31st Dawn - To Freya's Salon

On our way to the parlor, Lewis and I discuss about the couple's quarrel.

"What kind of husband does that to his wife? I've never witnessed something like that when I was in downtown. Mercenaries may be one thing, though," I grumbled, walking side by side with him.

"There aren't many nobles in downtown, after all. That kind of treatment is quite common to a woman of nobility. Even if she finished an apprenticeship, there's a high chance that she might just end up not using it if she managed to marry a nobleman," he explained, much to my surprise.

"Why not?"

"For one, the man has already more than enough money to fend for their family, so she doesn't need to work, unlike those from the middle class. Husbands would rather have their wives look after their children's education or manage the house. Furthermore, the roles of noblewomen in society still follow that mindset about men being better than women. This is also reflected in that specific law wherein every head of the noble houses must be a man. No women has ever inherited the head's title before."

This subject is pretty deep.

To put it simply, marrying a noble means having a high possibility of giving up one's passion. If I were to learn this back then, I wouldn't mind since I didn't have a passion to begin with, but right now, I can't really say I approve that. Collette must be very passionate to start a business for her to go against her husband. Now that I think about it, this can be an act of discrimination.

"Wow, nobles suck!"

I meant to say that as nothing but a passing comment, but for some reason, Lewis suddenly chokes on his saliva and erupts in a fit of coughs. Taken aback, I just look at him with confusion as I pat his back. It doesn't seem like he's ill, though. Rather, it's as if I just caught him off guard.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked to which he only nodded.

"A-Anyway, moving on... I've been meaning to ask why you had to go so far as to punch that guy? You could've just called for the guards or something. I could've also dealt with him. Do you pity Lady Collette that much?" he replied after eventually calming down.

I then blink at him in puzzlement, head slightly tilted quizzically.

"Pity...? I don't need to feel that to help someone in need, you know. He's about to smash your face either. I couldn't just stand by! Though I kinda went overboard, it's like my body's on autopilot when I see someone getting mistreated so I just acted on impulse... Mother also used to say that I don't really need a reason to help someone since the brain would still have to process it, and once it's done, it might be too late!"

I'm really yapping right now.

Realizing that I've been running my mouth for quite a while, I face Lewis only to see him smiling while staring at me. He appears to be either amused or compelled. I just return a baffled one at this. Then, without both of us noticing, we finally arrive at Freya's salon.

"This is the right address..." Lewis mumbled while I gawk at the edifice in astonishment.

Its size rivals that enormous art gallery from before, but when it comes to aesthetic, this one's a bit more complex - sumptous alabaster wall exteriors, shiny glass windows, sparkly decorations, and intricately-embroidered outfits behind a display window. As I continue gaping motionlessly, Lewis has no choice but to drag me inside.

"This is no salon. It's a kingdom of dresses," I deadpanned right after entering.

Piles upon piles of textiles, racks after racks of clothes and that distinct smell of fabric greet us as soon as we step a foot inside. We scan around the soulless surroundings for a moment until a butler finally appears and bows before us. Lewis briefly explains our purpose there and shows the card. With that, he leads us to the parlor.

"Lewis, you sure this isn't a prank?" I whispered to him as we climb a grandiose flight of stairs.

"Don't be silly, Lily."

I then stare at him incredulously. He appears to be indifferent to how opulent this whole place is. It's as if he's already used to this kind of things. Then again, he did visit the art gallery from time to time. He also got to travel from one place to another. He probably has a lot of experiences, compared to me.

"May I ask something? Is this salon always empty?" Lewis inquired the butler all of the sudden.

"No, Sir. It just happened that a count's son has reserved the entire establishment today. He's trying on some wedding outfits together with his fiancee," the butler answered, much to our surprise.

I silently gasp at this, admiring the guy's sweetness. Noblemen don't suck, after all.

After a few more minutes of walking, we finally made it to the parlor. The butler asks us to wait for the director's arrival and serves us some tea and sweets for the meantime. As soon as he makes his exit, I immediately reach for the teacup and drink.

"Ouch...!"

Due to my habit of wolfing down every food I get my hands on, I accidentally burn my tongue after taking a quick sip from the hot cup of beverage.

"You should be more careful, Lily," Lewis blurted out as I fanned my mouth.

"I'm sorry! I was just really thirsty..."

"Also, that isn't very ladylike. I can't believe you had the time to practice boxing but not table etiquettes."

I then stiffen at this, completely appalled, while he bursts into laughter.

Lewis just really had to poke on my insecurity again.