Vol. 9 Ch. 14: His Type

After Monica persuaded Nero and Lin, she headed for Lana's room, where Lana stared wide-eyed at her face.

"...You look kind of sick. Hey, are you all right? Do you want to rest for a bit?"

Monica had straightened her back and thought she'd composed her expression to hide it, but apparently her complexion was bad enough that she looked ill at a glance.

Monica explained that she was worn out from getting carried away and playing too hard at her first school festival, then had Lana help her get dressed.

The dress Lana lent Monica was made of pale green fabric. It had originally been designed for a child, but apparently Lana's father had a seamstress remake it with considerable alterations.

The off-the-shoulder bodice was simple and sleek, yet delicately designed with a large lace accent around the neckline. A large ribbon decorated the skirt at the left hip, from which draping flowed down toward the hem. Each step sent the draping rippling smoothly like waves, creating a beautiful effect.

The dress was cute overall, but not too childish. It was subtly elegant without being ostentatious.

Even to Monica, who knew little about such things, the dress had clearly been designed down to the finest detail, and she honestly thought it suited her very well.

Lana tied a ribbon the same color as the dress into Monica's hair, weaving it in as she braided. Then she gathered a lock of hair at the side, made a thin braid, and began loosening it slightly.

"...What are you going to do with my hair?"...