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* * *

I pulled down my neat navy blue bonnet and walked out into the garden. The wind blew, causing the navy blue lace on the hem of my skirt to sway gently.

It had been so long since I went out like this.

I felt exhilarated. I hadn’t been able to move a muscle inside the room for so long.

<The wounds have all healed!>

<Lady Dahlia, Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet.>

<If you keep me cooped up like this, I’ll die of frustration before anything else.>

<I won’t let that happen.?>

Penny didn’t give in to the temptation of bonuses, saying it’s Your Highness Etienne’s orders.

Is it because Etienne have more money than me? How petty.

After such an excruciating period, I finally received permission to go out starting from yesterday.

I was relieved. The banquet was rapidly approaching. If I couldn’t buy a dress today, I would have to wear that dreadful Pierre’s mediocre collection.

I hate it! It’s my debut in society, not a widow’s mourning. Ugh… I’d rather stay at home and play rock-paper-scissors with Penny than wear that outfit.

For that reason, I must find the dress shop today, no matter what.

“I’ve searched all around the east last time, so it must be in the west, right? It has to be there.”

Mentally prepared, I approached the carriage. The coachman, wearing a leather hat, nodded his head as I greeted him lightly. I then walked towards the horses behind the carriage. Three magnificent horses stood there.

Are these the escort’s knight’s horses?

I gently stroked the massive black horse. I could feel its well-developed muscles under my hand, and its coat glistened with a healthy sheen.

“Isn’t this the horse I rode to escape on that night, right? It looks expensive, worthy of Dahlia’s choice.”

I caressed the horse’s neck, but it lightly tapped the ground, as if it didn’t like me.

“You don’t like me? But I like you. Let’s be friends. I’ll secretly bring you carrots without Etienne knowing. What’s your name?”

“Nyx.”

The horse spoke…! No, that couldn’t be true.

As I turned to the side, I saw Etienne standing in the spot where no one had been just a moment ago.

Unlike his usual self, he wore a dark-colored coat, exuding a slightly more somber atmosphere.

“You startled me! Act a bit more conspicuous when you approach. You’re not a ghost.”

Still taken aback, I watched as he effortlessly mounted the massive black horse.

In that moment, his flowing silver hair swayed with the momentum, and it felt like the surrounding leaves were falling in slow motion. His face turned towards me again.

Snapping out of my momentary daze, I quickly shook my head.

Etienne mounted the horse, who I thought my escort would ride. Wait?

Surely, he wouldn’t be accompanying me. No, that can’t be. It wouldn’t be right.

I felt that my ambitious plan would be disrupted if Etienne followed me.

“It’s been a while. Where are you headed?”

“To a boutique.”

To buy my dress… Why? This can’t be happening…

“Oh, is Etienne also going there for his attire for the banquet? It must be a different place for me. Ahaha.”

I awkwardly replied, but Etienne only stared at me intently. I broke into a cold sweat under his gaze, as if he could read my thoughts.

“I’m going to help you choose a dress.”

He said it with a nonchalant expression, despite the absurdity of his words.

Wasn’t it just a few days ago that you were storming off on your own, calling me out of my mind? Do you have multiple personalities? What the hell are you up to?

“Well… I’m really grateful, haha. But I can’t exactly remember the exact location of the boutique, so I might wander around for a while. Maybe another day…”

“No, I prefer today. Let’s get going.”

Etienne abruptly ended the conversation and took hold of the reins. The black horse obediently started walking.

I stood there, dumbfounded, watching him gradually move away. As he walked a distance, he turned his head. His mouth widened into a mischievous smile, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.

“What are you doing? Are you planning to spend the night there or something?”

Etienne’s hair swayed refreshingly in the wind, giving off a vibe reminiscent of an ion drink commercial. My mouth involuntarily dropped open.

Wow, he doesn’t look like a human. Is he a supernatural being?

He simply smiled and greeted me warmly, but I felt like I should offer him a bow or something.

Get a grip. Now is not the time to be captivated by that handsome face and feel my heart race. Instead, I should be the one to take control of this situation!

Although it’s disappointing that my plan has been disrupted, the fact that he wants to come along isn’t necessarily a bad sign…

For now, I’ll get closer to Etienne, convince him to withdraw the divorce, and then either roast or devour that handsome husband of mine.

Suppressing my sinister thoughts, I climbed into the carriage.

* * *

The carriage wandered through the narrow alleys of the bustling eastern district for quite some time. The sun had passed its zenith and was tilting slightly towards the west.

“I guess blindly searching for it is a bit difficult.”

I muttered, resting my chin on the window sill. Then, something oddly familiar door caught my eye.

Sophienne pointed at an old door. It was made of wood, and the part that was touched by hands was worn and frayed. Moreover, at the bottom, there was a perfectly round hole, as if someone had kicked it forcefully. Versus, who had never entered such a dilapidated place in his lifetime, hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided to follow her, drawn by Sophienne’s curious expression.

Yes, that’s it.

The worn-out handle, the broken traces of a forceful kick. Beyond the dust, the words “Dressing Room” were visible.

“Stop! This is it!”

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