Episode 29
He was a natural when it came to annoying people with pointless nonsense, but she hadn’t realized he could speak the truth so fluently as well.
While Calliope was momentarily confused, Lerazier drove the nail in.
“We’re on the same side, aren’t we? Or were those just empty words?”
“That’s not what I meant!”
Since she had truly meant what she said back then, Calliope quickly responded, feeling a bit wronged.
Lerazier’s eyes curved into a half-smile.
“Really?”
“Really.”
Upon hearing her answer, Lerazier suddenly stood up. Calliope widened her eyes and looked up at him.
In just two steps, he reached her and grabbed the armrest of the chair she was sitting in.
“What are you doing—?”
She couldn’t even finish her sentence because of the low, lazy voice that brushed past her ear like a breeze.
“Then you should treasure your partner, Calliope Verdi.”
For some reason, the hair on the back of her neck stood up, and Calliope instinctively held her breath.
“Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?”
Trying to sound nonchalant, she pushed him away, and Lerazier obediently straightened his posture.
“Just making a small request.”
Then, after glancing briefly at her neck, he casually added,
“It’s turned red.”
“W-what?”
Startled, Calliope hurriedly touched her cheeks and ears, and Lerazier burst out laughing.
“Pretending you didn’t care, but I guess you were self-conscious after all?”
Only then did Calliope realize she’d fallen for his teasing again and raised an eyebrow.
“You little…”
“Anyway, what’s the next plan? Didn’t you say we have a lot to do today?”
Lerazier nonchalantly changed the subject. Calliope was boiling inside, but since there were more important matters at hand, she decided to let it go.
“Hmph… Count yourself lucky.”
“I know I am. My luck is disgustingly good.”
“Enough with the nonsense. Just follow me, we have somewhere to be.”
Calliope got up from her seat and brushed past him.
Lerazier smirked and muttered something no one else could hear.
“Seriously, my luck’s disgusting. I mean, I’ve managed to survive this long, haven’t I?”
* * *
This time of year, the most famous boutiques in the capital were always packed. If you didn’t make a reservation early, it was often impossible to place an order.
But for Calliope Verdi, reservations didn’t matter at all.
The moment she appeared at an official event in a boutique’s dress, that boutique would be recognized as the best in the capital.
They’d immediately hit record sales for the quarter.
On top of that, Calliope enjoyed discovering new designers each year. Several had shot to stardom overnight thanks to her.
Naturally, every designer eagerly awaited her favor during the major noble events.
Calliope and Lerazier strolled leisurely down a street lined with high-end boutiques.
With their overwhelming visuals, they drew attention wherever they went, but today they attracted even more stares than usual.
Calliope, clinging to Lerazier’s arm, chattered away.
“Your Highness, look at that dress. Isn’t it so pretty?”
“It would suit you perfectly, my lady. Though of course, it’s nothing compared to your beauty.”
“Oh my…!”
Calliope blushed and lightly tapped Lerazier’s chest.
People looked at the couple with a mixture of disbelief and discomfort, but the two of them didn’t care at all.
Instead, they shamelessly continued their performance as a loving couple.
Once they reached a quieter part of the district, Calliope stopped in front of a particular boutique.
“Welcome, customer!”
The staff, gathered in the relatively calm boutique, froze in shock the moment they saw her.
“Lady Calliope!”
And when Lerazier followed behind her, their shock turned into sheer panic.
“T-The 7th Prince?!”
“G-good heavens, what in the world is going on…?”
They stood there stunned, unable to believe their eyes—until the madam, regaining her senses, urged them to move.
“Right this way, please!”
But their surprise had only just begun.
Calliope and Lerazier were guided into a cozy room inside and sat side by side on a plush sofa.
“Would you like to choose first?”
“Me, first?”
Calliope’s eyes widened in surprise.
Lerazier smiled gently as he stroked her thick red hair.
“I’d like the privilege of being the first to see you looking so beautiful. May I?”
Then he tucked her falling hair behind her ear.
His touch was warm and delicate, and his gaze dripped with honey, as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
Even Calliope, who knew it was all an act, almost fell for it.
Turning to the madam, Lerazier gave an instruction.
“My partner is selecting a dress for the New Year’s Ball. Please show us what you’ve prepared.”
“O-of course! I’ll show you only our finest selections.”
The staff quickly brought out two dresses, each with a completely different design.
Calliope looked back and forth between them. Lerazier also examined them closely.
The madam, nervous, asked carefully,
“Which dress do you prefer?”
“The one on the left.”
“Ooh…”
But before Lerazier could finish, he went silent. Calliope had poked him in the side.
“Watch it.”
She mouthed the warning and gave him a sharp look. In response, Lerazier gave her a brilliant smile.
“Why’s he acting all suspicious now?”
Calliope grew wary of his strange behavior, and before she could say anything, Lerazier opened his mouth.
“As expected of the queen of high society, Lady Calliope. A classic design is timeless and beloved by all. (Your taste is awfully outdated, huh?)”
Of course, Calliope immediately caught the hidden meaning in his words.
“Why that little—”
Her sharp, elegant eyes narrowed.
“Of course. And the New Year’s Ball is an event with deep history and tradition going back to the founding of the Empire, right? Some people might call it outdated fashion, but I believe such events should honor classic beauty. (You’re royalty and don’t even understand the traditions your own family started? Chasing trends is even tackier.)”
Lerazier, for all his teasing, was exceptionally quick-witted. He smiled again.
“You’re absolutely right. Old-fashioned designs do have their own charm. Ordinary folks wouldn’t dare attempt such styles—except for someone like you. (It’s impressive that you’re brave enough to wear such a tacky dress.)”
“You’re kidding me.”
Calliope turned her head slightly so only Lerazier could see the glare in her eyes. But her tone was sweet and bright.
“Oh my, as expected! The 7th Prince truly has an eye for style. After all, anything looks good on me, doesn’t it?”
Confident, and with good reason, Calliope gestured to the madam.
“I’ll take this dress.”
“Yes, of course, Lady!”
The madam’s face lit up with joy. Just the fact that she sold a dress to Calliope was enough.
Their boutique’s revenue for the year was practically guaranteed—and at record-breaking levels, no less.
“Now then, shall we choose the Prince’s outfit? (Let’s see how you like it when the tables turn.)”
Calliope winked at Lerazier.
It was a silent message to brace himself. But Lerazier merely scoffed.
Soon, two formal suits were brought out and displayed in front of them.
