The knights' celebrations went on for several days. Only when they had finally had their fill of revelry did Felix begin making arrangements to send people to Slot.
Of course, although the fiefs for this group of newly promoted knights had all been granted in Slot, it was impossible to deploy them all at once. Slot didn't yet need that many knights, and Felix didn't feel comfortable sending only rookie knights. So he instructed Captain Kingsley to draft a list—only twenty knights would be dispatched this time, half veterans and half new blood, going together.
Before the knights set out, the uniforms Wei Wei had ordered were finally completed and delivered.
The clothes were neatly folded, packed into crates, and transported by carriage to the castle.
When a servant reported that the old tailor had arrived with the uniforms, Wei Wei was a little surprised. She had originally told the tailor to have them ready before winter. Given Sardinson's weather, she didn't expect the snow and cold to arrive until late November or early December. But it was only October—how were they already done?
Yet the uniforms had indeed all been completed, each set exactly as Wei Wei had ordered.
It turned out that, to speed up production, the old tailor had returned home and immediately had the dye workshop work overtime producing fabric. As soon as each batch of fabric was ready, it was sent to the shop for the tailors to start cutting and sewing. They even delayed other orders to prioritize this one. That's how they managed to complete several hundred sets of clothing in just over a month.
Part of this was also thanks to the shop's expansion in recent years—they now had many more skilled tailors. And while Wei Wei's designs were new and unique, they didn't require embroidery or elaborate decorative stitching—just careful cutting and sewing. Fast-handed tailors could complete two or even three sets per day.
When the old tailor saw Wei Wei, he immediately bent over with a smile and said, "Madam, please inspect the goods." His tone was full of pride—clearly, he had full confidence in the quality of his work.
The lid of a crate was opened, revealing the black uniforms inside. These were winter uniforms made of warm, thick wool. For the men's uniforms, the white undershirts were made of cotton for comfort, with added thickness. Each set included three layers. As long as one didn't go wandering through ice and snow, they would stay perfectly warm even in the winter.
Wei Wei reached into the crate and felt the fabric. The thickness was just right. She turned and said to Penny, "Go fetch Butler Barton, and have him bring a few servants to try on the uniforms. Also notify the knights—have them send a few people as well."
Penny and Lisa exchanged a quick smile and left cheerfully to carry out the orders. Their steps were noticeably lighter than usual. The remaining maids looked excitedly at the crates.
These were their new winter uniforms—soon they would have new clothes to wear. What woman wouldn't be thrilled?
Though black skirts weren't exactly in vogue among women at the time, Penny believed that if it was something Wei Wei had designed, it must have its merits.
Unfortunately, Madam had deliberately refused to let them see the design sketches beforehand. The uniforms in the crates were folded so neatly that no one could see what the styles looked like. That only made them even more curious.
Wei Wei, however, wasn't in a hurry. She inspected each crate one by one. In addition to the clothing, the old tailor had also made many accessories to her specifications. One by one, she checked them and was very satisfied. Although they had been rushed out, the quality was excellent.
Butler Barton soon arrived with a group of servants. Knowing the purpose was to try on uniforms, he had specifically chosen servants of different body types. Hank and Mona were among them.
The knight corps also sent two representatives. Everyone knew the Count didn't like young men appearing in front of Wei Wei, so the knights chosen were older, married, and average-looking.
The old tailor and his apprentice pulled out the sets that matched their body types and status. Men and women went into separate rooms to change. Butler Barton was even-handed a set, and with a keen eye, he noticed that his outfit seemed a bit different from the others.
The maid's uniforms were simple—black dresses that were easy to put on. But the uniforms for male servants and knights came in two pieces and were very form-fitting. For men used to wearing robes, this took some getting used to.
Still, no one was unfamiliar with how to wear them. They had all seen the Count wear similar outfits. The riding suit Wei Wei had made for him was a similar style, and he loved it. He wore it every time he went hunting. It looked dashing and was far more practical than a robe.
As the group emerged in their new uniforms, both Wei Wei and the old butler's eyes lit up.
The maids wore fitted black dresses, classic Victorian-style maid uniforms. The tailored cuts highlighted slim waists. The long skirts extended to their ankles, and the entire dress was pitch black. At the neckline was a high-collared white undershirt, and the sleeves had stylish turned-up cuffs. Their hair was neatly coiled, topped with a white lace-trimmed headscarf. Wei Wei had originally planned to use a modern-style "katsusha" maid headband—a slim band with a ruffled edge tied around the bun. But since the current fashion was for women to fully cover their hair, she decided to keep the Victorian style. The result was a small round white headscarf, edged with lace, tied at the back with a little bow and two long trailing ribbons. It looked both proper and elegant.
Butler Barton and the male servants wore matching tailored uniforms in a Western suit style: a tailcoat, double-breasted vest, and shirt. The difference was that the servants' vests and coats were both black, while Barton's vest was white. The servants wore black bow ties, while Barton wore a black necktie.
The two knights, however, had on yet another unique style.
Wei Wei had designed a modified military uniform for the knights. After all, knights were soldiers, and soldiers should wear uniforms.
Their outfits featured a double-breasted cross-collar coat that reached just past the thighs. Decorative epaulettes gave the shoulders a sharper, more upright look. A gold cord draped from the right shoulder, fastened at the collar. A wide belt cinched at the waist, giving the two burly knights a surprisingly trim-waisted, long-legged, and commanding appearance. Unlike the servants, their undershirts were gray with black ties—a practical choice, since knights were more active and white would soil too easily.
Like the male servants, the knights didn't know how to wear the ties and ties, so they came out holding them in their hands.
This group, now fully dressed, stood in a row before Wei Wei, still holding their unused accessories, curiously eyeing each other's uniforms. They couldn't see themselves, but seeing how different everyone else looked, they figured they must look pretty good too.
Wei Wei turned and praised the old tailor, "These are very well made."
She had worried that, with the current limited range of fabrics, she wouldn't get the effect she wanted. But somehow, the old tailor had pulled it off. Even without modern textiles, the finished product looked excellent.
The old tailor straightened his back proudly and replied modestly, "It's all thanks to the design you provided, Madam Countess."
Though he considered himself highly skilled, he admitted that he could never have come up with such unusual yet stylish designs on his own.
After a bit of mutual praise, Wei Wei stepped forward to show the men how to wear their accessories, demonstrating how to tie a bowtie for the male servants. She tied Barton's necktie while instructing the knights, "You may not wear these every day, but you should learn how to tie them. At formal occasions, neckties are a must."
Butler Barton, head held high, was ecstatic. To have the lady of the house personally tie his necktie—it was the highest honor.
Well... he just hoped the Count wouldn't see it. Otherwise, with how jealous he could be, his old bones might not be able to handle the consequences.
Young master is perfect in every way, except for being far too jealous—that's the only headache.
But as luck would have it, Felix did see.
He had heard something was going on and happened to have free time, so he came over out of curiosity. And right as he walked in, he saw Wei Wei tying Barton's tie.
Fortunately, Barton had raised him since childhood. No matter how sour he felt, Felix wouldn't make a scene in front of everyone.
So, what could he do?
As soon as Wei Wei finished tying Barton's tie, Felix walked over, holding a random tie he'd pulled from a crate, and handed it to her. "The butler didn't get a good look just now—show him again."
He stood before her, chin raised, clearly waiting for her to tie it for him.
Wei Wei immediately understood what he was doing and smiled. Playing along, she helped him tie his tie exactly as she had for Barton.
Though the blue robe he was wearing looked quite odd with a necktie, he didn't seem to mind at all. He left it on, proudly displaying it like a trophy. Since he wasn't taking it off, Wei Wei had nothing to say.
Leaving Felix with the butler and knights to study tie-knotting, Wei Wei moved on to help the maids with their aprons. The matching aprons were made of fine linen, with ruffles on the shoulder straps and hem. The waist ties were extra wide and long, tied in large bows at the back, giving the entire outfit a touch of playful charm.
Even the maids who had thought the black dresses too plain were now completely won over.
Wei Wei, however, still felt something was missing. "I wonder when the matching shoes will be ready. For now, you'll have to make do."
"This is making do?" Penny lifted her skirt and twirled proudly. "I feel like a noble lady! If we walk outside with you in these outfits, people will be so jealous. We'll look magnificent!"
The other maids eagerly agreed.
Wei Wei let them enjoy the moment, then clapped her hands and said, "Alright, enough fun. If the uniforms are fine, distribute them—two sets per person. If any don't fit, tell me quickly, and we'll have them altered."
Everyone laughed and responded cheerfully, then got to work.