Layla had never been dolled up before but had seen others do it before.
When her subordinates wore excessive make-up and over-flowing clothes, Layla wondered how they could move around and feel comfortable.
And now she had her answer - those people did not feel comfortable.
It was likely that they all just grinned and ensured this torture looked good for someone else.
How else would you describe Layla's pain in her scalp every time Mary ran the brush through it?
"Tsk, your hair is all tangled up. It's such a mess that it takes me ages to sort it all out. It's a shame, too, because you have such beautiful and unique silver hair."
Mary spoke disapprovingly as she combed her fingers through Layla's hair.
'How can this backward world have such advanced magic but no hair-care products? Fuck this historical setting that is only convenient when magic is involved and when it comes to the main characters. There is not even proper plumbing and showering in this place.'
After she started cursing, complaints rang out of Layla's heart about her condition. And it was all because of the pain in her scalp.
Layla's straight, mostly tangle-free hair made it far easier to comb her mess than most people's. And yet, it had hurt so much.
'Fuck! Once I have enough capital and learn potion-making, I will start making necessities, like hair-care products. People cannot keep replying about costly magic for everything.'
Layla had already started reading up on what she needed to do to achieve her goal.
From what she could tell, creating something workable would require a few years of training, but she was ready to try.
"Finally! I am done with you. Check in the mirror and see if I need to change anything."
Mary asked as she showed Layla her new hairstyle and dress. It matched her shoes and the slight shimmer on her face.
It made Layla's small body look cute but ridiculous at the same time.
"Mary, this is too much glitter! I will just dine with the Duke, not to a party. I will stand out if you make me look this sparkly."
Layla pointed out as she looked at herself in the mirror.
"Eh, but I worked hard to prepare you to look this cute. Do you want me to make you look as plain as possible? You might regret this choice."
Mary asked teasingly, and Layla could not tell if she was teasing or serious.
In any case, she decided it would be best not to go overboard. After all, this was not a party Layla was heading to…
…
'Fuck Mary! She knew that this dinner was almost akin to a party. Why did she not tell me how many people would come here, looking all sparkly?'
Layla looked around the table as she squirmed in her seat with an uncomfortable expression.
Her seat was at the Duke's side since she was invited to this dinner especially.
The Duke had invited only one other kid at the table, Henry, who sat opposite Layla. He had cleaned up well and looked prim, proper, and shiny.
Layla was the only spot of black clothes in this room with bright colors and expecting faces. It made people point toward her and shicker in amusement.
They all looked at Layla as if they knew something she did not, making her suspicious.
'Mary dressed me in black, so I am sure it will be fine…Fuck, I should not trust Mary too much.'
Layla complained in her mind, but her heart felt calmer now. She straightens her back (as did everyone else) when the Duke enters.
About 30 people were sitting at the same table, and about 10 were kids whom the vessels had brought here to try and get the Duke to look at them.
But the Duke ignored them all, and he took this seat.
"You all can sit down now…. you! Did your maid dress you up?"
Layla felt startled as the Duke suddenly addressed her.
Everyone else also froze up at that question, now looking at Layla with an expecting expression.
It made Layla realize that she had fucked up.
'So, wearing black was a mistake? Shit, I knew that I could not trust Mary.'
Layla took in a deep breath to keep her thoughts under check. She was not in trouble…yet.
She was about to answer the Duke's question, but Mary decided to defend her before she spoke.
"That's right, Duke! Doesn't my young miss look adorable in her black dress? It contrasts so well with her silver locks and her lovely red eyes. I think I will permanently arrange her wardrobe to be black from today onwards."
People gasped as they heard Mary speak up so frankly.
There was expectation in people's eyes to see what punishment the Duke would give Mary for daring to do something this bold.
Then, Layla noticed how the Duke was the only one who wore back. No one else dared to have anything even remotely black on their body.
It was more than likely that someone had been punished for doing this before.
Layla kept an eye on Mary's expression while also observing the Duke at the same time. A tense look passed between the pair before the Duke quickly pulled back first.
"I see. It's fine. I was just curious about something. Now sit down, and we can start dinner."
The Duke gave permission, and the tension finally broke.
All those who had been looking forward to Mary's punishment would only make a sour face while Henry clutched his fist tightly to stop them from bleeding.
Mary just smiled at what was happening, her expression carefree. It was clear that she knew this would happen beforehand.
'Things are a mess right now, but I can manage.'
Mary's presence suddenly felt like a security blanket for Layla. She remained silent until she was called out, but someone else decided to draw attention toward her first.