A Different World? Trading Between Worlds - Ch 2, Ep 47 - At the Royal Academy
At the Royal Academy
Watari decided to dress Mariel as extravagantly as he could.
She needed an outfit befitting the battlefield of social interactions, where sparks fly.
Easier said than done, it was a monumental task.
After all, this world had yet to enter an era of mass production; everything was made by hand.
Even in the capital, finding noble-quality clothing readily available wasn’t easy.
Nobles also place great importance on fashion trends.
Even the finest garments could be seen as inferior if they are outdated.
Thus, the best course is to have the latest trends tailored, but no tailors could prepare such clothes on short notice.
The realistic options were to find barely worn second-hand clothes or to go to a rental shop.
Purchasing a luxurious outfit would be impractical given the limited occasions to wear it.
Therefore, they decided to visit a rental shop.
“Wow, this is amazing!”
“Thank you so much for preparing such a wonderful dress.”
“There’s a saying that even a horse looks better dressed up, but Mariel, you really shine in beautiful clothes. You look stunning.”
“Master, you always tell me I’m beautiful.”
“I say it because it’s true!”
These weren’t empty compliments; they came from his heart.
Even now, Watari’s heart raced as he looked at Mariel.
Mariel stepped out of the rental shop, dressed in an elegant black afternoon dress.
Though not overly decorated, it highlighted Mariel’s naturally beautiful figure, enhancing her sophisticated beauty.
The contrast between her long silver hair and the black dress was strikingly beautiful.
Watari was shocked at how much an outfit could change someone’s aura.
Mariel, who already had an air of nobility, now truly looked like a noble lady, unmistakably a princess.
Ea was staring intently at Mariel.
“Mariel, you look incredibly beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“Did you want to try one on too, Ea?”
“Not at all. I prefer clothes that are easy to move in. I’m a warrior, after all.”
Ea’s voice was casual as if it didn’t matter at all.
However, her drooping tail suggested otherwise. Watari thought she did not mean it.
Emotions and reason are separate things.
Though Ea was usually cheerful and straightforward, it wouldn’t be strange for her to have a desire to dress up like a princess.
Watari impulsively pulled Ea close.
Her softness contrasted with the immense strength she possessed.
“I’ll make sure you have an opportunity to wear a splendid dress, Ea. If we continue our business, there will surely be occasions like banquets where you can. When that time comes, we’ll make it as grand as possible to make up for today.”
“Really? But wouldn’t that be a waste?”
“No, Ea’s desire to do so won’t be wasted. There will be times when I’ll need you to blend in without disrupting the atmosphere. Today is Mariel’s day, so let’s save it for another time.”
“…It’s fine. I have already received something very important from you, Master.”
Ea lightly patted the beloved sword she wore at her waist.
〇
It was rare for noble ladies to walk to school.
Thus, they arranged for a carriage as well.
Including the rental dress, the expenses were significant.
If they had bought everything, it would have cost Watari his entire fortune.
Nobles had immense earnings, but their expenses were equally massive.
As a merchant, Watari didn’t usually spend so much money, but he had rented an appropriate outfit for the occasion.
If he was going to do it, he decided to do it thoroughly.
“I’ll get out first, then Master, and then Mariel.”
“Alright, let’s go. Here, Mariel, take my hand.”
“Thank you.”
When the carriage stopped at the academy, Ea got out first.
After she ensured the surroundings were safe, Watari stepped out and extended his hand.
He helped Mariel down from the carriage, escorting her.
‘If someone saw this scene alone, they might think I belong among the nobles.’
Mariel, having alighted from the carriage, stood tall and beautiful. Though her face held a slight tension, she maintained a deliberate smile and took Watari’s arm.
‘This should help her make a good impression if she meets any former classmates. Even if they didn’t meet anyone, that would be fine too.’
For Watari, reducing Mariel’s psychological burden was a great success in itself.
The Royal Academy was enormous.
Since it was attended by nobles, guards were stationed at all entrances, and the imposing gates and walls resembled those of a castle.
There was a designated area for carriages, where their group parked theirs.
The academy grounds were very quiet.
According to Mariel, the Royal Academy was attended by nobles, children of certain high-ranking families who could afford the high tuition, and a few exceptionally talented students who received local sponsorships.
Everyone there was well-trained in etiquette to avoid any disrespect in front of nobles, which kept the atmosphere generally calm.
On their way to the academy, they passed a few nobles.
Mariel stiffened for a moment, but they passed without incident.
There were probably many nobles whose faces she didn’t know if they were in different grades.
She glanced over briefly, but that was the extent of it.
“Oh, could it be Mariel?”
“Lady Laura, it has been a long time.”
“I’m glad to see you’re well. I was worried when you suddenly disappeared.”
“I apologize for causing you concern. As you can see, I’m doing fine now.”
“That’s good to hear.”
The person who noticed Mariel was a girl named Laura de Brassour.
Laura, at seventeen years old, was two years younger than Mariel, who was nineteen this year, and the second daughter of the Baron de Brassour family.
Judging by the man carrying her bag, she must have been on her way home from the academy.
Laura’s expression briefly twisted into a cruel smile when she saw Mariel, but she quickly masked it.
In contrast, Mariel maintained a perfect smile, though Watari noticed that her eyes weren’t smiling.
‘Women’s battles are terrifying!’
Despite the seemingly concerned conversation, Laura was undoubtedly aware of the real reason for Mariel’s withdrawal. The underlying thought was clear: Mariel’s family had fallen due to debt.
If Watari intervened clumsily, he might make a misstep himself. So he maintained his escort role and watched their exchange.
Those who mocked Mariel’s fall or her family’s decline were the baronial or knightly families in similar straits. Those with prosperous lands, like Baron Mois, or high-ranking lords managing large territories, were more likely to show some sympathy. The fall of the Hanover family, once in a similar position, likely gave them a dark sense of relief that it wasn’t them.
This sentiment appeared to be common, whether among nobles or commoners, in this world or on Earth.
Mariel introduced Watari with a dazzling smile.
“This is Watari. He’s a capable merchant dealing with the Moy family and the South Dock District. He will also be supporting our family.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Watari. I will do my best to assist your family.”
“Oh, how wonderful to have such a connection. Mariel, you are so beautiful… Of course, a man would not leave you alone.”
“I heard the Brassour family had a difficult time with the recent drought. How are things now?”
“Ugh… Last year’s harvest returned to normal, thankfully.”
“That’s good to hear. May the blessings of the Water God continue.”
‘Hey, Ea. Isn’t this scary? Laura’s basically saying Mariel snagged a rich man with her looks, right?’
‘I don’t want to participate in this battle.’
Exchanging glances with Ea, they both agreed on their reluctance to join in.
Watari couldn’t grasp the full extent of their verbal sparring, but it was clear that Mariel, despite her status as a slave, had the upper hand. Laura was trying to remain composed, but her confidence was visibly waning. She seemed overwhelmed by Mariel’s unexpected calm and composure.
Moreover, the Brassour family’s financial struggles were evident. Upon closer inspection, Laura’s attire and appearance were modest compared to Mariel’s.
Mariel’s inherent qualities and Watari’s wealth were powerful weapons.
The man accompanying Laura seemed to sense her losing ground and intervened.
“My lady, it’s nearly time for your next appointment.”
“Oh, yes. I’m quite busy. Let’s meet again sometime.”
“Goodbye, Laura. I hope we can have a nice chat over tea next time.”
Prompted by Mariel’s composed words, Laura hurriedly boarded her carriage. Her face, visible for a moment before the door closed, was twisted in frustration.
The coachman tugged the reins, and the horses slowly began to trot away.
‘What’s with that woman?!’ came a hysterical scream carried on the wind from the departing carriage.
“Hehehe… She’s really upset.”
“The Brassour family must be struggling with funds, just like us after the drought. I heard they have debts and trouble arranging marriages.”
“Well done, Mariel.”
“Yes! Thanks to you, all the fear I felt earlier is completely gone!”
Mariel’s smile, as she said this, was bright and relieved, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.