IWCVF 07

Chapter 7

“Hmm, and after the party, I’d like to visit the academy for a while.”

At my words, Artern tilted his head.

“What is it?”

“The principal called for me. There’s a scholarship I postponed receiving four years ago. He cares about me, so if I don’t go personally, he might feel disappointed.”

“I see.”

Artern looked at me with interest when I mentioned the delayed scholarship, but he didn’t ask for details.

“Is there a professor you can introduce to Raiden?”

At his question, I smiled.

“Of course.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you.”

Nobles usually receive lessons from retired professors. That was probably what Artern wanted.

Everything was settled.

After the meal, Artern drank some water and looked at me.

“Celia, after you return from the academy, spring will be in full bloom. How about we hold the engagement ceremony that day?”

“Pardon? But the engagement ceremony was already…”

I had already had one at the Roel family.

Though, it wasn’t a proper one.

“We didn’t hold it at our house. I would like to have a formal engagement ceremony.”

Artern smiled.

“And invite your friends too.”

His eyes were gentle. It felt like he was also interested in my connections.

“I’m fine with it.”

Raiden nodded calmly.

“I would like to do it again. That ceremony didn’t suit Celia.”

Then he looked at me and added,

“But only if Celia wants it.”

His voice was trembling.

“Well…”

My voice shook.

It was hard to refuse their sincerity.

But agreeing also felt complicated.

“Do you really want to do it again?”

At my question, Raiden smiled brightly.

That smile made it hard to refuse.

“Then… we should start by preparing clothes for the ceremony.”

Raiden immediately brightened up and spoke excitedly.

It almost felt like his ears or tail were moving happily.

Maybe it was just my imagination.

Anyway, introducing my connections to Raiden would make his life easier.

And holding a public engagement ceremony again wasn’t a bad choice for me either.

To go to the dress shop, Raiden and I got into a carriage.

The Pellis mansion wasn’t far from the busy shopping district, so we arrived quickly.

“This shop has many beautiful clothes. I come here often.”

A large square building stood before us.

The sign had elegant writing.

The entire building was a clothing shop.

“I never thought I’d come here again.”

The sign read: Imperial Boutique.

The clothes here were beautiful—but very expensive.

I used to own a few designer pieces from here, bought before my family fell into decline.

I hadn’t come back since.

Raiden opened the door confidently.

Inside, a chandelier sparkled from the ceiling.

The place felt bright and elegant.

Beautiful dresses hung neatly.

As I walked, I examined the fabrics.

‘Still high quality.’

The materials were luxurious.

And the dresses were decorated with real gemstones—not just decorations.

‘So flashy.’

I actually liked flashy clothes.

Most of the designs here matched my taste perfectly.

“Welcome.”

The shop owner personally came out.

His eyes lit up when he saw Raiden.

“It’s been a while, Lord Raiden. And the lady beside you…?”

The owner, Pell, tilted his head, then clapped.

“The daughter of the Roel Duke?”

“That’s correct.”

Even though I hadn’t visited in years, he recognized me.

“I’m surprised you remember me from when I was young.”

Smiling politely was important.

“No, not at all. Lady Roel, it’s nice to see you again.”

“Please call me Celia.”

“Yes, Lady Celia.”

Pell smiled kindly.

“Please take your time and look around.”

I began browsing again.

But Raiden was just staring at me.

“Aren’t you choosing anything?”

“I wanted to see your taste in clothes, Celia.”

I focused on elegant and decorative dresses.

Even if it wasn’t a huge gathering, the Crown Prince and Princess would attend.

I needed something suitable.

“Do you like this kind of style?”

“They’re beautiful and suitable for the occasion.”

“Just imagining you in such a dress is breathtaking.”

His praise made my face heat up.

Then I suddenly stopped.

A dress caught my eye.

Raiden turned to look as well.

“The neckline and waistline are beautiful.”

It was a pink dress, perfect for spring.

It had gold embroidery and small gemstones.

“You’ve chosen a wonderful dress. It will suit you perfectly.”

Pell quickly praised me.

“May I try it on?”

“Of course. But your shoes—oh!”

He looked at my black shoes.

“Try these instead.”

He handed me light pink shoes.

“Thank you.”

I quickly changed and went to the fitting room.

After some time, I came out wearing the dress.

I looked at the mirror and admired myself.

My black hair flowed over my shoulders.

My blue eyes matched the blue gems on the dress.

I liked it.

“Are you done?”

Raiden stood beside me.

“Did you choose your outfit?”

“Yes. I chose something that would match you.”

I noticed his collar was slightly wrinkled and fixed it.

His face turned red.

“…Your hands are beautiful.”

“I guess everything about me looks beautiful to you.”

“Of course. You’re dazzling.”

That sounded like something a playboy would say.

I smiled and stood beside him.

We really looked like a couple.

“We look good together.”

Pell smiled beside us.

“You truly do.”

Raiden’s ears turned red.

Why was he embarrassed?

It was cute.

I gently patted his head.

“Why are you patting me?”

“Because you’re cute. Do you not like it?”

He seemed bothered.

“That’s something you do to children.”

“I do it to my younger siblings too.”

“I’m not a child. I’m your fiancé. And I’m not cute—I’m handsome.”

“Alright.”

He looked slightly upset.

So I gently pressed his cheek.

His face turned even redder.

Ah… that was a mistake.

I knew him well, but he didn’t know me the same way.

I might have crossed a line.

“Sorry.”

“….”

“I touched you without asking.”

His face turned completely red.

“Saying such things with those lips…”

Ah… was that inappropriate?

“My heart feels like it’s going out of control.”

He said that while holding his chest.

I froze.

He really spoke his feelings openly.

It was so unexpected that I laughed.

Without overthinking, I decided to buy the outfits.

After purchasing, Pell even gave me the shoes as a gift.

He also asked me to visit the shop often.

Next, we went to the cake shop.

The party was in three days.

We needed to check if they could prepare enough cakes.

If not, we would have to make them ourselves.

The shop was in a quiet corner of the city.

It was small.

We had to get off the carriage and stand in line.

As soon as I stepped out, people began whispering.

I always attracted attention.

I didn’t like it, but I was used to it.

After dancing with Majin, this became normal.

But Raiden looked uncomfortable.

“If I want to walk beside you, I need to get used to people staring.”

“You will have to.”

“How should I act?”

“Just ignore them. Like you enjoy the attention.”

“But I’m not popular.”

With that face? Not popular?

I quietly laughed and whispered in his ear.

I told him he would receive plenty of attention because he was handsome.

He glanced at me.

“I’m looking forward to the whipped cream cake. I wonder how good it will be.”

He changed the topic and stepped slightly away.

His face was red as he touched his ear.

It looked like he was embarrassed.

That reaction… is a bit strange.