Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 339: A Suspicious Judgement
Fabienne and Nero studied the rough swimsuit sketch I had drawn. Curious servants gradually gathered around the table as well.
From a distance, it probably looked as though we were planning something suspicious. We were not.
“How is this different from underclothing?” Fabienne asked.
The distinction was difficult to understand from a simple drawing.
“Ordinary fabric may become transparent or heavy when wet. A swimsuit uses material that remains opaque, holds its shape, and dries quickly.”
“Can you make such fabric, Lord Julius?”
“I believe so. Sewing is not limited to making stuffed animals.”
I had almost forgotten that I possessed the necessary skills. Nero, who did not know that I had made Rosalia's stuffed toy, looked puzzled.
“What do all of you think?” I asked the servants.
Proceeding without consulting anyone seemed dangerous. It was better to hear several opinions before deciding on the final design.
“Perhaps it should cover more of the body,” one maid suggested.
“That makes sense. For now, we can also restrict swimsuits to the bathing room.”
“Were you considering using them elsewhere, Lord Julius?” Nero asked.
“I thought they might be useful for swimming in a lake, but apparently that would be improper.”
The expressions around the table became alarmingly blank. The rumour that nobles were not expected to swim must have been true.
Had Brother Cain ever tried? Of all the members of House Heine, he seemed the most likely.
“Very well. We will treat them as bathing garments for now.”
“That would be safest,” Nero said. “They should also look clearly different from underclothing.”
“Good point. What about designs like these?”
I sketched several modest possibilities: a frilled one-piece, a sleeved one-piece, and a two-piece design with a fitted top and shorts. Men's versions could use a simple shirt and knee-length shorts.
“This one is adorable,” Fabienne said, pointing to the frilled one-piece.
It provided good coverage and suited her cheerful style. Yellow might look nice.
“So many designs came to you immediately,” Nero said. “As expected of you, Lord Julius.”
His admiration made me embarrassed. The female servants, however, looked more confused than impressed.
“Oh my. Why is the salon so noisy?”
“Mother? What brings you here?”
“I was on my way to the bath and became curious. Julius, what are those drawings?”
Mother approached the table, and the servants opened a path for her.
“What is this?”
“Swimsuits. They are garments made from fabric that remains opaque when wet, so people can wear them while bathing together.”
“I see. That sounds useful. If I wore one, Max would not have to spend the entire bath staring determinedly at the wall.”
Mother laughed.
Apparently, she and Father sometimes shared the bath as well. At least adults could make their own arrangements.
“Still, Julius, you know a surprising amount about garment design.”
“Pardon?”
Her smile suddenly felt dangerous.
The servants' confusion now made sense. I had drawn from memories of Japan, but no one here knew that.
If I did not provide an explanation, they would wonder why a ten-year-old boy knew so much about specialised clothing.
“Grandfather showed me illustrations of unusual clothing.”
“Honestly. Your grandfather always filled your head with unnecessary things.”
Mother began complaining under her breath. Evidently, Grandfather had owned enough questionable books and magazines for the excuse to sound plausible.
Grandmother had probably found them after his death, which would explain the stern looks she used to give whenever he was mentioned.
Sorry, Grandfather.
Thanks to you, I had escaped the immediate crisis.