I became a clothing designer in another world

In this world, there’s no such thing as what we would call a maid uniform.

That’s because nobles have no reason to care about the clothing of commoners.

The maid uniforms we commonly think of today, black dresses as a base, were established during the Victorian era, a time when a rapidly growing class blurred the lines between nobility and commoners.

These people, who weren’t quite nobles but wanted to flaunt their status, created the distinction between themselves and their maids by designing these uniforms as a symbol of pride, showing they could afford to employ maids.

But in this world, where such distinctions aren’t necessary, maid uniforms are reduced to simple attire with a clean apron.

What a horrifying reality.

A maid outfit that doesn’t adhere to the black-and-white color scheme?

Unacceptable.

That’s why the first thing I made was a proper maid uniform.

While modern maid outfits have unfortunately become associated with certain fetishes, the original Victorian maid uniform focused on modesty, neatness, simplicity, and calmness.

For nobles, dignity is paramount, and it wouldn’t do to have servants appearing vulgar.

And our Emily perfectly embodies those qualities: modest, neat, and composed.

“Ehehe… Ehehehe…”

I couldn’t stop laughing.

Every ten seconds, like a lunatic, I let out a chuckle while staring at the door to the dressing room where Emily had gone.

For the first time since my rebirth, I was about to witness a flawless maid.

“She’s taking a while…”

It had only been three minutes since Emily entered the dressing room.

Not even enough time to fully undress, but I already felt like I might turn into an old man waiting.

Is this how children feel on their first Christmas?

*Click.*

“!”

As I impatiently tapped my leg, the doorknob turned, and the dressing room door, which had been firmly closed, creaked open.

Finally!

For the first time in 17 years, I was about to see the epitome of a perfect maid.

My heart pounded as if it would burst.

I rubbed my chest, trying to calm it’s frantic beating, as Emily hesitantly stepped out of the dressing room, clearly awkward in her new attire.

“Hah… whew…”

Emily carefully closed the dressing room door and took a deep breath before walking toward me.

The upper part of the outfit resembled a blouse, and the skirt was full yet elegant.

I had intentionally shortened the dress slightly so the flats and socks would peek through when she walked. The hem was decorated with white frills to keep it from looking too plain.

The apron, a must for any maid, was made of pure white fabric and kept simple by minimizing embellishments. Its length extended from the shins to the chest, providing ample coverage without completely hiding the dress beneath.

Lastly, to add a touch of detail to the otherwise understated look, I finished it with a frilled headband.

“Young Master.”

Emily, who had quietly approached until she was right in front of me, placed her hands neatly near her navel, straightened her back, and stood with her legs gracefully together.

“How does it look to you, Young Master? Does it suit me as well as you imagined?”

Her black hair and dark grayish eyes,

Her ponytail neatly tied without a single stray hair. 

Her clean and clear skin.

Her calm and elegant demeanor.

Add the maid uniform into the mix.

“Perfect.”

I gave her a big smile and a thumbs-up with my right hand.

A person born to wear a maid uniform was wearing one, there was no way it wouldn’t look good.

If it didn’t, the problem would be with how I made the outfit. After all, the finishing touch to fashion is the face.

“I’m glad it’s to your liking.”

“Is there anything uncomfortable or loose about it?”

“Hmm…”

Emily pursed her lips slightly and moved her arms and legs in various ways.

She squatted down, stretched, and tested the uniform with a series of movements. Then, resuming her polite posture, she smiled brightly.

“It’s fine. The size is just perfect.”

“Really?”

That was good news.

It meant there was no need for additional adjustments. Later, I’d just have to clean up the rough threads and tidy up the hemline.

“Young Master.”

As I admired my handiwork, proud of having created something this perfect despite not sewing in ages, Emily fidgeted with her fingers, looking uneasy, and spoke cautiously.

“Now that you’ve seen everything, may I take it off?”

“Hmm…”

I didn’t need anything else, so she could take it off…

But there was still one thing I wanted to see.

The thing I’d wanted most when I first decided to make a maid uniform.

“Before you take it off, can I ask one small favor?”

“…Is it something weird?”

“No, it’s just a line I’d like you to say.”

“Let me hear it first, and I’ll decide.”

“Just say, ‘Young Master, it’s morning. Please wake up.’ In a soft, calm voice, with no expression.”

“…?”

Emily’s lips twisted slightly to the left, her face full of confusion.

I knew the request was out of the blue, but come on, a maid in a proper uniform waking her master in the morning with a soft voice while opening the curtains?

It was irresistible.

After putting up with her plain, outdated attire for so long, surely this much wasn’t asking too much as a reward.

“Well… I suppose that’s doable.”

“Then please.”

Though Emily made a slightly reluctant face, she hesitated only briefly before agreeing.

“Ahem, ahem.”

Closing her eyes and smoothing her expression, Emily covered her mouth with her right fist and cleared her throat, preparing herself.

In an instant, the Emily in front of me transformed into a professional, composed maid addressing her master.

Clasping my hands together, I waited with anticipation as her tightly closed lips parted slightly.

“Young Master, it’s morning. Please wake up.”

Her expression became serious, her usual bright eyes narrowing slightly.

Her soft, gentle voice flowed from her crimson lips.

Her restrained movements and poised demeanor exuded elegance.

It was simple but stunning.

Why hadn’t I seen this before?

To think such a gem had been hidden beneath those drab clothes. I felt an overwhelming sense of regret for not finding the courage to do this sooner.

“Young Master? Um… could you say something instead of just staring?”

As I remained entranced, staring at her, Emily blushed deeply, her neck shrinking slightly as she spoke with embarrassment.

“Ah…”

This is too good to keep to myself.

Not just me—everyone in the mansion needs to see this.

“Young Master?”

I shot to my feet and grabbed Emily’s wrist.

It was still breakfast time, so Mother should be in the dining room.

If we hurry, we can make it there before she leaves.

“Emily, let’s go see Mother right now.”

“Pardon?”

Without waiting for her response, I pulled Emily’s arm and headed for the door.

A flustered Emily tried to pull her arm back to stop me, but it’s not easy for a woman to overpower a man.

“Young Master! Wait a moment! Mother? You’re taking me to the Madam? Like this?”

“It’s fine, Emily. You look absolutely stunning right now!”

“That’s not what I mean! Young Master! Please calm down! At least let me change before seeing the Madam…”

“Let’s hurry, Emily!”

“Young Maaasteeer!”

As the door swung open, Emily’s voice echoed loudly through the hallway.

_

Dragging Emily along, I arrived at the dining room. Father and Hayes had already finished their meals and left, but thankfully, Mother was still seated at the table, continuing her breakfast.

Relieved that we weren’t too late, I called out to her in an excited voice.

“Mother!”

“Yes, William, there’s no need to shout. I can hear you perfectly well.”

Slicing her meat with elegant precision, Mother frowned slightly and used her left hand to cover her ear.

“So…”

Her head, previously focused on her plate, slowly lifted to look at me.

“What’s all this commotion about so early in the morning…?”

Mother, who had been glaring at me with narrowed eyes, shifted her gaze to Emily standing behind me. Three distinct furrows formed on her brow.

Then, glancing briefly at another maid standing nearby, she returned her attention to Emily and finally spoke.

“William, what have you done to Emily?”

Ignoring the question, I grabbed Emily, who was trying to hide behind me, and pushed her forward so Mother could see her clearly.

“Young Master? Why are you pushing me—wait, stop!”

Emily, pale as a sheet, shook her head fervently in resistance, though it was hardly effective.

“Ugh…”

Realizing the futility of her efforts, Emily straightened herself with a half-resigned expression and stood properly.

Having tussled a bit behind her, I adjusted her crooked headband and smiled at her like a proud parent admiring their child.

“Mother, isn’t this outfit absolutely beautiful?”

“Hm…”

With a soft hum, Mother’s eyes swept from top to bottom and back up again.

“Well… I’m not sure where you got it, but it’s not bad. Clean, neat, and it suits Emily well.”

“Right?!”

I knew Mother would recognize its appeal immediately.

I felt as if I could float away, beaming as I patted Emily’s back.

As I was grinning ear to ear, Mother set down her fork, massaged her temples with her left hand, and spoke.

“William, would you care to explain what exactly is going on here?”

“Mother, how about we change the maids’ uniforms in the house to this?”

“Sigh…”

Mother closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh that filled the dining room.

The atmosphere instantly turned icy. All the staff in the room simultaneously lowered their heads to avoid making eye contact with her.

“Young Maaaaster…”

Trapped between me and Mother, Emily, unable to avoid the tension like the others, called out to me with a voice full of desperation.

But when it came to Mother, there was little I could do.

I averted my gaze from Emily’s pleading eyes and waited for Mother to speak.

“William.”

After what felt like an eternity, Mother opened her eyes and called my name.

Her sharp gaze locked onto me as she pointed to the chair opposite her with her knife and spoke in an icy tone.

“Sit down and eat first.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Mother’s mad…