Rewriting the Trash Ending - Chapter 50

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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50.

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A Tea Gathering hosted by the Grand Duke’s wife.
Lumiere had decided to hold an intimate gathering among ladies rather than an elaborate banquet.
She had invited everyone—both the wives who had abstained from the Reception, and unmarried young women alike.
Typically, Tea Gatherings had no particular charitable or literary purpose; they were common occasions where one expanded one’s connections, inviting both mothers and daughters together.
Besides, it was the perfect setting to share conversations that hadn’t had time to unfold during the Reception itself.
Even the wives who had declined the Reception sent word that this time, not a single one would be absent.
“A gift, then……”
Lumiere tilted her head as she looked down at the reply letter from House Oswald.
She had sent word to the Grand Lady, asking if she might be willing to attend the Tea Gathering—but this response……

[…Not only have you restored my grandson’s former self, but you have also returned the lost memories of this old woman. How could I possibly express such gratitude in mere words?
And so I have thought it best to offer my thanks in person at the Tea Gathering you have graciously invited me to attend.
I hope most sincerely that my humble gift may prove of service to you……]

‘What could the gift be?’
A present from the Grand Lady—a pillar of High Society for so many years—would surely be of some use to her.
Yet she could not begin to guess what it might be.
“Your Highness, may I come in for a moment?”
“Come in.”
Lumiere, who had been lost in thought, answered at the sound of Hanna’s voice from outside.
As the door opened, servants filed in carrying a stack of boxes.
“What are all these?”
She asked Hanna, gazing at the carefully arranged stack.
“These are the Dresses His Highness prepared for you.”
“All of…these?”
“Yes. Would you like to have a look?”
Hanna’s cheeks flushed with eager anticipation.
The Jewelry had been quite substantial when it arrived, but the Dresses and Overcoats exceeded that by far.
‘Good heavens—how many are there?’
There appeared to be at least thirty pieces.
But was it really acceptable to use all of these?
For a moment, she wondered if her husband had simply invested his entire allotted Dignity Maintenance Fund into her wardrobe.
“I felt it before, but it seems His Highness cares for you very deeply indeed.”
Hanna continued, a smile touching the corners of her mouth.
“I have worked in the castle for quite some time, and I have never seen His Highness personally attend to anyone like this. Nor have I ever seen him nurse someone through the entire night.”
In truth, even in her past life, she had never witnessed him attending to anyone so carefully.
……
Then, quite suddenly, Axid’s wardrobe came to mind.
“Hanna, I should take a look at His Highness’s Dresses.”
Lumiere made her way to Axid’s Dress Room with Hanna.
‘It’s the same as before.’
The Dress Room held only similar garments, as if he were a man of single taste.
There were few pieces even then, with gaps scattered throughout.
He always wore the same Overcoat and similar clothes.
He rarely attended social events, and he was often called to campaign.
In her past life, she had not been in a position to approach him and adjust his appearance—she could only watch with regret.
Now, she slowly reached out and touched the sleeve of an Overcoat hanging on the rail.
Though it wasn’t immediately obvious, the sleeves were rough with age from long wear.
“I should have done this sooner……”
He spent nothing on himself, yet bestowed mountains of gifts upon her. The thought that she could simply leave matters as they were seemed unbearable.
“Hanna, I must have new clothes made for His Highness.”
“Shall I contact the Tailor Shop?”
“I want to choose them myself, so prepare for an outing.”
“Yes? But if we contact the Tailor Shop, they would come directly with a Catalog and samples……”
“I need to see them in person to know what suits you best.”
Besides, if she was going to repay his kindness, she didn’t want to simply choose something haphazardly from a catalog or sample.
She summoned Kaiden.
“I’m planning to go out for a bit. Would you provide an escort?”
“Where are we headed, madam?”
“To the Tailor Shop. I noticed His Highness’s wardrobe hasn’t received much attention for quite some time.”
“Then I’ll inform the Grand Duke that you’re going out and return at once.”
After Kaiden withdrew, she donned her overcoat and smiled quietly to herself.
‘I should pick something that suits him best.’
Lumiere finished preparing to leave, unaware that her face had grown animated.

The Grand Duke’s carriage turned toward a street lined with fine tailoring establishments.
As the carriage came to a halt, the door opened and Axid stepped out.
“…Are you truly certain about this, Grand Duke?”
Lumiere asked with concern as she took his hand and descended.
She’d intended to go quietly with only Hanna and Kaiden, never imagining her husband would set aside his duties to accompany her.
“If you’re choosing my clothes for me, wouldn’t it be strange if I weren’t present?”
Though his tone was impassive, the corners of his mouth curved ever so slightly upward.
So faintly that one would miss it without looking closely.
‘He’s in good spirits.’
Her chest tightened for reasons she couldn’t quite name.
All this time, she’d believed her husband disliked going out.
But then there was that garden gathering they’d attended together, and now this — he seemed genuinely pleased.
Perhaps it wasn’t outings themselves that he disliked, but the absence of someone to share them with.
Someone with whom he could walk side by side without pretense, wandering aimlessly together in comfortable ease.
He had those who served him, certainly, but they were retainers, not family.
His one remaining aunt had been too busy exploiting him to care for him in return.
‘Family…’
The thought struck her suddenly: wasn’t she the only person in this man’s life he could call family now?
A few changes of clothes seemed woefully inadequate.
She wanted to share with him, one by one, all the things this man had never been able to enjoy.
“Shall we start over there?”
She linked her arm through Axid’s and entered the men’s tailor shop.
“Welcome……!”
The clerk greeted them cheerfully at the sound of the door chime, then caught his breath.
No one in the Northern Region failed to recognize the Grand Duke.
And standing beside him, a white-haired woman.
The rumors of the Princess had swept through the Grand Dukedom thoroughly enough that no one could be ignorant of her.
The clerk’s face drained of color, and his voice trembled.
“W-welcome, Your Grace, Your Highness. We are greatly honored by your noble visit to our humble establishment.”
The clerk hurriedly excused himself to fetch his master.
Lumiere surveyed the interior.
It was clearly a well-known shop; several familiar faces stood about holding catalogs, examining fabric samples hung along the walls.
They appeared to be servants sent by noble houses.
Shortly after, the master tailor rushed out.
“I offer my respects to Your Graces. We have a reception room within. Please allow me to show you inside.”
“Please do.”
Axid guided her forward, his hand almost but not quite encircling her shoulders.
……
Her ears grew warm without warning.
She could feel every eye in the shop fixed on their retreating figures.
The gesture—so naturally protective, as though shielding her from unseen perils—made her heart flutter.
Once she and Axid had settled onto the sofa, the tailor spread fabric samples and design books before them.
His hands trembled as he arranged the materials, betraying how nervous he was.
Hardly surprising—the sudden appearance of the Grand Duke himself was shock enough.
“There’s no hurry. Take your time.”
Lumiere smiled gently and reassured the tailor.
“I-it is truly an honor to craft garments for Your Grace. Your build is so distinguished that any style would suit you well. M-might there be a particular color you’ve had in mind?”
“Well, I’d like to see a range first.”
Lumiere scanned through the displayed samples one by one.
What shade would suit this person best?
She was absorbed in deliberation when it happened.
The shop attendant approached cautiously.
“Your Highness, Your Highness. Forgive me, but there is someone who wishes to pay their respects to you both.”
“Pay their respects?”
Lumiere tilted her head.
The shop held only what appeared to be attendants—who could she possibly encounter in such a place?
“The young lady of Count Fendro’s House. Shall I refuse her?”
Lumiere glanced briefly at Axid.
He nodded, indicating she should do as she wished.
“Let her in.”
If she wishes to pay her respects, why not grant it?
Once Lumiere gave her permission, the attendant ushered Belia inside.
“Your Highness, Your Highness. What an honor to meet you both in such a place by chance.”
Radiant golden hair and emerald eyes.
Belia smiled shyly and offered a proper courtesy.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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