The Noble Lady Without Magic Aims to Become an Adventurer! - Chapter 58

While lying on the bed and lost in thought, I received a message from Fars saying he was ready. I quickly got up, locked my room, and stepped out.

“You were quick.”

“Was I? Well, there isn’t much to bring back to the estate anyway. Keeping things at the dorm makes it convenient to retrieve anything I might forget.”

“Hehe, but a long holiday is just around the corner.”
“True enough!”

We exchanged smiles and headed to the estate.

That evening, my father summoned me to his study. It must be about the senior. Families like ours tend to communicate promptly, so the senior probably contacted the Marquis’ household immediately.

“Father, pardon my intrusion.”

I entered the study and took a seat on the sofa.

“Ah, Marloa, I’ve been waiting. Straight to the point—the Marquis of Gauss has sent a request for you to be their son’s partner at the graduation party.”

My father handed me the letter from the Marquis’ household. I opened it and skimmed through its contents.

“So, they’ve already sent a magical dispatch. This morning, Senior Arnold invited me to be his partner, but I told him I couldn’t decide on my own and would need to consult with you.”
They must have contacted the Marquis at lightning speed, and the Marquis replied just as quickly. I couldn’t hide my surprise at their efficiency.

“…I see.”
My father seemed lost in thought, likely weighing the political implications.

“Marloa, do you wish to attend?”

“Senior Arnold has always been kind to me, but as we’re both from Marquis households, I’m indifferent regarding the impact.”
I responded honestly.

“Our household has no issue with it. However, becoming his partner might indicate that the Marquis of Gauss views you as a potential fiancée.”

“During the ball, the Marchioness of Gauss seemed pleased that Senior Arnold was by my side. But if she finds out I lack magical abilities, she’ll likely be disappointed and object.”
“That’s probably true. If you wish to attend, do so. We have no objections.”

“Understood. I believe I’ll continue monster hunting with Senior Arnold in the future. Declining would feel awkward, so I’ll accept.”

“Very well. I’ll notify the Marquis’ household. Keep this from your mother as much as possible.”

“I understand.”

No doubt Mother would enthusiastically push for the engagement.
Mother embodies the quintessential noblewoman, after all. She probably believes a woman’s happiness lies in marrying into a high-ranking noble family. Father’s instruction to keep her uninformed likely stems from his understanding of this.
“Father, what about the dress?”

“Didn’t you have measurements taken earlier? We’ve already prepared several dresses; choose one of them. The head maid has also selected matching accessories, so you’ll be fine.”
“Thank you, Father.”

“It’s only natural. Think nothing of it.”

With that, I returned to my room.

“Marloa, aren’t you going shopping with the Marchioness tomorrow? Will you be okay?”
Fars asked, looking slightly concerned.

“Well, I hope it goes smoothly. I already feel the weight of it.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there as your attendant and escort.”
“Do I have to wear formal attire?”

“Of course. The Marchioness wouldn’t approve otherwise. Why do you ask?”

“Well, even though the capital is relatively safe, I’ll be with Mother. If someone causes trouble, I’d feel uneasy without a sword.”

Fars chuckled softly.

“If I’m armed, that should be enough. Your sword is light; I can carry it as a spare. Or, you could strap a dagger to your leg.”
“Good point. A dagger wouldn’t be an issue. I’ll modify tomorrow’s dress to accommodate it.”

I decided to go with Fars’ suggestion. I asked Anna to fetch the dress I’d wear tomorrow and adjusted the pockets for the dagger. Anna didn’t complain and even helped modify other dresses similarly.

Though I’m not great at sewing, I can handle basic tasks. Still, it’s a secret that Fars is more skilled. And so, the day came to an end.

The next morning, after a slightly late breakfast, I prepared to go out. The dress Anna chose for me gave off the vibe of a merchant’s daughter.

It felt far more expensive than my usual attire, and it probably cost that much too.

Fars donned the family’s escort uniform, sword at his side. He looked more dignified than usual, likely due to the uniform, though I worried his youth might invite trouble.

As we waited for Mother in the entrance hall, she arrived, every inch a noblewoman. She wore an elegant dress and a wide-brimmed hat.

“Mother, shall we?”

“My, you’re ready early. Let’s be off.”

Otto opened the door for us, bidding us farewell as we stepped out. Normally, I would walk, but since it was a shopping trip with Mother, we traveled by carriage. Fars escorted us into the carriage before taking his place at the back.

“Mother, where are we headed today?”

“I want to try a cake that’s currently all the rage in the capital. Also, I’d like to browse some clothes. Though I usually have tailors come to the estate, it’s nice to visit shops occasionally.”

“I’d like to try the cake too.”

“Let’s start with the clothes. There’s a shop that supplies the Queen herself.”

“Is that so?”

I responded with a forced smile, though my face probably betrayed my unease.

When the carriage stopped, Fars promptly helped us alight.
“Welcome.”

The shop attendants bowed in unison as we entered. The store was befitting of one favored by the Queen.

“What kind of dress are you looking for today?”

I felt slightly disheartened. Of course, it was about dresses.
“I want to prepare some dresses for my daughter.”

“Lady Sara, is it? We’ve already taken her measurements, so we can proceed with designs immediately.”

One of the attendants moved quickly, but Mother stopped her.
“Not for Sara. It’s for my other daughter, Marloa. Pick out a few dresses for her.”

The attendants were understandably surprised at the mention of a previously unknown daughter. But they maintained their composure, as expected of professionals. I was led to a room where meticulous measurements were taken.

I left the designs to Mother, as I had little knowledge of dress trends, but I did specify my preference for comfortable, practical dresses. I also made a secret request to the attendants: the addition of a hidden feature.

Yes, that feature.

I asked them to make the dress capable of concealing and drawing a dagger. When I mentioned my occasional role in protecting His Highness, the attendants understood immediately and even offered additional suggestions. It seemed they were experienced in such matters.

Perhaps royal garments have hidden features as well?

“Mother, I’m done with the measurements.”

“That was quick. I’ve just finalized the designs. Let’s go.”

Mother stood, and the attendants bowed deeply. As we exited the shop, Mother started walking ahead.

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