Edward’s steps were as calm as ever. That steadiness was a small relief to Yelodia, but the memory of his expression brought back her sinking feelings.

‘He’s going to scold me just like my eldest brother, isn’t he?’

After stepping out of the shop, the two walked side by side along Lonel Street. A few passersby glanced at them curiously, though most paid them no attention.

“Phew…”

Edward let out a quiet sigh just as they turned into an alleyway.

Suddenly, Edward’s shoulders trembled. Startled, Yelodia instinctively stepped back.

“Kh…”

It was the sound of someone suppressing something.

Edward’s breathing soon transformed into a hearty laugh.

“Hahaha!”

It was so loud that passersby stopped to stare. Yelodia, flustered, asked,

“Are you… laughing?”

“Ah, forgive me. I simply couldn’t imagine such a sight.”

“……”

“It suits you far better than I expected. If we’d met unknowingly, I wouldn’t have recognized you at all.”

“It’s not that convincing…”

Before Yelodia could finish, Edward grabbed her hand and pulled her along. Her heart sank as if it dropped into her stomach.

She didn’t know why, but all she could do was follow him.

When they reached the mouth of the alley, Edward glanced ahead and lowered his voice.

“Someone is following us.”

“Oh, it’s probably one of my father’s knights. They secretly trail me every time I go out.”

“…I see.”

Edward nodded as if everything now made sense.

“I felt someone’s eyes on us, so I deliberately left the shop. If I’d known it was one of your knights, I wouldn’t have bothered.”

“Ah, that explains…”

Only then did Yelodia realize Edward had left the shop to throw off the knights.

“So… you’re not angry?”

“Angry? Should I be?”

Edward looked genuinely puzzled.

Blushing, Yelodia muttered in a barely audible voice,

“Well… because I went out dressed like this. Didn’t it surprise you?”

“I was surprised—because it suits you so well.”

“…That’s all?”

“Ah, next time, if you need something, would you let me know? I can get you a guard like that as a gift.”

“Th-thank you.”

Yelodia answered. It was the only response she could think of.

Edward chuckled as if amused by his own words and turned back toward the shop.

When Yelodia simply stood there watching him, Edward extended his hand.

“Shall we head back?”

Yelodia beamed, slipping her arm through his and linking arms. Edward froze stiffly.

Feigning ignorance, Yelodia smiled brightly and asked,

“You were also invited to the Emperor’s hunting tournament, weren’t you, Baron?”

“…Yes. That’s why I came here. My officers have been pestering me to buy hunting attire. Thanks to you, I can finally breathe a bit.”

“Then, may I help you pick something out?”

Edward looked startled.

“You would?”

“……”

“You, Yelodia?”

Yelodia shyly nodded at last.

“Yes. My hobby is, well… buying riding attire. I’d like to pick something that suits you, Baron.”

Edward stared at her blankly. She had mentioned a love for riding, but a passion for buying riding clothes was unexpected.

Edward spoke hesitantly, almost as if embarrassed.

“If it means trying on every outfit…”

“Oh, no! I think a white shirt, black trousers, red-toned leather guards and gloves, and deep plum-colored boots would suit you perfectly. I saw exactly what I have in mind at the shop we just left. If you like it, you can buy it.”

“That sounds like a wonderful suggestion.”

Edward answered earnestly.

“Wait… What? She’s the Baron’s fiancée?”

“Shh! You’re too loud!”

Beyhern glared, silencing Second Lieutenant Walter, who quickly looked around before closing his mouth.

Second Lieutenant Walter had only heard rumors of Edward’s fiancée intervening in a “duel incident” because he had been overwhelmed with work at the time.

The officers had exaggerated the tale into something legendary, and Walter had chosen to believe only parts of it.

Even then, he thought she was no ordinary noblewoman. But after witnessing her haggling firsthand, the rumors now felt understated.

“…Wow.”

Blinking like someone in a daze, Second Lieutenant Walter turned to Beyhern and murmured, just loud enough for him to hear.

“But how does a noblewoman venture out alone like this?”

“Do you think I know?” Beyhern shot back, just as flustered.

Who would have guessed their superior’s fiancée had a habit of dressing as a man? Even after witnessing it once, it was still hard to believe.

In the end, Beyhern gave up trying to make sense of it.

“Well, whatever. The Baron will handle it.”

“Still, this isn’t something an ordinary person would do. Most wouldn’t leave the house in that outfit.”

“She’s clearly not ordinary. Didn’t you see her bargaining over the price of that leather guard?”

“I did…”

Second Lieutenant Walter sighed, recalling a memory he’d rather forget.

Second Lieutenant Walter, raised in a typical noble family, had only ever seen refined young ladies playing the piano, writing letters, or embroidering quietly in their residences.

When they expressed frustration, it was over trivial matters, like disliking an embroidery pattern they had painstakingly stitched or receiving a delayed reply to a letter.

Never had he seen anyone breathe fire to haggle over prices.

‘Not even for a silk handkerchief—let alone for a leather guard.’

Beyhern abruptly broke into Walter’s thoughts.

“Shh, they’re coming back inside.”

With the cheerful jingle of the bell, Edward and Yelodia re-entered the store, looking quite amiable with each other.

“Welcome back,” the boy who had initially attended to Edward greeted reluctantly. Observing the situation earlier, he realized these customers were not people to be treated lightly.

“You’ve returned,” Beyhern said politely, greeting them with respect. Yelodia immediately addressed the boy.

“I’m here to pick out hunting attire for him.”

Before the boy could respond, Beyhern offered a suggestion.

“Just a moment ago, the baron tried on an archery glove. Perhaps you could include it as one of the choices?”

“That’s… I…” The boy faltered, startled. He hadn’t even shown them his best-quality merchandise.

The items displayed outside were meant to fleece vain customers willing to pay exorbitant prices.

Noticing the boy’s hesitation, Yelodia gave a slight scoff and said,

“Why don’t you show us, then?”

“This way, please,” Beyhern interjected, eagerly leading Yelodia to the display. Clearly, he was intent on earning favor with his superior’s fiancée.

“How about this? They’re said to be the finest archery gloves, crafted from premium water buffalo leather.”

“This?” Yelodia asked incredulously, her tone dripping with disbelief.

The boy stammered in panic, “Oh, I must have been mistaken. W-we do have the best quality stock that arrived recently. Would you like to see those?”

“I don’t think I need to take your word for it,” Yelodia retorted, pulling Edward along toward the innermost part of the store. From the depths of the display, she began pulling out items one by one—shirts, trousers, boots, leather guards, and gloves.

At a glance, they were clearly outstanding, top-tier pieces.

Even Beyhern and Walter, who hadn’t realized such exquisite items were in the shop, stood dumbfounded, staring at the collection.

Finally, Yelodia retrieved a leather belt and handed it to Edward.

“You can try all these on. The fitting area is back there.”

“Understood. Thank you.” Edward accepted the items without protest and disappeared behind the curtain.

Beyhern swallowed nervously, then bowed to Yelodia.

“Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Lieutenant Beyhern, the Baron’s adjutant. This is Second Lieutenant Walter.”

“Ah, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Yelodia replied with a light smile.

Beyhern, searching for something to say, nudged Walter in the side. Walter, unresponsive, seemed as if he’d gone numb.

Frustrated, Beyhern pressed harder—this time, stepping on Walter’s foot.

“…!”

Yelodia tilted her head in curiosity and addressed Walter.

“Doesn’t it hurt? I just saw him step on your foot.”

“Oh, n-not at all,” Walter stammered.

“You’re impressive. If it were me, I’d have called the guards.”

“Ahem… I assure you, it’s nothing,” Walter replied, glaring at Beyhern with a flushed face.

Sweating profusely, Beyhern quickly turned back to Yelodia.

“We’ve arranged for the leather guards to be delivered to the Baron’s residence through the shop assistant,” he explained hastily.

“And the adjustments?”

“Of course, those will be included as well.”

Yelodia smiled brightly, brushing the fake mustache on her upper lip with her fingertips. Walter blurted out without thinking,

“The mustache suits you quite well.”