Chapter 37
“Isn’t that too few times? You should at least accompany me to twenty events. Do you know how many parties and gatherings the Empire holds? I’m planning to attend at least a hundred this year.”
Lowering her voice, Helen reached out and let her fingers lightly brush Ian’s. The moment her hand touched his, Ian’s face stiffened. He coldly pulled his hand away and stood up.
“I understand. This deal is off. If you have nothing else to say…”
“My, how heartless. Alright, I’ll make a concession. How about a neat ten times?”
“I’ll be leaving first.”
“Alright, seven then! I can’t go any lower.”
In the end, it was Helen who yielded. Ian’s demeanor had convinced her he truly intended to leave, and she had spoken out in haste.
“……”
“Goodness, at least relax your face. Seven events—those will be over in a month or two. What, can’t your fiancée even tolerate that much? Empire noblewomen are ridiculous like that. Living with outdated thinking, trying to appease their men in every way, and then being all uptight about things like this. Really such an unappealing type.”
“Let’s draw up the contract here tomorrow at the same time. I’ll be leaving now.”
“You’re going already? Since you’re here, at least stay and talk a bit more. The tea hasn’t even cooled yet… You’re being far too cold to your future partner.”
“I have matters to attend to. Please enjoy your time.”
The moment the conditions were agreed upon, Ian got up. Feeling slighted, Helen pouted but didn’t try to stop him.
“I’m not the kind of woman who chases after a man anyway. Fine, go on.”
Ian gave a slight nod and exited the room. The moment the door closed, Helen scoffed and muttered,
“What an unpleasant man. But not bad. Arrogant types like him are the most fun to watch when they’re brought to their knees.”
Despite the heat, the streets of Boves were bustling. Aisha was at the largest jewelry shop on the right side of Boves Street.
“How about this? A large diamond in the center, surrounded by smaller gemstones. It goes well with the jewels the Marquis sent.”
“Yes, that sounds beautiful.”
“Haha, I’m honored it suits your taste, my lady.”
In a private room furnished with plush couches, Aisha was alone with the shop owner, designing the ring she’d wear at the engagement ceremony. Typically, it was tradition for the groom-to-be to handle both the selection of the stones and the ring design, but this wasn’t a wedding ring. She wanted to make the engagement ring together with Ian.
Browsing various designs, Aisha wore a smile she hadn’t shown in a while. But even that had its limits. Ian still hadn’t arrived, even though their appointment had passed over an hour ago. Her expression darkened.
“…Would it be alright if I browsed the shop? It seems my companion is running late.”
Having chosen several designs she liked, Aisha checked the time and asked the owner. The owner, ready to assist at once, replied,
“I’m afraid the displays outside may not be as refined as the designs I’ve just shown you. But if none of these suit your taste, I can bring out more.”
“Oh, it’s not that. I’m also looking for gemstones to give as gifts to our engagement guests.”
The owner nodded in understanding. Even for the wealthy, commissioning custom gifts for guests was quite uncommon. In truth, even the items on display outside were beyond what ordinary wealthy customers could afford—making them a rare choice for party favors.
“Then I’ll call someone to assist you.”
“That’s alright. I’d prefer to look on my own.”
Respecting her wishes, the owner simply guided her to the showroom. As expected of the largest jeweler on Boves Street, the interior was quite spacious. Aisha made her way to the section with ornamental buttons, a common gift for guests. But before she reached it, she unexpectedly encountered someone.
That distinctive hair color she always admired. Flowing golden waves that looked like spun sunlight, and sharp green eyes glaring at her. Sophia. This was the first time Aisha had run into her since receiving her apology at the Parden estate.
“Long time no see.”
Her tone was curt and still hostile. Aisha quietly sighed.
“Yes, it’s been a while, Sophia.”
“You seem to be doing very well. Shopping leisurely in a place like this. I bet you’re thrilled about being engaged to my brother?”
Her words dripped with open resentment. The trembling girl from that day was nowhere to be seen—Sophia’s energy was back in full force.
“Just because you’re engaged doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily get married. Remember that well.”
A cruel thing to say to someone engaged to your brother. But Aisha showed no reaction. She had endured over ten years of such hatred. One apology wasn’t going to change who Sophia was.
Seeing Aisha not even flinch, Sophia’s eyebrows arched sharply. Unable to contain her irritation, her face contorted—then suddenly changed, as if something occurred to her.
“…I have something to ask you.”
Her voice came out small after a long silence. The sudden shift in tone left Aisha puzzled. Sophia spoke hesitantly, eyes avoiding Aisha’s, fidgeting fingers betraying her nervousness.
“Your brother… I mean, the gentlemen of House Parden… no, what I mean is—”
Why her brothers? Aisha was about to ask when Sophia suddenly flinched hard, as if she’d seen someone.
Aisha followed her gaze—and saw Ian walking through the shop doors.
“I have to go. I’m busy.”
The moment she saw Ian, Sophia bolted, first walking quickly, then breaking into a run. From that alone, Aisha could guess Ian had scolded her harshly before.
Spotting Aisha, Ian walked directly toward her. The jewelry store lighting and glittering surroundings made him look even more dazzling as he approached.
“I’m a bit late. By the way, I saw Sophia. Did she say anything to you?”
Aisha was staring blankly at him. She only snapped back to herself once Ian spoke. He glanced toward where Sophia had disappeared, then turned back to Aisha.
“No, nothing much. Just a greeting…”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Nothing special.”
“Then why were you outside? I sent over the gems in advance and asked them to prepare designs. Didn’t they show you?”
“I told them I wanted to choose with you. I thought it’d be more meaningful that way.”
“How pointless.”
His indifferent comment fell over her slightly blushing face. Aisha looked up, her fingers going cold. Ian, who had looked annoyed, caught her eyes, then scratched his head awkwardly.
“…Let’s just go inside. Where’s the owner?”
Ian led the way to find the shop owner. Aisha stood still for a moment before clenching her fist and following.
Inside the carriage, their expressions couldn’t be more different. Aisha’s eyes sparkled with excitement, while Ian remained indifferent, even slightly annoyed. Seeing his face, Aisha hesitantly spoke up.
“About the ring… I hope it’s finished soon. I’m already looking forward to it.”
“You’ll have it before the engagement ceremony.”
“Yeah… and I didn’t get to say it earlier, but I love these pearl earrings too. Why did you buy them all of a sudden?”
“…They just caught my eye. No real reason.”
Aisha clutched the velvet box in her hands. Ian watched her carefully holding it like it was some great treasure, then closed his eyes.
‘Now she’ll finally throw away those shabby old pearl earrings.’
Looking at Ian, who made no effort to hide his irritation, Aisha tightened her grip. She had thought the gift was given without reason, but with that attitude, she realized it would still take time before his actions stopped hurting her.
“Um… did you know? The Count of Garrot had their first child. Have you heard?”
Aisha hesitated, then brought up the topic again, trying to break the silence. Ian gave a vague nod, eyes still closed.
“I think I did… Why?”
“They’re hosting a celebration. I got an invitation, and I was wondering… would you go with me?”
Her voice trembled slightly. The memory of the charity ball still haunted her. Back then, Ian hadn’t even replied to her letter asking if he’d attend with her. Now, having spoken up, Aisha nervously lowered her head.
“…I don’t think I’ll be able to. I’m too busy.”
After a few seconds of silence, Ian finally declined. Noticing the tremor in her voice, he opened his eyes. But Aisha, still looking down, didn’t see. She only fidgeted with her fingers.
“You must be really busy. I understand.”
Disappointment clearly showed in her tone, and Ian’s eyebrows twitched. An uneasy guilt crept up from his toes. Feeling oddly petulant, he crossed his arms and stared at Aisha—then suddenly remembered a promise he had completely forgotten.
“…Since we’re talking about parties, there’s something I need to ask your understanding about.”
“Hmm?”
His voice held a hint of hesitation. Aisha looked up at him. Ian met her sky-blue eyes, then turned his head slightly to look past her, focusing on the pattern on the carriage seat.
“For the time being… I might attend some events or gatherings with another woman as my partner. Just for a little while. No more than two months.”
