Much of Friday afternoon was about an army of ornated carriages marching into the forecourt of the academy. Most students traveled home at this time. Only exchange students, or those who would have to had the trip for more than 1 day, remained at the academy. And there wasn't much of them because each of the elite families maintained a residence in or near the capital. So maybe 5 people stayed in the huge building besides of me.
Honestly, I was surprised that Ronald monitored Ashley's behavior even before he learned of Kelsey's existence.
Sure. Only the parents knew about Kelsey's origins until the day of the prom, where Ronald first saw the girl. Her eyes were clear evidence of the royal bloodline. From there, Ronald also often accompanied Christian to the Kerrington estate over the weekend, to learn more about the girl.
But before Kelsey, there was no reason to keep hanging around Christian's mansion… so he never left the walls of the academy except for the breaks, to my great delight, this way every weekend can be a chance for a private 2-day date.
"Letty!"
"Yes Miss?"
"Order a carriage."
"Didn't you say you didn't want to go back to the estate?"
My faithful maid looked at me in surprise.
"It's not my intention! We're going for my clothes! "
"Oh really!"
Letty clapped her palms, smiling.
"Felicia has promised the first dress for today."
'Sure, I can't wait to see what my hastily chosen tailor is accomplishing, now that she was able to work on her first official order.'
I changed into a turquoise bridle dress, also made by Felicia's hand, tied my hair in a high ponytail, and Letty gave me a robe. In this dress, I looked more like a simple commoner than an aristocrat… but that was the goal, too.
By 4pm we were already knocking on Felicia's shabby door.
"Miss!"
The girl with a scattered look as usual happily opened the door.
She presented a beautiful peach-colored casual dress.
"It's so beautiful"
'I love this color!'
I had to try the artwork right away. The A-line dress was so light that I felt almost nothing on me. The pale yellow lace that covered the chest and arms was decorated with gold embroidery.
"My God this is perfect!"
"You are so beautiful my lady!"
I could see on Letty's face, that she is almost crying.
'Felicia is undoubtedly talented… I still have to make money from somewhere… she has to make a lot of clothes, and she will need an assistant for that…'
Before we left, Felicia showed me a sketch of the dress I asked for at the ball.
"The trouble is I have to buy gemstones to decorate - the diamonds also cost at least 5 gold."
"Ah…"
I thought her words stabbed me in the stomach. The dress is beautiful… but 5 more gold… I can't waste all of Ashley's money… I have only 10 gold left in total… I have to spend half my wealth because of a dress?
"What if there was zirconia and silver stitching instead of diamonds?"
"Then I'll solve it from 1 gold."
"So be it, put this sketch aside for later, now you have to make a lower budget outfit. "
I said broken.
After Felicia, we went to the jeweler, where the 16 sets jewelry I ordered had already been completed.
"They're amazing!"
The precious gems shine on me from a tasteful, beautifully crafted bush.
"That's exactly what I wanted, sir. You did a fantastic job."
I smiled contentedly at the jeweler.
"We are at Ms. Kerrington's service at any time!"
The penguin bowed.
'I guess… he made a lot of money from me…'
I sat in the carriage contentedly. Now everything is ready for "New Ashley" to make a proper apperence in social circles.
"Oh..shit… it's still there…"
I slapped my forehead.
"What's wrong, miss?"
Letty was puzzled.
"I should start something with my lousy reputation… I have to get rid of the incompetent gray mouse label… but how? My appearance is pretty much okay now - but what can I do to put myself into a positive light? "
I massaged my forehead with troubled look.
"Aristocrats tend to draw attention to themselves through charity!"
Letty tried to be helpful.
"That would be good, It's just that.. i'm broke, I don't have much money for ourselves either ... not for others, and it's not the kind of a donation what is noticed by a few pieces of gold… "
I sighed.
"And what if you helped in an orphanage? Everyone has a weak heart for children…What if the heir to the Kerrington house teach the orphan children themselves? "
"This is a wonderful idea! Letty, you are a genius! "
I hugged her with joy.
"Which is the nearest orphanage?"
"The Brittons."
"All right! Here is 50 silver, buy all kinds of delicacies from it in the bakery, and we'll be right there for dinner! "
Letty jumped out of the carriage with a smile, and barely half a minute later a disheveled-looking brown-haired stranger jumped in the door of my carriage.