Chapter 38

Three days had passed since Viscount Folter’s public execution. The incidents he had committed were quickly resolved, and now it was the morning of the weekend when Aneta was to meet with Chris.

Aneta blinks sleepily as she stares at the ceiling. In the recurring dreams, she had seen her mother leaving and Carlos happily smiling. Today, she had dreamt of the latter.

Dreams are said to be manifestations of the subconscious. If that’s the case, her mother appearing in her dreams must be due to the unresolved conflict.

‘Then what about Carlos?’

She couldn’t find the answer to that question. But one thing she was certain of was that she didn’t like the sight of Carlos laughing with another woman.

“…And he used to act like he would only look at me for the rest of his life.”

Aneta muttered this to herself, startled by her own words. The self-deprecating laughter that followed came next.

Aneta scolded herself for having such thoughts when she had been the one constantly pushing him away. Moreover, it was just a dream, not reality.

Aneta shook her head dryly, amused by her inability to dismiss the dream as an illusion.

Knock, knock.

“My Lady, it’s me, Isabel.”

Isabel’s voice snapped Aneta out of her thoughts. She checked the clock and realized it was time to start getting ready for her outing.

The maids who followed behind Isabel began hurriedly preparing Aneta’s attire. As they tended to her, Aneta asked Isabel,

“How did the reservation at Etienne go?”

“I made the reservation for the time you requested.”

“Good work.”

The Empire’s top boutique, Etienne.

Bearing the grand name “Crown,” it was the treasure and entirety of Serce, inherited from his mother.

The dresses and accessories designed by Serce were immensely popular. However, he didn’t open the boutique often, and the quantities were extremely limited.

Aneta was planning to take Chris there and buy her plenty of outfits that would suit her.

Unaware of this plan, Chris boarded the Adenauer family’s carriage that had arrived at her doorstep. It was only when they were almost at the destination that she asked about where they were going.

“Where are we going?”

“We’re heading to Etienne.”

Aneta straightforwardly told her the destination. There was no need to lie since she would find out once they got off the carriage.

“Ah, so the reason you took me out is to choose a dress for the hunting competition, right?”

“That’s right.”

Aneta held back from adding that it was for Chris to choose a dress, not herself. Instead, she smoothly changed the subject.

“Is this your first time attending the hunting competition?”

“Yes. I heard they score the participants, but how exactly does it work?”

Her face was full of excitement as she asked about the upcoming hunting competition. Aneta couldn’t help but smile at her undisguised enthusiasm.

“The winner is the participant who scores the highest points. The larger the prey you hunt, the higher the points. Each person is limited to catching five animals.”

Only the winner can receive the generous reward bestowed by the Emperor. Although there were two strong contenders, Aneta decided not to mention them to keep the anticipation alive.

“Without fail, a banquet is held the day after the competition. The prey caught the previous day will be used for the cuisine. You’ll likely be able to taste a greater variety of dishes than usual.”

“How wonderful! I’m already excited.”

Chris’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the explanation. For Aneta, the event was usually tedious, but seeing Chris’s enthusiasm made her think it might be worth attending.

***

The exterior of Etienne was already grand and magnificent. Could they step inside? As Chris hesitated with a doubtful expression, Aneta stepped forward behind her.

Reaching over her shoulder, Aneta pushed open the door.

Ding. The clear sound of the doorbell drew the attention of the awaiting staff.

“What are you doing? Come on, let’s go in.”

Aneta gently pushed Chris’s back, patting her reassuringly, and Chris quickly relaxed her tense shoulders.

“Welcome.”

“I didn’t expect you to come out yourself.”

Greeting the two as they entered was Serce. Aneta responded with a hint of surprise at seeing him emerge from the staff.

“Of course, I had to be here. After all, the esteemed Marquis of Adenauer herself is visiting.”

Serce’s playful gaze soon landed on Chris. As the subject of the rumors that had quickly captivated Aneta’s heart, he couldn’t help but feel intrigued.

“So this is why you decided to visit the boutique. I see now.”

“Probably for the reason you’re thinking. I expect your full cooperation.”

“Leave it to me.”

With a confident nod, Serce signaled to his staff. They promptly brought over racks of dresses.

From that moment, a variety of colorful dresses were held up against Chris’s startled form. Aneta and Serce stood side by side, nodding or shaking their heads in agreement.

Their opinions mostly matched. As a result, a substantial pile of selected dresses formed to one side.

‘This should be enough,’ Aneta thought, speaking up with a satisfied expression.

“I’ll buy all of these. Are they for sale?”

“If that’s what you want. Should I charge the Adenauer’s household?”

“Yes.”

Rather than impulsively buying everything, Aneta decided to purchase only the carefully selected dresses, out of respect for Serce.

But even then, the price was jaw-dropping, and Chris, who had been watching in amazement, quickly threw up his hands.

“Wait, wait a moment. We came here to choose dresses for you, didn’t we?”

“No, we came to buy dresses for you to wear.”

“But on the carriage, you said…”

“I never specifically said whose dresses we were buying, did I? So I didn’t deceive you.”

Serce, having observed quietly, couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at Aneta’s mischievous remark. When Chris’s expression turned gloomy, it seemed as if Aneta had done something terrible.

“But this is too much. I’m grateful, but honestly, it’s quite burdensome.”

“Don’t be like that and just accept it, Countess. This is Aneta’s way of relieving her stress, you see.”

The comment, coming from Serce rather than Aneta, suggested giving up. Seeing the situation, he dismissed the staff and casually folded his arms.

“Relieving stress?”

“She finds joy in buying gifts for people she likes and seeing them happy. I’ve experienced it a few times myself.”

“If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better for Aneta to buy something she wants for herself?”

Chris suggested, thinking that would be more fulfilling than vicarious satisfaction, but Aneta shook her head.

“No, not that kind of thing.”

“If she wanted something, she would have already gotten it. That family has plenty of money.”

Agreeing with Serce’s words, Chris understood that the rumors about the family’s wealth were likely true.

“Even so, I’ve already caused Aneta so much trouble. I can’t possibly accept a gift on top of that.”

“Trouble? What trouble?”

Aneta tilted her head as if hearing this for the first time.

“You’ve worked hard to help me settle in and even took over my debts.”

“Someone might think I created a job just to hire you.”

Although that was essentially the truth, Aneta nonchalantly continued.

“I simply needed someone to do the work, and you happened to show up. Besides, you’ve been repaying the debts monthly, haven’t you?”

Aneta lied smoothly, maintaining her composure. Serce felt more assured, but Chris was still hesitant.

“I don’t think you’ve caused me any trouble. So please, accept it. If you refuse, I’ll be so heartbroken that I might start demanding interest payments next month.”

Chris flinched at the playful tone. Despite knowing it was impossible due to the contract, the mention of interest made her react.

“That was a joke. But it would genuinely hurt my feelings.”

Aneta sensed Chris was almost convinced.

Without pressing further, she waited for Chris’s response, and after a moment of hesitation, the desired answer came from Chris’s lips.

“…Okay, I’ll gratefully accept it.”

“Thank you.”

Aneta smiled, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude at Chris’s decision. Chris felt a warm light spreading through her chest, appreciating the gesture.

Although Chris said it felt burdensome, in truth, she was happy. She could feel Aneta’s care and affection.

Chris decided to cherish Aneta’s intentions more than the dresses themselves. She would likely think of Aneta every time she wore them.

The only way to repay the kindness continually bestowed upon her was to become someone who could return the favor.

Chris firmly engraved this goal in her heart.

“Alright, now all that’s left is to take your measurements. Head over that way.”

“Okay.”

With a lighter heart, Chris walked towards the area Serce indicated. Behind the door that had opened and closed, she sensed the busy movement of the staff.

“What you said earlier, all lies, right?”

“Oh dear. I might need to spend more money to ensure your silence.”Aneta responded calmly to her remark once they were alone. Knowing that she was not someone who would carelessly open her mouth, she had no worries.

“Show me some shoes and accessories that would go well with the dresses.”

“This way.”

Serce didn’t bother to stop Aneta. He knew he was just an excuse and simply accommodated her wishes.

“The Countess seems like a decent person. I understand why you want to keep her by your side.”

Unlike those who previously tried to claim a place by Aneta’s side, Chris was different. Serce found himself a bit envious of her for having Aneta’s attention.

Whether Aneta noticed or not, she paused as she reached for a pair of shoes, her expression turning pensive.

“Are you interested in her?”

“A little.”

“Just so you know, she already has someone in mind.”

Moreover, it wasn’t a one-sided feeling. Aneta chose not to mention that part.

“Don’t worry. I have someone else I’m interested in.”

“Oh, that’s good to hear.”

Assured that he wouldn’t get hurt, Aneta turned her attention back to the shoes. After selecting a few pairs, she moved to the accessories section.

“Is that it? Aren’t you curious about who it is?”

Following her, Serce asked in a subtle tone. He felt a tinge of disappointment at her lack of interest.

“Not really. You have a pretty face; I’m sure you’ll handle it well.”

“Since you put it that way, I feel like I need to take extra care of myself. To look good for that person.”

Serce smiled mysteriously, then suddenly turned his head. Noticing the direction of his gaze, he saw familiar figures through the shop window. One of them caught his eye, but he quickly looked away. Aneta, still unaware of their presence, was intently examining something.

“What are you looking at so closely?”

With a smile, he approached her, and she picked up the item she had been considering.

“This. It reminds me of someone it would suit.”

A platinum cufflink set with blue diamonds. It was one of the carefully designed pieces, and Serce’s eyes narrowed as he recognized his work.

“Are you going to buy it?”

“Yes. I’ll take this one right away.”

Serce had a pretty good idea of who she thought it would suit. The urge to keep it for himself and not want to sell it rose, but he suppressed it.

“Alright, if that’s what you want.”