Gateway [ONF FF]

Adorned in annoyance

Seungjun kept torn on the idea for a ball. Changyun was far too casual with his proposal to find any risk in it.

But maybe I can find valuable information.

He knew these parties would be attended by some influential people. And since he felt like he would be stuck on this side of the border for a while, he decided to be as useful as possible.

While he was definitely determined still, he couldn't help but feel nervous when that day arrived and a maid came to get him, Changyun joining them shortly.
Seungjun had explored the second floor of the house before, but it also had too few windows that were potential escape routes and a lot of doors were locked, so it wasn't a place he found himself in often. And the attic was only for the maids to spend the night, so even less useful.
However, Changyun led them to the master bedroom and unlocked the door.

The inside was as in style as the medical room had been, swirls and nature patterns decorating the furniture. A large bed with green curtains above its head stood proudly in the middle of the room, a blue dress draped atop it. Beside that was a small desk with a mirror and glass bottles, and a big wardrobe was situated in a different corner alongside some paintings. What was most amusing to Seungjun were the multiple family pictures on a small chest of drawers. He could easily make out which of the children was Changyun.

“You have a lot of siblings,” Seungjun remarked.

“Had,” Changyun corrected.

“Oh, what happened to them?”

“Consumption got them, unfortunately. I had been sent away to work in this city when the disease broke out back home,” Changyun explained.

“Sent to work here? Is that how you got your wealth? That mysteriously got a great sum people talk about,” Seungjun hummed and side eyed the other for a reaction, but Changyun just laughed and turned to the many pieces of clothing laid out on his bed.

“Well, rumours are a funny thing, but none of our concern now,” he concluded with a careless tone before livening up a bit. “One of the maids lent a bust bodice and corset that we guessed should fit your measurements,” he explained. “This dress is a little old but we had it changed to go with the current times.”

Seungjun raised a brow. “You did all that?”

“It was only two weeks of work to get the dress fixed, luckily. We have some quick hands,” Changyun smiled, “everything is borrowed from the women, so do be careful with it.”

“...Okay.”

“I'll take my leave and get ready myself,” Changyun announced and nodded to the maid once more as a way of wishing her luck before he left the room.

Eyeing the bed, Seungjun was immediately confronted with a big lack of knowledge. “How do women get into all this?” he mumbled when seeing all the scattered garments.

The maid bowed her head briefly. “Don't worry, Sir. I will help you.”

It was quickly explained how the socks and pair of combinations should be worn before the maid turned around and let Seungjun, somewhat privately, get into the underwear.

After that, he was handed shoes that the maid advised to put on before being covered in layers and support garments. The small brown heels seemed sturdy enough but were higher than anything Seungjun had ever worn.

“Won’t I be taller than Changyun with these on?” Seungjun remarked to hopefully get out of having to wear them.

“Potentially, but that is not of concern. It is better that you wear the proper shoes.”