She studied your eyes again, then softly praised them. "This gold... is so beautiful."
Your heart skipped a beat, and you instinctively wanted to step back.
But Aglaea seemed not to notice. She extended her other hand and gently brushed your cheek with her fingertips.
"And this skin..."
"Though it bears faint traces of hardship, it is still exceptionally delicate."
She murmured to herself as if evaluating a priceless treasure, her eyes filled with intoxicated admiration.
You felt your cheeks grow hotter and hotter, your heartbeat accelerating beyond your control.
"Aglaea... Sister?"
You called to her softly, trying to break the overly intimate atmosphere.
Only then did Aglaea come back to herself and realize she had been somewhat improper.
The blush on her face vanished in an instant, and her fingertips quickly left your cheek.
She gave a light cough and regained some of her usual composure.
"My apologies. Whenever I see something beautiful, I cannot help myself."
Aglaea took a golden measuring tape from nearby.
Even as she measured you, her movements remained unusually gentle and meticulous.
Her breath carried that distinctive fragrance, lingering in wisps beneath your nose.
At last, Aglaea finished taking all your measurements.
There still seemed to be lingering appreciation and satisfaction in her expression.
"All right, I have a good idea of the fabric and style now."
"It should be finished by tomorrow."
Aglaea returned to her usual elegance. The brief daze and fascination from earlier had vanished without a trace.
"Mm... then I'll be going." You answered somewhat awkwardly.
Then you hurriedly opened the door and left.
Back in the guest room.
When you pushed the door open, the room was empty. Cipher was nowhere to be seen.
Your heart lurched. Your gaze swept quickly across the room before finally settling on the