Lily lays out an array of extravagant dresses across the bed chamber, but my eyes immediately anchor on a soft, sky-blue gown. It has a lightweight design that looks far less suffocating than the heavy velvet coats Eleanor usually wears.
"Let's go with this one," I decide, pointing to the delicate blue fabric.
Lily nods enthusiastically and gets straight to work. She helps me into the gown, expertly lacing up the back before sitting me down at the vanity to do my hair and makeup. Even though I usually prefer a minimal look back in my modern apartment, I keep quiet and let Lily do her thing. She understands aristocratic etiquette far better than I do, and the last thing I want is to cause an accidental social scene outside the estate.
When she finishes, I turn toward the full-length mirror.
Eleanor is undeniably gorgeous. Even after a month in her skin, every glance at my reflection brings a fresh wave of quiet awe. The sky-blue dress complements her soft features perfectly, giving her a gentle, almost ethereal air.
"Wow..." I murmur, touching my cheek in surprise. "Thanks for your hard work, Lily. You really made me look like a shining star."
Lily beams, bowing her head modestly. "No, My Lady, you look radiant because you are naturally beautiful. My touch is merely a small addition."
A soft flush touches my cheeks at the compliment. Laughing off the embarrassment, I thank her once more before stepping out of the room to meet my brother.
Heading down the corridor, I find Orlando waiting in the sitting room. Unlike his usual routine of frantically skimming through official documents or barking orders at attendants, he is simply standing by the tall arched window, quietly gazing outside.
"Brother, I'm ready. Let's go," I call out softly.
Orlando turns around and completely freezes. His eyes widen as he takes me in, his lips parting slightly, absolute silence stretching across the room.
I fidget with my sleeves, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "What's wrong, Brother? Do I look weird?"
Orlando snaps out of his trance, clearing his throat awkwardly as a faint crimson tint brushes his ears. "N-No! Obviously not. You look... beautiful, Eleanor. Truly amazing. I... lost my words for a moment."
Hearing such direct praise from the usually stoic Orlando sends a wave of heat straight to my face. Standing behind us, Lily hides a small, knowing smile behind her hand.
"R-Right. Well... let's go," Orlando stammers, quickly turning on his heel toward the entrance.
I follow him down to the courtyard, with Lily trailing behind. A grand carriage awaits us at the steps. To follow the noble decorum, Lily takes her place on the exterior seating reserved for attendants, while Orlando and I step inside the luxurious interior.
The carriage door clicks shut, and the horses pull forward with a gentle jolt.
An immense, heavy silence immediately fills the small compartment. Orlando sits across from me, looking stiffly out the window, his usual relaxed composure entirely shattered. I shift awkwardly against the velvet seats, the suffocating quiet growing more uncomfortable by the second.
Finally, unable to handle the awkward tension any longer, I break the silence.
"Brother... why are you so quiet?" I ask, leaning forward slightly with a small, playful pout. "Do I really look that bad or weird? Or do you regret your decision to go out with me?"
Orlando flinches slightly, his face flushing a bright crimson as he stammers, "N-No, no, what are you talking about? You're my sister, why would I regret going out with you? No, you've got it all wrong. I was just... well, it's nothing."
I narrow my eyes playfully, pressing him further. "Why? What's going on? Tell me, Brother, seriously. What are you hiding from me?"
He clears his throat, looking away with a stiff shrug. "You just... look really beautiful while dressing up, so that's all."
I wave my hand dismissively, laughing. "Oh, no, no, it was nothing! It's just Lily's hands, there has to be some kind of magic in her fingers, because even I'm surprised she managed to make me look like a porcelain doll."
Orlando shakes his head firmly, his expression softening. "No, it's not like that. You are really beautiful, but today you look really different, that's all. Don't overthink everything, okay? It's not like I'm regretting my decision or anything. Just behave yourself and don't embarrass us" he adds with a mild, teasing scold.
I instantly realize that he is just trying to hide his overwhelming embarrassment. Deciding to spare him any more torture, I let out a soft chuckle and stop talking, turning my gaze away.
As the carriage rolls past the grand iron gates, leaving the estate behind, the scenery outside begins to shift dramatically. My breath catches in my throat. The bustling streets, the charming architecture, the vibrant colors of the town, it is breathtaking.
"Wow..." I breathe out, pressing my face slightly closer to the glass. "This place is really beautiful. It's my first time seeing outside like this, and I am really astonished."
Orlando chuckles, a fond, amused glint in his eyes. "You're behaving like a child now."
"What are you talking about?" I snap back playfully, turning to look at him. "I am actually quite a child, you know? I'm your little sister."
He laughs outright, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, sure, sure. You're my little sister. So do whatever you want."
After few minutes, the carriage slows to a smooth halt. We've reached a bustling marketplace.
Orlando steps out first, turning around and gesturing expectantly toward the carriage door. I start to step down by myself, but he immediately intercepts.
"What are you doing?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. "Have you forgotten? You have to grab my hand. It's a gentleman's duty to escort a lady. "
I pause, flashing him a mischievous grin as I playfully take his hand. "Oh, really? Now you're behaving like a gentleman, but just a few moments ago you were so blushful while looking at my face!"
Orlando's composure shatters instantly. His face flares bright red, and he sputters defensively, "W-What are you talking about?! Who-who says I was embarrassed?!"
I burst into a bright, genuine laugh, thoroughly enjoying the rare sight of my usually stoic older brother completely flustered.