Lilia's Tale

Chapter 25: Control

When we arrived back at the tailor, it was empty. The receptionist noticed us enter and went to notify our respective tailor without us asking. They both came back together and brought us along to different rooms. I went with Susan-san, who brought me to the same room.

At first, she brought one of the sets for me to see. It was significantly prettier than I expected when seen from up-close.

"Would you like to try it on?" she asked while I was staring at it.

"Can I?"

"Yes. I have to make sure that it is comfortable for you, since you will be wearing it for the next year or two."

"Then, I would like to. It is a bra-less version, right?"

"It is," she confirmed.

I nodded and removed my dress. She helped me put on the uniform, telling and showing me how to wear it on my own. After I was dressed, we went in front of a mirror to see how I was. It felt surreal to see myself in such a beautiful and fancy uniform, but here I was. I noticed that it was a lot more golden than what I remembered, but I put it on the count of my faulty memory.

"So? How is it?" she asked.

"I still have a hard time believing this is me."

"Really? Why so?"

"I could never see myself in such a uniform. When I was told I would go to school, I expected something more formal, not something this...pretty and cute."

"So you think you're cute, huh?" she said with a teasing voice.

"Well, I am a small girl in a uniform I can only think of as an honor."

"That is very true. Now, for what I need to do, is it comfortable?"

I moved around a bit to check the answer to her question.

"It is, honestly. The skirt feels just right, although maybe a little heavy compared to what I'm used to, since I wear very light dresses. The chest area feels a little baggy, but that's about it."

"I actually made two different shirts, one tighter than the other. Would you like to try the other one?"

"Yes, please."

She went to get the other shirt while I removed what I was wearing. When I tested the other shirt, it felt perfect.

"I'll take that one, it feels incredible. What will you do of the other shirt?"

"I will make some slight adjustments to it right now, so it is basically the same as the one you're wearing."

"That sounds good to me. Oh, just to make sure, is this the winter or summer version?"

"It is both. The only difference between the two is the jacket, which is significantly thicker for the winter."

"That makes sense."

"Now, should I go and ask your father to come see you? He won't get many chances."

"H-Huh? I mean, I don't exactly mind, but..."

"Alright, it's settled then."

She quickly left the room, leaving me where I was, alone. I didn't know what to do, so I simply waited where I was for them to come back. Luckily, it didn't take too long. As soon as Father saw me, he seemed impressed.

"That really suits you, Lilia," he said.

"I honestly have to agree, in all modesty. It's comfortable to wear, too."