The Meaning Behind the Dress
Oh, Captain, there you are. I was looking for you.
Me? Why's that, Epindel?
Well, I was wondering if we could reschedule tomorrow's training session.
You see, I was invited to be a model for the Maison Delize Haute Couture, as they were in dire need of one for their new themed dress.
I did my due diligence to ensure that it would not prevent me from training, but as you are in charge, I will not act without your approval in this matter.
I apologize if you find this request unreasonable...
It should be fine.
Fufu, I knew I could count on you to answer thusly.
Thank you for your cooperation, Captain. I shall see you on the morrow.
The next day...
Yes. I was told that the driving theme was an action wedding.
It feels... adequately comfortable. The designers ensured it maintained a sense of elegance, while also providing enough room to move around.
...Well, Captain? If there is anything you wish to say, please feel free to do so without hesitation.
I mean, it's a wedding dress, isn't it?
I figured you'd feel a bit more... excited and thrilled about it.
Fufu. You're quite the sentimental gentleman, Captain.
Even a wedding dress like this is merely a garment sewn together to serve its ceremonial purpose.
Any sentiment and significance it bears is merely imbued upon it by the individual who puts it on.
As for me, it is merely an outfit devised to do its duty, like a warrior's armor, a cook's apron, or even simple pajamas.
What's more, allowing myself to be swept up by such concepts would bring shame upon House Orlan.
Fufu, there's no need to trouble yourself. I am not a child in need of an escort.
I shall return as soon as I am done, so let us reconvene in the evening.
...And it started raining right after she said that.
Apparently, the other models and staff on-site left on carriages...
But it seems Ms. Epindel did not leave on one.
She proclaimed her intent to return once the rain ceased, but according to the Observers, it won't stop until tomorrow...
...It's not that she didn't, but that she couldn't.
Where did the shoot take place?
Oh, they said it was within a forest nearby...
I packed an umbrella and swiftly made my way to the forest.
As I neared a clearing within the forest, I spotted a silhouette in the distance, taking refuge from the rain under a tree.
Holding one arm to herself, a young woman gazed off into the distance, as if looking at something between the falling raindrops.
Epindel!
...!
Captain? How did you...
I heard the carriages stopped running.
It's pouring out here. You could've called me, you know.
...Yes, I must admit that my judgement was flawed.
I assumed that the rain would subside soon enough, but...
It appears that the weather predictions were wrong, seeing as how it only intensified.
...
Epindel? What's wrong? Why aren't you moving?
Well...
Due to the rain, a wrong step could end up with my heels in the mud.
I glanced at Epindel's feet.
As if to prove her point, her heels were covered in damp dirt.
Well, that just leaves me with one option.
Can you hold onto this umbrella for me?
Your umbrella?
W-wait, Captain. You're getting a tad too close...
Eek?! Wait, that's my waist!
...!!
I—C-Captain?!
I won't deny that walking in these conditions may prove difficult for me...
B-b-but I never asked you to... c-carry me like this...
Well, it beats staying out all night in the rain, doesn't it?
W-well, your argument does make sense logically, but...!
It's just...
Considering my attire, the fact that you're holding me like this...
It's almost like we're... we're...
...
Y-you must take responsibility for this, are we clear?
Huh? For your clothes?
Don't worry, I won't let them get wet at all. You have my word on that.
No... I mean, yes, it is important that the dress stays clean, but...
This mood, this moment... and the memories that will emerge unbidden when I look upon this dress in the future!
Nnngh...!
Epindel pressed her bright red face into my chest.
As I carried her back, the warmth of her breath slipped through the folds of my cold, damp clothes.
The next day...
...
Oh! C-Captain!
I can explain...
Ahem! I... purchased the dress. Since it was slightly drenched, the people at Maison Delize were eager to oblige.
Oh, and... I never got to ask you yesterday, but...
What do you think of the dress, Captain?
Looks pretty breathable and functional.
I bet it's easy to move around in!
P-pardon me? No, that's not what I was asking about...
...Ngh.
I confess, I don't know if you are utterly incapable of reading the mood or just pure to the point of being oblivious.
Never mind. Please excuse me while I change into my normal clothes.
Uh, Epindel?
What's wrong?
I told you not to mind it, didn't I? Please forget I said anything!
Her face blushing furiously, Epindel spun around and stalked off.
However, I could have sworn I detected a pep in her step even as she stomped away.