On yet another day, I was taken aback when she said she was going to buy clothes for sneaking out.
"Is she serious?" I couldn't help but glance at Fran.
"She's not one to just talk without acting," she replied.
I tried to dissuade her, but to no avail.
Over the past few days, I've come to understand Lady Scarlett's character. She prefers ready-made commoner clothes. Nobles usually demand custom-made garments using special threads and fabrics. Even a simple shirt or underwear feels different when worn.
While some nobles might wear an outfit only once, most take pride in wearing their expensive clothes without soiling them. It can be exhausting at times.
Yet, Lady Scarlett uses ready-made clothes even as loungewear.
When asked why, she simply said, "Because it's comfortable."
I'm finally beginning to understand her free-spirited nature.
Inside the large clothing store, Lady Scarlett swiftly moved through the aisles, confidently picking out clothes as if she knew exactly what would fit her. It was a stark contrast to me, who needs to ponder over each item before making a purchase.
"Miss, you're choosing only red clothes again."
"Hmm?"
Lady Scarlett seems to have a particular fondness for red. Fran's basket was filled with red garments. While they all suited her, wearing just one color might be challenging.
"Umm... Aurelia, which one do you think suits me better?"
Please don't ask me such difficult questions!
Both the satin blouse with an open neckline and the vibrant red cardigan looked great on her. It's hard for me to choose since both reflect her impeccable taste.
"If I had to choose, I'd love to see you in the cardigan."
It was a tough decision.
Lady Scarlett quickly settled on my suggestion, but I wonder if it was the right choice.
In the end, Lady Scarlett chose red outerwear and varied her innerwear, skirts, and pants. Occasionally, she'd also reach for a red skirt.
She also picked out clothes for Fran. Without imposing her own tastes, she consulted Fran, showing she understood her maid's preferences. It was evident she enjoyed dressing up Fran. Their relationship was quite unique.
I bought a coat for the fall. I usually gravitate towards muted colors, but Lady Scarlett chose a reddish-orange for me. I'm looking forward to wearing it, even though the hot days continue.
"Let's go buy swimsuits next!"
Right, Lady Scarlett plans to visit the beach before school starts.
Custom-made swimsuits wouldn't be ready in time for summer, so ready-made was the only option. If she rented a private resort, she wouldn't have to worry about other nobles seeing her.
That was what I thought until I saw the swimsuit she chose.
Are you seriously going to wear that?!
Noble ladies usually wear swimsuits resembling dresses adorned with lace and frills. Even when not swimming, they cover their legs with pareos and sometimes even wrap themselves in stoles. A swimsuit that reveals body contours is unthinkable.
But Lady Scarlett tried on a tube-top bikini in her favorite color, red, paired with high-waisted black bottoms. And it was a two-piece!
It suits her, but that's not the point!
Why is she so confident?
"Aurelia, don't you think this would suit you?"
I understand.
Lady Scarlett suggests with pure intentions, just like when she chose the fall coat for me. She genuinely believes it would look good on me.
But that's a high-leg competitive swimsuit!
Sorry, but I can't!
I can't even imagine wearing that in front of my mother!
I vehemently shook my head.
Lady Scarlett looked disappointed, but I couldn't help it.
"I thought it would look cool..."
Where does that confidence come from?
"If Lady Scarlett, a family member, can show me that swimsuit, it's because you're confident. Unfortunately, I can't. I'm too embarrassed. Because... I hate myself."
Oh.
I realized I had let slip a sentiment I had never shared with anyone.
"You hate yourself?"
Lady Scarlett tilted her head, clearly taken aback by my confession.
I shouldn't have said that.
But I've always felt this way. Lady Scarlett is so radiant, so wonderful, and I adore her. But she's too dazzling for me.
"That's why you seem so strong, Aurelia."
What?
Her words left me puzzled.
Right now, what did she say? Does my self-loathing make me seem strong?
"Normally, when someone thinks they're cute, they tend to pamper themselves. But you can't do that, can you? You have high ideals, and you believe you can always do better. You act on your thoughts. Most people, including me, might console themselves by thinking it's okay. But you can't accept your own shortcomings or failures. That's why you can't love yourself. Am I wrong?"
Is that how it is?
Why does she understand me better than I understand myself?
"You never give up, do you, Aurelia?"
Is that so?
"Is it because the Marquis and Marchioness set such a high standard? It's natural to aspire to be like your admirable parents. But you probably think it's hard to reach that ideal."
That... might be true.
"Even if you haven't achieved it yet, you never compromise or run away. You believe that one day you will. You probably don't realize it, but you think it's normal. That's self-discipline. Of course, that makes you strong!"
During our magic enhancement training, I felt the same way. How does she know me better than I know myself?
She tilted her head, seemingly puzzled by my reaction.
I never realized this about myself.
"Thank you. That helped me sort out my feelings."
"Really?"
She doesn't realize the impact of her words.
To me, Lady Scarlett is still too dazzling. But I want to be by her side.
If I never give up on my ideals, then I shouldn't give up on our friendship either, right?
"Um, Lady Scarlett! C-could we... be friends?"
I mustered all my courage to ask, even though I probably looked ridiculous. I'll always be this pathetic. I doubt I'll ever like myself.
But maybe, just maybe, I can be proud of this moment.
"Of course! I'd be delighted!"
I'll never forget Lady Scarlett's radiant smile in response.
But I'm definitely not wearing that bikini, Letty!