The Villainous Older Sister Who Loves Her Younger Sister Aims for the Guillotine 5

5. “The Tailor”

After the ‘welcoming’ event, which likely significantly lowered my sister’s favorability towards me, there’s a bit of a gap before the next [Official Event].

She will take the Vanderwaals family name and become a noble.

…However, that requires formal approval.

And not just from me, the head of the Vanderwaals family—but from a higher authority, namely, His Majesty the King.

In the Kingdom of Eustasia, nobility is officially a privileged status conferred by royal decree.

Conversely, with the King’s approval, even a girl of uncertain origins like Leticia can become a noble.

That being said, the process is usually handled with paperwork, without any elaborate ceremonies. The addition of a new member to a noble family is typically due to birth or marriage… events with undeniable legitimacy.

However, there are exceptions.

This is one such special case… where a ‘half-sibling’ is discovered.

Such things are not unheard of.

Rather, they are quite common.

Though less so when it comes to heads of families, as they tend to exercise discretion—at least enough to utilize discreet, reputable establishments that guarantee client confidentiality.

…However, instances of young nobles, thinking it a youthful indiscretion, impregnating or being impregnated by someone of good family, are relatively frequent.

I hear of such cases publicly several times a year, and in my position, I hear of twice as many. Considering that some cases are likely handled smoothly with severance payments and child support, and kept hidden, the actual number is probably even higher.

However, those children are never recognized as “nobles.”

If matters are settled relatively amicably, severance payments and child support are usually paid.

In cases of assault, not consensual relations, the perpetrator may even be executed. Legally, commoners are treated the same, but nobles have greater financial resources.

No matter where they flee, no matter where they hide, we will search for them to the ends of the earth and deliver appropriate punishment under the law—the Vanderwaals family occasionally receives such requests.

Due to the nature of the work, it’s undeniably unpleasant, but the pay is good, and more than anything, it allows us to feel a bit like we’re on the side of justice.

The circumstances vary, but the common thread is that it’s difficult for the resulting child to be recognized as a suitable noble.

Such youthful indiscretions are rarely fueled by sensible adults… by the privileged class of nobles, even if they try to extinguish them.

At the very least, the head of the family’s approval is required.

…And whether they would acknowledge the young people who sired children without even going through the formal adoption process… it’s no wonder this rule, allowing someone to become a noble solely with the King’s approval, is rarely used.

Occasionally, a parent might be blinded by love for their child, but in such cases, they can simply provide for them privately.

They can acknowledge the child, provide financial support, even live together… without bearing the responsibilities of nobility. If simple happiness is the goal, that is a much easier path.

…If my father had done so, would Leticia and I have been able to grow up as sisters, despite our complicated circumstances?

Even so, nobles are the ruling class.

They bear corresponding obligations, but they also hold numerous privileges.

And privileges are privileges precisely because they are held by a select few.

Therefore, this rule is truly rarely used.

…It’s such an archaic rule that when I first learned of it, I wondered if it was ever used in modern times.

It’s as if it exists solely for the purpose of welcoming Leticia.

Well, in any case, there’s no reason for me, the head of the family, to object.

Although there’s no way to prove it, the fact that she is half of noble blood also works in her favor.

The application will likely be approved.

However, preparations are necessary.

Even if it’s just a ceremony—no, because it’s a ceremony, formality is required.

There’s no way she can appear before the King in those rags.

She also needs everyday clothes.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Leticia… I am ‘Tailor.'”

“Um, Elder Sister… who is this?”

“She introduced herself, didn’t she? She’s a tailor.”

So, I called the family tailor to the mansion.

I introduced her to Leticia in the drawing-room.

She is also a character who appears in [Moonlight Liberium].

Apparently, she not only makes everyday clothes and dresses for the protagonist but also sells [Clothing Items]? or something.

I don’t understand what [Yen] are, but it’s probably a unit of currency.

I don’t quite understand the parts of the game that don’t involve me or the main plot.

But there are people who are particular about the material of chessboards and pieces, the illustrations on playing cards, or the feel of dice, so it’s probably something like that.

“Tailor Schneider? But she said ‘Tailor’…”

“She’s from another country…”

“Tailor” bowed her head, hunching her already slightly stooped back.

She was slender and tall. And, as is common for tailors, she was hunched over. Her light blue eyes were lifeless, almost black in their darkness. Her green-tinged black hair, which hung down, partially obscuring her eyes, reminded me of the seaweed, wakame, harvested in the eastern countries and imported to our country in dried form.

She wore a simple white long-sleeved shirt and a black vest, a tailor’s way of indicating her dedication to her craft. Her trousers were also black, with crisp creases, and above all, they were free of wrinkles and impeccably stitched.

Her tie, also hand-sewn, was black as well, but with a different, lustrous sheen.

Tailors often sew their own work clothes. And they consider it a testament to their skill.

Judging solely by her skill, she is a top-class tailor.

Judging solely by her skill.

“So… I understand you have a request…”

“Tailor” timidly gauged my expression.

She has a shop in the royal capital, but it’s funded by me. I’ve limited her noble clientele to orders placed through the Vanderwaals family.

Supporting, protecting, and monopolizing skilled artisans is a noble’s duty… but it’s not just that.

I judged it best for her, given her nature.

For her to continue her current life, she needs me… the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals.”

In other words, she cannot defy me.

“I’ve found my half-sister. Until the official announcement, this must be kept confidential.”

So, I stated the facts succinctly, without concealment.

She’s a craftswoman, not interested in worldly gossip.

“Yes…”

“So—can you tolerate her wearing these rags?”

A ghostly light flickered in her pale blue eyes.

“Certainly not…”

Even if they hold sentimental value, they are not clothes fit for a noble.

“First, a few sets of everyday clothes.”

“Yes.”

She smoothly pulled out a notebook from her vest’s side pocket, took the pen from her breast pocket, and began taking notes.

“Then, a dress for her audience with His Majesty.”

“Yes…!”

“Tailor’s” face lit up.

“That’s all for now.”

“Yes…”

“Tailor’s” spirits sank.

“…Depending on the results, I intend to commission you for my sister’s clothes in the future. For now, focus on the task at hand.”

“Yes…!!”

Life returned to her face.

For better or worse, she is a craftswoman.

It’s true that I plan to commission her for my sister’s clothes in the future.

It’s still far off, but I’ll eventually need to prepare a dress for the [Final Ball].

And the dress I wear then will surely be of her making as well.

Vanderwaals Family, Exclusive Tailor

Tailor

CV: None

The exclusive tailor of the Vanderwaals family.

An unvoiced, money-grubbing character in [Moonlight Liberium].

In the game, they tailor the protagonist’s clothes and also make clothes for government officials according to the scenario. (They also make swimsuits.)

Age, real name, and background are unknown.

A foreigner who was picked up by Adelheid after washing ashore on Eustasia’s “backstreet” and has been indebted to her ever since.

Becomes reasonable when complimented.

Became a tailor because they wanted to dress cute girls in cute clothes.

Loves cats.