Meeting day.

Riley woke up early and moved busily.

Madam Blanche brought several designers she worked with to help her get dressed, and it took a full three hours to finish.

She changed into dozens of dresses and changed her hairstyle dozens of times. She repeatedly removed and reapplied her makeup, striving to achieve a perfect appearance.

Finally, all the preparations were completed.

“Ingsinia? Of course! Are you going to get married there too? Ingsinia Wedding Hall is, to my knowledge, the top wedding venue. It’s also where the second princess recently held her wedding.”

Hotel Ingsinia.

It was only natural that the place where Gibnen and she had spent their first night would be the location for the meeting. Perhaps it was because it was the best hotel recommended by the empire, and it was currently owned by Gibnen.

Rachel was excited as if she were the one having the meeting.

Her voice was filled with praise for Ingsinia.

“That place is really amazing. I heard they have a large number of top chefs recommended by the empire. Maybe that’s why the banquet is like art… They say they’re on par with royal chefs. The top floor is the royal floor, and only special VIPs among the hotel’s guests can use it. What kind of place could that be? There are also many magical tools there. It’s incomparable to here. Even though it’s comfortable here, it must be real… art there? It will feel like a quality of life upgrade.”

Rachel brought a fulllength mirror with a contented smile.

“Look, Miss. It’s worth the effort. You’re so beautiful!”

Riley, who didn’t expect much change, was startled by her reflection in the mirror.

The elegant black dress was neither too flashy nor too simple, paired with neatly tied hair. Adding makeup, which she had never done before, she looked completely different.

The effort was evident in every detail. It made her understand why professionals existed, and why many people cared about their appearance. How could clothes make a person look so different?

“……It’s worth the effort everyone put in.”

“It suits you so well, neither too much nor too little. It’s the perfect formal attire for the meeting! Professionals are different.”

“Yes.”

It was an important occasion, so she had to dress appropriately to be polite to the other party. This should be enough to avoid embarrassment with both Ladyinlaw and Gibnen’s family.

Satisfied with her appearance, Riley turned around. Rachel offered her hand, supporting her.

“It’s time for the master to come. Shall we go down?”

·

·

·

The unfamiliar attire felt awkward.

The moment she stepped out, Riley felt stiff. Her body felt uncomfortable, as if she were wearing clothes that didn’t fit.

Had it not been for the etiquette training, where she learned to walk, she would have made a ridiculous spectacle of herself after a few steps.

As Riley struggled down the stairs, the door opened, and Gibnen entered.

Gibnen was visibly surprised to see Riley walking somewhat awkwardly. Not just surprised, but so obviously taken aback that it would have been embarrassing for the observer.

This made Riley certain that her ridiculous walk had shocked Gibnen.

“Sorry, the shoes are uncomfortable, so it’s hard to walk properly. Do I look very ridiculous?”

Instead of answering, Gibnen extended his hand to Riley.

Riley responded by placing her hand on his, signifying his escort. Gibnen enveloped her hand and gently kissed the back of it.

Then he squinted and said,

“You look serious.”

“……. ”

“You look seriously good.”

Riley, who had been very tense, suddenly relaxed.

“……You scared me.”

“This look should be hidden, only for me to see.”

Gibnen slowly lowered his gaze, then paused.

“……Why?”
She took a step back, and the distance between them quickly narrowed; his hand touched Riley’s waist.

The unfamiliar sensation at her waist made Riley start, and she could feel her momentarily relaxed body tense up again.

“It’s come undone.”

A surprised Riley looked down.

The waistband, which had the role of tightening her waist, was barely clinging to her body, neither fully undone nor tied. It seemed to have come undone when she staggered a little earlier.

“Stand still, I’ll tie it for you.”

“…….”

She felt his touch at the edge of her back.

She felt a bit embarrassed imagining him tying the ribbon with his long fingers, knuckles protruding. Riley bowed her head to hide her flushed face but focused on his touch behind her.

The narrowed distance was close. Due to a height difference of two heads, she could feel his breath at her head.

His calm breathing, the rustling sound of cloth touching his hand. A meaningless act, really nothing, but she felt embarrassed.

A small kindness. The touch of the person bestowing that kindness, even a bit clumsy in tying the knot, but why did it feel so stimulating?

Why? Is she crazy?

Unnecessarily attributing meaning and feeling her heart beat, Riley was convinced that she was out of her mind.

It’s not even sexual frustration! What does it mean to feel excitement from just that touch?