✤
Last came the Gloriana Guesthouse. From what I could tell, Kirara and I were the only ones who had been to this brand-new salon so far. When we all got there, Lady Kagura and Himeko looked around, full of curiosity.
The same young ladies who had worn stunning gowns last time were dressed just as beautifully today as they sipped their tea. The only difference was that this time they were fully confident in all their mannerisms and in perfect harmony with the Gothic environment. They even turned to us and showed elegant smiles. They must have been practicing hard!
The sight of them in their dresses was so charming that even Himeko made a comment about it. “Evening gowns can be so pretty, can’t they?”
“Oh yeah, you don’t really have any dresses like that, right?”
I was familiar with all the clothes in her room by now, and I didn’t recall seeing anything that fancy.
“Well, I do, just not in my room. I have them stored somewhere so they’re kept in good condition. If dresses like this aren’t cared for properly, it can ruin the silhouette. I’m scared of them getting stained as well.”
“That makes sense. I definitely wouldn’t know how to handle them properly. Not yet. I’d love to see you wearing something like that. You must have done it before if you have some, right? When do you wear them?”
“A graduation ceremony or a party afterward, maybe? That sort of thing. You might also wear one at a ball.”
“Oh yeah, I vaguely recall you talking about people throwing balls.”
“You seem pretty interested in evening wear. Maybe we should have a dress made for you.”
“No, erm, that’s all right. It would only be wasted on me. I bet you’d look like a princess, though!”
“Ooh, then maybe you’re Cinderella. Instead of a glass slipper, why don’t we see if you fit into one of my dresses?”
I was stunned into silence. The difference in our bust sizes alone would make that absolutely impossible! I thought, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it. Though I guess if it’s just a case of fitting inside it, I would, right?
“Lady Sakura, welcome to the Gloriana Guesthouse!”
In stark contrast to her feverish excitement so far, Lady Rosalie moved with perfect poise as she escorted Lady Sakura. Even though she wasn’t wearing a dress, she embodied the feeling of wearing one so well that I could almost see it. She was a Societal Arts student, after all, and now that was on clear display.
“Thank you very much,” Lady Sakura replied.
As if reading my thoughts, Marie silently drew up next to me and whispered, “Well? Don’t you think my mistress is amazing when she acts like this?”
“Yes, she’s wonderful,” I replied honestly, though I was also wondering if it was okay for Marie to be back here with me.
Right on cue, her mistress called for her. “Marie! Come over here!”
Sadly, this broke Lady Rosalie’s carefully crafted composure. I started to wonder if some of her nerves were actually because of Marie.
“Coming!”
Marie showed no concern about being shouted at; she leisurely strolled over to Lady Rosalie’s side and stayed close behind her from that point on.
“Apologies for that momentary lapse. I’d like to continue now. Our aim for the salon is to embody a traditional British feel. The interior design is part of that, and while the members are here, they’ll all wear formal dresses.”
“Yes, I see that. It was a surprise when I first arrived, but I think it adds a lovely individual flair. There’s such a tranquil atmosphere as well. I can tell you’ve really put your heart and soul into it, Lady Rosalie.”
“Really? Thank you so much!”
The two ladies continued to chat pleasantly as they walked around the salon. Lady Rosalie looked overjoyed while talking to the newcomer, and if it was clear enough for me to pick up on, I was sure Lady Sakura recognized it as well.