CH 150

Whoever said shopping was easy?

“Are you okay?” one of the employees asked for the twenty-second time.

Five hours had gone by since I stepped into the changing room of death. Exhausted, I wrung my hands.

“I…I can’t wear any more clothes.”

But although I was tired, both my companions still seemed rather energetic. Their fuming debate went on and on, and it felt like I might melt if I remained within range of them. So, I decided to take a walk, instead.

On my way out, I ran into the owner. She flashed me a too-wide smile.

“Oh,” she said, “have you decided on a dress, ma’am?”

I pressed my lips together. “I think we’ll still have to look for a more. I’m sorry this is taking so long.”

“Oh, no, not at all.” Her smile grew even wider. “It’s a great honor to have the famous Viscount Lesprey even just visit our shop.”

I blushed. “I’m not famous. I’m just plain.”

“You’re all everyone talks about these days. It’s very rare for a woman to succeed the title in Ivant. You also became the aide of a terrorizing emperor and guarded by the famous crusader Sir Fortis. I don’t think just making a list makes you a plain person.”

An awkward laugh escaped my lips. “Well, there is a reason for the guard.”

“I hope it’s a good one.”

She covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes dancing with laughter, and I got the feeling she was thinking of a different “good reason”.

“I’m going to go for a walk until they’re done chatting inside,” I told her. “I feel like I’m going to melt.”

Understanding gleamed in her eyes, like she’d had customers like this before. She gave a slow nod. “Why don’t I join them while you’re gone? That way, we should arrive at a conclusion in less time.”

She shot me a wink.

I headed downstairs as she went to join the others, the sound of their chattering and laughter reaching my ears.

“Are you done with your purchases already?”

Sir Dylan standing guard at the door. He and the two royal guards hadn’t entered because the ladies changing room made them uncomfortable. He had a bored look on his face, but as I stepped outside, drawing nearer, his features came to life.

“Ah,” I said. “Sir Dylan.”

“The other two aren’t coming out?”

I shook my head. “I just came out for a walk. It seems they’ll be taking a bit longer.”

“I thought the Young Lady Deron was there to guard.”

A slight frown came upon his face as he spoke. He still wasn’t fond of Eris, I figured. But he clamped up like he couldn’t find a rebuttal.

I looked around. “Did the other knights go somewhere?”

“I asked them to grab a bite.”

“Ah, of course.” I nodded. “It’s way past lunch time. You must be hungry as well.”

“No, I’m ok. If you’re planning on going somewhere, I’ll be happy to accompany you.”

My lips twitched. “Oh, I really just came out for a walk. I’m going to sit here for a bit.”

There was a small river flowing in front of the shop and a bench big enough for two. People were leisurely sitting down and admiring the river with summer breeze.

“You should sit as well, Sir Dylan.”

He looked taken aback. “Guards don’t sit.”

“I just feel uncomfortable, that’s why.”

“My apologies,” he told me. “Your safety is my utmost concern, so I can’t follow your order.”

After two rejections, I couldn’t make a third offer. He stood by me, seemingly okay, with his hands behind his back. It felt like Raven standing beside Ridrian.

I looked away towards the river, flowing so gently in the hot summer breeze. The fancy mask ball, the trial and my independence all felt so long ago.

To think I’d be sitting by the riverside so casually.

Even a month ago, it hadn’t been imaginable. I was busy just surviving. There were still many hurdles to get over. Even so, Ridrian was probably the only reason I felt relieved.

This was the first time I’d trusted and depended on someone or had feelings for them. Even in my previous life, I was used to being alone. There were people around me, but none that I could depend on. Only those I had to support. They were precious, but also a baggage.

‘Ji hye, you’re the only one we can count on.’

It was a huge anchor.

“I’ll protect you for sure so stay by me.”

That was a deep trap.

“Ice cream!” a voice rang in my ears. “Ice cream with seasonal fruit!”

My thoughts washed away, I turned my head. Ice cream in the middle of this city, in this hot weather! Could there possibly be anything better?

I turned my head, and Dylan flinched, his face quickly taking on a look of suspicion as he followed my gaze. When he realized what I was staring at, he returned his gaze to me, and his expression was suddenly the same as it had been when we first met.

“Would you…would you like one?” he asked me.

“Not would. Let’s go get one now, Sir Dylan,” I told him.

He shook his head. “I’m ok.”

“You’re bored waiting. There’s nothing wrong with you having some ice cream.”

“But I have to do my dut—ma’am!”

I had just grabbed his arm, frustrated by his non-compromising stance. His muscles were so rigid it felt like clutching a metal pole but pulling him with me was easier.

“Just have some,” I insisted. “It’s not like having an ice cream means you’re not doing your duty.”

I bought a pink-colored ice cream and a cream-colored one from the vendor, wondering how they could sell ice cream in a world without electricity any high-level skill. Then I saw the huge magical circle inside the bowl. It must have a freezing effect, I supposed.

“Here—have some!”

I gave him the pink ice cream on purpose. He hesitated for a second, then thanked me and grabbed it. At first, he seemed awkward about it, but then he took a decisive bite.

“It’s good, isn’t it?” I wanted to know.

“It…it is.”

Dylan was still honest. His best trait, in my opinion. He wasn’t like Raven, Ridrian or even Piett, who could be very cunning.

“I don’t like how stale the cone is,” he added.

Sometimes it was his worst as well.

The sweet ice cream was an immediate boost to my morale. The taste of nuts filled my mouth. Suddenly, it dawned on me that there were a lot of places to buy food here.

“Ah, why don’t we try some of that too?” I said, pointing.

“Ma’am—”