What Really Matters Isn't Money (7)

"You two... I'm fine with this one now. It's not that different from the last one."

Thirty minutes had passed since Kagami left the lounge, and Takako and Kururu were still giving Alice a makeover. After being made to try on one outfit after another that all looked more or less the same, Alice could no longer suppress her urge to run away.

"No! It's important to dress up even the parts people can't see. Coordinating the colors gives you an air of refinement."

"That's right, Alice-chan. Especially at a casino visited by nobles, they'll look you over from head to toe with lecherous eyes, searching for any flaws. When I attended parties as a princess... I had to be so careful about my appearance! Alice-chan, you're the face of this casino! Everyone's watching you!"

Alice tried several times to persuade Takako and Kururu, but they kept saying the same sorts of things and wouldn't let her escape. Alice wore a helpless expression and murmured, "...Ugh."

It was strangely embarrassing for Alice to have David watching all this with a beaming smile. He'd been standing there watching for over an hour. Wasn't he getting bored? Alice wondered.

"You two, nearly an hour has passed. I'm sure you adults have plenty of stamina, but Alice-sama is still a child. I imagine she's getting tired by now."

Just as Alice had that thought, David stepped forward and came to her rescue. Alice's face brightened at this unexpected lifeline, but—

"Please, David. Just a little longer! This is for Alice-chan's sake."

"Ho ho ho! I suppose it can't be helped!"...