Blood rushed to my cheeks like fireworks exploding.
Vi had never been this cuddly with me before. Realizing that he was openly showing affection towards me flustered me, and I couldn’t help blushing.
Seeing the embarrassment on my face made Vi look triumphant. I felt as if I could see Lord Viol’s face superimposed over Vi’s, and that only made me blush all the more.
✦ ✦ ✦
🐈🐈🐈
IN the midst of these talks with Lord Viol, I was also busy with other preparations.
Right, I’m talking about my wedding dress.
“…Are you QUITE sure this is what you want?”
I believe those were the exact words Mother used.
Still, I suppose one can hardly blame her. After all, even I’ve never heard of anyone having an all-black wedding dress made.
But I still wanted the black one.
I mean, black goes best with Lord Viol’s vibe. That jet black hair, those obsidian eyes, so beautiful, so exquisite. In a black tuxedo and cloak. Yes, that look suits him best. I love him in deep black, like Vi’s velvety black fur.
I want to look perfect on his arm. I want our wedding to be black, black, black, totally Lord Viol.
“But there are so many other, more vibrant colors to choose from…”
But despite what Mother said, I was determined that black would be the base color for our nuptials.
Still, I don’t know anything about dress design. Ultimately, I decided to rely on Mother, who usually negotiates with the designers when ordering dresses for us. I also turned to Marietta, who knows all about the latest fashions for young ladies.
I knew they’d be able to steer me toward better results rather than if I muddled through it on my own.
“I’ve never even heard of a black wedding dress before. It’s going to be exciting to see what the finished article looks like.” Marietta tilted her head to one side and narrowed her eyes at me. “But what’s with all the black, Sis? Is it to match Archmage Viol and his goth aesthetic?”
Honestly, being asked that outright was a little embarrassing.
Seeing that I was clearly blushing, Marietta laughed with delight. “Oh, you really love that frosty archmage of yours, don’t you, Sis? But don’t worry, I understand. We’ll put everything into making you the blackest, most beautiful wedding dress ever made.”
“Right. It’s Seren’s big day. We need to make sure she has a dress that will make her utterly radiant!”
My heart filled with joy when Marietta and Mother agreed to go with my desired aesthetic.
“Hmm, usually when I order tailored dresses for soirees, we have the tailor come to the house. But this time, I don’t think that will quite do.”
“Indeed, Mother. We need to see the actual samples in person to choose the design and appraise the texture and luster of the different fabric options. And if we go to the tailor shop directly, Sis can try on different styles and see what really suits her.”
Mother and Marietta nodded enthusiastically to one another.
“Two pieces of black fabric can be totally different from one another, after all. Let’s have Seren try on different materials so we can choose the fabric that comes closest to what she has in mind as her ideal dress.”
“Yes, and the tailor shop will have all the latest fashion designs. If we’re going to have an all-black dress, I think a little whimsy in the design is called for. After all, a wedding dress must be glamorous, even if it’s all black!”
“Then, this weekend, let us all go to Arvalwein’s together.”
The name of the shop Mother mentioned sounded familiar.
“Isn’t that the tailor you order our ball dresses from?” I asked.
“Yes. I have connections with a few good places, but I think Arvalwein’s is the best option for an occasion like this.”
“Right, that’s the shop everyone’s been talking about, where that eclectic designer works.”
Apparently, Marietta knew all about it. Undoubtedly, the tailor shop was the famous one often mentioned at balls and soirees.
“If you want the newest materials and cuts, Arvalwein’s designer is the person to see,” Mother said. “All right, so she’s a bit of an odd duck, but I bet the prospect of an all-black wedding dress will delight her. I’m sure she’ll make the most beautiful dress for our Seren.”
Mother beamed, and I knew I could trust her opinion.