Rehabilitating the Villainess

Shael had been persistently demanding to leave the boutique. 

In response, I gestured toward the dress positioned at the center of the room, the most striking wedding dress I had ever seen. Despite its apparent unfinished state, the dress exuded a sense of perfection.

After scrutinizing the dress, Shael withdrew her earlier complaints. Even I acknowledged that the beauty of the dress had the power to mollify Shael's discontent.

Adorned with light blue frills, the dress seemed tailor-made for Shael. I couldn't help but desire to witness her wearing it at our wedding.

“…”

Expressing admiration, Shael finally admitted, “It’s pretty.”

“I think so too. I really want to buy it…”

The real challenge, however, lay in convincing the owner to sell it, especially after Shael's earlier impolite remarks.

As I contemplated our next move, Shael took the initiative. 

Knock-tock!

The sound of Shael carefully knocking on the door filled the room, and she spoke up.

“Please sell it.”

Though Shael's request carried a semblance of politeness, it was evidently a failed attempt. The door remained unresponsive, a natural outcome for not apologizing first after making rude comments.

Steering Shael away from the door, I suggested, “First of all, it would be good to ask for forgiveness for what you said earlier.”

Ideally, I hoped Shael would reflect on her actions and apologize on her own, but the situation demanded a more immediate approach. Shael, who had never been proficient at offering apologies, presented a challenge.

Approaching the door, Shael began, and just before she could say anything, the door swung open.

The owner, who had previously displayed a fiery temperament, now wore a thoughtful expression. Unexpectedly, she responded, “You are being a nuisance. Why haven’t you left yet?”

“Sorry for my mistake earlier…”

Shael's apology, though somewhat forced, seemed to acknowledge her fault. Contrary to my expectations, the owner, who had been confrontational earlier, now seemed contemplative.

“…hmm.”

To my surprise, the owner did not erupt as I had anticipated. Instead, she seemed to be considering something. Finally, she spoke, “Then, can you help me with something?”

The unexpected turn of events worked in our favor. With the owner in a better mood, there was a possibility of obtaining the yet-to-be-finished dress lying in the boutique.

However, our optimism was short-lived. The owner, while placing a sizable box on the floor, set a condition, “If you get this all sewn up, I will accept your apology.”

“…”

The box contained a mountain of clothes, each with torn sections, making it clear that the task ahead was formidable. 

Before further discussion, the owner left the room, leaving us to deal with the daunting pile.

‘Did she just pass her the chores us…’

Rumors about the owner's eccentric personality seemed accurate. 

I and Shael resigned ourselves to the task, silently sitting down and beginning the tedious process of sewing.

Predicting Shael's unfamiliarity with the task, I instructed, “For now, watch what I do and follow me.” 

Employing various magical aids, I proceeded to mend the torn clothes at a deliberate pace, offering Shael an opportunity to learn.

Once the clothes were haphazardly stitched, I asked, “Can you do this by yourself?” 

Shael, however, remained silent, her expression one of confusion.

Turning my gaze, I discovered that Shael had already skillfully sewn several garments.

“…?”

“What?” Caught off guard, Shael questioned my expression. 

Her ability to sew was unexpected. Puzzled, I inquired, “When did you start learning?”

“…I have been able to do it since I was little.”

Surprised by this revelation, a sudden thought occurred to me. 

“Then why didn’t you sew the teddy bear I gave you?”

Shael's response was dismissive, “Wh..why would I? It was a doll I didn’t pay much attention to…”

Amused by her nonchalant attitude, I considered the possibility that the teddy bear held more significance to her than she let on.

With newfound admiration for Shael's skills, I expressed my desire to hug her. Despite the hostess's potential disapproval, I indulged in the moment, embracing Shael while she continued her diligent sewing.

As the pile of clothes dwindled and the bottom of the box became visible, the owner returned, carrying a large box. 

“Finished?” She inquired, visibly surprised at the neatly sewn clothes.

It seemed that her plan to tease us about our assumed inability to sew was thwarted. Yet still unfazed, the owner walked over, hands behind her back.

“…cough!”

A deliberate cough interrupted the moment. Concerned, I approached, only to realize that the owner was faking it.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Dismissing Shael's suggestion to see a doctor, the owner eventually accepted her advice, acknowledging her intentional cough. 

In return for our efforts, she agreed to sell the dress and promised to send it to the Azbel family once completed.

* * *

At the Imperial Palace, a social gathering was underway—a prelude to the Imperial Festival where nobles gathered to strengthen friendships. 

Although these gatherings were generally inconsequential, my focus was on dispelling the rumors surrounding Shael.

Despite efforts from Dukes Ezran and Jespen, the rumors persisted, fueled by the involvement of the Crown Prince and the Mage Tower Lord. The gossip had extended to include false speculations about my relationship with Shael.

In an attempt to address the rumors, Shael and I attended the social church, a place where nobles congregated. While I didn't anticipate physical confrontations, the challenge lay in dispelling the unsettling gossip that had spread throughout the aristocratic circles.

Placing a likely fatigued Shael in her carriage, I found myself idling in front of it. 

Suddenly, a woman approached, addressing me with an unusual demeanor.

“Oh, isn’t it Young Lord Eran?”

The encounter marked a turning point, signaling the beginning of a new challenge.

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