IGBD 08

Chapter 8

“You must be Lady Elliot. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Serret Innohater.”

“Oh, so you know about me.”

Lydia responded with a pleasant smile, though her expression hinted at surprise—how could a country bumpkin like you possibly know who I am? Serret answered kindly.

“Lady Elliot is very well-known, even where I live. Rumors reach the countryside too, you know.”

“I wonder what kind of rumors?”

“That you’re beautiful. That you’re the most dazzling and precious flower of high society, admired by all. I read it in a magazine.”

Born to a lowly courtesan, yet putting on airs like some noble princess—it was disgusting. But Serret swallowed her true feelings and smiled gracefully.

“The magazine must have exaggerated.”

Lydia gave a playful wink.

“Seeing you in person, it doesn’t feel exaggerated at all.”

At that, Lydia looked Serret up and down and suddenly linked arms with her in a display of closeness.

Serret caught the scent of Lydia’s favorite perfume and felt her stomach churn.

“Lady Innohater, may I guess why you’re here at the boutique? It must be for the imperial ball dress, right?”

“Yes. The one I brought was torn.”

Serret replied with an embarrassed look.

“Oh dear.”

Lydia gave her a sympathetic glance.

“Upon hearing about the torn dress, Yua— I mean, His Grace the Duke said he would gift me a new one. I know it’s shameless, but I accepted.”

“It’s not shameless at all. You’re engaged. That much is only natural.”

The moment Serret referred to her fiancé as “Yua—” Lydia’s gaze turned momentarily icy, though a dazzling smile soon returned to her face.

But Serret knew—too dazzling a smile was often a mask for irritation or rage. She couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Is that really okay? Yua—oh dear, I keep slipping. I meant His Grace. That’s what he told me himself.”

She purposefully kept misspeaking, pretending familiarity with Yuaan, to needle Lydia just a little.

“He’s so thoughtful and kind, isn’t he? Even the butler gave specific instructions—to make sure Lady Innohater gets whatever she wants.”

Madame Barne chimed in with a delighted expression.

“Oh, Yuaan has always been that sweet. We were childhood friends, so I know him well.”

Lydia said with a gentle smile. Serret returned a forced grin.

What Lydia said was true, whereas Serret’s words were a lie. A bitter taste filled her mouth.

“How about this, Lady Innohater? Let me help you choose the dress. I know Yuaan’s taste well.”

Lydia’s eyes sparkled.

To others, it might seem like a genuine offer of help, but Serret, who knew Lydia’s true nature, wasn’t fooled.

Lydia would no doubt find some way to interfere.

“How kind of you. I truly appreciate it.”

Serret smiled sweetly at Lydia. Mimicking Lydia’s expressions had become second nature to her now.

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“I’d be grateful, but unfortunately, I don’t think today’s a good day. My maid is terribly shy, you see. She grew up in the countryside, so…”

Serret glanced at Hanna with a regretful expression.

Quick-witted Hanna immediately lowered her head with a downcast, timid look—as if genuinely afraid of strangers.

“She sometimes faints around unfamiliar people. She’s been tense ever since we arrived in the capital.”

Serret smiled at Hanna and then continued to Lydia.

“Oh my.”

Lydia looked at Hanna like she was some kind of fool, then responded.

“I’m touched by how much you care for your servant, Lady Innohater. I suppose I’ll have to forgo the honor of assisting you—for now.”

Serret replied with a look of disappointment.

“Please do help me next time.”

“Madame Barne, I’ll come again. Please take good care of Lady Innohater.”

With that, Lydia left, as if she were an old friend entrusting someone dear to Madame Barne.

Once Lydia was gone, Serret let out a small sigh. The encounter had been brief, but it had drained all her energy.

“Please, come in.”

Madame Barne smiled warmly at Serret.

As Serret stepped into the boutique, she thought to herself: this short encounter would surely spread far and wide through Madame Barne’s lips.

“Here’s the dress.”

As soon as they entered, Madame Barne retrieved the dress. The light purple gown really did suit Serret, just as she had claimed.

“If I hadn’t taken your advice, I’d have regretted it.”

Serret admired the dress. It was the latest style in the capital.

The lavender satin was layered with white lace that flowed like waves. The neckline and sleeves were entirely covered in lace, creating a graceful yet sensual air.

Wearing this to the imperial ball—no one would dare call her a country bumpkin.

“Would you like to try it on?”

“Yes, let’s.”

Serret nodded.

A few minutes later, she emerged wearing the lavender dress, and Hanna gasped in awe.

“Miss! You look absolutely stunning!”

Pride filled Hanna’s face. Her eyes sparkled with the firm belief that her lady was far more beautiful than any central noble.

“Your maid has good taste.”

Madame Barne laughed as she adjusted the fit. Serret looked at herself in the mirror.

The dress made her golden hair and blue eyes shine even more brilliantly.

The color harmony was perfect, as if the dress had been made just for her.

“It’s clearly yours.”

Serret smiled at Eve’s admiration.

“With Madame Barne’s exceptional skill, I don’t even need to try another one. I’ll take this.”

The dress looked even better worn than it had on the hanger. Serret was delighted.

“Very well. Let me take your measurements then.”

As Madame Barne measured her, she chatted away, saying how happy she was that someone could finally do justice to the dress, laughing that she’d worried it might never find the right owner.

Once measurements were done, Serret lingered a bit longer, listening to Madame Barne’s chattering.

“They say His Highness the Crown Prince sees Lady Elliot as a thorn in his side. It must be so uncomfortable for her. Luckily His Majesty is still around, but…”

Although she sounded sympathetic, Barne’s eyes gleamed with intrigue.

She boasted that even the Crown Princess often came to her for gossip.

Eager to enlighten this supposedly naïve countryside girl on capital high society rumors, Madame Barne kept talking.

But Serret already knew everything Barne said—and far more. She had lived through it all once before.

For example, she knew the Emperor was about to die. And that after his death, Lydia would hastily marry the second son of the low-ranking Viscount Bronk.

It would be better if Lydia married Yuaan instead.

With that thought, Serret continued to smile elegantly as she listened.

* * *

After leaving Madame Barne’s boutique, Serret headed to the department store at Hanna’s request.

Their carriage stopped out front, and Hanna—who had been riding next to the driver—rushed over.

“It’s huge, Miss!”

Hanna gaped. The building truly was massive—more than deserving of the word grand.

“It really is.”

Even in her past life, Serret had never set foot in a department store. Even though this one belonged to the Prechtuster family.

They had long-standing merchant connections, so there had never been a need.

Department stores were mostly used by the less wealthy nobility and middle class.

The duchess of the Prechtuster family certainly didn’t shop here—so neither had Serret, until now.

“They say there are more people than products here.”

Eve stood beside her and remarked.

“Looks like it.”

Serret chuckled and walked in. Hanna called out behind her, “Wait for me, Miss!”

Just as Eve said, the department store was crowded and chaotic. It felt like one could easily get lost.

But it wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

Seeing all the animated faces and bustling movement made her feel alive again. The terrible memory of being poisoned felt like a distant dream.

“Eve, I’d like to buy a parasol. Where should we go?”

“The third floor should have them. Please follow me.”

Though Eve was the daughter of a baron, her family wasn’t wealthy. She often shopped here and knew her way around.

She led Serret and Hanna toward the elevator.

They had to wait several minutes for their turn—it was crowded.

Even Serret’s face lit up with excitement. In her past life, she’d never even come near an elevator.

“At first, people thought they were dangerous. But now, some come here just to ride one.”

“The capital really is different.”

Hanna spoke with awe. She looked a little sad when they had to step off the elevator.

“Nothing like Mosheli.”

Serret smiled and replied. Eve led them to the parasol section.

Inside the shop, Serret browsed slowly and eventually picked a white parasol that seemed just right.

Then, a familiar voice called from behind.

“Do you like that one?”

Serret turned in surprise—she had recognized the voice instantly.

There stood Duke Yuaan Prechtuster, wearing a subtle smile.