My Childhood Friend Told Me to Go Marry the Most Beautiful Woman in the Kingdom, So I Seriously Started Improving Myself—and Somehow Ended Up Making Women Fall Hard - Chapter 71 & 72

Chapter 71: White and Black Ornaments

Nagi and the Commander both moved constantly because of their work.

So I focused purely on function—no tightness, no chafing, reduced bounce, support from beneath.

Now, the next step.

A bra that balanced practicality with design.

Something that could be worn under formal clothes or everyday outfits.

Something a woman could wear “for herself.”

And there were only two people I could personally hand that to.

♢

The church was quiet.

The scent of candles lingered across the stone floor, and the air felt clear. The building had been renovated, and everything was spotless.

Natasha stood before the altar.

Her sister’s habit. Her pale blue hair.

Hands clasped, eyes closed in prayer.

Just seeing her like that made me steel myself.

…This wasn’t a place for loud foolishness.

I cleared my throat softly and lowered my voice.

“Natasha.”

“…Lord Hort, welcome. You came.”

Her smile was gentle, but her eyes were steady—and for some reason, my chest wouldn’t calm down.

Her beauty made me feel as though what I was about to say might somehow taint her.

“What brings you here at this hour?”

Even so, I had already decided I would give it to her.

“I have something I want to give you.”

My fingers stiffened slightly as I opened my bag.

I could draw a sword. I could sew fabric.

But this… this was dangerous to the heart in an entirely different way.

I placed a white-wrapped bundle at the edge of the church pew.

“I made it thinking it would suit you.”

“…For me?”

Natasha stepped closer and gently unwrapped the bundle.

White fabric. A soft sheen. A thin ribbon decoration at the center of the chest. The edges were elegant—not vulgar.

I designed it to blend into the white of the church… and yet still carry presence.

“This is… very cute.”

“Is it?”

“Yes! But… what is it?”

Even looking at it, she didn’t recognize it as a bra.

I cleared my throat and tried to sound calm.

“It’s an undergarment worn on the chest. I added decoration so it would suit you. And so that even if someone happened to see it, it wouldn’t immediately look like underwear. The fabric on the inside won’t irritate your skin either.”

“An undergarment… for the chest? And you made this for me, Lord Hort…? Thank you very much.”

Natasha paused briefly, then gave a slightly troubled smile.

“However… I must apologize.”

“For what?”

“I only wear undergarments on the lower half… I have never worn anything on my chest.”

My brain stopped for a full second.

“…What?”

“If it pleases you, would you help me put it on, Lord Hort?”

She said it so casually.

And then, just like that, she began untying the strings of her sister’s habit.

“W-Wait! That’s—!?”

I instantly turned my face away.

My cheeks burned. My ears burned. My vision went white.

What am I doing?

What is Natasha doing?!

“Fufu, it seems Lord Hort is the one more embarrassed. I’m facing away, so please go ahead.”

I confirmed that she had truly turned her back… then carefully looked.

Her sister’s habit had been lowered to her waist. Natasha’s back was pale, slender, and beautiful.

I took the bra from my bag and stepped closer, focusing only on the feel of the fabric in my hands.

“Could you slip your arms through here?”

“Yes.”

She slid her arms through, and I fastened the clasp behind her back.

My fingertips trembled.

Through the cloth, I could feel Natasha’s warmth. It felt far too real.

“…Is it too tight?”

“No. There is no problem.”

She answered calmly.

I was the one struggling to breathe.

To adjust the shape properly, I lightly corrected the position of the band beneath her chest. At that moment, her shoulders shifted ever so slightly.

“…All done.”

“Thank you very much.”

Natasha pulled her habit back on and turned around.

Her chest looked more neatly shaped than before.

“Beautiful.”

“Eh?”

“Ah! I mean—sorry.”

The words had slipped out on their own.

“How does it feel to wear?”

“It is my first time wearing something like this.”

Natasha remained composed, though the corner of her lips curved faintly.

“However, since I am not used to it, it feels slightly restrictive. But… as a woman, I imagine wearing it does make one’s figure appear more elegant.”

“Ugh—!”

“Fufu.”

Because of what I blurted out, Natasha looked up at me with a playful, almost mischievous expression.

Compared to when I gave one to Nagi or Commander Adelheid, I was far more embarrassed this time.

“You can keep it. It’s a gift. If you’d like, please use it.”

“Is that truly alright?”

“Yeah. …I think it suits you. Though, may I come again to ask how it feels to wear?”

“Yes. Thank you very much. I will treasure it.”

In the next moment, Natasha stepped closer—lightly, softly.

And wrapped her arms around me.

“—!?”

I froze.

My arms wouldn’t lift. I couldn’t even return the embrace. My mind went blank, and all I could see were the patterns on the church wall.

She let out a soft laugh.

“Fufu. This is the first gift I have ever received from Lord Hort. I’m very happy.”

Her chest pressed gently against mine.

Still holding me, she spoke quietly.

“It seems I now have even more to repay you for.”

“…Don’t say it like that.”

“Are you embarrassed?”

“Yes.”

I answered instantly.

Natasha smiled in satisfaction and finally stepped back.

I took a steadying breath and adjusted my bag.

“Well then… I’ll be going.”

“Yes. I shall be waiting.”

With Natasha seeing me off, I left the church behind.

♢

I gave bras to three women.

And each time, I nearly died from embarrassment.

But this was the last one.

At night, outside the dormitory window, I tapped lightly on the frame.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The sound seemed to be swallowed by the dark.

And in the next instant—

Gina was there.

Silent. Like a shadow.

Her maid uniform was flawless. Her posture perfect. Her eyes calm and steady.

“Did you call for me, Sir Hort?”

“Yes. I have something to give you.”

I took out a bundle wrapped in black cloth.

Inside was black fabric with lace embroidery. The edges were thin and elegant—refined enough that even in a noble household, it wouldn’t look out of place. Gina served a noble family, so I made sure it wouldn’t embarrass her if it were ever seen.

“This is—”

“I understand.”

“Huh?”

Gina answered immediately.

“You are creating women’s undergarments at Captain Brigitte’s request, correct? This was made by you, Sir Hort, was it not?”

“Ah… yeah. I made it for you, Gina.”

“For me… I will gladly accept it.”

Her face remained expressionless. I couldn’t read her emotions.

Her tone was steady as always.

But the way she accepted it—her fingertips were careful.

Gina opened the bundle and lowered her gaze to the embroidery.

For just a brief moment, her eyelashes trembled.

“…It’s beautiful.”

“Yeah. Gina is beautiful, so I wanted to make something that would suit you.”

“Beautiful… me?”

Gina slowly lifted her eyes to look at me.

“Yeah. I think your black hair… and your face… are very beautiful.”

“Thank you very much. Since this will be my first time using it, please put it on for me.”

“Eh?!”

My heart jumped.

She paused for just a second, as if confirming my reaction—then, under the moonlight, she smoothly slipped out of her maid uniform.

“Wha—?!”

I turned my eyes away on instinct… but I was too slow.

I caught a glimpse of her black corset-style underwear. Rows of hooks lined the back. Faint marks from the tight lacing remained on her skin.

…Don’t look. Don’t look!

Under the moonlight, her mysterious beauty stood out even more.

“I will face away.”

Gina’s voice was calm as ever. Steady. Unshaken. She began unhooking the corset.

The soft sound of metal clasps echoed strangely loud in the quiet night.

I fixed my gaze on the bra in my hands.

Fabric. Bands. Clasp.

“…Please, Sir Hort.”

I stepped closer to Gina’s back.

Just like with Natasha.

Arms through.

Band around.

Clasp secured.

It was my second time doing this. I was slightly more used to it, and my hands were steadier.

Gina didn’t move. Her breathing remained even.

But the instant my fingers touched the clasp, her back trembled—just slightly.

Only for a moment.

Still, I didn’t miss it.

“…Is it too tight?”

“No. If anything, you could tighten it a little more.”

“Eh?”

“No, it is nothing.”

…In the moonlight, the back of her neck looked faintly red.

I adjusted the position of the band one last time, then stepped back.

“Alright. It’s done.”

“Thank you.”

Gina picked up her clothes and quietly put her maid uniform back on.

There wasn’t a single wasted movement.

“Sir Hort.”

“Yeah?”

“I will be submitting a report about tonight.”

“…What?”

“I’m joking.”

The corner of Gina’s lips lifted—just slightly.

Joking? That was a joke?

While I stood there frozen, she carefully held the black bundle to her chest and spoke in a calm voice.

“I will inform you of the comfort level at a later date. Without fail.”

“Yeah… please do.”

As Gina moved back toward the window’s shadow, she paused and turned once more.

“Sir Hort.”

“What is it?”

“…Who do you plan to make one for next?”

“Who? No, you’re the last one, Gina.”

“I see.”

Leaving only that question behind, Gina disappeared soundlessly into the night.

I remained standing by the window for quite some time.

All I did was add decoration.

So why am I this exhausted?

Chapter 72: Women Who Fell into the Swamp (8)

Side: Natasha

The sound of Lord Hort’s footsteps slowly faded across the stone floor.

I watched until the door fully closed, and only then did I finally let out a breath.

The quiet of the church returned. Candle flames flickered softly, and the faint scent of prayer settled deep within my chest.

…And still, the feeling remained.

The touch of what Lord Hort made for me.

It was almost like him—gently correcting only my restless heart.

I placed a hand lightly over my chest. Beneath my fingertips, I could feel the band properly supporting me. It wasn’t tight enough to hurt.

Yet a place that had always been left untouched was now softly held in place.

Strangely, that gentle restraint slowly turned into comfort.

“…How odd. It’s my first time wearing this, and yet I feel at ease.”

The words slipped out before I realized it.

Lord Hort chose something that would rest against my skin. He sewed it with care. He even thought about how it should be fastened—for me.

It felt as though something warm was glowing inside my chest.

I returned to the altar and knelt in my usual place, folding my hands together.

But even when I closed my eyes—

What came to mind was not a prayer to God.

It was Lord Hort’s face.

The way he looked away in embarrassment. The way he spoke quickly to cover it up. And yet, in the end, he looked straight at me and said, “It suits you.”

And… beautiful…

That one word still lingered deep in my chest.

Pretending to pray, I gently touched the fabric over my heart.

It felt almost like a chain binding my heart—and the moment I realized that, I let out a small laugh.

I wasn’t afraid of being bound.

If it was a chain placed on me by Lord Hort… then it would be happiness.

Slowly, I stood and walked to the mirror. The line of my chest looked neat. The white ribbon rested modestly there, yet clearly present.

It looked like proof of something.

My cheeks softened without me intending them to.

“This is… a holy relic meant to bind me.”

The moment I said it aloud, I found myself amused.

My chest felt warm.

I cannot wear this every day.

Only when I meet Lord Hort.

As equipment meant for meeting him.

A holy relic to keep my heart properly bound, so it does not wander.

“Until the next time we meet… I will treasure it.”

Today, Lord Hort looked at me with such embarrassment.

Just that alone makes me feel happy.

And I feel as though I am slowly becoming a slightly improper version of myself.

♢

Side: Gina

The night air clung coldly to my skin.

But inside my chest, it was warm.

In front of Sir Hort, I did not show it on my face. My breathing did not falter. I acted as I always do.

Sir Hort… made it for me.

Those words repeated again and again.

For me.

Sir Hort has already given them to several others.

He gave one to Nagi.

He gave one to Commander Adelheid.

He gave one to Natasha.

I saw all of it.

I believed the last one would surely go not to me, but to someone he trusted more.

And yet, Sir Hort said I was the last.

Black fabric. Lace embroidery. Elegant—never too bold, yet clearly crafted with care.

Surely, he thought about what would suit me.

I placed a hand over my chest. Even beneath my clothes, the sensation lingered.

And more than that—the slight tremor when his fingers touched the clasp.

Was it I who trembled? Or was it Sir Hort?

…Either way, it pleased me.

I slipped through the dim corridors of the dormitory and stopped in front of my lady’s room.

“Gina.”

“My lady. You are still awake?”

“…You returned quite late tonight.”

“I was on duty.”

“And yet… did something good happen?”

“No.”

Silence fell between us, as it always does.

“…You’re lying.”

“……”

My lady’s voice was quiet.

“Right now, you’re obviously happy.”

“That is… not the case.”

I tried to deny it.

But my response came just a fraction too late.

That tiny delay was enough. I could hear her soft laugh.

“Your outside and inside are far too different, Gina. Don’t think you can fool me.”

When I remained silent, my lady stepped closer.

In the cold night air, only her voice felt strangely warm.

“Who was it?”

“My lady?”

I attempted to change the subject.

“I’d like to know what happened, you know~”

There was no escape.

My lady does not tear secrets from me by force.

Instead… she quietly blocks every path of retreat.

I let out a small breath.

“It was Sir Hort.”

“Fufu, I thought so.”

Her tone was satisfied. It must have been obvious.

“Did he give you something?”

“…Yes.”

For the first time, my fingertips trembled slightly.

My lady did not miss it.

“Fufu. That’s wonderful. Though, how unfair.”

“Unfair?”

“Yes. You’re the one who gets to see Sir Hort all the time. How nice~”

She shrugged lightly.

“So, what did he give you?”

She was smiling brightly.

And yet the pressure was overwhelming.

This happiness of mine was being seen.

And yet… my lady was the one who allowed me to meet Sir Hort in the first place.

“Fufu, I’m sorry. It’s alright. If you’re happy, that’s what matters.”

Those words sank deep into my chest.

I lowered my head slightly.

“…Inside the room.”

“I understand, Gina.”

In my lady’s room, I removed my maid uniform.

The black lace undergarment Sir Hort had fastened for me.

“Oh my! How beautiful!”

“It is called a bra. An invention from Captain Brigitte of the Third Knight Order’s Ninth Unit.”

“Fufu… is that truly all?”

It is impossible to hide anything from my lady.

Part of me wanted to hide the fact that Sir Hort made it.

But surely… my lady already understood.

“Sir Hort made improvements to it.”

“My! Was that… for you, Gina?”

“Yes. When he gave them to the other young ladies as well, he adjusted each one to suit them.”

“Mmm… then I suppose I cannot demand one for myself.”

“Yes. In that case, you would need to meet Sir Hort directly.”

“How unfortunate.”

My lady is wise. If I explain things properly, she understands.

“But I’m relieved. You look very happy, Gina. Sir Hort truly is a wonderful person, isn’t he?”

At the sudden mention of me looking happy, I felt my face grow warm.

“Fufu, take care of him from now on as well.”

“Yes!”

After leaving my lady’s room, it took me the entire night to calm the pounding in my chest—no matter how carefully I hid it from my face.