Not the Villainess, but the Maid

Chapter 47: Not Even the Real Fiancée (2)

On the way, the carriage stopped at a famous clothing store in the city.

Of course, it was entirely different from the ordinary clothing stores I’d known in the village, with an overwhelming sense of size and luxury.

‘Why is it so big...?’

As I turned my gaze away from the dizzying displays of outrageously expensive clothing, Amethyst grabbed my wrist and pulled me along.

“Amber, this way.”

The place she led me to was the dress section.

While browsing the dresses, a well-dressed shopkeeper appeared from inside and asked,

“Your Highness, we’ve been expecting your visit. What type of clothing are you looking to have made today?”

Amethyst gestured toward me and answered,

“Not for me today, but I’d like a dress tailored for this one here.”

The shopkeeper glanced at me briefly and nodded.

“It seems to be her first visit. Let’s start by taking her measurements.”

Everything in this shop seemed fascinating to me from the moment I entered. Wow. So, this is what it feels like to wear something like this.

Just as I was about to follow the shopkeeper into the fitting room to take measurements,

“Wait a moment, Madam.”

“Yes?”

Amethyst stopped the shopkeeper and smiled broadly.

“Can I take the measurements myself?”

“Yes, it’s not a problem, but is it necessary...?”

“I want to do it personally.”

Amethyst, who gave me a mischievous look while scanning my body from head to toe, seemed oddly excited. Very much so.

I stepped into the dimly lit fitting room with Amethyst.

“Why do you insist on taking my measurements yourself, Amethyst?”

“It’s embarrassing to undress in front of a stranger. Isn’t it better with someone you know?”

No, it’s even more embarrassing because I know you.

Without hesitation, she unfolded the measuring tape she had received from the shopkeeper.

“Alright, Amber, undress.”

Even without looking back, I could feel her gaze piercing into me.

Honestly, she’s the worst.

Reluctantly, I unbuttoned my maid uniform and removed it, standing in my underwear with my back to her.

Though it was so dim that only the outline of my body could be made out, it was still mortifying to be in this state in front of someone, especially someone as mischievous as her.

“Let’s start with your waist.”

With a bold touch, Amethyst extended the measuring tape to my lower abdomen.

Her hand brushed against my soft, untoned belly.

“...Ugh.”

The cold sensation of the tape on my bare skin made me shiver involuntarily.

“Embarrassed? Should I call the staff to do it instead?”

“...It’s fine.”

While embracing my waist as if she had no intention of letting go, she calmly continued speaking like it was nothing.

Amethyst measured my waist and her hand slid slightly downward.

She naturally moved on to measure my hips.

‘She’s surprisingly serious about this.’

Considering her usual playfulness, I’d expected her to fool around, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

Just as she seemed about to finish measuring my hips and let go, her hands didn’t move away.

“...?”

I felt confused and was about to turn around when Amethyst suddenly buried her face into the curve near my hips.

“...Eek!?”

Feeling her exhale against my skin, shame exploded within me.

“W-wait, Amethyst...!”

Startled, I grabbed her shoulders and shouted, but she showed no intention of moving away.

Clinging tightly from behind, she hugged my hips and pressed herself against me.

“This is... wrong...!”

Eventually, it wasn’t until about a minute later that she finally let go on her own.

Amethyst seemed a bit apologetic about what had just happened. She tapped my slumped shoulder and said,

“Sorry. I guess my rationality slipped away for a moment when I saw you up close.”

“...I don’t even know anymore...”

To think I had a part of my body marked by someone else. This was a lifetime of humiliation.

“Aren’t you going to ask how it was? There was a faint strawberry scent, and also—”

“I don’t want to know!”

Just when I thought it was over, there was still one final step left.

As I turned my back and covered my chest over my bra, she said,

“Let’s hurry up and finish this.”

“Wait, I need to prepare myself—”

Ignoring my plea, she deftly unhooked my bra.

“...!”

As the undergarment fell to the floor, I instinctively crossed my arms over my chest.

“Amber.”

“Yes?”

“Are you embarrassed?”

“...Of course. I’m practically naked.”

“That’s odd. We’re both women, aren’t we?”

“Well, that’s because you’re my fiancée...”

I stopped myself from finishing the sentence.

“Fiancée?”

“...Nothing. Forget it.”

What am I even saying...? It’s not like we’re really engaged.

‘I’m not embarrassed... not embarrassed...’

She only enjoys teasing me.

It’s not like she’s genuinely interested in my body or thinking seriously about engagement.

When I finally gave up and let go of my arms that were covering my chest, her hand slowly moved from behind me.

Her knuckles lightly brushed against my soft flesh, and soon the cold sensation of the tape wrapped around my chest’s peak.

“Ah...”

Perhaps because of the cold and ticklish sensation, a small sound escaped from my lips before I could stop it.

The room felt darker, and my senses seemed sharper than usual.

All my nerves focused on the warmth transmitted from Amethyst’s hands that lightly brushed against me.

“...Hmm, all done.”

Amethyst removed her hands, and I cautiously picked up my undergarments and put them back on.

“Give it to me. I’ll hook it for you.”

“Pardon? There’s no need for that.”

“Today, you’re the star, Amber. Leave everything to me.”

Before I could respond, Amethyst gently wrapped her arms around my waist.

I thought she was going to tease me again, but her voice carried an unexpected seriousness.

“...Hey, thanks for humoring me. It couldn’t have been an easy decision to face royalty.”

“There’s no need to apologize. You brought me because you were worried about me, didn’t you?”

She had no reason to apologize.

After all, the engagement rumors she spread were meant to protect me from the nobles at the academy.

And bringing me here was to prevent unnecessary conflict with her sister.

Amethyst, still looking remorseful, lowered her head and spoke again.

“I really lack sensitivity. Forgive me. I’m quite selfish, you know.”

“...You are a little selfish. But that’s fine in its own way.”

As I said that, we both burst into laughter.

Amethyst laughed as well, then mumbled softly to herself.

“...If only Amber were really my fiancée, that would be nice...”

“Pardon?”

Hearing her words, I turned to look at her and found myself meeting her startled gaze.

“What did you just say? I didn’t catch that.”

Caught red-handed, she quickly turned her head and grabbed my hand firmly.

“It’s nothing. Come on, let’s pick a dress. Let’s go.”

“...Alright.”

At the end, it looked like Amethyst was tearing up slightly, but maybe I was mistaken.

The dress she chose for me fit perfectly, and I stood in front of the mirror.

It was a navy blue dress with deep, vivid hues. I could hardly believe the reflection was me.

Both the shopkeeper and Amethyst circled me, showering me with praise.

“Amber, can you turn around?”

“Turn around? Alright.”

Following her suggestion, I turned, revealing my bare back in the mirror.

“...!”

Amethyst whistled as she ran her hand along my exposed back.

“You’ve got some surprisingly sexy features, Amber.”

“This is way too revealing...!”

“Why? I think it’s perfect.”

The shopkeeper, watching us from the side, added her own compliment.

“The blue suits you exceptionally well, miss. Are you the princess’s fiancée?”

At this, Amethyst looked visibly flustered and answered hesitantly.

“Ah... that’s...”

Seeing her discomfort, I stepped in and declared confidently.

“Yes, that’s right. The princess and I are engaged.”

Amethyst looked utterly surprised at my bold statement.

She leaned in and whispered to me.

“Amber, are you sure about this...? Just saying it like that?”

“What’s the harm? It’s not like we’re actually engaged. Let’s just play along for now.”

It seemed better to firmly establish the fiancée narrative than to risk strange scandals involving her.

Once we were all dressed up, we got back into the carriage.

A peculiar tension hung in the air as we headed to our final destination.

I was finally about to meet Amethyst’s sister, Emerald Lupin.

How do you greet royalty?

While I was trembling with such thoughts, Amethyst spoke worriedly.

“Amber, if you don’t think you can do it, just say so. I’ll explain everything to my sister.”

“...”

The disparity in our social statuses was daunting.

I was about to stand before someone who might one day become the queen of an entire nation.

But running away at this point would be unforgivable, especially considering Amethyst’s efforts.

“It’s fine. I’ll act as convincingly as a real lover.”

Finally, the carriage arrived at our destination.

The meeting place with the first princess, Emerald Lupin, appeared to be a restaurant popular among nobles.

The elegant cursive sign and the lavish decorations covering the exterior screamed luxury.

Trying to calm my trembling body, I asked Amethyst.

“Is there anything I should be cautious about or something I absolutely need to know?”

“Relax. She’s not overly strict. But she can be... a bit playful.”

“Playful...?”

“Yeah, so be careful not to get caught up in her mood.”

To make everything convincing, I figured it was necessary to truly look like her lover.

So I deliberately linked my arm with Amethyst’s.

“...What are you doing, Amber?”

“If we’re doing this, we should do it properly. Please play your part convincingly, Amethyst.”

“Alright, got it.”

We followed the guidance of a man who seemed to be a waiter, heading toward a private room.

“This way. Enjoy your time.”

Standing in front of the door with her sister inside, I swallowed nervously.

As the door opened, a woman waiting inside came into view.

“Oh my, you’ve arrived?”