3.3

The sounds of people in the street and the wheels turning echoed low as the Countess Miller, with her brown eyes, watched both people she had invited looking away, but obviously aware of each other's presence. Unfortunately, not in a good way. They were obviously upset.

Brandon was looking outward, with his legs straight and the proper posture of a nobleman. He represented the image of a servant of a high-ranking noble very well. But, in his eyes, it was visible how his fingers moved and when he scratched some part of his body. That was the habit he did when nervous, sometimes he didn't even notice.

Johannes looked out too, but he closed his eyes and leaned against the wall with his hand on his cheek, in a slouched posture that bespoke his humble beginnings. She didn't look at all like someone who was betrothed to a noble and would be part of the nobility. However, the countess did not care about this, she will be able to learn when they return from the capital. At the moment, what she was paying attention to was how the woman discreetly watched Brandon and avoided looking at him. It seemed that, like Brandon, she was avoiding the other, but still curious about him.

Claire was a little curious to know how the two would behave together. Also excited to see Brandon a little nervous and observant about his son's bride.

The woman who arrived on horseback with Phillip, her second child, was a newcomer in her life and a stranger at all. She might have had a moment's conversation over meals with her and the other members of the Miller family, but she was still an outsider who knew next to nothing. Johannes would only stay in his room, or Phillip's, doing nothing that required a higher level of attention. The maids, by the way, did not report anything relevant when asked.

You could tell he was suspicious if he expected some conspiracy or was paranoid enough. But the girl just stood in her corner quietly.

"Are you anxious, Miss Attwater?" She asked.

Johannes turned his head toward the countess with a matter-of-fact expression. She was a little surprised to be called out during this silent trip with unusual atmosphere, but it didn't show. Her years as an actress were something utilized at that point.

"To buy a dress? I'm not, ma'am." The woman answered and the countess nodded.

"Really? You look like you're thinking about something a lot, which I thought you were." Claire smiled. "No need to worry. Like I said, Brandon and I will pick out a beautiful dress for you. All you have to do is put it on and let me know what you think. It's sure to be one of the best."

"I'm sure you are. Thank you ma'am."

Johannes just returned the smile and thanked him. She hadn't expected the countess to be watching her and waiting for a good moment to strike up a conversation. Fortunately, it appears to have been very short lived. However, it wasn't as she thought, as she skillfully continued, however it only changed the target.

"And you, Brandon. Is there something bothering you?" Brandon paused for a moment as the question was posed to him.

"No, ma'am. There's nothing bothering me. The journey has been very pleasant." He replied.

Brandon had his face turned to the countess's kind face and a smile drawn on his face. He was saying polite words that didn't match his previous state. He was too focused on the discomfort and presence of Johannes. Although he was nervous, he had forgotten that the lady was there and that she was very perceptive. If it was her, she would notice it quickly, but he didn't know whether or not she would bring up the problem between them.

From what he knew of the countess over her long years, she was very well educated, intelligent and very tactful, however, she was also a little mischievous and liked to be a little rough at times. He didn't have an idea if she would speak up, ask the two of them or just act like it was nothing. The latter could be a good or bad sign. He could only hope to the gods that it was a good one.

"The two of them aren't having any problems, so that's good. We'll be at the shop soon. I don't think it will take long."

At those words, Brandon stiffened a little and Johannes was attentive to the Countess. His words seemed to contain something implicit. The redhead was sure she'd noticed her condition, and apparently the blonde's as well. If not, she wouldn't have asked the two of them and said such phrases, with obvious hints, as if she realized the discomfort he was going through. Johannes, too, understood what Claire meant and, like Brandon, remained silent.

The store they arrived at was different from the one Brandon had gone to with the Countess and James. Even on another street, its entrance was different in both clothing and style, as well as having a decorated and elegant banner, although somewhat understated to attract the highest class audience. And also, there was something that differed even more from what they visited before, was that this one was exclusively for women. A boutique.

The trio descended without saying anything, but a smile was seen on the Countess' face as she stopped in front of the building. Brandon also knew which building it was and why they had come here. It was because of his reputation and his influence. It was also because of the magnitude of the event that the Miller family would have to attend, even more so with a member of their family being honored and prestigious, they couldn't do wrong.

The shop that Claire the Countess was smiling at was called Madame Laffi's Boutique. One of the most famous stores in the empire, it is headquartered in the imperial capital and has branches spread across several cities. Although not concentrated in one place, its quality was still excellent and it was highly sought after among the nobles. Certainly, the outfit there could quell rumors that could happen about Johannes not dressing up during the event.

A bell was heard as they entered. Claire was walking ahead at an even pace and the two were right behind, not standing close or showing any displeasure. Of course, its discomfort was noticeable to those with trained eyes. However, it was almost laughable.

When Johannes looked inside, she was shocked. There were a few fabrics and dresses on display and all of them she recognized with their high quality and tailoring. She had seen some of these types before when she worked in the theater. Some actresses and actors got such things as gifts from their noble lovers. She was always impressed by how soft she could be felt.

Brandon, on the other hand, walked around like he was ordinary. He didn't even notice Johannes' expression, as he was looking at the Countess and wondering if she was up to something.

"Excuse me, ma'am. What do you want?"

A girl in a well-tailored outfit. She looked pleased and approached them politely and respectfully. She seemed like a very capable and well-mannered attendant. Her appearance was average and her hair was blonde with a few freckles on her cheeks, under her brown eyes. The attendant arrived at them, as she had just served two ladies and new customers arrived. For a high class store there were always people walking around this place.

"Oh, we want to buy a dress. It's for my future daughter-in-law. We'll go to the capital." Claire said.

It is customary for customers to give brief explanations, without saying too much, but not too little, especially for the high nobility. And that the attendants are quick to notice. However, the countess simply said it casually and the attendant clearly understood as she nodded and smiled even wider.

"You are going to the capital. Is it because of the Victory Celebration? I heard from my friend that they are having a lot of requests for dresses there and that everyone is very busy with this event." She asked. "Oh, my name is Madison. How do you want the dress? Party or day?"

"For a feast." Claire answered. The woman deftly guided them around the place and handed them a catalogue, but there were also mannequins dressed in fine, elegant clothes that made it clear that they were attire for a noble lady to wear at events. "You guys are pretty busy here, aren't you?"

As said, the store was busy. Ladies and a few gentlemen who accompanied them were scattered all over the place. Many were talking animatedly with friends and others were so serious as if such a decision between a blue sea and a blue ocean decided a whole future. And with them, there were employees accompanying them too, just like Madison did with the trio.

"Yes, we are. Since the victory was announced, business is doing better than ever. There are many parties being thrown and the ladies who come here are always very beautiful, whether it's jewelry or dresses, and we have both! So yeah always very quickly until closing time. Even more so now, with the Victory Celebration in three weeks and the festival about to take place across the empire, many balls and gatherings are taking place and there is always new work to be done." Madison responded, explaining some of the events. "Of course, we have dresses in stock and they are very beautiful.

"I'm glad to hear this."

Claire continued chatting with the attendant for a while. Johannes broke away from them and walked a little closer, looking intently at any dress he liked. However, she couldn't help but marvel at the beauty that each outfit possessed, it was incredible. His designs were beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, lending an air of grace to the dolls they were wearing.

They were different from the ones she'd seen before, on Torzik. Although she lived in a nice town, she didn't have a high-end or specialty store like the one she was in. Only in the capital was it so common that you could find several on the shopping streets. So it's a bit shocking how such a renowned store could exist in another location outside the capital.

She looked at a few more, touching a little and feeling the softness, lightness and softness of the clothes. It was very nice and felt a bit snug on each without looking like it would tighten your waist or corset. It looked like either one would look great to be used.

Johannes soon looked around, seeing Claire looking at some with Madison at her side. However, she couldn't see Brandon. Before she left, he was still quiet, looking around the shop a bit like her. Probably, she thinks that he went to do the same as her, look at the clothes a little and choose the dress, because, after all, that was the purpose of them going to that place.

However, she was a little worried about how she would talk to him. The countess was talking and seemed intent, it would be rude to disturb her and ask where Brandon was or if he brought you a dress but didn't want to talk to her but through the countess. It was something she was pretty sure he wouldn't do, for according to Phillip's stories, Brandon was as conscientious of etiquette and as well mannered as the mansion's butler, Kevin, who could be the epitome of good manners in his family. opinion.

Honestly, she'd thought she'd just stand by, or sit, while they brought out a large amount of dresses for her to choose from, but that didn't seem to be the case, which was a bit of a relief. She couldn't think how she would have to cope with having to try on a pile of dresses that could have been made. And also that she would only interact with the countess. It was only reinforced after the uncomfortable time inside that carriage.

A small sigh escaped her lips and she stared at the doll in a beautiful yellow dress. It wasn't really her style, but she admitted it was cute. When she decides to go on to the next one, after staring some more, she's for, because she's been called.

"Miss Johannes." The voice that called her name came from behind her, and she quickly turned around.

Brandon was standing there, wearing a long skirt dress in light blue tones. There were some gold accents, which might match his hair color. And she was pretty sure if he wore it it wouldn't look too seductive or too gentle on her face, for his face wasn't one of those specters. She would look beautiful wearing it and, at the same time, ordinary. It was perfect in her way.

Johannes had to admit, Brandon really knew how to choose a dress. She was a little skeptical that a man would choose something a woman would wear, but the results were better than her expectations.

"It's beautiful…" She murmured unconsciously. And she looked up to see that the green one was focused on her with his arms outstretched for her to take, which she did.

"The dressing rooms are over there and after I'm dressed, I'll call the countess so we can see how she looks."

"Thanks." Nodding, she gave him one last look and walked into the dressing room with the garment in her hands. The blue garment that was in her hands was soft and looking better and better.

Brandon watched her walk away and took a seat in one of the chairs that were dotted around the store for those accompanying shoppers. It was a big fancy store, something like that with some teas on some tables they were brewing because their customers loved it. So he stood there waiting.

It wasn't hard for him to find that blue dress. So when the Countess walked away to continue her conversation with Madison and Johannes wandered off to look at the wares, he decided to get right down to business. It wasn't just professionalism, it was that he wanted to finish this as soon as possible. It was selfish and childish, but it was something he wanted. He just had to keep it from getting in the way of his job. The separation of private and professional life was something he knew how to do very well.

Then, during his search there, he saw a nice dress. It hung and thought it would suit Johannes just as the Countess wanted. Also, it looked good for an event of such magnitude. As an employee of the Miller house, he wanted all to go well for the house, because he knew how frightening rumors could be in noble social circles.

A simple rumor could be the undoing of a family after all. This saying was most true among the nobles.

"Where's Johannes, Brandon?" The Countess, with Madison at her side, arrived and asked her.

"She went to the dressing room."

"Did she find a dress?" Her face showed a little surprise. "It hasn't been that long since we arrived."

"I found a good one, ma'am." He replied. "I thought it would be good to let you taste it first."

"I understand." The countess looked at him a little. "Well, while she gets dressed, let's go find some more. She can't come and just try on one dress, after all." A smile grew on her stretched lips.

"Oh ma'am, I have some that could be great." Madison said, smiling, after seizing the opportunity.

"Really? Come on, show me. I'd love to see them."

"This way."

The clerk started walking again with the Countess behind her. Brandon watched, before sighing and getting up, going to find new dresses for the young lady. It would be good if he found some worthy and of similar quality to what he found.

It wasn't long before Johannes came out of the dressing room. Dressed in the blue dress that fell to the end of her legs, she looked beautiful. It fit her so well it looked like it was made for her. Her green eyes matched the blue tone of the outfit and her blonde hair formed a pair that highlighted the golden details. Once again, she reiterated her opinion of Brandon's ability to pick, it was incredible.

However, contrary to the satisfaction she felt when wearing something of that level, her expression when she saw Brandon and Claire sitting side by side, with Madison at her side, and a few dresses gathered for her to wear was very different, she couldn't help but grieve a little inwardly. Even in the theater where she worked, when it came to making costumes or choosing clothes, she didn't have to see so much as what was in front of her. And it wasn't one of the most beloved parts she had to her job, as it took so long. Her passion, in the end, was acting.

"Johannes, you look amazing." The countess praised her, her expression animated. Madison nodded and Brandon nodded as well.

"I appreciate your compliments, countess." She thanked him, returning a little of the smile, only more restrained. Compliments are always welcome.

"This dress is really beautiful. It gives your figure a graceful look. It would be nice to wear it to the banquet or at least some other party." Comments to Miller. "Brandon, you chose well."

"It's your eyes, lady." The redhead said.

"You know too much modesty is not attractive." She complained, but without dampening her spirits. "Honey, why don't you wear one of the ones we brought you? Even though this dress is beautiful, we need to check the others, don't we?"

"All right." Johannes grabbed her new change of dress and went back to the dressing room. She knew this would take time. All she could do was hope the countess didn't take any more. And beg Brandon to stop her or do something. Because she was sure he didn't want to be there as much as she did either.