PSTB 18

~Chapter 18~

I pulled a neat navy bonnet down over my head and walked out into the garden. The wind blew, making the navy lace on my skirt flutter.

It had been so long since I last went outside.

I was excited. I’d been stuck inside my room for so long.

“I told you, I’m completely healed!”

“Your body still hasn’t fully recovered.”

“If you keep locking me up, I’ll die of frustration before I get better.”

“You won’t die.”

Even with the promise of a bonus, Penny wouldn’t go against Etienne’s orders.

Is it because Etienne has more money? That’s so unfair.

Anyway, my unofficial house arrest ended, and yesterday, I finally got permission to go out.

Thank goodness. The banquet was coming up fast. If I didn’t buy a dress today, I’d have to wear one of Pierre’s dreadful gloomy designs again.

No way! It’s my first debut in society—not as a widow! Ugh, I’d rather stay home and play rock-paper-scissors with Penny than go out wearing one of those.

That’s why I absolutely had to find that boutique today.

“I already checked everywhere in the east last time, so it must be in the west, right? I hope it’s there.”

Determined, I walked to the carriage. The coachman in a leather cap bowed to me, and I nodded back. I walked over to the horses behind the carriage—three beautiful ones stood there.

Are these for the guards?

I stroked the big black horse. I could feel its strong muscles under my hand. Its coat was so shiny.

“This is the horse I escaped on that night, isn’t it? It looks expensive. Good taste, Dahlia.”

I patted the horse’s neck. But the horse didn’t seem to like me, stomping its hoof on the ground.

“You don’t like me? But I like you. Let’s be friends. I’ll sneak you carrots behind Etienne’s back. What’s your name?”

“Nux.”

Did the horse just talk…? No way.

I turned and saw Etienne standing there, though nobody had been there a moment before.

He wore a dark jacket for once, making his mood look a bit heavier.

“You scared me! Can’t you make some noise when you walk around? You’re not a ghost!”

Ignoring me, he climbed smoothly up onto the big black horse.

His fine silver hair fluttered in the air as he moved. For a moment, the falling leaves looked like they were in slow motion around him. He turned his face to me.

For a second, I was so dazzled I just stared.

Etienne, not a guard, got on the horse I thought the guards would ride. Huh?

No way he’s coming with me. He wouldn’t… He shouldn’t!

If Etienne came, my secret plan would be ruined.

“It’s been a while. Where are you going?”

“The dress shop.”

Why is he coming when I’m just buying a dress…? No, this can’t happen…

“Ah, you’re going to get clothes for the banquet too? We’re probably going to different places then. Ha ha.”

I answered awkwardly, but Etienne just kept staring. His look made me sweat as if he could read my mind.

“I’m going to help you choose your dress.”

Even though he said something so unbelievable, his face didn’t change at all.

What! Just a few days ago, he was mad and refused to go anywhere. He even said I wasn’t in my right mind! Is he a different person now? What’s his real intention?

“Th-that’s very kind, ha ha. But I don’t remember exactly where the boutique is, so we might wander for a while. Maybe another day…”

“No, I like today. Let’s go.”

Etienne ended the conversation on his own and pulled the reins. The black horse, so gentle with him, started walking forward slowly.

I just stood there, staring at his back as he walked away. Then, a little ways ahead, he turned his horse around. He grinned, his eyes full of mischief.

“What are you doing? Planning to spend the night out there?”

The wind made Etienne’s hair flutter. He looked like he belonged in a sports drink commercial.

Wow, is he even human? Maybe he’s some kind of trickster spirit.

He only smiled and spoke kindly, but I felt like I’d give him my heart if he asked for it.

Get a grip. Now isn’t the time to fall for that handsome face. If anything, I should be the one stealing his heart!

It’s disappointing that my plan is ruined, but going with Etienne isn’t a bad sign…

First, I’ll get closer to him, cancel the divorce, and then maybe charm my handsome husband as much as I want.

Hiding my sneaky plans, I got in the carriage.

The carriage wandered the alleys of the busy east market for a long time. The sun was already tilting to the west.

“Maybe I can’t find it just by looking.”

I rested my chin on the window, mumbling. Then, suddenly, a door that looked strangely familiar caught my eye.

Sopienne pointed to an old door. It was made of wood, and the part where people touched it was smooth and shiny. At the bottom, there was a hole—like someone had kicked it hard. Veseth, who had never entered such a shabby place before, hesitated for a second, but followed her with curiosity.

Yeah, that’s it.

A door handle, worn smooth, and a spot at the bottom broken by a kick. The faded letters “Dress Shop” could be seen through the dust.

“Stop! It’s here!”

The carriage stopped so suddenly that I had to grip the handle to keep from falling. As soon as it halted, I jumped out without even waiting for a maid to help.

I hurried up to the door. The closer I got, the more certain I felt.

Etienne got off his horse and walked over.

“Are you sure this is the place?”

“Yes. I’m sure. This is it.”

“You said you saw it by chance—when did you pass by here?”

“Um… I think it was before the wedding. Ha ha, let’s just go in.”

Etienne gave me a sharp look. I just laughed and grabbed the doorknob.

Better hurry before he gets suspicious.

Creak.

I opened the heavy door. Despite the rundown outside, the inside looked surprisingly cozy.

The color was faded, but the floor was covered in a soft purple carpet. The walls were lined with gorgeous, beautiful dresses.

“Wow… This is it. This is what I wanted! If you’re in a world like this, you have to wear dresses like that, right?”

After days of being forced into gloomy dresses, I wanted to throw them off right away.

But before going in, I turned to Etienne.

“Are you coming in too?”

“Is it uncomfortable if I do?”

“Yes!”

Oops, did I answer too brightly?

“It’s embarrassing.”

I put on my most innocent smile to make up for it.

“Then I’ll go run an errand. Go inside.”

For some reason, Etienne agreed easily. He didn’t hesitate to turn and leave. I just stared, surprised, as he disappeared down the street.

Why is Etienne acting like this? Did he eat something weird this morning? Why is he suddenly listening to me?

Well, it worked out for me.

“Phew, I was scared he’d try to help me pick a dress. Thank goodness. I plan to buy up lots of dresses and sell them later for a profit, so Etienne can’t be around.”

I’d just managed to get Penny’s savings for this. She’d saved up a lot of money.

Combined with my own money, I could buy plenty of dresses. And that would be my safety net.

At the upcoming banquet, the novel’s heroine, Sopienne, would wear a dress from here. After that, everyone would want this tailor’s style.

When that happened, I could sell the dresses I’d stocked up on for a higher price!

If I got divorced, at least I’d have money to live on. If Etienne knew my plan, he’d be shocked.

But what could I do? You always have to plan ahead to survive. Money never betrays you.

Humming, I walked inside.

There was no sign of anyone.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

No answer. Maybe they went to the restroom. That’s understandable.

I decided to browse the dresses while I waited.

There was no blue dress like the one Sopienne wore. That meant she’d already been here.

What does Sopienne look like? She must be stunning. I heard she’s a beautiful blonde. I want to meet her soon. Cute, tough, the real heroine!

Thinking about it, I browsed through the dresses.

One dress in the center caught my eye. It was a light purple dress, with the neck and shoulders exposed.

It looked simple, but had a subtle glow. It was so beautiful, the other dresses faded away.

“It’s like… me!”

I was instantly sure. That dress was mine!

Just then, someone jumped out from the back.

“Who’s there?”

A brown-haired boy scanned me from head to toe.

Hey, that’s not very polite!

He didn’t look much older than me. Maybe even younger.

He was much shorter and slimmer than Etienne.

And he didn’t seem to be the owner.

His clothes were strange.

His puffy shoulder pads were so big, you could probably fit your face in them.

He also wore a half-mask, deep purple and covered with fancy embroidery.

Is he a thief? But his outfit is too fancy for that. The owner’s son, maybe?

But why the mask? Is he an attention-seeker?

I quietly studied his face. Even with half covered, I could tell a lot.

His skin was smooth like a peeled egg. He had a round, slim face and small, smooth lips.

Especially his thick eyelashes above his brown eyes—you couldn’t get those even with expert eyelash extensions.

He stared right back at me.

What? What are you looking at, kid?