Chapter 19
It was something that had happened a few times in Yoon Marie’s life.
Gabi and Seho dressed in fine clothes, and me — looking like a child dragged out from the countryside.
Whenever there was a need to visit other relatives, I had to brace myself.
There were even times when shouting matches broke out because of me.
After going through such things, I’d always stay quiet for a few days — scared and sad.
I shook my head, pushing away the pointless sentimentality.
“It’s fine. I wasn’t completely blameless either. And besides, if I go out, it might cause a fuss.”
Luisa couldn’t bring herself to deny it. She rolled her eyes, then straightened her posture with resolve.
“It’d be better if you went out dressed up a bit. You’ll have someone accompanying you, yes, but it’s best to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.”
“What misunderstanding? It’s true I’m part Moro.”
“My lady, please don’t say such things…”
At my words, Luisa pursed her lips, then shook her head.
“How about wearing those enormous opal earrings you just received?”
“Hmm.”
They were free jewels, so I wanted to make the most of them — but I didn’t want to wear earrings that were poorly crafted.
“Luisa, is Manu still in Sephardi?”
“Hmm, I think he left for something urgent. He should be back in about three days.”
He was probably busy cleaning up the mess Maribel made.
“Tell me as soon as he returns.”
Maribel, under the name Mua, usually made and designed fake jewels.
Since it was difficult to do the actual setting work inside the Palacio, there was a separate artisan who crafted them into earrings and necklaces.
Once Manu returned, I’d need to visit that jeweler myself.
“For now, the only thing I can rely on is the money the jewels bring in.”
“My lady, really…”
Maybe she took my muttering as a joke, because Luisa shook her head in disapproval.
“My lady.”
“Duke.”
Arius had come to escort me, and after greeting me politely, he led me to the waiting carriage.
“Please, step in, my lady.”
His escort was impeccable as he opened the door and offered his hand.
He sat diagonally across from me in the carriage. After glancing at me a few times, he turned his gaze to the window. It was I who spoke first.
“I know I asked you for quite a favor. Thank you.”
“It was no trouble. But…”
“But?”
“…Nothing.”
What’s that supposed to mean? Making me curious on purpose?
His lips were pressed together, his jawline graceful — he looked so handsome that I leaned forward slightly to look at him.
“You can speak freely, you know. I did say I liked you — even confessed I fell for you at first sight.”
Only then did Arius meet my gaze.
He sighed softly as he looked at me.
“Just because you said such things doesn’t mean I can treat you casually, my lady.”
“Ah.”
Wow, what a stiff man.
He was polite to the extreme — elegance personified.
His looks were my type, but since I wasn’t truly in love, his walls didn’t bother me much.
Either way, he was much better than Pedro.
I smiled. Well, you couldn’t help but smile looking at such a handsome face.
“I was just curious what you were thinking. You seemed like you wanted to say something.”
I leaned back against the seat.
The sound of hooves and the coachman’s murmuring to the horses filled the silence.
I turned to the window on purpose, taking in the sights of the Sephardi estate.
My cheeks felt oddly ticklish — I could tell he was curious about me too.
When I turned back at the right moment, our eyes met.
He didn’t look away. Slowly, he spoke.
“…Then why did you want to go out with me, my lady?”
“Didn’t I already tell you?”
“Judging by your attire, anyone can see you’re a noble lady. I doubt you’ll face any trouble. Things are not so lenient in the Romero lands.”
Nafarro was a vast nation — one built from united duchies, each with its own distinct culture.
If I remembered right, the people of Sephardi were known for their fiery tempers, warmth, and friendliness.
But because they were geographically closest to Marcus, they’d suffered heavily during the war — leaving deep resentment toward the Moro people.
Romero must have been different, then.
I smiled bitterly.
“It’s my first time going out beyond the ducal estate. I suppose I got nervous.”
“You could have brought one of your family’s knights instead. Lord Esquia’s swordsmanship isn’t bad either.”
“I’d rather not go out with Lord Esquia.”
Who knows what might happen then?
Perhaps I’d sounded too firm — Arius leaned forward slightly.
His gentlemanly face was filled with concern.
“Did something unpleasant happen?”
Not yet, but it’s about to — I couldn’t say that, of course.
I just looked at him silently.
He must have misread my silence, because his eyes wavered.
“If something happened, I can speak to Duke Sephardi on your behalf.”
“Really?”
“Naturally.”
His tone was firm, yet kind.
Choosing Arius as my new target had been a brilliant decision — better face, better body, and impeccable manners.
I couldn’t help but grin.
“No, it’s nothing unpleasant. I just don’t particularly like him, that’s all.”
“Is that truly all?”
“Yes. And also… I just wanted to spend more time with someone I do like.”
It was a thoughtless addition — but his reaction was immediate.
“My lady, please… don’t say things like that.”
Over something so trivial, Arius let out a faint groan and shook his head.
His expression didn’t change much, but his sigh was long.
“Oh — we’ve arrived already!”
Luckily, the carriage stopped at the perfect time to break the awkward mood.
The coachman opened the door and bowed.
“We can’t take the carriage inside, so please walk from here. The white building decorated with red flowers ahead is Madame Beaumont’s shop — you can’t miss it.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Arius stepped down first and offered his hand to help me.
The street was full of people — the kind of district filled with luxury boutiques.
Even among the elegantly dressed crowd, my jet-black hair, piled high, drew stares.
People’s gazes flickered from my hair and clothes… to Arius.
Sensing it, Arius spoke quietly.
“We should stay close.”
“I have no objection.”
He only shook his head at my teasing reply, but his escort remained flawless.
“It seems this is the place.”
“Yes, it does.”
Madame Beaumont’s boutique was huge — clearly, her fan business was thriving.
We were about to enter without trouble when a doorman blocked our way.
“What’s this about?”
Arius raised an eyebrow.
The doorman, burly and imposing, didn’t flinch.
“Not everyone is allowed entry here, sir. I’ll have to ask the lady to show her permit.”
“Permit?”
“A travel permit — for the Moro people.”
What?
I knew Moros were discriminated against, but I’d never heard of needing a permit to enter a shop.
The original story hadn’t included details like this — especially not from the villainess’s point of view.
Before I could respond, Arius spoke sharply.
“This lady does not need such a thing.”
“Without a permit, entry is forbidden.”
“Stop talking nonsense and fetch the owner.”
“My apologies, but the Madame is entertaining an important guest today.”
That important guest was probably me.
If this man had enough sense to realize that, he wouldn’t be blocking me right now.
Ah, Yoon Gabi — what a ridiculous world you’ve written. No wonder Maribel turned into a villainess.
I sighed and said evenly,
“Fine. I’ll wait here until Madame Beaumont comes. Just call her for me.”
“I’m afraid you can’t stay here without a permit, miss…”
Oh, really?
I wasn’t angry — just worried for the poor fool.
How was he planning to fix this mess later?
“If that’s the case, the gentleman may go in alone.”
“Duke Romero,” I said, turning to him. “It seems my father didn’t explain things properly. I’m sorry, but perhaps we should—”
“There’s no need for you to apologize, my lady.”
Arius’s voice was calm but edged with restrained anger.
“Tell Madame Beaumont that Duke Romero is here to see her.”
“Pardon?”
The doorman blinked, confused, glancing between us.
