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Soon, there would be a grand palace banquet. It would be the debut stage of the novel’s heroine, Sophienne.

She would make a dazzling entrance and become an excellent product placement opportunity. And I would become wealthy. I thanked her silently for unintentionally becoming an advertising model.

If I have my own personal money, even if I get divorced, I’ll be able to live somewhat comfortably. Ho-ho, having economic independence and freedom, wouldn’t that be a better future? Yahoo!

“Are you that happy?”

Etienne appeared, his entire body covered in a robe. His silver hair partially obscured his eyes, drawing even more attention to his crimson, plump lips and elegant jawline. I glanced at him momentarily before responding.

“Yes. I’m really grateful for what happened today. I didn’t expect you to help me to this extent.”

Etienne’s lips remained firmly closed, showing no signs of opening.

“Are you listening to me?”

“Yeah. Now let’s go.”

Etienne swiftly turned the remaining carriage around. At that moment, a greasy scent reached my sensitive nose. I grabbed Etienne’s sleeve and came to a stop.

“Wait, Etienne. Can’t you smell something delicious nearby? It’s definitely meat.”

“It seems a market has been set up in the nearby square.”

“Really? Can’t we go take a look? I’m hungry too.”

His gaze, visible for a moment, was icy.

He’ll definitely not go. No way.

I quickly added another statement.

“Well… you never know. Maybe I bought some food from the market after my previous burglary… I might find a clue that triggers my memory… Oh, right. There’s also something really important to discuss.”

“An important discussion?”

“Yes. A crucial clue to finding the item! But right now, I can’t speak because I’m so hungry… It’s really important though.”

I exaggerated my movements to emphasize my hunger.

Etienne coldly brushed off my arm and quickly walked ahead, distancing himself from me in an instant.

“Aren’t we going to the market? Too bad! I won’t tell you the crucial clue!”

I stomped my feet in frustration. He turned around.

“The market is this way.”

“Oh, really? I didn’t know, hehe…”

Erasing my nonchalant demeanor, I quickly followed behind him, quickening my pace.

As we walked a little further, more and more people gathered. The air was filled with bustling chatter and a variety of different smells. The unfamiliar aroma of spices, the scent of meat, and the distinct odors emanating from the people created an exhilarating atmosphere.

Underneath the canopies that blocked the sun, the market was bustling with merchants showcasing their diverse array of goods, each vying for the attention of potential customers.

While there were plenty of people strolling through the market, it seemed that there were more onlookers like me and Etienne rather than those actually looking to make purchases.

“Hey there, beautiful noble lady, take a look at this!”

“Oh, really? Did you hear that? They called me beautiful. Seems like they have an eye for beauty. Should I buy something?”

I playfully tapped Etienne’s forearm as we walked, and he narrowed his eyes before speeding up and walking ahead.

“Etienne, don’t walk so fast on your own. With so many people around, what if I get lost?”

I mischievously grabbed the edge of Etienne’s sleeve. He looked at me with a hint of annoyance, clearly not pleased with my hold on his arm, but he didn’t shake me off.

His reaction amused me.

Huhuhu, does he really think I’ll get lost? What does he take me for?

“Make way! Carriage coming through!”

A heavily loaded carriage passed through the middle of the street, and the crowd shifted to one side.

Ugh, being short is really a disadvantage in situations like this.

My field of vision was filled with the backs of other people. I couldn’t see Etienne, and all I could glimpse was the sleeve I had grabbed.

“Keuk, stop! There’s someone here! Don’t push! If this continues, I’ll get trampled for sure!”

Even the edge of Etienne’s sleeve was slipping away from my fingertips.

I was laughing earlier, but if I lose sight of him now, I’ll truly be lost.

Then, Etienne’s hand swiftly turned back and grabbed mine.

He pulled me towards him.

The awkwardness of me struggling on my own became insignificant as my body was swiftly pulled out from the crowd, like a cork being popped out of a bottle.

Etienne’s face once again appeared before me. He stared at me intently.

“Hwaa! I barely made it! It seems that one must be careful in such crowded places. I almost got lost for real.”

“Don’t act so troublesome, just stick close to me.”

Etienne stood in front of me, shielding me from the crowd.

Whether it was because of his larger stature or his strength, we no longer collided with people.

How cozy!

Once the carriage passed by, the people who had squeezed in quickly dispersed.

“I think you can let go now.”

Upon hearing my words, Etienne swiftly released his grip on my hand. It was almost reflexive in its speed.

What? Is my hand dirty or something?

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