FCHTIB Chapter 20

“Huuuu…”

Railey let out a deep sigh, and her voluminous silver hair rippled with the motion.

Looking down at the tiny lady who seemed to be burdened with all the worries in the world, Yuan smiled and asked gently.

“Was it very exhausting changing in and out of all those dresses?”

“I’ve never tried on and taken off so many clothes in my life before…”

“It’s fortunate the Duke noticed you were getting tired and decided to stop at a reasonable point.”

“Really…”

Since his son had absolutely no sociable traits whatsoever, it seemed that to Walter, it was as if he had a daughter now and was thrilled to play dress-up.

He only stopped dressing her up when he finally realized Railey was about to collapse from exhaustion.

Of course, the icing on the cake was him declaring he would buy every single dress that had been tried on—earning him a shocked reaction from Railey.

“I don’t think I’ll need that many dresses, though.”

“Well, you can wear them even after we return from the capital. Just think of it as preparing in advance.”

“I have a feeling he’ll end up buying more clothes and accessories once we’re in the capital.”

Yuan didn’t deny her words—he just gave an awkward smile.

“Come to think of it, is Young Master Serge not getting any outfits tailored for himself?”

“Hmm… Well, he finds that sort of thing troublesome. And unlike you, Young Madam, he already has a full wardrobe. Still, he did get a few more pieces tailored this time.”

“I see.”

“…Were you perhaps a little disappointed that the young Duke didn’t show up today?”

Railey’s little fashion show was attended only by the boutique staff, Walter, Yuan, and some of the other household servants.

Serge had made an excuse about feeling unwell, but Railey figured it was pretty obvious—her husband was likely in his fox form again.

“Not at all! I heard Young Master Serge has a rather delicate constitution. It wouldn’t make sense to feel disappointed at someone who’s sick.”

“…Yes. It’s truly appreciated that you’re so understanding, Young Madam.”

Yuan looked slightly apologetic—perhaps because he knew the real situation.

Railey, not wanting to make things difficult for him, smoothly changed the topic.

“By the way, Yuan, you’re going to the capital as well, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct. I need to assist the Duke… and while I’m there, I plan to bring my younger sister with me too.”

‘His little sister?’

Railey’s ears practically perked up on their own.

If it was Yuan’s younger sister, then she was the one responsible for his descent into darkness in the original story.

According to the original plot, she was supposed to be kidnapped by a criminal organization.

That meant the farther she was from home, the more likely something would happen.

If this trip to the capital became a turning point…

Railey calmed her pounding heart and asked, trying to sound casual.

“…So you’re taking your sister along since you’re going to the capital anyway? You’re such a good brother, Yuan.”

“It’s not really like that. She was already due for a regular health checkup in the capital, and the timing just happened to work out.”

“A health checkup?”

“Yes. When she was young, my sister was very frail… There was even talk she might not live to adulthood.”

“Oh…”

“Thankfully, she reached adulthood recently, and it’s been a while since she was declared fully recovered… But I’m still worried, as her older brother. So I make sure she gets checked at least once a year.”

“Of course. It’s only natural for you to worry.”

Even if the illness was cured, she could still have a weak constitution. It was understandable that he doted on her so much.

‘Right… there are brothers like that in this world too…’

Railey swallowed a faint bitterness.

Whatever the case, it would be a disaster if something happened to Yuan’s precious little sister.

Before considering the gains or losses Elestine might face if Yuan left the ducal household, Railey simply didn’t want anything sad to happen to the kind aide she was so fond of.

She decided to do what she could within her limits.

“Um, Yuan.”

“Yes, Young Madam?”

“If it’s okay… do you think I could meet your sister?”

“My sister?”

“Yes! Since we’re going to the capital together anyway, I thought it’d be nice to introduce ourselves ahead of time… Maybe we could talk and spend a little time together on the trip.”

It was clear that Yuan would be far too busy in the capital to look after his sister.

In that case, perhaps she could step in—spend time with Yuan’s sister and keep an eye on her to make sure nothing bad happened.

That was the reasoning behind her proposal.

“Will that be alright? My younger sister is quite a bit older than the young madam, so she might not be much fun. If you need a playmate your own age, we can look for someone else…”

“Oh, no! I’ve always admired older sisters since I don’t have one. And since she’s Yuan’s younger sister, I want to get closer to her even more.”

At Railey’s words, Yuan’s eyes briefly darkened. He must have recalled her unfortunate family background right away.

Without showing any hint of pity, he answered politely.

“I see. If it’s alright with you, Young Madam, I’d be more than happy to introduce you.”

“Oh! And I promise not to pressure her or make any demands that might strain her health.”

“That’s not something I’m worried about.”

Yuan gave a gentle smile.

“Please take good care of her.”

“I will!”

“If it’s alright with you, shall I invite her for afternoon tea?”

“Oh, I don’t mind, but will your sister be free?”

“She usually stays at home, so there shouldn’t be any issue. I’ll check and let you know.”

“Okay!”

Railey silently vowed to make sure nothing happened to Yuan’s frail, likely delicate little sister!

She tucked away this new mission for the capital trip deep in her heart.

***

After parting ways with Yuan and returning to her quarters, Railey was greeted by an unexpected visitor.

“Woof!”

“…Oh, Blackie?”

Her husband, who had suddenly appeared in his fox form, barked from beside her.

“It feels like it’s been a while! Have you been well?”

“Woof, woof.”

“You know, I saw a big fox that looked just like you recently. It must’ve been your family, right? So, you weren’t a puppy after all—but a baby fox.”

“Grrr…”

When she brought up his father, Blackie turned his head with a grumble, feigning aloofness. Apparently, he had a rebellious streak.

“Why are you here today? Is there something you want to eat?”

Of course, since the ‘contents’ were still her husband in human form, she wasn’t actually going to offer him dog food—it was more of a playful question.

Blackie ignored it and began circling around Railey.

‘Hmm…?’

He sniffed the lace at the hem of her dress and looked up at her, as if inspecting something.

It was almost like…

He was checking out her new dress.

“Oh, can you smell the new clothes? That’s right, Father-in-law had this one tailored for me today.”

“Grrrm.”

Bingo.

“He said this pink one suited me best and told me to wear it around… It’s not weird, is it?”

“Woof! Woof!”

The little fox barked loudly, as if to say absolutely not.

Even without words, it felt like he was enthusiastically complimenting how well the dress suited her.

‘Could it be… he came because he felt bad for not being at the boutique when I was choosing dresses?’

It might’ve just been her imagination, but if that was really the reason, it was both sweet and touching.

It made her feel strangely ticklish inside—shy and happy at once.

“I’m glad it doesn’t look weird! So… I’m actually having afternoon tea soon with Yuan’s little sister. I want to make a good impression and become friends with her.”

Upon hearing that, Blackie perked up his ears and looked up at her. He seemed to react at the mention of wanting to become friends, but Railey didn’t notice.

“So I don’t think I’ll be able to play with you for long today. Let’s hang out another time, okay?”

“…”

In response, the little fox silently brushed up against her legs—as if to say, ‘Take me with you.’

“Ohh… You want to come too?”

“Woof.”

“But if you just follow me like this, you might startle Yuan’s sister…”

Railey hesitated for a moment, then crouched down and opened her arms.

“Oh! Then how about I carry you?”

“Yipe!”

The fox let out a surprised squeal.

Railey instantly regretted it. Because he was in his animal form, she momentarily forgot—but he was still a grown man inside.

He probably wouldn’t want to be carried in the arms of someone his own age.