Episode 40

Kyle obeyed her suggestion to sit, all the while trying to decide which question to ask first. Why had she arranged this sudden “abduction”? Why bring him to such an upscale tailor shop? How had she known about his plans today? And if she hadn’t known, should he explain that he still needed to visit the orphanage?

But the moment his gaze landed on Rosanna, all those thoughts evaporated. He couldn’t pinpoint when it had started, but just seeing her seemed to trigger an automatic physical response. His heart raced, his face grew warm, his lips tingled as his pulse quickened, and even the fine hairs on his arms stood on end.

Kyle forgot his questions and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“You look especially radiant today.”

“Well, the last time we met was at the bazaar. I was dressed a bit modestly then.”

“That… was modest?”

Rosanna’s gaze swept over him, as if inspecting his entire being.

“You’re wearing the same outfit you wore to the lake outing, right?”

“Am I? Well, this is what I wear when I want to make a good impression. It’s one of my better outfits.”

Kyle tilted his head, rubbing the back of his neck. Though it was a timid admission, it was still a confession. He’d wanted to look good for her that day. His face flushed at the thought. Whether or not Rosanna understood the sentiment, she didn’t show it.

“Do you only have one set of casual clothes?”

“No, I have a few.”

Rosanna’s raised brow said otherwise, as if silently asking if this was truly the best of them. Her gaze occasionally had a way of making people feel self-conscious, and now was one of those times.

“Is this… not good?”

Rosanna hesitated, choosing her words carefully. To be frank, Kyle’s outfit wasn’t ideal. It wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t do him justice. The cheap fabric and poor craftsmanship were glaring to someone with an eye for fashion. Still, if she voiced her honest opinion, it might dampen his spirits.

“It’s not that. I just want to see you in something better. Let me get you something today.”

“What? But… isn’t this place really expensive? I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“Do you think I’m short on money?”

“It’s not that! I just… feel bad accepting something so pricey.”

“You’re going to see the head nun, aren’t you? You should look your best. Make a good impression.”

Rosanna spoke softly, her smile disarming. Before Kyle could think twice, he found himself replying, “Well, yes, that’s true.”

“I’ve already picked out a few options. Look at these,” she said, handing him a catalog.

Kyle took the catalog and began flipping through it. Several designs had already been marked, clearly selections made by Rosanna.

“They’re all great. It’s hard to choose,” he admitted, feeling overwhelmed by the elegant options.

“Instead of overthinking, you should just try them on.”

Rosanna took the catalog back from Kyle and raised her hand. The shop assistant, noticing the signal, approached and took the catalog.

“I’ll prepare them in order for him to try on,” the assistant said.

“Please do. This way, sir,” they continued, gesturing Kyle toward the fitting area behind the curtains.

As Kyle disappeared behind the curtains, another attendant served Rosanna tea and brought over a different catalog. While waiting, she flipped through designs of hats and ties, leisurely enjoying the time. Before long, the curtain opened, and Kyle stepped out, exuding palpable awkwardness as he stood in the center of the room.

What captured Rosanna’s attention was his frame. The basic black suit was understated, similar to the cassock he usually wore, yet it transformed his appearance entirely. Just a change in attire gave him an air of refinement, bringing out his noble features. Of course, his face was already more aristocratic than most noble heirs’, but before, he’d always looked like a fallen noble—down on his luck. Now, though…

“You clean up nicely.”

Rosanna stood from the sofa and approached Kyle. At the same time, the tailor joined them to adjust the suit. The garment was only a rough fitting, so precise measurements still needed to be taken to ensure it was tailored perfectly to Kyle’s form.

“How did they get the measurements so right?” Kyle asked, his face full of curiosity. He seemed surprised that a custom suit was already prepared for him on his first visit.

“There’s someone with a similar build to you,” Rosanna replied.

“Raymond, perhaps?”

“What? No, why would you think of him?” Rosanna chuckled, shaking her head.

“My brother is a regular here. I gave them his measurements as a baseline and asked them to adjust accordingly. But…” Her eyes lingered on Kyle’s chest. His broader frame than Vlad’s caused the jacket to strain slightly at the buttons.

Rosanna gave a subtle nod, and the tailor removed the jacket from Kyle, carefully taking new measurements and pinning areas that needed adjustments.

“Once you’re done, close the curtain and wait a moment. Hand that over,” she instructed, holding out her hand. The tailor placed the measuring tape in her palm and left with the assistants.

Inside the curtained fitting area, Rosanna’s smile turned playful.

“Kyle, hold still for a moment, okay?”

Before he could respond, Rosanna reached out and wrapped her arms around his torso.

“W-what are you…?”

“Taking your measurements. I wanted to try it myself.”

“This is… just a hug,” Kyle mumbled, flustered.

“No, it’s not.”

Despite her denial, Rosanna rested her face against his chest, clearly enjoying the embrace. She inhaled deeply, letting his intoxicating scent fill her lungs.

Kyle stood rigid, his arms hovering awkwardly in the air as his mind raced. He counted silently in his head, trying to endure the situation. When he attempted to lean back and create some space, Rosanna only clung tighter, forcing him to rely on sheer patience. After what felt like an eternity, Rosanna finally looped the measuring tape around his chest, though her eyes stayed on his face the entire time, making it clear she wasn’t truly measuring.

“Done. See? I really took your measurements.”

Rosanna stepped back, finally releasing him. Kyle let out a quiet sigh of relief, but her radiant smile disarmed him, making him willing to forgive her playful antics.

Just when he thought it was over, Rosanna extended the tape toward him.

“Your turn.”

“Do you want to try? On me.”

Was she really suggesting he measure her chest? The question sounded far too suggestive, and Kyle quickly waved his hands in refusal.

“No, that’s fine.”

“Even when I offer the chance… Fine, suit yourself.”

Rosanna gestured toward the fully stocked clothing rack.

“Then try the next one on.”

“I thought we already chose this one.”

“We’re here, so you might as well try them all. I had several prepared for you.”

She called for the attendants waiting outside the curtain to help Kyle prepare for the next outfit. What followed was essentially Rosanna indulging in her own whims. Dressing Kyle became a game, a parade of different styles for her enjoyment. Everything looked good on him, making it fun to watch, though Kyle grew increasingly exhausted from what felt like a one-audience fashion show.

When he finished trying on the final suit, Rosanna’s face lit up with satisfaction.

“The one you’re wearing now was designed with practicality in mind. That’s probably why it’s a little more relaxed in fit. It looks perfect. You should just wear this out.”

She snapped her fingers, drawing the tailor’s attention.

“Finish this one now, and adjust the others.”

“Understood. Shall I deliver the completed suits to your townhouse in three days?”

“Wait a moment.”

Kyle, who had been quietly listening, interrupted, his gaze darting between the tailor and Rosanna.

“One suit is enough.”

“They’re all beautiful. We should get them all.”

“I appreciate the thought, but… I have nowhere to put them, nowhere to wear them, and honestly, it feels overwhelming. This suit alone is more than enough, and I’m already grateful.”

Kyle glanced down at the suit he was wearing. The fine fabric shimmered faintly, speaking of its superior quality. It felt heavy, almost like wearing armor, given how out of reach such clothing was for someone of his means.

Rosanna was silent for a moment before finally responding.

“All right. I’ll gift you just this one.”

“Thank you,” Kyle said, a smile breaking across his face. The tailor, understanding the mood, took Kyle away to complete the final adjustments.

“Ma’am, what should I do?” one of the attendants asked Rosanna hesitantly. All the suits had already been paid for.

“Madam?”

Rosanna, who had been staring at the rack of suits, turned her head slowly. The attendant felt a chill from her indifferent gaze and swallowed hard. This was a high-profile client; there was no room for mistakes.

As the attendant forced on a professional smile, Rosanna’s voice rang out, low and calm.

“Finish them all as planned. Deliver everything to my townhouse.”

“Understood.”

“By the way,” Rosanna said softly, her eyes narrowing, “you have red hair.”

The attendant froze, goosebumps rising on their neck. The tone was casual, but there was something chilling beneath it, as if they were prey caught in the coils of a snake.

“Did I… do something wrong…?”

“From now on, keep your eyes on the floor. I don’t like redheads looking at my companions. It irritates me. Ruins my mood.”

Her hand landed lightly on the attendant’s shoulder as she whispered, her breath icy. The attendant bowed their head deeply, as if pierced by a winter storm.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The attendant retreated hastily from the showroom. Rosanna turned her attention back to the rack of tailored suits. Kyle might have refused them now, but it didn’t matter. There was plenty of space in her townhouse, and soon enough, Kyle would be living there with her.

The thought eased her frustration. She knew her mood would fully lift the moment she saw Kyle step out in the completed suit.

 

 

 

 

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