Chapter 122 - You’re Looking Over There (1) (1/2)
Carlisle wanted to purchase the rest of the designs including the concepts, but Elena managed to stop him from doing so. However, the five dresses were already bought. Elena had mixed feelings as she observed Madame Mitchell’s overjoyed face.
“Please visit again.”
She left them with a hospitable farewell, and the three finally emerged from Anco’s Tailors. Mirabelle had a far-off look, as if she still hadn’t recovered from her experience in the shop.
“So you’ll choose one of those five dresses for your wedding day?”
“Yes, I will.”
Elena nodded. They had already bought this much, and there was no need for further purchases. Carlisle interjected, however.
“There’s no need to be hasty with your decision. Let’s take a look at everything else and so you can choose what you like.”
Elena was bewildered to see Carlisle talk so idly even after this massive purchase.
“Are you really going to buy just as much from the rest of the shops?”
“If you think it suits you. It doesn’t necessarily have to be for the wedding day either. Consider it a personal gift from me to you.”
Wedding dresses were far more expensive than other dresses, and more likely to be worn on the day of marriage rather than a ball or party. Although all aristocratic women dreamed of a bespoke wedding dress, prices were high as only a limited number of shops could make them.
And yet Carlisle so casually invited her to look at more after buying five of them. No matter how much Elena grew up as the daughter of a count, this degree of wealth was alien to her. Elena pressed her hand on her forehead.
“…There’s only one wedding, but there are too many wedding dresses.”
“We can hold a few encore weddings if you wish.”
“It’s not like that. “
“I want to buy my bride anything. Do you not like that?”
“…!”
For a moment, Elena couldn’t find her words. She never expected this kind of sweet remark from him. Mirabelle, who was standing with the two of them, looked at them with envy as the surrounding atmosphere turned warm and a flush crept up Elena’s cheeks.
“I appreciate your words, but this is too much. I’ll be seen as a crown princess that spends extravagantly.”
It wasn’t a matter of frugality, as excessive extravagance could cause problems. In fact, refusing Carlisle was her way to protect her family. If possible, she was determined to contribute to the Ruford Empire, not drain it. Carlisle smiled.
“First, it doesn’t matter what gifts I give you because they are purchased with my personal fortune. Second, the Empire’s finances are not so strained to cause collapse under this kind of luxury. And third…”
That strange heat deepened in Carlisle’s blue eyes.
“I don’t want you to leave me because you got used to this luxury.”
Elena’s eyes widened. It sounded like if he could buy her heart, he would pay any price. For a moment, the pair stared at each other in silence. Mirabelle cleared her throat.
“Ehmm.”
Elena came to her senses and stared at her sister, who was wearing a slightly embarrassed look.
“I apologize for interrupting, but I think five dresses are enough. In some situations, simply replacing the jewelry or the lace with a more valuable material is enough to change the appearance. I can discuss it more with Madame Mitchell.”
Elena nodded. She was not particularly interested in dresses or jewelry and didn’t have much knowledge in the field, and she did not want to interfere with Mirabelle. And so far, her sister had done such an excellent job that there was no reason to interfere.
“I’ll do as you say.”
Carlisle finally relented.
“Then if you need anything, please contact me.”
“Yes, brother-in-law.”
Mirabelle didn’t have any intention of rejecting Carlisle’s offer. When Elena glared at her, she stuck out her tongue.
“And I’ll take the opportunity to make an exclusive contract with Anco’s to see if we can buy more dresses for a lower price.”