Chapter 7
To think she was being held by a man she barely knew, in the middle of the street no less—if her father had seen this, he would have scolded her immediately.
Startled, Iliana pushed against his chest as her eyes met his. Lian stepped back a single pace, as if giving her room to regain her composure.
“You don’t need to dislike it so much.”
He placed a hand lightly over hers, resting on his chest, and smiled.
She didn’t understand what he found so amusing.
Iliana deliberately turned her gaze away to avoid his eyes, but no matter how coldly she looked away, Lian made no move to leave. She adjusted her posture and spun around, trying to walk away—but just as she took her second step, he grabbed her slender wrist.
Wasn’t it enough that she had made her feelings clear?
Does he really need me to say it outright?
She had thought ignoring him would be enough.
“I think it’s best we each go our separate ways now. I’ll take my leave.”
She pulled her wrist free and gave a polite farewell, intending to turn away. But she hadn’t accounted for the glances of the people around her.
Her steps faltered. Her body stiffened with tension. The whispers of the crowd felt like mockery directed at her alone.
Iliana looked toward the clock tower. Beyond it lay the bustling market street—and beyond that, the very place where she had almost lost her life: the execution grounds.
“I heard she was broken off from her engagement. I guess it’s true. I couldn’t face anyone if it were me,” a voice said.
“Is she trying to flirt with the duke now? Pfft, all because of a half-decent face. Critia girls are bold, huh?”
The whispers became open comments. Even knowing Iliana could hear, they didn’t stop. Some spoke so loudly it seemed they wanted her to hear. A few of them had even been at the execution grounds the day she nearly died.
Iliana remembered clearly—they had been in the front row. Her heart pounded as the voices drew nearer, awakening memories of that day.
Nothing had changed. They could seize on her weaknesses anytime and mock her as she suffered. Even as she tried to dismiss it, she felt trapped in the past.
It’s already over. No—it never happened.
No one could control her now. There was nothing to fear. She gripped her basket tightly and lifted her head, walking with confidence.
But her steps didn’t last long. All the eyes along the street followed her. As she neared the salon, the stares multiplied, and some people began to openly follow her.
This is a problem.
If anyone learned she had come to Critia for a dress fitting, rumors would spread immediately. Any mention of financial trouble or mistreatment would make her father furious.
With the engagement breakup already causing issues, any bad rumors could push him over the edge. Iliana found herself stuck in the middle of the street, unable to move.
When she stopped, those following her did the same. Amid the frozen crowd, a heavy, purposeful set of footsteps drew near.
It can’t be…
Turning toward the sound, Iliana’s eyes widened and her mouth parted in surprise. A wave of bright light shone above him. Cutting through the crowd with an imposing presence came none other than Duke Lian Gotri himself.
He walked up, hands in his pockets, stopping directly in front of her. He clasped her free wrist and looped her arm around his own. When she tried to pull away, he placed his hand over hers, shaking his head.
“I wouldn’t let go if I were you.”
“You’ll get into trouble, Your Grace.”
A soft smile spread across Lian’s face, at odds with his normally cold expression.
“Perhaps worrying about me isn’t your priority right now.”
He was right. The whispers could continue behind them, but with Lian at her side, no real chaos would break out. The mere presence of the duke already caused many in the crowd to back away. Those who tried to follow were stopped by his attendants.
“Then I request you accompany me just to the salon.”
“Gladly.”
In a way, this was his fault, though it wasn’t entirely so. From the moment she appeared in the square, the crowd had been pretending not to notice her. Lian’s presence had drawn more attention, but there was no way for her to ignore his help.
Arm in arm, they walked to the salon. Soon, the grand entrance of the shop came into view.
“Thank you for accompanying me,” Iliana said lightly, expecting him to leave. But Lian looked at her for a moment before opening the door.
“I told you—I have business with him.”
“If that’s the case, I have nothing more to say.”
“Finish this first, then we’ll talk. I can wait.”
The bell jingled as the shop owner appeared, but upon seeing it was Iliana, her expression fell.
“You’ve returned after a while, miss,” she said reluctantly.
Iliana wanted to send Lian away, but she couldn’t argue at the door. She stepped inside.
“I’m here to look at dresses for the upcoming ball.”
“You should have brought your piping earlier if anything needed alteration,” the owner said, spinning around, clearly disappointed.
“Please wait here.”
At the sound of Lian’s presence, her expression immediately brightened. She bowed repeatedly at the duke without even glancing at Iliana.
“Do you need a dress for the ball? I can provide the finest immediately.”
“You’re not my client.”
“Oh? Then… ah, I see. Please follow me this way.”
Her indifferent expression broke into a smile as she gently guided Iliana to the workshop.
Inside, dresses hung in neat rows—luxurious, ornate, and exquisitely crafted. The owner eagerly presented the first one.
“This one I made with spring in mind. Isn’t this bright pink just lovely?”
Beaded and radiant, the dress looked like a blooming flower. Iliana shook her head lightly.
The owner immediately brought out another, and then a third, boasting about its design.
“The lace at the neckline is supplied to the royal family, and these gems come from Targa. Don’t they shimmer like sunlight? Every stitch was sewn by hand.”
Iliana could tell the work was painstakingly detailed. Tiny jewels dotted the long skirts, reflecting the sunset’s glow.
“Do you have something simpler?”
The owner tilted her head in confusion. For young ladies attending a ball, dresses were a matter of pride and status—they competed to wear the best. Iliana’s modest request was unusual.
“I think something like that might exist, but… I’m not sure,” she said bluntly.
Looking at the basket in her hands, she laughed softly. What was the point of all this? She had vowed never to live like that again, yet here she was fretting over a single dress.
“I want a neat, simple design.”
Three gold coins clinked onto the owner’s hand. Normally, Iliana paid a few silver coins for alterations. Surprised, the owner’s face brightened. She eagerly began retrieving dresses.
“You’ll need more than one for the ball. Try one on, then we can adjust the others. How about this one?”
She brought out a soft purple gown with subtle silver patterns. Elegant and understated, the gems added a touch of luxury.
“Not bad. I’ll take this one.”
“I’ll also include some special accessories.”
Iliana nodded silently. Impulsive, yes, but she felt no regret. For a father who had taken everything from her, this small purchase felt justified. She exchanged a few more words and stepped back toward the entrance.
“You’re still here?”
She expected him to have left. Most men didn’t linger in salons, except those needing to appease a fiancée. Lian had no such obligation. She had taken more time than expected choosing a dress. Yet he remained in the same spot.
“Finished sooner than I expected,” he remarked.
“This is a place I know well,” she replied.
“Seems you found something you like.”
Iliana nodded lightly, gripping the door handle.
“Aren’t you leaving?”
“I think we should part here. We’ll talk again soon.”
“…Understood.”
Whatever task had delayed him before, it wasn’t her concern. At least for now, it worked in her favor.
Please, don’t come looking again…
She decided not to speak further with him. She had no means to repay him at the moment. Quietly, she opened the door and stepped outside.
“Do you need anything, Your Grace?”
The owner’s cheerful face turned into a business smile directed at Lian—but it vanished instantly under his icy gaze. The fear she sensed made sweat bead on her forehead.
