Kays Translations

Chapter 341: Good Enough for Now

We entered the bath before Mother. She wanted to show Father her new bathing garment herself, so she planned to wait until he finished his work. Before we left, she asked Lady Fabienne to report how well the garment performed.

I wondered what expression Father would make. I would have to ask Mother later.

We changed behind a folding screen that the servants had placed across the changing room, separating the men's and women's sides.

That should prevent any accidental embarrassment. I checked the screen twice, just in case.

“Lord Julius, it is secure. It will not fall over.”

“R-right. Nero, how does yours fit?”

“There is no problem. It merely feels unfamiliar.”

Nero gave a wry smile. His garment was modest and practical, but wearing anything in the bath naturally felt strange at first. We would grow accustomed to it.

I should also make bathing garments for Lady Fabienne's attendants. Until then, the folding screen would preserve everyone's privacy.

After changing, Nero and I washed before entering the bath. We checked the material under running water and confirmed that it retained its colour and opacity.

“This is remarkable, Lord Julius,” Lady Fabienne said from behind the screen. “The cloth does not become transparent when wet.”

“Then the first test is a success.”

While Nero washed my back, I heard Lady Fabienne and her attendants enter the bathing room.

I turned only after she said she was ready. Lady Fabienne stood in the yellow, frilled one-piece garment, looking shy but properly covered.

“It suits you very well.”

“Of course it does. You made it for me, Lord Julius.”

She smiled and sat a short distance away while her attendants helped her wash. Nero relaxed once he confirmed that the garment worked as intended.

The yellow frills made Lady Fabienne resemble a flower blooming in a spring meadow. A light-blue polka-dot version might suit her next.

Once we had both washed, we entered the bath. The fabric remained opaque and did not loosen in the water.

I did notice that a few seams would benefit from reinforcement. I would use thicker layers in those areas the next time I made one.

For the moment, however, the design was successful. Nero could remain nearby without awkwardness, and shared family baths could remain modest.

Since our first large family bath, Sister-in-law Daniela had occasionally invited me to join her and the others again. I had refused because I did not know where to look, which always left her disappointed.

With bathing garments, I would no longer have to refuse. Brother Alex probably faced the same difficulty whenever Sister-in-law Daniela invited him.

“Now we can share the bath without worrying,” I said.

“Yes. It makes the occasion much more comfortable,” Lady Fabienne replied with a delighted smile.

Perhaps bathing together occasionally would not be so bad. Father and Mother could use the garments as well, and Lady Fabienne could give Mother a proper report.

“It fits perfectly,” Lady Fabienne said.

That reminded me of an obvious improvement. For future garments, I would have the household seamstresses take the wearer's measurements rather than relying on Appraisal and guesswork.

“If you would like another one, how about a light-blue garment with white dots?”

“That sounds adorable.”

“Rosalia might want a matching one.”

“I am certain she will.”

She understood Rosalia well. If Mother and Lady Fabienne possessed bathing garments, Rosalia would undoubtedly demand one of her own. I should prepare it before she asked.

The master craftspeople were becoming independent, and I had expected my workload to ease. Instead, I now had garments to make for Rosalia, the attendants, and the rest of the family.

Even so, it was worthwhile. I would ask Sister-in-law Daniela and Sister-in-law Meeka which designs they preferred.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter