Published: August 15, 2025
Having demanded the library as a condition of the exchange, I was already feeling like I had won it and was cheerfully heading to the orphanage director’s room.
Monica had gone ahead to the director’s room to prepare for welcoming the Gilberta Trading Company.
Since we also had matters to discuss about new outfits today, Corinna and Tulli were coming along. Even Brigitte seemed somewhat excited.
… I get to see Tulli and Lutz. Hehe.
“Good morning, everyone. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
The members of the Gilberta Trading Company were already in the orphanage director’s room: Benno, Lutz, Corinna, and Tulli. In addition, there were several seamstresses.
I’d heard about it, but being in the room with so many people was quite overwhelming. I was a bit taken aback by the unexpected crowd density.
“Let’s move upstairs to talk.”
We went up to the second floor, and I offered seats to Benno and Corinna. Apprentice Lutz, assistant Tulli, and the other seamstresses remained standing.
“What shall we discuss today?”
“Since the fabric is ready, we would like to proceed with cutting.”
Corinna explained that they had prepared some inexpensive fabric for making patterns, and wanted to lay it on the body and start cutting.
I guided Brigitte, Corinna, Tulli, a few other seamstresses, and Monica to the secret room.
“Please come this way. Monica, please come with me.”
“Understood.”
Only women were allowed in the secret room. To prepare for the cutting, Brigitte removed her clothes. Near the entrance, the seamstresses set up a folding screen draped with fabric, so even if the door was open, no one could see inside.
With the seamstresses’ help, Brigitte took off her clothes and then transformed one of the mana stones she carried, solidifying it along the contours of her body. This prevented needles from piercing the skin and allowed for three-dimensional cutting.
This mana stone armor formed the base of the armor made from mana stones and also served as a kind of bulletproof vest worn under clothing. In turbulent territories, even civil officials and attendants commonly wear these to protect against sudden attacks.
As the lord’s child, I was not wearing it. This clearly showed how peaceful Ehrenfest was.
“Knights always wear this under their ceremonial clothing so they can fight at any time.”
…If you’re firmly armored like this, there’s no need for a bodysuit or bra, right?
But having a smooth, solidified upper body from the mana stone paired with plain drawers below lacked sex appeal. A garter belt or something that would highlight beautifully toned legs—hidden beneath drawers—might start an underwear revolution.
I’d never needed sexy underwear, not even during my Reno days, so it hadn’t crossed my mind.
…For such a curvaceous and beautiful woman to wear plain drawers was just too sad.
But if fighting was the priority, one needed to be okay with skirts flying up. That’s why the drawers were long, reaching the ankles, and plain like trousers, without any sexiness.
…Practicality or sex appeal. Hmm, tricky.
While I pondered someone else’s underwear, Corinna and several seamstresses began fitting fabric on Brigitte. Tulli handed out needles and fetched items as instructed, watching everyone’s work with serious eyes.
“Monica, please let me know when you’re done? I need to speak with Benno as well.”
“Understood.”
Though I was very curious about the process of Brigitte’s dress being made, I couldn’t just stare. Since it would take time, I decided to watch the finishing touches.
Monica opened the door for me, and I left the room alone.
Remaining in the room were attendants Fran and Gil, Benno, Lutz, and the Guard Knight Darmel. This was a group I could relax around without worry.
“Then, until the cutting is finished, let’s hear from Benno.”
I sat down and sipped the tea Fran had made, encouraging Benno to speak.
“First, I must express my gratitude. Thanks to Lady Rosemine’s patronage, our dealings with the nobility have greatly increased. We are truly thankful.”