I leaned closer to the window, my breath fogging the glass as the carriage entered the capital of Mondego Territory. My eyes shimmered with awe—like a child seeing the world for the first time. The town unfolded before me like a living painting: timber-framed houses with flower boxes, market stalls overflowing with fruit and fabric, and townsfolk gliding through the square in skirts and tunics.
Across from me, Peter smiled faintly.
"You seem very excited."
"I am," I murmured, never looking away.
"It's been a while since you went out," he said gently.
He was right. The real Evelise—the girl whose memories linger in this body—had spent her life in the shadows. She found comfort behind high walls, avoiding the spotlight, the eyes, the judgment. But that version of her had faded with the passing of the Count.
The quiet girl was gone. And in her place, someone new was beginning to emerge. Perhaps Peter saw it too—and maybe he didn't mind.
I had just received my salary—my first true income. Though my wardrobe was already full, none of the dresses felt like mine. I wanted something new. Something for me. I'd asked my mother to come along, but she only smiled.
"Enjoy it alone this time. Next time, I'll come."
The carriage slowed as we reached the town center. A grand stone fountain stood at its heart, surrounded by a tide of people. Merchants called out over crates of produce. Children dashed through sprays of water. Music drifted lazily from a nearby tavern.
Before the footman reached the door, I was already reaching for the handle.
Peter stepped out first and offered me his hand. I took it, stepping onto warm cobblestones as sunlight bathed the square in a golden glow. The air carried the scent of fresh bread, sweet apples, and faint traces of horse musk.
Heads turned as I descended.
"She's so beautiful."
"Is she a princess?"
Though our carriage bore only the modest Mondego crest, it was enough to draw attention. Still, I let their curiosity wash over me. My gaze swept across the plaza, drinking it in—the shimmer of canvas awnings, the rhythm of footsteps, the pulse of a city alive.
I turned slowly and whispered,
"It breathes…"
Peter chuckled. "Be back in three hours. Wait for us here."
I nodded, smiling. "Got it."
The capital rose before me like a dream sculpted in stone and timber. Spires reached toward the sky. Rooftops caught the sun in golden glints. Laughter echoed down cobbled lanes. Nobles and commoners brushed shoulders. Fabric stalls rippled in the breeze, casting shifting shadows over lace, grapes, and silk.
I stood still for a moment. The world moved—and for the first time in a long while, I felt like I was moving with it.
---
I wandered down a narrow street lined with dress shops. Sunlight glinted off the display windows. One mannequin wore a soft yellow gown with lace tiers and delicate sandals. Lovely… but too familiar. Too safe.
Further down, a white dress caught my eye. Sheer sleeves, a cinched waist with a pale ribbon. Quiet grace. I lingered, admiring it, then sighed and turned away.
Nothing felt right.
Then, just as I was about to give up, a voice rang out behind me.
"Woooow! You're gorgeous! I've never seen someone as pretty as you!"
I blinked. A girl with soft auburn hair and wide blue eyes bounced into view, beaming.
"You totally deserve the best dresses—come on! I'll show you where!"
Before I could answer, she grabbed my arm. I didn't resist. There was no malice in her touch—just unfiltered excitement. Besides, this district was safe.
To my surprise, she didn't lead me into a grand boutique. Instead, we stopped before a small shop tucked between two buildings. No polished windows. No sparkling signage. Almost invisible.
Inside felt like stepping into a secret world.
The shop overflowed with fabric and thread in every corner, color spilling across every surface. It was more attic than atelier. Bolts of cloth draped over chairs. Shelves brimmed with buttons and ribbons. A soft chaos reigned. Scraps of lace dangled from the ceiling like paper snow. Two vintage sewing machines sat half-buried beneath patterns.
A mannequin stood in a beam of sunlight at the back, dressed in a pastel gown that shimmered like a sunrise.
In the corner, a young woman stitched a torn sleeve with sharp, focused precision.
"Sally, stop storming in like a thief," she said without looking up.
"But Rania! I brought a noble customer!" Sally beamed.
The woman—Rania—froze. She looked up, blinked once, and quickly rose to greet me.
She was stunning. Golden curls framed her graceful face. Her gray-blue eyes were clear and steady. She didn't need to seek attention—it found her.
"Good day, beautiful customer," she said warmly. "Please look around. I'm sure something will speak to you."
I wandered through the organized chaos, my eyes settling on a particular dress.
It draped softly off the collarbone, cinched at the waist, and flared with elegant strength. Bold, but not loud. Quietly powerful.
Behind me, Rania and Sally held hands, clearly bracing for disappointment.
"I like this one," I said. "Do you have other colors? Maybe in white or blue? I'd like to buy it."
Their eyes went wide.
"Really?! Y-yes! We have two more colors! And we can make a custom one too!" Rania gushed, her face glowing.
"Perfect. I'll order now and return when it's ready."
They bowed so deeply I laughed.
"No need for that," I chuckled. "I'm not a noble—just a commoner."
"Whaaat?" Sally gasped. "But you're so pretty!"
I only smiled. "Is this a new shop? Am I your first customer?"
They exchanged shy nods.
"We opened two months ago," Rania said. "But… no one's bought anything yet."
Two months. Not a single sale. The shop lacked glamour, but it overflowed with something rarer: heart, talent, and soul.
An idea struck me.
"I have a proposal," I said. "Something that could bring customers to your door."
Their eyes lit with hope.
"I'll help with funding, materials—and I'll design a new dress. A style that will turn heads."
They stared at me, stunned.
"Are you serious?" Rania whispered.
"I am. In exchange, I'd like to become a co-owner."
We shook hands, smiling.
A new chapter had just begun.
---
When I left, I carried more than a few dresses. I wandered into a perfume shop and chose a bold, comforting scent—amber and jasmine. Then a cosmetics boutique, where I tested shade after shade until I found the perfect match: soft nude pinks and peach tones. Elegant with just a whisper of daring.
Three hours later, I returned to the square. My arms were full. My steps lighter. My heart, warm.
Today hadn't just been a shopping trip.
It was strategy. Identity. Power in silk and scent.
Let's see how long Rael can keep pretending he doesn't notice me.
Because I intend to linger—
in his mind,
in his silence,
in every breath he takes when I'm near.