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Chapter : 28
Johan was staring at Violet as she selected a handkerchief.
But Rian immediately noticed.
Even though his gaze was on Violet, all of his attention was focused solely on her.
A slow smile curved at the corner of Rian’s lips.
‘Johan Veloster.’
He must think I like Violet Bringer.
It seems the warning at the marquess’s residence was misunderstood.
“His Lordship made no mistake.”
“……”
“He simply wished for you to act in a way that would prevent any impropriety.”
However, it didn’t bother him.
‘Believe what you want.’
Rian had absolutely no interest in Violet.
She was famous for her beauty—he had only heard her name—but to him, she was no different from dust drifting in the air.
Meanwhile, Siena was lost in entirely different thoughts.
“Ha….”
A back hug…?
‘That wasn’t in the script.’
Of course, when writing the script, Siena had considered adding “physical contact.”
Holding hands, linking arms, hugging.
These were common displays of affection between lovers.
‘As Johan and Violet’s relationship progressed, I would have reluctantly written them in.’
But not now.
After all, this was only their second meeting.
Moreover, the Johan Siena knew was extremely considerate of others.
That was why he had been overly cautious with the heroine.
‘But Johan acting that boldly?’
…I’m going to die from jealousy.
This was all because she had failed to possess Violet’s body.
In any case, everyone was shocked by Johan’s sudden action.
“Hmm…”
However, Violet was so focused on the handkerchief that she noticed nothing.
She picked up two handkerchiefs.
“I like these the most. What do you think, Your Lordship?”
Both handkerchiefs Violet chose were white.
The first was pure and simple, while the second was similar but embroidered with purple thread.
“Hmm.”
Johan tilted his head slowly.
Then he pointed to the one with purple embroidery.
“I like this one better.”
“That’s unexpected. I thought you’d choose the left one. Most men prefer solid colors.”
At Deborah’s words, Johan slowly scratched the back of his head.
“Ah… well…”
“……”
“Of course, the white one is nice too… but for some reason, the one with purple embroidery drew me in more.”
“……”
“It might be because the embroidery matches the color of Miss Bringer’s eyes.”
His gaze had already settled on Violet.
Siena recalled the script.
[You don’t know which handkerchief will be chosen, but choose one that reminds others of Violet as much as possible.
Johan: I chose this because it reminded me of Miss Violet Bringer.
(At this moment, maintaining eye contact with Violet and emphasizing sincerity is important.)]
She had written something roughly like that…
‘He followed the script while improvising naturally.’
With that quick wit and acting skill, she didn’t understand why he always stumbled during script readings.
‘Johan… turns out you’re not completely clueless about romance.’
Violet couldn’t hide her surprise.
“Ah… um…”
No—it wasn’t just surprise.
She seemed slightly shaken by Johan.
‘She didn’t make that expression during their first meeting.’
Siena, watching carefully, was certain.
‘Today’s plan made Violet fully recognize Johan.’
Thinking that made her feel instantly gloomy.
‘Damn, this is depressing.’
When would she finally be able to move on from being a fan?
She was trying to help her favorite character with good intentions—so why was she constantly facing trials?
‘God, I’m not a bad person.’
She had worked like an ant and lived diligently—so why was this happening to her?
Unable to speak, Violet flushed and lowered her gaze.
“My, my eye color…”
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
Johan pointed at the handkerchief.
“But the color of this embroidery does match your eye color.”
“……”
“And it’s also true that Miss Bringer’s violet eyes are beautiful.”
With a faint smile, he placed his hand over his chest and bowed politely.
“That was my intention. However, if my words caused discomfort, I apologize.”
Violet waved her hands in a hurry.
“N-no, Your Lordship! I wasn’t offended.”
“……”
“It’s just… this is the first time someone has directly complimented my eyes.”
“……”
“Thank you.”
Johan straightened from his bow.
His eyes returned to the handkerchief.
“From now on, every time I see this handkerchief, I’ll remember our meeting.”
He immediately asked for it to be wrapped.
Deborah’s eyes widened.
‘Of course she’d be surprised.’
Because Johan had just openly declared in front of others that he was interested in Violet.
‘Mission successful—straightforward confession in front of everyone.’
He also handed the employee a thick stack of bills.
He paid for the absurdly expensive handkerchief in cash—and all at once.
Deborah, who had already been impressed by him, blinked in shock, her mouth forming an “O.”
“Hooh…”
She even let out an involuntary exclamation.
It was a sign that Johan had finally earned a perfect score from her.
‘Once he leaves, she’ll definitely talk about Johan to Violet.’
At that moment, Rian placed his hand on Siena’s shoulder.
“Did you finish choosing, dear?”
Having successfully completed the matchmaking operation, it was time for Siena and Rian to leave the boutique as well.
Siena smiled sweetly.
“Yes, of course.”
Hearing them, the staff turned toward them.
Their sharp gaze clearly said, “So? Are you buying the necklace and dress or not?”
Siena shuddered.
‘We’re leaving without buying anything again today…’
She could never come back here again.
Ignoring the employee’s glare, she linked arms with Rian.
“Dear, I’d like to look around somewhere else too. Nothing really caught my eye.”
The staff’s eyes seemed to grow even fiercer.
Meanwhile, Johan accepted the wrapped handkerchief.
“I’ll take my leave first, Miss.”
As soon as he exited the boutique, Deborah became animated.
“Miss, Miss! It looks like His Lordship is interested in you.”
Violet’s eyes widened.
“W-what? His Lordship? N-no, that can’t be. What are you talking about?”
“Miss, you know I’m good at reading people.”
Deborah pointed at her eyes.
“Marquess Veloster is already completely smitten with you.”
“……”
“He’s handsome, has a good personality… A man like that would be worth meeting.”
Violet covered her mouth shyly.
The blush on her cheeks spread all the way to her ears.
‘So Deborah thinks Johan is handsome too.’
Johan was indeed good-looking—even by the standards of this world.
‘As expected… Isadora’s eyes must have been strange!’
Siena had always found it odd that Isadora only described Johan as “neat.”
“We’re leaving now.”
Siena whispered to Rian and quickly exited the boutique.
Her steps were twice as fast as usual.
‘We have to leave quickly. The staff’s eyes are terrifying.’
If she stayed any longer, she would have nightmares tonight.
But Rian didn’t follow.
With a relaxed smile, he removed his expression the moment Siena left.
“Pack everything—the dresses and accessories I tried on. I’ll pay.”
“……Pardon?”
The employee asked in shock.
She wasn’t confused by his words.
She was stunned by the sheer amount that “everything” would cost.
Rian repeated firmly:
“Charge it all.”
