While Julius remained behind the screen changing into his chosen kimono, Anastasia wandered casually through the hanging fabrics — fingers trailing over soft silks, gauzy satins, and whisper-thin robes in gentle pastels.
She plucked two matching sets off the rack: one lavender and one pale sky blue.
"Here," she said, turning to Rem with a soft smile. "Let's try these next."
Rem blinked. "M-me too?"
Anastasia nodded. "Of course. You'll be representing the estate during the festival. We should both look our best."
She handed the blue kimono to Rem and kept the lavender one for herself. Without waiting, she turned her back.
"Help me, would you?" she said casually. "Unfasten this."
Rem hesitated only a second before stepping closer and gently tugging at the delicate ribbon tying Anastasia's robe. It slipped loose easily, falling open.
Anastasia let the fabric slide from her shoulders. Beneath, she wore only a lacy, minimal bra — delicate, more symbolic than useful.
"Can you unhook this too?" she asked, tilting her head. "Kimono's worn without it, after all."
Rem flushed slightly, but nodded and worked at the clasp.
As the hooks came undone, Anastasia raised her arms gracefully, letting the bra slide off — her chest bare now, small and pale. She didn't hide it.
"We're both girls, aren't we?" she said lightly, glancing at Rem with a teasing smile. "No shame in changing together."
Rem nodded quickly, looking away, flustered.
Anastasia turned, holding out the lavender kimono. "Help me put it on properly?"
Together, they adjusted the garment — Rem tugging gently at the collar, smoothing the sleeves, tying the sash.
Anastasia let her hands rest lightly on Rem's wrists as she finished the bow, savoring the closeness.
Then she smiled.
"Now your turn. Come on. I'll help."
Rem hesitated. "I—okay."
She began to untie her uniform. Anastasia stepped in quickly, her voice soft.
"Let me. It's faster."
Her fingers found the buttons and ties, moving with calm precision, slipping Rem out of her maid uniform layer by layer.
Finally, her fingers reached Rem's bra clasp.
Anastasia gave a quiet laugh. "Here. Let me do this too."
Before Rem could answer, Anastasia unclasped it.
The fabric fell away.
And there they were — Rem's breasts, soft and perfect, delicate like the rest of her.
Anastasia's gaze flicked down for only a moment, just long enough to memorize the image. Then she stepped back, holding the sky blue kimono.
"Arms up."
Rem obeyed.
Anastasia slipped the kimono over her shoulders, adjusting it carefully — brushing fingers lightly over her collarbone, smoothing the fabric across her chest with just a little too much attention.
"There," Anastasia whispered. "Perfect fit."
Inside?
She was euphoric.
(Soft, warm, perfect little body. And now I've seen it all.)
All wrapped up now. Her property. Her doll. Her offering.
Anastasia and Rem stepped out of the fitting room together, the light silks of their kimonos rustling softly as they walked.
Anastasia's lavender kimono shimmered like a pale flower in bloom, while Rem's soft blue one clung delicately to her form, the color dancing gently against her fair skin and ocean-colored hair.
Julius was already standing outside, dressed in the deep navy kimono with silver embroidery — stoic, dignified, and totally unaware that he was being positioned like a piece on a board.
Anastasia approached first, her eyes trailing up and down Julius's form with deliberate care.
"Mmm... no," she said thoughtfully. "You need something darker. This navy is too gentle."
She turned to the shopkeeper. "We need something bold. Black or deep crimson. He'll be standing between Rem and me — and our kimonos are both light. It needs contrast."
Julius gave a tired smile. "You look nice," he said. "Both of you."
Anastasia smiled sweetly. "I know I do. But what about Rem? What do you think?"
Julius glanced at Rem. "It suits her."
Rem blushed. "You really think so?"
Anastasia's smile twisted slightly.
"I think it's okay," she said aloud. "But a bit dark compared to her hair, maybe. It feels off."
Rem looked surprised. "Really? I thought it was nice..."
Before Julius could say anything, he turned toward Anastasia.
"If Rem likes it, she should wear it. She should choose what makes her feel confident."
Anastasia stepped closer, voice lilting. "But if she wears something darker, it'll clash with you."
She gestured between them all — drawing the triangle in the air.
"See? Dark Julius. Light me. Light Rem. That's a clean aesthetic. It shows strength between softness."
She let her voice dip, almost playfully teasing.
"If Rem wears something darker, she and you will look like a pair. And where does that leave me?"
Julius blinked, unsure how to answer.
Then — smoothly — Anastasia walked up to him and tugged gently at the lapels of his kimono.
"No, no. This one hides too much," she said to the shopkeeper. "He's a warrior, not some merchant. We need to show that."
Before Julius could protest, Anastasia pulled open the top of the kimono slightly — exposing the cut lines of his chest and defined abs.
"Here," she said, running her fingers lightly over the fabric just above his stomach. "We need this open, let the crowd see what kind of man he is."
Julius shifted, clearly flustered. "Ana..."
She stepped behind him, straightening the collar around his shoulders.
"And on the back," she continued, her voice like silk, "something sharp. A black dragon. No — a blue tiger. Yes. Something fierce, something elegant."
She spun to Rem, who had been standing quietly, blushing all the while.
"What do you think, Rem?" she asked sweetly. "Do you think Julius looks better like this? Muscles out? A bit wild?"
Rem blinked rapidly, caught off guard. "I—uh—I think it's... impressive. The embroidery would look nice..."
Anastasia's eyes gleamed.
Anastasia strolled along the rows of kimono tops, fingers brushing gently over the embroidered silks, pretending to be fully absorbed.
"Rem," she called over her shoulder, "bring me that one there — the black with silver accents — and help Julius put it on, will you?"
She didn't even glance back. Just moved further down the row as if it were the most casual request in the world.
Rem took the top carefully and turned to Julius, hesitating only a moment.
"I-I'll help, Lord Julius."
He gave a polite nod, still clearly unsure how to navigate this situation. But he raised his arms slightly, allowing Rem to slip behind him.
Anastasia kept her eyes forward, watching her reflection in a display mirror instead of them directly. But she was listening. Imagining. Knowing.
Only when she heard the subtle rustle of silk fully settling did she turn and glance back.
"Hm. I don't love it," she said, her tone soft but dismissive. "Julius, try this one instead."
She held out a deep violet top with twin embroidered crests — one in soft blue, the other in lavender-white.
Rem took it and stepped back to Julius, beginning to slide the previous top off.
Her fingers brushed against his arms, his bare torso — taut and defined, unmarred.
She folded the old one carefully before helping him into the new kimono, tugging at the shoulders, smoothing the fabric down his chest and back.
Anastasia watched.
Closely.
(That's right. Help him. Touch him. Look at him.
That's your future, sweetheart.)
Rem's hands moved with quiet precision, trying not to linger — but Anastasia saw everything. The closeness. The blush. The subtle pause as she adjusted the collar.
Anastasia stepped forward, eyes gleaming.
"I love it. It's perfect."
She ran her hand gently along Julius's shoulder.
"These ornaments — twin heroes. Blue and lavender on deep violet silk. A perfect match with Rem's hair and mine."
She turned her gaze toward the shopkeeper.
"We'll take this one."
Then, with a quiet clap of her hands, she turned toward the women's section.
"Rem. Come help me pick something for you now."
The women's section had been pre-stocked — just as Anastasia requested in her letter.
She reached behind a display and pulled out something outrageous: a half-bodice kimono, low-cut, barely covering the breasts, with one long sheer drape over the hips and nothing to fully conceal the legs.
She held it up playfully.
"What do you think about this one?" she said with a grin. "Too much?"
Rem gasped, face turning red. "Lady Anastasia!"
Anastasia laughed. "I'm joking, I'm joking."
She leaned in with a mischievous smirk.
"Unless you want it... to wear for Subaru, maybe?"
Rem's face was a disaster of confusion, fluster, and nervous denial.
Anastasia hummed and handed her two more — one soft, tasteful, and slightly transparent in the right light.
"This one's more your speed. Come, let's go try them on."
Before heading into the changing rooms, Anastasia turned and called over her shoulder to Julius:
"Don't look so penitential, Julius. Don't you want Rem to look nice? You two work together — she deserves to feel beautiful."
Julius opened his mouth as if to speak, but Anastasia was already waving it away.
"She needs a little fun. That's all."
She took Rem gently by the arm and led her to the back.
"And don't worry," she whispered to Rem as they walked, "I'll pay for everything. Clothes, boots — whatever you want. After what you told me yesterday? This isn't a gift. It's a necessity."
Rem looked overwhelmed. "Lady Anastasia, I don't need—"
"It's not optional," Anastasia said sweetly but firmly.
"I won't let you throw away the chance to look your best."
They entered the changing room.
Before the curtain closed, Anastasia shot a smirking look back at Julius.
"Oh — and don't worry. She's still out of your league. So you can keep pretending you don't stare."
Then the curtain slid shut.
Inside the changing room, Anastasia helped Rem gently into the light kimono.
It looked modest enough on the hanger — pale sky blue with delicate embroidery around the chest and lower hem. Nothing scandalous. The fabric clung lightly but decently.
"It's lighter than I thought," Rem said, smoothing it over her thighs. "Really airy."
Anastasia smiled.
"I love teasing Julius," she said softly, adjusting the sash. "Let's see what he thinks."
The two of them stepped out — Rem fidgeting slightly, arms tucked in, unaware of what was about to happen. Under the indoor lights, the kimono still looked modest.
Julius turned toward them and froze.
His eyes flicked over Rem — and instantly, his face flushed.
"That looks... b-beautiful on you," he said quickly, trying not to stare.
Anastasia beamed. "How sweet," she said cheerfully. "We'll buy it then."
She turned toward Julius, standing at his side, and — as if by accident — spun toward Rem again.
And then she froze.
The sunlight from the nearby window hit the fabric just right — revealing far more than it should.
Anastasia gasped.
"...Wait. Is that...?"
She looked at Julius.
His eyes were locked — just for a second — on the clear, almost glowing outline of Rem's nipples beneath the silk.
Exactly as planned.
Anastasia's face twisted into a perfect mask of offended shock.
SLAP!
The sharp sound echoed through the shop as she struck Julius across the cheek — not hard enough to hurt, but just loud enough to draw attention.
"Pervert!" she hissed. "You're getting excited over a maid's breasts?"
Julius stepped back, stunned. "Anastasia—!"
She spun toward Rem, barely hiding a wicked smirk under the panic.
"Go change," she snapped. "That silk's nearly transparent — I can see everything!"
Rem gasped and ran back to the changing room, flustered and red.
Anastasia turned back to Julius, her voice dropping low and scolding — but just loud enough that Rem could still hear from behind the curtain.
"You get to see my breasts every night in bed. And this is what gets you going?"
Julius tried to protest. "I didn't— It was just a glance!"
She didn't stop.
"So you do think Rem's attractive. More attractive than me, right?"
He looked horrified. "No! I didn't mean—"
Anastasia cut him off again, lowering her voice into a hushed scold:
"I get it. She looks better. I'm sick. I'm small. But aren't you a knight? Aren't you supposed to control yourself? That's what you were trained for, wasn't it?"
Julius looked down, ashamed. "I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable."
Anastasia's tone softened just slightly — now playing the understanding lover.
"If it were any other girl, I'd forgive you. But Rem has a husband. You can't go around getting hard over married women. It's indecent."
"I said I'm sorry," Julius murmured.
She folded her arms. "You'll say it to Rem. And you're going to buy her something nice. A dress. Maybe some jewelry. A proper apology."
He didn't argue.
He just nodded.
"Fine."
Anastasia smiled.
(Good boy.)
After the slap and the chaos had cooled, Anastasia stepped lightly into the changing room with a calm smile.
"Sorry about earlier," she said to Rem gently. "I don't know what's gotten into my husband lately."
She handed Rem a pale blue kimono — simple, elegant, much more modest.
"This one should suit you better," she said, helping Rem slip it on. "You look great in soft colors. It brings out your eyes."
When Rem was dressed, Anastasia gently guided her out of the changing room.
She called out to Julius without even turning. "Now tell us what you think."
Julius looked up, clearly still walking on eggshells. "It's... okay."
Anastasia's face immediately twisted into irritation. "Just 'okay'?" she snapped. "I suppose after the last one, anything else is disappointing."
Rem blushed. Julius looked trapped.
Anastasia stepped in, eyes narrowed. "Try again. Look at the outfit, not her... chest."
Julius turned red. He glanced at Rem — who was also blushing — and quickly looked at her face.
"It suits her," he said more softly. "It... really suits her."
Anastasia gave a satisfied little hum.
"Good. Then we'll buy this one. And the other one too — the transparent one. So Rem can wear it for Subaru and have some fun."
Rem made a sound halfway between a protest and a squeak. Julius looked like he wanted to fall into a hole.
The shopping trip continued. Anastasia kept pushing.
"Rem, pick some boots you like," she said, ushering her toward the racks. "And dresses. Accessories. Jewelry. This is your chance to shine."
Rem hesitated. "I really don't need—"
"Yes, you do," Anastasia said firmly. "Let Julius pay. It's the least he can do."
Julius flinched. "I already said I'm sorry—"
"No you didn't," Anastasia snapped. "Not properly."
Julius turned to Rem. "I'm sorry. Truly. I didn't mean to look. It was an accident."
Rem blushed. "It's fine, Lord Julius. Really."
Anastasia rolled her eyes. "It's not fine unless he buys you something shiny."
She led them into the jewelry shop, scanning the display cases.
"Pick something," she said to Julius. "You embarrassed her. You fix it."
Julius glanced awkwardly at Rem. "Would you like... that necklace?" He pointed at a modest silver piece.
Rem blinked. "It's... nice."
Anastasia saw the price tag. Snorted. "Cheap-ass."
Julius blushed again.
Grumbling under his breath, he picked a gold necklace with blue sapphires. It sparkled with class and actual cost.
"That one," he said. "She deserves something proper."
The shopkeeper boxed it quickly, and Julius paid — wincing slightly at the price.
He handed it to Rem with a small bow. "I'm sorry. Again."
Rem's hands trembled. "I... I can't accept this. It's too expensive."
Anastasia stepped in immediately, irritated. "Can we go already?"
Julius raised an eyebrow. "Why are you suddenly mad again?"
"I'm not mad," Anastasia snapped.
Rem looked helpless. "I really shouldn't accept this—"
"You'll keep it," Anastasia said coldly. "And if you don't like it, sell it."
She turned sharply to Julius, fury barely held in.
"I didn't want you buying her cheap trash. And instead, you bought her something ten times more expensive than my wedding ring."
Julius stiffened. "You told me you didn't like expensive jewelry."
Anastasia whipped around and snapped, "Then maybe ask your maid what women say and what they actually think!"
She stormed out ahead of them, putting distance between them with every step.
Julius sighed, watching her disappear down the street.
"I'm sorry about her," he said to Rem quietly. "She's just... sometimes like this. Wants one thing and gets mad when she gets it."
Rem shook her head. Her cheeks were still pink, but her voice was soft.
"It's okay. Really. It's... in the past."
Julius gave a sheepish smile. "I hope you like the necklace."
Rem looked down at it in her hands, brushing her fingers over the deep blue gems.
"I do," she whispered.
Anastasia moved quickly down the street, heels clicking against the stone as she put distance between herself and the two of them. Her face was calm — regal, composed.
But inside?
She was boiling.
She couldn't hear what they were saying.
That made it worse.
Were they laughing together?
Was Rem touching the necklace again, brushing her fingers along the gold chain like it meant something?
Anastasia's fists clenched.
(That necklace.)
Julius had overdone it.
She wanted him to buy something nice — something meaningful, something humbling.
Not a fucking piece of jewelry worth a year of Rem's entire goddamn salary.
"Do you want to fuck her that badly?" Anastasia hissed under her breath.
One little slap. One playful tease.
And Julius cracked like glass.
Six years.
Six years of marriage.
And the most he had ever given her was a ring — yes, a beautiful ring, expensive, personal... but nothing since.
No anniversary gifts. No impulsive tokens. No jewels.
He said it was about love. That they didn't need material things.
And now, one blush, one look at Rem's nipples, and he's out here buying her sapphires?
Anastasia bit her lip, hard.
This wasn't jealousy. Not exactly.
She wanted this.
She wanted Julius and Rem to get close. To fall.
She wanted to shape Rem's loyalty into submission.
She wanted to break her.
And she would.
But this...?
This wasn't how it was supposed to go.
Rem was supposed to struggle. To feel guilty. To hesitate.
Not smile, thank him, hold that beautiful necklace like it was nothing.
She was supposed to say, "I can't accept this."
She was supposed to be pure, hard to sway.
But no. She smiled.
She thanked him.
Anastasia's stomach twisted.
"Whore."
That's what Rem was in that moment.
She showed her breasts to another man — a man who wasn't her husband — and didn't even flinch.
Anastasia had always seen her as a rival — a quiet one. A loyal dog who'd only bark for Subaru.
It was supposed to be a fight:
Rem's unshakable love versus Anastasia's unbreakable will.
A beautiful battle of hearts and loyalty.
But now?
It didn't feel like a victory.
It felt like the game had changed.
Because Rem didn't need to be seduced.
She didn't need to be broken.
She was already bending.
And Julius?
He just shattered the entire scale.
That necklace... it raised the bar so high, how could anything else compare?
Future gifts? Pointless.
That was the part that stung.
Not the cost. Not even the lust.
But the strategy. The pacing.
Julius ruined it.
How could she escalate their closeness now without it looking forced, or desperate?
He bought her a wedding-tier necklace... and he wasn't even fucking her yet.
"Stupid. How fucking stupid can you be?" Anastasia muttered to herself, walking faster.
"Don't you want her to sleep with you?
Don't you want her to want you?"
She was doing all this for him.
She'd surrendered everything — her pride, her self-image, her body, her morals — all to make Rem fall in love with the man Anastasia herself loved more than anything.
She didn't care about the price.
She cared about the shape of the plan.
She cared about keeping control.
And now?
Now it was messy.
The necklace looked beautiful on Rem.
Too beautiful.
It looked right.
Anastasia wanted to scream.
But she swallowed the fury.
The plan wasn't dead.
She could fix it.
Rem would still sleep with Julius.
Rem would still feel guilt.
Rem would still wake up beside him one day and realize that Julius was better than Subaru in every possible way.
And maybe, if Anastasia played it right...
Julius would still love her.
Even if he came home to another woman's scent.
Even if he moaned another woman's name.
He would love Anastasia.
Because she made it happen.
Because it was her will that broke them.
Not love.
Not lust.
Her.