PSTB 20

~Chapter 20~

Once again, I tattled, snuggling into his firm chest. So this is what the sweet taste of power feels like!

The shopkeeper flailed her hands in denial, but it was too late. Let this be a lesson—don’t judge people by how they look!

Now that was settled.

I turned to Anna, who stood by the shopkeeper with a troubled face. She looked completely shaken, her eyes wide with panic. When our eyes met, she quickly bowed her head.

“Prince Etienne, I am Anna Alexa of the Alexa family. There seems to have been a misunderstanding. I didn’t realize you were the Princess Consort… I never meant to be rude, but if I was, I apologize.”

“You treat my wife like that, and then think a simple apology is enough?”

“…”

“I’ll be requesting a formal apology from the Alexa family.”

Anna’s face went stiff.

A formal apology meant this would become public in high society. If it became known she treated the Princess Consort like a beggar, her reputation would be ruined.

And she was probably at the age to receive marriage proposals. This would be devastating.

That’s what you get! If you’re a noble, act like it. Don’t you know what noblesse oblige is?

But looking at the two people turning pale, my anger faded quickly.

Alright, I’m generous—I’ll forgive them.

“That’s enough, Etienne. They didn’t know. Let’s leave it at that.”

I tugged on Etienne, who was still pretending to be angry. The two finally let out a sigh of relief.

I was satisfied.

But it would have been even better if I could have handled it all by myself, so no one would dare to look down on me even if I stood alone.

For now, I had to rely on Etienne’s power, but soon, I’d make sure no one could treat me carelessly.

I’d make sure of it!

Just as I was dreaming of a proud future, Etienne said,

“Dahlia.”

“Yes?”

“Should I buy this shop for you?”

“…?”

I looked at him, not sure if he was serious. His face was dead serious.

The shopkeeper and Anna looked shocked, too.

“No, I don’t want to help them make money. Instead…”

Etienne waited for my answer.

“I want to take that man with me.”

All three heads turned to follow my bold finger.

Nathan coughed, startled by the sudden attention after quietly watching everything from afar. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his mouth.

Etienne grabbed my hand, lowering it.

“What do you mean by that?”

One of his eyebrows arched way up.

Even Nathan looked at me with suspicious eyes. I must look like some weird lady trying to kidnap a pretty boy!

I walked up to the tailor.

“You’re a fake. He’s the real one.”

The fake tailor’s eyes darted nervously.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I made all these dresses myself.”

“Then why are your hands so soft?”

I picked up her hand. It was plump and smooth, with not a single callus.

“But his hands are rough and hard everywhere the scissors touch.”

There was more than just that. The embroidery on Nathan’s clothes, the patterns on his mask—they all matched the feeling I got from the dresses. He definitely made them himself.

“Fine, I made them. But who are you to treat people like things you can just buy?”

Nathan finally spoke, his sharp tone at odds with his boyish face.

“You’re mistaken. I’m not buying you—I’m recruiting you, Nathan. I want you to work with me.”

Nathan smirked.

I thought he might refuse.

“Alright. But I have conditions too.”

He lifted his chin proudly.

All the dresses in the shop were sent to our mansion with Nathan’s permission.

The fake tailor, scared by Etienne’s icy glare, handed over all the remaining dresses for a pittance. And we took the tailor, too.

See, you should’ve been nicer.

I took out my bundle of money. But since Etienne had already paid, mine was untouched. After hesitating, I grabbed a handful of silver coins.

Maybe that’s too much? I put some back.

I called the fake tailor over and handed her the coins.

“This is so you won’t starve. But don’t treat people like that again.”

Her mouth hung open, not sure if she should thank me or be angry. Then she bowed her head.

“Thank you.”

I patted her shoulder.

“No need to thank me.”

I left the shop. Down the alley, I could see the carriage with the dresses and Nathan leaving. I hummed a little tune.

I still had to finish making my contract with Nathan, but for today, I was in a great mood.

I already felt rich.

The Imperial banquet was coming up soon—the grand debut of the heroine, Sophienne.

She’d make a dazzling entrance and be the perfect “product placement.” And I’d get rich, too. I thanked her in my head for becoming an accidental model.

If I have my own money, even if I get divorced, I’ll be fine. If I can be financially independent and free, what could be better? Yay.

“Are you that happy?”

Etienne appeared, hidden in his robe. With his silver hair covered, only his red lips and sharp jawline stood out. I stared for a moment, then answered,

“Yes. Thank you for everything today. I didn’t expect you to help this much.”

His lips stayed tightly closed.

“Are you listening?”

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

Etienne turned quickly toward the only carriage left. Just then, I caught the smell of something delicious. I grabbed his sleeve.

“Wait, Etienne. Do you smell that? It’s definitely meat.”

“There’s a market set up in the nearby square.”

“Really? Can we go? I’m hungry.”

His eyes flashed coldly.

No way he’ll let me go. Ugh.

I quickly added,

“Well, you never know. Maybe I used to eat there after stealing. Maybe it’ll help me recover my memory… Oh, and I have something really important to tell you.”

“Something important?”

“Yes! A crucial clue about your missing item. But I’m too hungry to talk right now…”

I clutched my stomach dramatically.

Etienne shook off my arm and walked away coldly.

“You really aren’t taking me to the market? So mean! I won’t tell you the crucial clue!”

I stomped my feet. He turned back.

“The market’s this way.”

“Oh, really? I didn’t know, ha ha…”

Hiding my embarrassment, I hurried after him.

As we walked, the crowd got thicker.

The noisy chatter and strange smells mixed together—spices, meat, and people’s body scents filled the air, making everything feel festive.

Under the tent blocking the sun, merchants showed off all kinds of goods.

Most people seemed to be like us, just looking around, not really shopping.

“Hey, beautiful noble lady, come check this out!”

“Did you hear that? He called me beautiful. See, someone has good taste! Should I buy something?”

I giggled and tapped Etienne’s arm. He narrowed his eyes and walked ahead.

“Don’t walk so fast, Etienne. What if I get lost in this crowd?”

I grabbed his sleeve playfully. He didn’t seem to like it, but he didn’t shake me off.

It was funny.

Heh, does he really think I’ll get lost? What does he take me for?

“Move! Carriage coming through!”

A cart piled with goods rolled down the street. The crowd shifted to the side.

Ugh, this is when being short is a disadvantage.

All I could see were other people’s backs. Etienne was gone, and all I could see was the sleeve I was holding onto.

“Excuse me! There’s a person here! Don’t push! I’ll get crushed!”

Even his sleeve was slipping from my fingers.

I laughed before, but if I let go, I might really get lost.

Just then, Etienne’s hand grabbed mine.

He pulled me through the crowd.

I popped out like a cork, suddenly right in front of him.

Etienne stared at me.

“Whew! I’m saved! I really almost got lost.”

“Don’t make trouble—just stay close.”

He put me in front of him.

Maybe because he was tall and strong, or maybe just because of his presence, people stopped bumping into me.

It felt cozy.

After the cart passed, the crowd scattered quickly.

“You can let go now.”

As soon as I said it, Etienne released my hand almost by reflex.

What, is my hand dirty or something?