The Young Lady Has Disappeared

Days pass by quickly. It was a peaceful daily life, except for the fact that Catherine's expression was very displeased when she saw Lillian's grades after the midterm exams. And of course, Yulia's grades were very good. Come to think of it, she often studied together with Catherine. Remembering Yulia who had been sneakily coming in and out of her room before the exam, Lillian nodded.

What occasionally puzzled her was Yulia's study method. She would solve all the difficult problems by herself, but then ask Catherine about problems that were much easier than those difficult ones. And then she would watch Catherine solving the problems with a beaming smile.

To be honest, she didn't notice this at first, but since they studied either in the library or in her room, it couldn't help but catch her eye even if she didn't like it.

Yulia had expressed her wish to study in her room, but Lillian, who had a bad feeling about it, opposed, so they ended up studying in Lillian's room.

'Thinking about it now, that might have been for the best.'

It's not that she doubts Catherine. After all, her heart is singlemindedly directed towards Lillian. Besides, it's hard to think her inclination is that way.

'Wait, come to think of it, was there anyone Catherine showed interest in at the mansion...?'

Suddenly, such a thought occurs. Does Catherine actually have someone she likes?

Of course, Lillian knew that human relationships were pushed to the back because Lillian von Fortus occupied such a large part of Catherine's life. Moreover, perhaps due to the accident when she was young, Catherine, with her dead facial muscles, had an honestly somewhat scary impression when she was still.

Black hair, which is already considered a symbol of ominousness, and blood-red eyes. Her long straight hair that was well-maintained but hung straight down, and her skin color that was so white it looked pale, made her look almost like a ghost.

Of course, when you actually talk to her, Catherine has a bit of a silly side, but her initial impression was on the fierce side.

The rattling sound of the carriage brings her back to her senses. Catherine is still sitting with her eyes closed in a perfect posture (it was amazing how she maintained such a perfect posture in this shaking carriage), and Yulia is sitting next to Catherine with her characteristic bewitching smile. In any case, she was terribly beautiful.

Perhaps noticing Lillian's gaze, Yulia turns towards Lillian.

Her lips are still graced with a smile. This was exactly why Lillian couldn't hate Yulia. Because she tried to bewitch people without any self-awareness. Moreover, that sun-like affection wasn't directed only at Catherine.

Lillian just grins as Yulia quietly approaches her and grabs her hand. She didn't know how the previous Lillian was, but she was a hopeless face-con. She was the type of person who automatically developed a liking for such a beautiful and charming woman approaching her.

"By the way, Catherine."

"Yes, Miss Yulia."

"Where did you say we're going today?"

She speaks to Catherine while holding Lillian's hand and making eye contact with her. Catherine slowly opens her eyes at Yulia's question.

"We're going to Karl's Atelier. Karl, who was a promising designer in the empire, has recently set up base in the free city, and because of that, he's currently being flooded with reservations from students in the free city. In fact, his designs are famous for being delicate and beautiful."

"Anyway, there's a ball hosted by the student council soon. The midterms are over, so we should have some proper fun."

"Besides, Miss Yulia doesn't have a proper dress, right? It would be good to get one fitted on this occasion."

It was at this point that Yulia, who had been quietly listening to Lillian and Catherine's exchange, was startled.

"Huh? Me?"

"Yes. You."

"Yes."

"W-Wait. I don't have money! Isn't that place expensive?"

"Money? Do you think you'd need such a thing when I'm here?"

When Lillian said this with an arrogant smile, Yulia reflexively responded with an "Ooh." But soon she shook her head.

"No, no matter what, how can I ask a friend to pay..."

"Miss Yulia, your birthday is in two days, isn't it?"

"Huh? Ah, yes. That's right. How did you know?! I haven't told anyone since coming here?"

"I have my ways of knowing."

Catherine, with her usual expressionless face, glanced at Lillian. Ah, I see.

"Yes. It's a birthday present. A birthday present. So accept it."

"B-But I can't accept such an expensive gift..."

"Oh, come on. If you don't accept it, I'll just order the clothes and tear them up!"

"W-Wait a minute... I'll accept it. That's fine, right?"

In the end, Yulia nodded after hearing Lillian's violent response. Catherine, who was watching this, closed her eyes again, seemingly satisfied.

Clatter, clatter. The sound of the shaking carriage rang in Lillian's ears.

* * *

"Welcome, young ladies. I am the designer, Karl."

Perhaps in her early 30s? Because of the name Karl, I thought it was a man, but a woman with a strong presence was waiting for us. Of course, since both Lillian and Yulia were seeing Karl for the first time, they each looked at her with surprised faces.

"Fufu, quite surprised expressions, aren't they?"

"So Karl was a woman."

"Karl is beautiful!"

"Oh? Ohoho. You say such nice things. Beautiful young lady."

Karl, who gave Yulia a hand kiss, winked one eye. Then Yulia let out a laugh like rolling marbles.

"Are you two... here to get dresses fitted for the ball?"

Nod, nod.

After confirming that the two nodded, Karl slowly started to look around them. After looking over their bodies for a moment like that, Karl took out a measuring tape and started putting it against their bodies here and there.

"Hmm. Good. Of course, you two want custom-made dresses, right?"

"Of course."

"Huh? Umm... Is custom-made more expensive?"

To be honest, it could be considered quite a stupid question, but Karl just covered her mouth and laughed.

"Oh? Ohoho. Of course it is. Unlike ready-made items. A very unique dress is created through each of these fingertips. Of course, right?"

"L-Lillian...! I'm fine with ready-made ones too!"

Yulia, who heard Karl's answer, whispers to Lillian with a flustered face. It was loud enough to be heard from here for a whisper, but Lillian didn't seem to notice at all.

"Don't say such nonsense, Yulia. Karl. You've already received payment for two people, right?"

"Yes~ I've received more than enough. Miss Yulia. So it's already too late to go back."

"Ugh, uuu..."

Yulia looks at Lillian with a tearful face. However, Lillian turned her head away with her characteristic cold face. Anyone looking would think Yulia was the one paying.

"Normally, I should have you choose fabrics that match your tastes, but... inspiration is bursting forth. Would you mind going back for today?"

"Huh, huh? Is this enough?"

"Of course."

"Karl. What about what I asked for?"

"Of course! I know, Miss Lillian. Don't worry too much."

Request? What request? Was there something Lillian would ask for directly without going through me? If it were the young lady, she would have surely told me. It was at times like this that I realized that this Lillian was not the young lady I knew.

"Then, please let me know when they're ready. I'll send my maid."

"Fufu, of course. Miss Catherine?"

"...Yes?"

Did she just call me? I, who had been standing like a folding screen until now, looked at Karl with a bit of confusion. Then Karl looked me over once and smiled with satisfaction.

"Hmm, good. You're quite a beauty too. I feel like I've entered a flower garden. I've seen all sorts of beauties from the empire and the free city, but it's the first time I've seen such a variety of beauties."

"...Thank you. But would you please stop appraising the young lady?"

"Ah, I didn't mean to be rude. Fufu."

Feeling a bit sorry at her apologetic appearance despite it being something to feel bad about, I shook my head.

"I'm sorry. It's an occupational disease."

"Fufu, that can happen. Miss Catherine is a loyal maid after all. So... fufu. Is that how it is?"

"Pardon?"

As I tilted my head at the incomprehensible latter part, Karl shook her head.

"No. It's nothing. Alright. You can go back now."

"Hmm. How long do you think it will take?"

"It will take about two weeks. Since I'm making dresses for both of you."

"...We'll barely make it in time for the ball, I see."

"Don't worry, there won't be any delays. Now, Morrison. Please see the guests out."

"Yes, Madam."

Ugh, startled me. I was surprised by the pale-faced man who suddenly appeared from the corner, but I didn't show it as I went outside. Once outside, the sky was already turning its cheeks red.

"We should eat dinner before going back."

"Weren't you the one who wouldn't even touch food that wasn't made by Catherine?"

"Yes. But Catherine probably prepared something anyway."

How did she know... Of course, I always prepared a lunchbox just in case whenever we went on these outings, but isn't this something the current Lillian shouldn't know? Thinking this, I took out the lunchbox from the luggage.

"It's really there?!"

"Yes. I saw her preparing it before we left."

Ah, I see. Well, I didn't particularly hide it either.

"Hmm... This area seems good for a spot. There are many benches, and not many people passing by."

Moreover, it seemed to be something of a tourist spot, as many people were bringing things to eat. So we set up on a bench and started eating the lunchbox.