SOTBW - 188

Najane examined the countless clothes hanging on the rack one by one. These were items Maximón had ordered for her some time ago. Since she couldn’t wear such luxurious clothing while fighting in the field, they had been stored away until now, when she finally decided to take them out.

Underneath the various outfits lay accessories that Didiña had prepared since morning, neatly arranged. From headbands to gloves, brooches, earrings, necklaces, and even shoes—everything matched the outfits perfectly. Didiña’s preparation was impeccable. All Najane had to do was choose what she wanted to wear, and her preparations for going out would be complete.

However, Najane hesitated, pacing back and forth in front of the clothes. With so many options, she couldn’t decide what to pick.

Lost in this delightful dilemma, Najane carefully surveyed the garments before her gaze settled on a dress hanging at the very end. The green velvet dress wasn’t overly puffy, and the lace trim around the neckline was just right.

Seeing Najane’s interest in the dress, Didiña quickly took it down.

“It’s such a lovely dress, isn’t it? The round neckline makes it comfortable to wear with a wool scarf, and the floral lace extending to the upper chest isn’t too tacky. The fit is a bit loose, but we can cinch it with a gold belt or sash. The short sleeves might be a downside, but they’re finished with an inward roll, so pairing it with lace gloves will look absolutely stunning. And look at these buttons, Dame Schnicks! They’re made of emeralds. Real gold was melted to create the settings, and then emeralds were set into them. Don’t they look like little sunflowers?”

This dress was crafted using only the finest materials and workmanship, much like the clothes Najane used to wear at the Powley Mansion. It was made from high-quality fabric rarely seen in Noctis Fortress, with each stitch sewn meticulously by skilled hands.

Had Maximón felt happy when he ordered this dress? Had he imagined dancing with Najane in it at a ball?

As Najane gently touched the soft fabric of the skirt, she slowly withdrew her hand. Remembering Maximón’s words about formally becoming husband and wife, the dress suddenly felt burdensome.

Najane was conflicted. While she longed to marry Maximón and live happily, thinking about how he would inevitably be left alone made her feel guilty. Accepting his marriage proposal seemed selfish. For Maximón’s sake—to ensure he could continue living without her—Najane resolved to maintain their current relationship.

Taking a step back from the dress, Najane wore an expression of regret.

“I’m just going out briefly and will return soon… As beautiful as it is, I feel a bit overwhelmed wearing something like this.”

“Ah… Are you heading out for Knights’ business?”

Didiña looked equally disappointed.

Najane smiled and shook her head.

“No, it’s entirely personal.”

“If that’s the case, please wear this dress. You’ll be wearing your Knights’ uniform to tomorrow’s year-end party anyway. You’ve spent so much time in bulky winter clothes under your armor. Why not enjoy wearing this beautiful dress for a day, as if you’re on a date?”

Didiña’s eyes sparkled as though she were preparing her own daughter for her first date.

“Dame Schnicks, Master Maximón must have been so happy when he ordered this dress. Not just this one—when he ordered all these things, he surely hoped you’d enjoy them. So, set aside any heavy thoughts for now… let go of your worries for a moment and, for his sake, enjoy today.”

Najane, who had been reluctant to wear the dress, wavered at Didiña’s persuasion. After spending several days quietly staying indoors, this was her first outing in a long time. Maximón was waiting for her outside the mansion.

Ever since receiving the emerald jewelry from Maximón, Najane had been meaning to thank him properly. She had planned to visit a jeweler whenever she had free time, but various tasks kept delaying her plans until today.

Accustomed to fighting against Serith, she had grown used to wearing practical clothes like other knights. Though Maximón didn’t seem to care much about her attire, how could she not want to wear something nice?

Having adapted to her role as a knight, Najane had forgotten what she looked like in a dress. But wouldn’t it be fine to wear it just once? After all, buying it and never wearing it would be wasteful…

Besides, she only planned to stop by the jeweler and return home. Wearing such an outfit in the Knights’ quarters would feel embarrassing, but wearing it briefly before changing back would be alright.

“...Do you think he’ll find it too overwhelming?”

“Master Maximón? Not at all! On the contrary, seeing you in this dress will make him fall for you all over again.”

At Didiña’s words, Najane chuckled softly. Relieved by Najane’s smile, Didiña hurried to help her change.

The dress fit Najane perfectly. Her body, toned from years of rigorous training, suited anything she wore, but in this dress, Najane looked like a young lady raised in a noble family, showered with love. Without realizing it, Didiña clapped her hands in admiration.

Whether Najane went out for personal reasons or not, having Maximón by her side would make it feel like a date. Didiña rolled up her sleeves and gave her best effort to prepare Najane.

A pearl hairband, teardrop-shaped emerald earrings, lace gloves lined with velvet for winter, and a thick cloak with white fox fur that could be wrapped around as a scarf… Finally, after tidying Najane’s hair one last time, Didiña stepped back with an excited expression, her work complete.

“You look absolutely beautiful.”

At Didiña’s compliment, Najane awkwardly smiled. Having once served young noblewomen, Didiña skillfully arranged Najane’s dress hem and cleared away the chair she had been using.

“I intentionally chose low-heeled shoes for you. They’re not uncomfortable to walk in, are they?”

Najane took a few steps and responded with a bright smile instead of words. Her smile radiated happiness, as if she was pleased with her long-awaited makeover. Relieved, Didiña opened the door with a smile.

“Master Maximón is waiting outside. You should go see him now.”

“Thank you.”

Najane sincerely thanked Didiña before stepping out of the mansion. As she opened the door, she saw Maximón leaning casually against the entrance gate.

Maximón had been talking with the knights guarding the mansion when he sensed someone approaching and turned his head. Their eyes met. Seeing Maximón’s wide-eyed reaction, Najane quickly lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, and let out a shy laugh.

Strangely, Maximón said nothing. The silence that followed made Najane feel self-conscious, so she bit her lip nervously. The sound of snow crunching underfoot grew closer as Maximón approached.

Only when she recognized his familiar boots did Najane cautiously raise her head. He was smiling innocently, as if he owned the entire world.

Noticing Maximón’s smile a moment too late, Najane blinked rapidly. Seeing him beam like a child brought a gradual brightness to her own expression.

“It’s the dress I gifted you.”

It had been his first time ordering women’s clothing, so he had relied purely on imagination when submitting the order after seeing the fabrics and designs merchants brought. He hadn’t been sure if there would ever be an occasion to wear such a dress, but he figured it might come in handy someday. And now, that “someday” had arrived today.

Maximón gazed at Najane with an unfiltered look of awe. She looked exactly as he had imagined—no, even better. The dress seemed tailor-made just for her, fitting her perfectly.

“Do you like this dress? I never expected you’d actually wear it today. If I’d known, I would’ve dressed more appropriately to match you.”

With a hint of regret, Maximón gently took Najane’s hands in his. Feeling flustered, Najane absentmindedly tucked her hair behind her ear and avoided his gaze.

“Do I look strange? Is my outfit too much or… unflattering, maybe?”

“Not at all! Absolutely not! Who told you that? Was it one of the maids? How dare they say anything unflattering about you? Should I have their tongues cut out?”

Maximón’s sudden flare of anger startled the soldiers guarding the mansion. They exchanged uneasy glances, feeling out of place witnessing such intensity. None of them wanted to die meaninglessly here, so they hastily averted their eyes.

Seeing Maximón grow indignant on her behalf, Najane burst into laughter.

“Calm down, Maximón. I wasn’t saying anyone criticized me—I was asking what you think. How do I look? Do I suit it well? Does anything seem off?”

Asking Maximón for his opinion was almost pointless. To him, Najane looked like a goddess of springtime visiting briefly from another realm. It felt as though flowers would bloom wherever she stepped.

Overwhelmed by emotions swelling within him like the waxing moon, Maximón desperately wanted to run outside, pluck some wildflowers, no matter how crude, and give them to her. He felt suffocated, as if his chest might explode if he didn’t do something immediately. Never in his life had his heart pounded so fiercely.

Blushing all the way to his ears, Maximón struggled to put his overflowing feelings into words. Finally, he managed to utter:

“I love you, Najane.”

The soldiers standing near the gate were stunned. So was Najane, caught off guard by the sudden confession.

Maximón tenderly held Najane’s gloved hand, slightly embarrassed yet earnest.

“To me, you only look lovable… Nothing seems off. The emeralds suit you beautifully, you’re elegant, stunning, magnificent, not tacky at all. Your shoulders and waistline are graceful, you exude dignity, carry a noble air, appear kind-hearted, and… ah, there’s even a classic charm about you. Yes, you’re simply perfect. Everything about you is perfect, Najane.”

At Maximón’s words, Najane’s cheeks flushed crimson. There were far too many ears around to hear such things. But Maximón was utterly unconcerned about prying eyes.

Maximón slowly slid his hand along Najane’s hairband, caressing her cheek and ear before finally planting a kiss on her lips. The sound of the kiss made the soldiers guarding the gate flinch.

With Najane’s face now bright red, Maximón gazed at her with eyes full of affection and offered his arm. This was unmistakably a date. After glancing at the soldiers, Najane hesitantly slipped her hand through Maximón’s arm.

As they stepped out of the mansion gates arm in arm, Najane could feel dozens of curious gazes following them. Though she bit her lip to suppress her embarrassment, she struggled to hold back a smile that threatened to burst forth.

Najane couldn’t quite explain why it felt so amusing. Simply walking down the path with Maximón, arm in arm like noble youths, was endlessly entertaining.

“By tomorrow, rumors will be spreading again.”

Maximón whispered to Najane.

Najane tilted her head quizzically.

“What kind of rumors?”

“That Maximón Elgort was seen on a date with some noble lady. Hmm… If word gets around that I’m a playboy, that could be troublesome…”

At Maximón’s deadpan remark, Najane burst into laughter.