For some reason, we were able to board the carriage without trouble.

I was certain that the owner thought we were noble ladies. Anyone could tell that the ornaments we carried were expensive.

I turned my attention to Vian, who was sitting in front of me with a good figure.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that I had never seen anyone look so good in a red dress.

But he never looked at himself after he changed his clothes.

What a shame, even though he looked so stunning.

If I were Vian, I would look in the mirror all day long. It would give me a huge confidence boost.

Is there something on my face?

I was staring way too much. He gave me a questioning look.

You have good eyes, nose, and a well shaped mouth.

Thats not what Im asking you.

Why didnt you look at yourself after you dressed up?

Vian was tight-lipped about my question. The carriage rattled and shook, probably due to the rough road.

Vian said something at the same time. He probably thought I didnt hear him, but I heard him say, I can wait until later.

What did he mean? Did he want someone else to see it before him?

I was wondering if it was okay to bring this up. But I knew Vian didnt want me to hear him say that.

Maybe it would be better not to pursue it too deeply.

There was silence in the carriage for a while, and Vian seemed to be thinking about something as he kept looking outside.

Since we were going to town, all dressed up, I wanted to have a nice talk with him.

As we were getting closer and closer to town, he slowly started speaking.

What do you think I say when I place an order for a dress to be tailored?

I froze. He didnt look at me, but kept staring outside.

I hadnt thought about it it would be difficult to make a dress that would fit Vians frame.

It would be different from making a dress for some noble young lady. Vian was beautiful, and the dress would look good on him, but he was a man.

They had to get the measurements right.

Perhaps sensing that I was at a loss for words, he continued.

When I was little, I used to enter the shops wearing a womans dress. So, it was easy to acquire a dress and say it was a gift for a girl. But as my body grew, womens dresses didnt fit me anymore. So, I went to town myself and negotiated with dress designers.

Vivian went there herself?

YesI met someone there. He looked like a terrible person, but he made me the best dress. He didnt look down on me when I said I would wear the dress. He believed that there were no bad people who loved dresses.

Vian was happy as he told me the story.

Why did you think he was a bad person?

He never condemned me, but he never looked at me in my dress. When I asked why, that person said he didnt want to see me in my dress. Im uncertain if he thought the dress he made was the best he could make and wouldnt look good on me, or if he simply didnt want to see me, a man in a dress because he didnt want to feel uncomfortable So, I will show up in front of that person dressed in what, I think, is my most beautiful outfit. Until then, I wont look at myself.

Vians face was reflected in the carriage window. There was a reflection of his impatient expression.

Are you afraid of being rejected?

He locked his eyes with mine.

No matter how many compliments people give me on the way I look, I will never be confident about it, you know? That is, until I am recognized by that person who has been my emotional support for so long.

And if it was rejected?

Vian glared at me. I returned it with a smile.

I cant wait to meet that person and have them be floored by Vivians beauty.

Vian gave me a puzzled look.

Id rather have Vivian look at the red gem in front of a mirror than that designer.

After a pause, Vians face broke into a smile.

Ah, jeez, Im really no match for you, Alicia.

Thats my line!

It was frustrating, but Vian was better at his job than I was.

I was the one who got to see him work, up close and personal, so there was no doubt about it.