CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: THE BALL(1)

Serin smiled, a little nervous but mostly thrilled. This was an upgrade for her, one she’d be a fool to refuse.

"Bring the ingredients Meical got yesterday.." Min-jae said to Vanadis. "And the three perfumes in my room."

Vanadis nodded and left without a word.

Min-jae turned to Serin. "Come with me."

They walked to the work shed behind the house. The place smelled faintly of flowers and oil, the air heavy from his previous work.

He pushed the windows open. "Let’s air this place out first."

Serin hurried to do so.

"Wipe the tables and clean the equipment.." Min-jae added, rolling his sleeves. "Make sure there’s no residue left. We’ll start as soon as Vanadis returns."

Serin nodded. "Yes, my lord."

As they worked, Min-jae asked casually, "Do you use perfume?"

She blinked. "Me? No, my lord. I’ve never even owned one."

He made a small sound, almost amused. "Then i guess you’ll learn how to make your own today.."

"Learn?" she repeated, unsure she’d heard right.

He glanced at her. "You’ll be helping me from now on. Watch closely. You’ll understand soon enough."

Serin straightened quickly. "I’ll do my best."

Before long, Vanadis returned, carrying a tray. "The ingredients, and the perfumes from your room."

"Put them down.." Min-jae said, already stepping forward.

He checked each bottle one by one, his gaze sharp, expression unreadable. "These are the ones I made. They’re good but not good enough.."

Serin watched silently as he swirled one of the bottles. The scent that drifted out was light, crisp, nothing like what she was used to.

He placed them back on the table and moved to ingredients.

The flowers weren’t as fresh, probably because he didn’t use them the day they were bought. The oil was of good quality and the alcohol had a nice smell. The apples were still fresh, so he was certain this next batch would be good.

"So, this right here is an Alembic. And this is what we’ll be using to make today’s batch of perfume."

He paused, he first needed bottles, if he made them now, where would he put them.

"My bad. We’ll have to wait for the artisan to bring the next batch of bottles. In the meantime why don’t you tell me about the ball? Have you gone to any?"

Serin shook her head, she would love to but the balls were usually opened to only nobles.

Serin shook her head, a wistful smile softening her face.

"I would love to, my lord. But the king’s balls are usually too grand for commoners like us. Only nobles are allowed in those halls."

She wrung the damp cloth in her hands, her voice lightening.

"I’ve seen the noblewomen passing by after the banquets though... their gowns shimmer like moonlight. You’d surely look pretty in one too, my lord."

Min-jae’s hand stilled.

He turned his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

"Why did you assume I’d be the one in a gown?"

Serin froze. "I—I only thought since you’re the master’s..." she trailed off, searching for a safer word.

"...wife."

A faint scoff left his lips.

"Ah, that again."

He leaned against the worktable, eyes narrowing in quiet amusement. "You all speak of it so casually."

Serin hesitated, then said softly, "Everyone in the estate calls you that, my lord. It isn’t meant to offend... it’s just what we’ve always heard."

Min-jae’s gaze lowered.

"I know.." he said dryly. "And I’ve let them. Because I stole the role of the bride. It’s only fair I bear the name too."

The words hung in the air for a moment, quiet, matter-of-fact, yet carrying a weight Serin couldn’t quite name.

Then, just as quickly, Min-jae’s expression lightened. "Anyway, let’s focus on the work. Once the artisan brings the bottles, we’ll begin distilling again.

Min-jae stroked his chin, he needed to pair with Meical, in a way that showed, he and this person were together.

Would they also need to dance? Neither he or Kaizar knew how to dance. It was one of their short comings.

"Why don’t we head to the dress room?"

Serin nodded, as she opened the door.

The dress room was filled with all manners of clothing, from ball gowns to suits and other regal wears.

They met Odysseus on the way.

The butler bowed slightly. "Where might you be heading, Madame?"

"The dress room.." Min-jae replied.

Odysseus straightened, his expression thoughtful. "Ah, for the upcoming ball, I presume?"

Min-jae gave a quiet nod. "Yes. You guessed right.."

A glimmer of amusement crossed the butler’s face. "Then the master’s wife will be receiving the finest dress in the estate."

Min-jae paused mid-step. "Dress?"

"Of course.." Odysseus said smoothly. "It would not do for the governor’s wife to arrive at the royal ball in anything less."

Min-jae’s brow twitched. "I plan to wear a suit."

Odysseus almost smiled, but kept his tone perfectly polite. "A suit, my lord? I am afraid that would not be appropriate. The master’s wife is expected to attend in a gown, as all the noblewomen will."

Min-jae stared at him in disbelief. "But I am a man."

"Indeed.." Odysseus replied, unbothered. "Then you will simply be the most handsome man in a gown."

Min-jae sighed. There was no point arguing. Once Odysseus decided something was "proper." it was already done.

And that was how he ended up standing in front of a mirror, surrounded by attendants holding fabrics and ribbons.

They measured him, pinned hems, and discussed which color suited him best. One gown shimmered like silver dust, another gleamed soft rose under the light.

The third was deep blue, cool and solemn.

Each one fit snugly around his waist, the fabric flowing elegantly to the floor.

His hair was pulled up neatly, with a few loose strands framing his face. The reflection in the mirror showed a figure both graceful and absurdly beautiful.

He was tall, nearly one-eighty-two and with the heels they forced on him, he looked even taller.

For a moment, he could almost laugh.

This was ridiculous.