Chapter 21
Rubiana’s crimson eyes shone like the sun as she stepped into Cornice’s boutique.
“Wow…! It’s beautiful! Gorgeous! Amazing! Truly a high-fantasy world!”
All sorts of exclamations swirled through her mind.
Looking here, the dazzling dresses delighted her eyes; looking there, the sparkling jewelry caught her gaze.
The Cornice boutique, said to be the most popular in the capital, occupied an entire three-story building. The first floor sold accessories, the second floor carried women’s clothing, and the third floor was for men’s fashion.
Rubiana and Countess Virginia Paisson had come for one final fitting before the dress Rubiana would wear to the weekend party at Duke Burnett’s mansion was completed.
Rubiana’s yellow dress featured an off-shoulder design with a voluminous bell-shaped skirt.
“Oh my, my daughter! It really suits you perfectly!”
“Yes. I think so too, Mother.”
Seeing Rubiana in her new dress, not only did Countess Virginia fall for her, but Rubiana herself couldn’t help but be captivated.
She twirled in front of the full-length mirror—right, then left—admiring her elegant figure with rapturous eyes.
“Ah… true heroine beauty! Rubiana is so lucky to be pretty! Wait… isn’t this me? I’m the heroine? Hohoho.”
She even felt a twinge of disappointment that she couldn’t take this beautiful dress home yet, as it wasn’t fully finished.
While Virginia ordered a few more dresses, Rubiana headed to the first floor to browse the jewelry.
“In my past life, all the pretty things always went to my sister… I could only take what she left behind…”
But now, that was no longer the case.
She could simply choose the prettiest, most desirable piece, and it would be hers.
“Life as the possessed heroine is the best!”
She was so engrossed in shopping, her smile naturally spreading across her face.
“Oh my! Rubiana, isn’t it?”
“Wow! Rubiana, long time no see!”
“How have you been?”
Three young ladies entering the boutique spotted her and approached.
Rubiana carefully observed their faces.
A blonde, a brunette, and a redhead—all had different hair colors, but all styled their hair with straight bangs and high buns adorned with large ribbons.
“Faces I don’t recognize. I don’t remember them.”
When she first possessed Rubiana’s body, she couldn’t even grasp her own name or the body’s memories.
But a month after possession, her memories were gradually returning.
Not all memories were restored, but she had recalled the important people and events.
“Judging by my lack of memory about these young ladies, we probably weren’t that close.”
Even in the original story, Rubiana’s main activities revolved around the Royal Knights, so she had little information on aristocratic peers.
She smiled faintly and greeted the unfamiliar young ladies.
“Hello, everyone. It’s been a while.”
Her expression and tone were awkward.
It couldn’t be helped—pretending to know strangers wasn’t her forte.
“Rubiana, how have you been? I heard you were unwell.”
“I’m not fully recovered yet, but I’m much better. Thank you for worrying about me.”
Rubiana felt a slight relief at the normal exchange of greetings. She had been worried that unknown people might act hostile toward her.
“Oh! I read in the newspaper. Stephanie’s exploits are incredible.”
“Right! I read that too. The Royal Knights’ Spirit Division led by Stephanie pulled off quite a feat yesterday, didn’t they?”
“I envy you, Rubiana, having such an amazing sister!”
Rubiana’s shoulders involuntarily lifted with pride at the praise for her sister.
“Yes. My sister is quite extraordinary. She’s so kind at home, her combat skills are excellent, her personality is great, and she’s beautiful. Truly got it all.”
Hohoho. Rubiana was happily bragging when she suddenly froze.
She immediately realized that the smiles on the young ladies’ faces weren’t friendly.
“Ah… did I sound like such a boastful sibling?”
She felt slightly embarrassed, having revealed pure, unfiltered admiration in front of people she barely knew.
Just as she turned her gaze awkwardly, a store clerk approached.
“Miss Paisson, Countess Virginia is looking for you.”
“Really? Understood. I’ll go right away.”
Thank goodness. She was saved.
“Thank you, Mother!”
Rubiana gave the young ladies a brief smile.
Her expression and tone were still awkward.
“Well, I’ll be going. Enjoy your time, everyone.”
“Sure, take care.”
“Goodbye, Rubiana.”
“Stay healthy.”
As Rubiana gracefully ascended the stairs, she heard the young ladies whisper behind her—clearly.
“Isn’t it shameful to come from a long-established Spirit Division family and not be a Spirit Master yet?”
“Indeed. Even after seeing her sister’s exploits long ago, she doesn’t seem to feel anything.”
“Her brain is too innocent… or maybe she’s living in a rainbow-colored flower field?”
“You’re probably right.”
Hohoho. They laughed gleefully.
Rubiana felt her legs weaken, almost collapsing.
“There’s a reason I don’t remember them. They must be people I don’t want to remember, so my mind blurred them out.”
She held onto the railing tightly and continued walking.
Clenching her teeth, she focused.
“I’m the heroine… I should be able to laugh off such minor trials.”
Though she tried to comfort herself, it wasn’t easy.
Her heart raced violently, and her fingers trembled.
“It’s okay, Rubiana! It’s too early to be discouraged. This is only the beginning. You will soon be healthy.”
She took a slow, deep breath.
Exhaling the gloomy air and inhaling light, refreshing air, she strengthened her steps with determination.
“I’ll become a Spirit Master and the heroine. I don’t need to be hurt by words from mere extras.”
Finally reaching the top of the stairs, she smiled brightly, lifting the corners of her mouth.
“Mother, did you call for me?”
“Rubiana, come over and look at these. Each design is so beautiful it’s hard to choose. Can you help me decide?”
“Of course.”
Rubiana approached Virginia with light, quick steps.
The capital of the Hasmic Empire, Batra, resembled a horizontally elongated oval.
In the north-central area of the oval stood the imperial palace, while the south-central area held the Grand Chancellor’s hall. The distance from the palace to the Chancellor’s hall was considerable—about an hour by carriage.
Though the palace had a small chapel for prayer, Empress Miranda visited the Grand Chancellor’s hall at least once a week for her devotions.
The Chancellor greeted Miranda, who had come after a week.
“It is an honor to see Your Majesty on this beautiful day gifted by the Goddess Ipolito.”
“Hello, Chancellor.”
Following the Chancellor’s guidance, Miranda entered the prayer room and immediately knelt, clasping her hands.
It was amazing.
Just stepping into the prayer room seemed to calm both her body and mind.
A few noblewomen quietly came to pray that morning, each sitting apart in reverent solitude.
Once the Chancellor left, Miranda closed her eyes tightly and prayed to the Goddess Ipolito.
“God! Please watch over our Crown Prince! This delicate child needs Your protection, O Lord!”
Tears streamed down as she prayed.
“Please look kindly upon the pure soul of the Crown Prince. Grant grace so that Your faithful servant may endure the contempt of evil forces and ultimately prevail.”
Her prayers for the Crown Prince were filled with both affection and anxiety, continuing for a long while.
After finishing, Miranda sought out Saint Florencia.
As soon as she sat, she spoke as if to complain.
“Saint, I can’t bear this anxiety.”
“Your Majesty, what troubles you so?”
Florencia gently held Miranda’s hand.
Despite the warm touch, Miranda’s brow knit tightly.
“How long must we wait? You know the enormous effort put into this, don’t you, Saint?”
“Of course, Your Majesty, I am fully aware.”
Florencia sighed and met Miranda’s gaze with a soft, reassuring look.
