Chapter 40: Heilon (2)
“She ran away.”
Arrendt watched the woman’s retreating figure with curiosity. Despite his youthful appearance, he was in his late teens. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“I’ve never revealed my title.”
However, it was not surprising that she knew him. As an unmarried young marquis holding the rector position of the Ministry of Finance, it was rare to find a girl in the capital’s social circle who didn’t know of him.
‘But that reaction…’
Did she say her name was Celine? As soon as she heard his name, she looked at him as if she had encountered a wanted criminal. He had never seen a woman react that way to him before. Moreover, he was astonished that the mana stone changed color so dramatically just from a light touch. It was clear she was a highly skilled magician. With such abilities, she should have been well known in the social world. Yet, he had never met her or heard her name. Her clothes and manners indicated she was not a commoner, but he hadn’t heard her last name. Normally, when a noble lady heard the name Clovis, they would make a fuss and try to impress him. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“I pride myself on having a pretty good public image. Why did she run away?”
Arrendt rolled the tie pin in his hand with a relaxed expression. The vivid red color of the stone had turned black again. There were many magicians, but few of high rank. The Green family, previously touted as a prominent magician family, had turned out to be nothing special. When he learned of their reputation, he had been excited, but after seeing the reality, he had seized their property without regret.
Now, having encountered a woman named Celine with such high-level magical abilities, he was interested in helping her with her endeavors.
Arrendt decided to search for a noble girl in the capital named Celine. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
***
“There is no end!” I covered my head and shouted to myself in the office. I felt like throwing the papers away. My frustration with Abel was rising rapidly. It was clear he didn’t want to handle this, so he pushed it onto me. I felt a strong urge to confront Abel and argue with him. However, there was still some time before Abel and Sigren arrived in the capital. Sigren would definitely appear before the nobles only after the Flower Festival had ended.
I watched the petals drifting gently through the open window. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. The flowers in full bloom showed no signs of wilting yet. I didn’t know the exact date, but judging by this scene, I guessed there would be about a month left.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.
“Come in.”
Celine entered as I gave permission.
“My Lady, do you have time now?”
I had been contemplating throwing out the documents just moments ago, so it was obvious that I was busy.
“What’s going on?”
Celine smiled gently. “The boutique informed me that the dress is finished. I thought it would be a good idea to visit and try it on, just in case.”
“Do I have another dress?”
As far as I remembered, I had already received the dress and many other items that were ordered a while ago.
“Yes, this is the last one.” Celine’s smile seemed oddly gentle for some reason.
I wondered why this dress had taken exceptionally long compared to the others. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I looked out the window for a moment. I was hesitant to go out, especially after meeting Arrendt not too long ago. However, I felt guilty about impersonating Celine by using her name, so I decided not to refuse. “Okay, then, I’ll go out.”
“Then, I’ll prepare the carriage,” Celine responded neatly, giving me a textbook-perfect greeting before walking out of the office.
Well, I would only be in the carriage, go to the boutique, and then return home. What could possibly happen?
I began to collect the disorganized documents, thinking lightly.
***
I should have guessed it since it had taken so long to make. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Celine, this isn’t an ordinary dress for going out, is it?”
“It’s for a banquet, My Lady,” Celine replied gently.
I wanted to turn around to see her face, but unfortunately, I couldn’t because the boutique staff was all around me.
I should have realized it earlier, especially when I recognized the boutique. This was a very famous place, and even though I had been in Heilon all these years, I certainly knew about it—Marian’s Boutique.
It was a highly coveted establishment among the noblewomen of the capital. Why? Because it was where all the noblewomen who appeared in the plot had their dresses made. This boutique was known for its long waiting times—months, in fact—before a dress could be completed. However, the female protagonists were exceptions. They had their dresses prepared as if they were simply having a meal. For instance, Eunice, the heroine, frequently visited this boutique to select her dresses. I remembered a scene where Arrendt seduced her here.
Should I admire the Heilon family? I couldn’t believe I had access to this boutique so easily. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com. I wondered if this development was appropriate, but I didn’t think it was a major issue.
“Looking at the clothes like this reminds me of the time I saw a dress with my granddaughter in the past. It’s hard to see her now, but…”
I remained silent, feeling strange, as Celine continued to mutter these words behind me.
“You look really good,” one of the employees said admiringly.
I glanced at the mirror in front of me. The long skirt hem of the indigo-toned dress fell in soft waves rather than rich folds. Despite the exposed collarbone area, the design was overall simple. However, the small jewels embedded in the dress made it resemble a starry night sky.
“I just need to adjust the waist a little bit,” the designer concluded.
Once the adjustments were determined, I was finally released.
“My Lady, I think it will take a while. Could you wait for me at the café across the street?” Celine asked apologetically.
There seemed to be more details to discuss with the boutique staff. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I nodded and left the boutique.
I sat on a chair outside, sipping a cold drink. Having always consumed only hot beverages while in Heilon, this subtle change felt strange.
“We meet again.”
Someone lightly tapped the table where I sat. I raised my head, and as soon as I saw the person, I struggled to keep my face from showing any discomfort.
It was Arrendt Clovis, with his ‘kind’ handsome face. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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