* * *

“…So there was a reason for ramping up interpersonal combat training.”

Anton glanced briefly at the razor-sharp edges that seemed capable of drawing blood with a mere touch, shaking his head.

He’d only recently been transferred from the perilous mountain ranges, thrilled to leave behind the constant monster incursions, only to find himself face-to-face with new threats.

Yet compared to the monstrous predators of the northern front, humans were a more manageable foe.

Fighting people seemed almost laughable after dealing with beasts the size of houses.

The days when blizzards swallowed and buried everything were over.

At the center of it all stood the workaholic from the south, a figure even a child could identify.

“Damn it. This happens when people get too comfortable.”

If their lives were at stake like on the frontlines, they wouldn’t have time for power struggles.

But no one answered the muttered grumble Anton let slip, glancing at Hernan.

Irina silently followed Hernan toward the podium, focused only on her duties.

As for Anton, who owed his life to Hernan, all he needed to do was complete his tasks and pick up the scraps left behind.

Even the improvement in rations, moving from survival foods to proper meals, was more than enough to satisfy him.

‘It’s a pointless effort anyway.’

Even if they sent an army, taking the Grand Duke’s head was an impossibility.

Anton, who had evaded countless brushes with death thanks to Hernan, could guarantee that much.

If they truly wanted to end that monster’s life, they’d be better off persuading the workaholic with the unyielding expression to slip him some poisoned wine.

With a faint smirk, Anton adjusted his grip on his sword and raised his head, refocusing as the dusty training resumed.

There was no time for idle thoughts.

---

Three days after notifying the royal event coordinator of his participation, a tailor arrived in a frenzy at Yudenet Castle, trailing behind him an entourage of artisans like a string of sausages.

“It’s an honor to be in your presence!”

From jewelers who led the capital’s latest trends to shoemakers and milliners, their blatant desire to witness the rumored beauty in person was so evident it was impossible to ignore.

“You’re as handsome as the rumors say…!”

“Meeting the Grand Duke in person is a day I’ll never forget!”

Every single one of them spouted awkward nonsense, like malfunctioning machines.

If their client were an ordinary young lady, they’d have shamelessly lavished her with compliments without realizing the impropriety of evaluating someone’s appearance.

But since this was a sovereign duke, even these flatterers recognized the danger of overstepping and fumbled nervously.

The fact remained, however, that Hernan’s face was so stunningly beautiful it seemed devoid of any human warmth.

The merchants, itching to spill endless praises like verses of poetry, held back for fear of committing an offense.

As for Hernan himself, he seemed eager to end this shopping ordeal as quickly as possible, not even bothering to hide his irritation.

I sighed briefly and stepped closer behind him.

“We don’t have much time. Let’s finish this quickly.”

The jewelers were unnecessary.

Jewelry only holds value when it shines on its own, but no matter how many dozens or hundreds of carats adorned Hernan’s head, it wouldn’t outshine his face.

Everyone would be too distracted by his features to notice what he wore.

Whether it was a tiny cubic zirconia or a massive diamond, no one would care.

Unless Hernan had some personal fondness for adorning himself—which he didn’t—he was relentlessly practical.

I shared the sentiment.

While I made sure to dress neatly in quality fabrics, I had no use for excessive jewelry.

The most elaborate item I owned was probably the chain for my glasses, and even that was an heirloom from my grandmother.

“Set these aside. We don’t need them.”

I pointed to a display case of icy-toned accessories, and the jeweler’s face fell as he hurried to clear away the unnecessary items.

That’s what you get for bringing unsolicited goods.

Just as the display was being cleared, something unexpectedly caught my eye.

‘Hmm…’

It was a button crafted in the shape of a wing, its elegant curve complemented by a central blue topaz, encased in a platinum setting.

The piece was no larger than half a thumbnail, but its delicate beauty managed to capture even my disinterested gaze.

‘What would I even do with that?’

Decorative trinkets only served to complicate daily life.

Wearing such a piece would mean constant vigilance to avoid scratching or damaging it, a burden I had no desire to bear.

He wasn’t the type to hoard items just because they were pretty, especially if they had no practical use outside of investment purposes.

It didn’t take long for him to divert his gaze.

“Keep the design as simple as possible. Minimal embellishments. It needs to allow freedom of movement while accentuating the figure elegantly.”

At this, the tailor enthusiastically laid out an array of ornate catalogs.

Given that his face would make any outfit shine, there wasn’t much need to choose an eye-catching design.

Selecting a few clean, timeless styles that weren’t overly influenced by trends, they then moved on to fabric selection.

“With your fair and flawless complexion, I believe lighter shades would suit you perfectly…!”

Despite the tailor’s enthusiastic presentation of brocades embroidered with delicate silver threads, Hernan’s expression remained unimpressed.

“Do you have anything darker?”

Before Hernan could inspect the pile of fabrics—all in light hues ranging from white and sky blue to gray—I quickly stepped in.

“Forget the dark ones. He already has plenty.”

Most of those were tailored by forcefully extending the hem, which ruined the fit, making them unsuitable for formal wear.

Hernan’s wardrobe was already dark enough to resemble a collection of mourning clothes.

There was no need to add more black to it.

“For the lining, use this. Add cobalt accents to the hem for contrast, and that should do nicely.”

After gently pushing Hernan aside, I completed the fabric selection, leaving only the measurements to be taken.

While the shoemaker, still clinging to hope, looked eager for his turn, Hernan suddenly grabbed my arm with an indignant expression.

“Why don’t you have something made for yourself, my lord? The expense will be covered by Yudenet. Considering how much we owe you, it seems only proper to offer such a gift to a guest staying for an extended period.”

Why me?

His sudden tactic caught me off guard, but I firmly rejected the offer, saying there was no need.

“If you have the luxury to lavish unnecessary generosity on your guests, use it to improve the welfare of your residents.”

I already had formal attire prepared for Berta’s wedding before coming to Velon.

Ordering new clothes now felt like a waste.

With plenty of time to spare, I could just request that they send the outfit from Nirvan.

There was no need to inconvenience the tailor further. However, Hernan was obstinate.

“No. You introduced me to such a fine craftsman. As the host, I would lose face if I didn’t show some token of appreciation. Unless you intend to trample on Yudenet’s goodwill, please accept it.”

The tailor, caught off guard by the unexpected praise, couldn’t decide whether to rejoice or remain silent, while Hernan and I exchanged glances.

Are you serious?

I questioned him with my eyes, and Hernan responded with a light, mischievous smile.

Despite his outward cheer, his unwavering determination made it clear that he wouldn’t back down easily.

“I appreciate your kind offer, but as a traveler, I must decline. I’d rather not accumulate more belongings.”

Though I tried to politely resist, unwilling to take on unnecessary debts for something I didn’t need, my protest fell on deaf ears.

“Yudenet Castle has no shortage of space. If necessary, I’ll arrange a new dressing room for you. This is the perfect opportunity to commission a complete wardrobe.”

He was essentially telling me to stop being stubborn and accept the single outfit while it was still an option.

I sighed audibly, the sound of defeat heavy in the air, as the tailor hastily directed his staff to bring out more fabrics.

This day was definitely running overtime.

With a resigned shake of my head, I acknowledged that something was undoubtedly going awry.

* * *