to think there’s a weapon meant for killing people right beside me.

I decided not to take any more interest in Lord Joseph’s sword.

“If the young lord seriously wishes to learn swordsmanship, I could at least assess which sword style would suit his physique. If you’d like, I could even find a suitable instructor afterwards.”

“That would be greatly appreciated.”

An instructor recommended by Lord Joseph probably wouldn’t be too bad. I’m just grateful he’s offering help even in this area.

Creak. Just then, Kardiel’s partition was drawn back. It seemed he was the first to finish getting measured.

Seeing my son wearing only a light chemise, as he needed to try on fabrics next, I gave him a welcoming smile.

“How was it, Kar?”

“I didn’t feel any particular changes, but they said my height increased by about 3 centimeters compared to a month ago. Other measurements increased by similar amounts.”

Hearing such a difference, I thought it was really good we took new measurements today.

I deliberately laughed softly.

“I see. I hadn’t noticed since I see you every day, but looking at you earlier, you did seem noticeably bigger.”

“I’ll still grow more.”

“Yes, I’m sure you will.”

“The young lord has an excellent build. He’ll likely grow at least another hand span taller.”

I felt oddly proud at Lord Joseph’s acknowledgment of Kardiel’s physique.

Perhaps Kardiel will grow to be as tall as Lord Joseph, or even taller.

To think he’s already like this when he still has a few years before reaching adulthood.

“…By the way, Mother, Lord Joseph. What were you two discussing?”

“Ah, we were briefly consulting about the young lord’s sword training.”

“Yes. Lord Joseph said he’d find the sword that suits you best.”

“A suitable sword? I didn’t know such a thing existed.”

It seems Kardiel didn’t know either.

Well, that thug of a teacher probably didn’t properly teach him anything.

“Then what kind of sword do you mainly use, Lord Joseph?”

Kardiel suddenly asked. His clear blue gaze traced Lord Joseph’s waist, just as I had done earlier.

Lord Joseph smiled gently and held out his scabbard.

“What I have now is a self-defense rapier, but it’s probably quite different from the form you’re familiar with. It’s an Alperon sword, you see.”

“Could you perhaps unsheathe it and show us?”

“That is…”

Startled by Kardiel’s sudden suggestion, I intervened.

“Wait, Kar. It’s dangerous, so it would be better to see that later when you have time alone with Lord Joseph.”

“I’ll do as you say, Mother.”

The obedient Kardiel immediately lost interest in Lord Joseph’s sword. I relaxed my shoulders in relief.

…?

But I wonder why Lord Joseph is covering his mouth and laughing to himself like that.

It was then that the partitions for the two children were drawn back simultaneously with a creak.

“Mother! I’m finished!”

“Mom!”

Like Kardiel, the two children were also dressed in light clothing.

While it might be fine for Chersion, in Euphemina’s case, depending on the viewer, it might not look much different from underwear and could be embarrassing.

Fortunately, as Euphemina jumped into my arms, I was able to quickly drape a shawl over her.

“Alright. Euphie, Chelsie. How was it for you two?”

“How was what?”

“Hng. They said I’m the same!”

“It’s okay, Chelsie. You’ll grow quickly soon.”

It seems Euphemina isn’t particularly interested in her physical changes.

Soon, Madam Petrika approached and informed us of the exact measurements of the children’s physical changes.

Kardiel and Euphemina had grown significantly in the past month, but Chersion showed little change.

Well, he’s still only eleven years old.

“Shall we go choose fabrics now? This way, please. We just received some starry night rain fur from the Northern Kingdom yesterday.”

The madam joked, saying, “It seems it was meant just for the Daiern young lords and lady.”

We were about to move locations, following the friendly madam and staff. Lord Joseph also stood up.

“Then I shall take my leave now. I need to move out of the hotel and into a new place soon, so I have many things to organize and purchase.”

Oh?

Unexpectedly, he was hurriedly putting on his coat and saying goodbye as if his business was finished.

‘Didn’t he come because he had something to tell me?’

As soon as I had that thought, I realized it made sense for us to part ways now, since he had already sufficiently greeted the children as their tutor.

After all, I was the one who gave that reason.

“You must be busy, but could you stop by just once before you move in? If you could take a look at Kardiel’s sword, we could find a sword instructor as soon as possible.”

Actually, it’s not Kardiel who’s in a hurry, but rather me.

I need a proper opportunity to talk with him to address the issue of Baroness Baden becoming a chaperone.

“In that case…”

Lord Joseph, with his coat draped over his shoulders, once again kissed my fingertips.

“I have an important engagement tomorrow, so I’ll visit you the day after tomorrow.”

“…?”

“Ah, regarding the starry night rain fur, I suggest you consider it for about a month.”

“Pardon?”

“Then, I’ll be going now.”

Soon, Lord Joseph left the tailor shop, guided by a staff member.

While I appreciate his straightforward attitude…

‘Isn’t it a bit odd to say he has an important engagement?’

Moreover.

Something crinkly was pressed into my hand.

It was a note he had passed when he kissed my fingertips. I would need to consider when to unfold and read it.

“Mom!”

“…!”

Startled by Euphemina’s call, I unconsciously crumpled the note in my hand.

I thought I saw her following the staff to the next room, but when did she come out?

Did she see me receive the note?

“What is it, Euphie?”

“Did I startle you?”

“You startled me when you called out like that.”

“There are so many interesting things in that room.”

Interesting things?

Tightening my grip on the crumpled note to ensure it wasn’t discovered, I turned my gaze to where her finger was pointing.

What had caught her interest were the numerous torsos hanging from the shoulders, draped with countless fabrics.

Ah, so that’s what she was curious about. It is something rarely seen in noble mansions.

Those are…

“Are those made from dead people?”

“…?”

Huh?

Umm?

What did she say?

I was about to explain, but her outlandish idea momentarily flustered me, causing me to forget even to blink.

Not just me, but the madam and staff also seemed startled by Euphemina’s question, gaping for a long while.

“Oh, oh ho ho. The young lady certainly knows how to jest.”

“Y-yes, indeed…”

Only after a considerable pause did the madam finally burst into an awkward laugh.

I also joined in, trying not to let my face become noticeably unnatural.

“Of course not, Euphie. If they were real dead people, how could they be placed here? It would be too frightening with you, Kar, and Chelsie around.”

“Aw, so they’re not…”

Only then did Euphemina turn her gaze away from the torsos, as if having lost interest.

The worry about the note had already vanished from my mind.

Although there was an unexpected encounter, the time we spent at the tailor shop wasn’t enough to disrupt our schedule for the day.

Above all, the experience at the tailor shop seemed to have left quite a pleasant memory for the children.

Even after boarding the carriage, I was wearing a satisfied smile as I listened to the children’s still chattering voices.

“I’m so jealous of Kar brother. How nice. Brother, you’re already so tall, all the clothes looked great on you. As expected, brother is the best!”

“I see.”

“Especially mother’s color looked the best!”

“…Was that so?”

Here, ‘mother’s color’ refers to purple.

When we started looking at fabrics, Euphemina picked up a deep purple velvet fabric like amethyst and described it as ‘a color like mother’.

I can’t understand. I don’t think I often wear purple. My eyes are light purple though.

“What about me? Brother, then how was I?”

“Everyone crowded around you, bringing all sorts of fabrics.”

“Not that. I mean the colors that suit me.”

“White. Sky blue. Shades of blue.”

“Hehe.”

Satisfied with the answer, Chersion now turned his gaze to Euphemina.

“That’s right! Sister Euphie. When you wore the cherry blossom color earlier, you looked so pretty! And light yellow looked good too. Your face suddenly became so bright!”

“Even so, mother’s color doesn’t suit me.”

As if those words were a trigger, Euphemina suddenly puffed up her cheeks and turned her head away.

Ah, so she was still dwelling on that.

The purple velvet fabric that Euphemina had held tightly in her hands was certainly beautiful, but unfortunately, it was too mature a material for making Euphemina’s dress.