As I step past the heavy door and it clicks shut behind me, I let out a long breath of relief. I slowly undress and walk into the inner bathing chamber, but the moment I look around, my jaw practically drops.
"Good grief... this place is unreal."
Back when I first woke up in Eleanor's body, I had technically stumbled into this bathroom in a blind panic, desperately rushing to clean up and make it down to that disastrous family breakfast on time. With my mind racing and panic clawing at my throat, I barely glanced around. I had no time to look at my surroundings, assuming it was just a regular, fancy bathroom.
Now, seeing it properly for the first time, I realize just how massive it actually is. The entire space is brilliantly divided into two separate sections. The outer half, right as you enter, features an enormous, polished white marble vanity with gleaming gold sinks and massive, ornate mirrors fit for a royal family. Even that first section alone is larger than my entire bedroom back in my old world.
And then there is the inner bathing chamber which I never even stepped foot into during that first chaotic morning.
This section is on a completely different level. The walls are inlaid with pristine marble, gold fixtures catch the soft lamplight, and a huge tub sits at the center, surrounded by steam and the soothing scent of premium oils and fresh flower petals. It literally looks like a set straight out of a high-budget fantasy film, and the whole room is easily large enough to fit an entire modern apartment.
"I'm really living out some wild fantasy story", I whisper with a breathless chuckle, sinking into the warm, soothing water to wash away days of accumulated exhaustion.
After a wonderfully relaxing soak, the real challenge begins. I place my hands on the edge of the tub and slowly stand up. My legs feel a bit more natural than before, but the lingering weakness is still there, making my knees wobble. Refusing to call Lily just yet, I lean heavily against the cool marble wall, carefully shuffle my way out, and manage to wrap a thick, fluffy towel around myself entirely on my own.
Feeling a small surge of triumph, I call out, "Lily! You can come in now!"
Within few seconds, Lily comes back into the room, rushing over with a supportive hand. With her steadying grip, we head back into the bedchamber.
After that, she immediately heads straight for the massive wardrobe and pulls out a stunning, yet aggressively structured, floor-length silk gown. It comes complete with stiff petticoats, heavy boning, and a tightly laced corset designed to cinch the waist into an unforgiving hourglass figure, the suffocating uniform of a noble lady straight out of a historical romance novel.
I instantly cross my arms and ask her, "Hold on, hold on, what are you doing? Why are you holding a dress like that?"
Lily replies softly, "what do you mean, my lady? Obviously, It's your dress."
I instantly say, "absolutely not. Are you trying to suffocate me in a suit of armor? Look at all those structured bonings and heavy clasps! It looks like a medieval torture device, not a dress. Is there anything soft? Anything normal and relaxing?"
Lily blinks in surprise, looking slightly apologetic. "Well... yes, my Lady, but these are standard aristocratic daytime dresses. If we are going outside to meet Young Master Orlando, dressing like this is practically required, or.."
Wait, I start to think. I completely understand having to squeeze into these contraptions if we're hosting high-society guests or attending a royal banquet. But do I really have to wear this bone-crushing cage even when I'm just strolling around my own family's estate with my own brother? Oh no... this is beyond frustrating. I didn't realize it was this strict.
"Wait a minute," I say aloud, letting out an exasperated sigh. "I can understand dressing up like a walking fashion disaster for outsiders, but do I seriously have to wear this kind of thing just to walk around my own home? Oh no, this is so frustrating. I didn't realize it was going to be like this!"
Lily offers a sympathetic yet firm smile. "Yes, my Lady. You must dress properly because you are recovering your strength and heading out to the gardens. If you were strictly confining yourself to your bedchamber, simple loungewear would suffice, but since you are stepping outside into the estate grounds, proper decorum is a must."
"But it's still inside our own home! It's our family estate, isn't it? Why should I trap myself in a corset just to see some grass?" I protest.
"Ah, but my Lady, you are going out with Young Master Orlando," Lily points out gently. "And who knows? He might even escort you beyond the gates or into the outer courtyards. You should always be prepared."
"Okay, okay, I hear you, but I literally cannot wear this. I'll suffocate before we even make it down the hall. Just leave it," I wave my hand dismissively.
Lily immediately starts to fret, her brows furrowing as she clutches the heavy gown to her chest. "Oh, but what are you saying, my Lady? You have to wear something formal, otherwise Master Orlando is going to be terribly angry and lecture us both!"
"Let him be," I reply with an unbothered shrug. "I don't want to wear those things. Surely I have other options in that massive closet of mine, right?"