Chapter 45 – First Heel
Chapter 45 – First Heel
“Excuse me. I’d like to go shopping, so could I ask for an escort…?”
When I showed up at the Holy Knights’ training grounds, the Third Holy Knights were in the middle of practice.
“Oh, Marie. Thanks for that powerful recovery potion the other day!”
They’d tested my freshly made potent potion for free, yet somehow they were the ones thanking me. It made my heart ache.
“Haha. No, thank you as always for being my test subjects.”
“It’s all good, all good,” the Third’s guys laughed.
I’d explained it properly, but did they really get it?
“Huh? Dressed up so nicely—is it a date?”
No way, no one goes on a date in a practice dance dress.
They just don’t get a girl’s feelings. No wonder they’re not popular.
“No, I’m going shoe shopping, so I wanted to ask for an escort.”
“Then I’ll go. Anyone who wants to come, grab your sword.”
“All right, count me in. You’re on.”
“Then me too!” “Me!” “Me too!”
You guys will fight over anything if there’s a reason to spar.
That’s why everyone says “the Third…”
The training grounds were in a total uproar, drawing a crowd from the First Holy Knights to peek in.
“What are those idiots up to?”
Vidbary laughed in exasperation.
“I asked for an escort to head out, and they started fighting over it.”
“What morons.”
Haha, way too blunt.
“Hang on a sec.” He fetched a horse, then hoisted me up sideways into his arms.
“Thanks as always.”
“No sweat. You’re my little brother’s friend, after all. I said I’d be your personal escort anytime.”
Sure, Evas and I get along great, but that doesn’t mean Vidbary has to go that far…
Still, I’m always grateful for his escorts.
These brothers are nothing like the nobles I know—it’s almost anticlimactic.
They really care about their people, too.
We arrived at Bordo’s shop and, as usual, left the horse with the stable hand before entering through the front.
Hehe. I used to sneak in the back at first.
“Lady Marie. What brings you in today?”
Bordo’s been calling me “Lady Marie” for quite some time now.
I’m used to it.
“I’ve come to buy shoes for dance practice.”
“Splendid. Please, take a seat right here.”
I sat down elegantly like a proper noble lady as directed, and Bordo beamed while instructing Coden to bring over several pairs that fit my feet.
“Practice shoes, so night balls in the future?”
“Not right away, but someday… I’m not really sure.”
Thinking about it, I doubt there’ll ever be an occasion like that.
Besides, I’ve only just started learning dance.
“Is this something Lady Marie herself desired?”
“I did want it, in a way, but my family pushed for it too…”
The dance lessons, right? Not the ball itself.
Should I correct him?
“I see, I see.”
Bordo nodded as he slipped a pair of white square-toed shoes with three-centimeter heels onto my feet and took my hand.
Then he led me flawlessly into a light dance.
Vidbary watched on with a fond, guardian-like smile, which cracked me up.
“Lady Marie has such natural talent for it.”
“Thank you.”
Bordo’s lead was impeccable—it made dancing so effortless.
This man is incredible.
“These seem perfect.”
“Yes.”
Including my past life, these were my very first pair of heeled shoes.
I’ll treasure them.
“Please allow our shop to gift you your First Heels.”
Bordo boxed them up and handed them over.
First Heels? What’s that?
I’d never even heard of such a tradition in any light novel.
Vidbary was nodding happily, so I accepted them gratefully.
Is it really okay to take them?
Is this some noble custom?
On the way back, I asked Vidbary, “What exactly are First Heels?”
The shop owner gifts the first pair of practice heels to a promising young lady he sees a future in, with the hope that “You’ll buy your formal dresses and shoes from us—let’s build a long-term relationship.”
“Receiving First Heels is a huge honor. Lucky you.”
No way!
Until you come of age, you borrow formal dresses and shoes from the church!
I’d done something terribly rude.
The least I can do is patronize them for the long haul.
They were already special shoes to me, but now they’re even more so.
Even when I outgrow them someday, I’ll cherish these for life.
Hehehe. Can’t wait to wear them.
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thanks for the chapter