Rumors and Engagement

Selene's steps faltered when she caught sight of Kaden in his uniform. He is standing beside the horse-drawn coach. From a distance, there seems to be nothing wrong with him. Kaden's ash grey-hair is neatly slick back, and his sharp and cold features become more prominent because of his dark clothes. He looks gorgeous while wearing a navy blue coatee and trousers partnered with black boots. The coatee he put on has a golden embroidery design and stitched pattern of a crest. The Rozeman crest is a magnificent golden shield with symmetrical talon-like corners and two swords clashing in front, its hilts decorated with gold gems.

Kaden turns towards her direction, and Selene immediately notices the cut on his lip. His ice-blue eyes also look troubled as he looks at her. It almost took all her willpower not to run to him. Instead of stopping the fight between Zeno and Vladimir, did he fight them instead? Maybe, that's why Kaden didn't pick her up from her room, as he suggested. Instead, he waited in front of the mansion.

Selene slightly lifts her skirt so she can walk with ease and strides toward Kaden with bated breath. She stops when she's only a foot shorter away from him, but he immediately steps back, putting a significant distance between them.

"Is everything alright?" Selene asks with worry. Kaden has always been brooding and somber, but this time there's something different about him. What the hell happened when she left? Her face scrunches up in disappointment when Kaden avoided her gaze and instead made a slight bow instead of answering her.

"It's time to leave, My Lady," he opens the door of the carriage before he held out his hand to give her assistance. Selene looks around her surroundings, and she finds other knights surreptitiously looking in their direction, while some of the maids suddenly stop in their tracks while giggling as they spotted Kaden. Many eyes were watching them. And she can't help but think that there must be something going on with him and the other knights. However, she figured this isn't the time to have this conversation with Kaden.

Selene nodded and quietly placed her hand on top of his. Once she settled inside the carriage, she saw Carol running towards them at full speed. Carol went back after forgetting some of the papers that they needed to bring. After she gives a short and awkward bow to Kaden, Carol jumps inside the carriage while chasing her breath. In a short while, they left the Rozeman residence and travels to the town of Erstonia. It is the heart of business and trade that's governed by the Marquis family.

According to one of her tutors, the land of Marquis Rozeman is vast and bountiful. The first Emperor gave the family a title and a piece of land to reward their endless loyalty and contribution to the Empire. And for every generation, the head was able to expand their territory successfully. They also engage in various business ventures earning them fame and power and richest that surpassed other high-ranking nobles. The former head of the family is also quite popular because of his excellent reputation. He is said to be a great leader, husband, and father to his son. However, what draws people in the town of Erstonia is the Marquis' charitable act, unlike the nobles' usual nature.

The town of Erstonia is built at the border of a dense and tall, immense forest. From the Erstonia, a backdrop of green and fertile fields is seen from afar that added splendor to the scenery. When Selene looks out from the carriage window, it is apparent that Erstonia is a beautiful and old-fashioned town built from cobbled-stone streets and buildings made of wood or stone exterior. The residences' exterior design is almost the same as the architectural style of Victorian homes from turrets, wrap-around porches decorated with elaborate wood or metal art, and steep rooflines.

After passing a few houses, they arrive in the business district. Various stores and small stalls lined up in the street featuring different kinds of products, and many people were loitering around and checking on it. From what she can see, it's a thriving town. And the people living there seem to be of diverse backgrounds. She can also see some men and women wearing a familiar tight band on their neck but is evidently in good condition, unlike what she had previously seen.

"Are they slaves?" Selene asks with a murmur without taking off her eyes from the young man who's carrying a large rucksack on his shoulder. Carol took a quick peek before settling back on her seat.

"Yes, My Lady," she replied in a low clipped tone. Carol ducks her head as if avoiding making eye contact. Selene can already tell that she's uncomfortable talking about it, but she thought it would be the best chance to gather some information.

"Are they all from the ruined kingdom of Arcova?"

Carol looked up at her before shaking her head. Her expression changes, but she can see that she is trying her best to keep her emotion in check.

"No, My Lady. Some are just brought here by the slave traders. If you're talking about the war slaves from Arcova, they are those dark-haired slaves with golden skin tone. Although some are mixed races, it's their most common features."

If Selene can only shut her mouth, then it would be a relief, but her curiosity gets the best of her. Selene needs to know what she thinks. "Do you not like them?" she asks matter-of-factly.

Carol looks at her, looking utterly shocked and flustered. She lets out a shaky laugh before answering. "Everyone says that they're the devil's kin. I've always been taught that they are dangerous, and it's best not to associate with them. Even the Church rejects them."

Selene looks at her gravely before further probing her. "I don't care about what they taught you. I just want to know what you think or how you feel about them."

Carol blanks out in front of her while her body went rigid like a boulder. A few minutes pass by when she finally managed to regain her composure, and she heaves a huge heavy sigh before yet looking at her with more conviction than she previously had. Selene likes the determined look in her eyes. Just as she suspected, she really likes Carol a whole lot.

"No, I don't hate them. There's no reason to hate someone just because they are different. I mean—I know that they can change into powerful beasts but…but it doesn't mean that they are evil."

Selene smiles at her widely, and Carol's mouth slackens in surprise. "Don't worry. I feel the same way. A lineage or pedigree should not measure someone's value and significance. And besides, no one is inherently evil. We are all unique in our own way, and people should learn to strive even harder to understand each other despite those differences."

"My Lady, you really say some amazing things. Maybe, that's why I couldn't help but always admire you."

"What are you saying? I was the one who got utterly smitten because of your honest feelings. By knowing what you truly feel, I guess I can push through with my plan, hoping that others will also understand."

"What plan are you talking about, My Lady?" Carol curiously asks as she cocks her head.

Selene chuckles secretively. "You will know about it soon enough. For now, I think we finally arrived. Let's get this over and done with."

The carriage made a complete stop in front of the tailor shop. It's a three-story building with dark red paint and has signage that says Red Spider Lily. Kaden appears in front of the carriage door and opened it for her. She places her gloved hand on top of Kaden's hand and gets off the carriage. Once Selene steps foot outside, she is instantly bombarded by a crowd of curious onlookers trying to get a glimpse of the transport. If Selene is also right about her observation, they're mainly looking at her. Selene looks at Carol questioningly, and she whispers at her discreetly.

"My Lady, they are probably trying to get a good look at you. It's the first time since the Marquis' death that someone from Rozeman family made a public appearance."

Selene's face burned with embarrassment as she looks down and tries to hide her face. Fortunately, the other knights who escorted her managed to control the crowd. On her other side, Kaden slightly bends down his head and whispers something to her ear. His warm breath fans and tickles her ear, and the tingling sensation crawls down her spine that made Selene straightened her back. Selene's face becomes even hotter because of the strange and unsettling feeling, but it must also probably because he finally called her name again.

"Selene, I will be waiting for you outside. Take as much time as you need."

Feeling weird out by her reaction, Selene faintly nodded and took quick steps towards the store, trying to get away as soon as possible when the large double doors opened, and an extravagant looking blond woman welcomes her. She's magnificently well-dressed from head to toe, and the glitters of her jewels make her eyes hurt.

"My Lady, I've been expecting you. Welcome to Red Spider Lily, the most popular tailor shop in Erstonia. I'm Wilhelmina Grayson, the shop owner," she announces vivaciously. After her well-practiced speech, Wilhelmina took a deep curtsy that makes her even more uncomfortable. They should at least continue it inside, not where many people are watching.

"I'm grateful for your warm welcome, Lady Grayson. Why don't we head inside?" Selene replied as calm as she can even though, inside her mind, she's already screaming because of how astronomically embarrassing it is.

Lady Grayson looks at her with her eyes twinkling, and Selene doesn't understand how she sees her that made her look like that. "Of course, My Lady!"

Selene immediately followed Lady Grayson while Carol walks closed beside her. Like the Red Spider Lily owner, the tailor shop is too extravagant for her taste. It looks like a mansion that rivals even the luxurious design of Rozeman residence, not a tailor shop. The place has high-vaulted ceilings with sparkling crystal chandeliers. There are also expensive looking vases with elaborate decorations in varying sizes and huge-ass paintings that liven up the wall. Lady Grayson left them for a while to get her catalog design while escorted by one of the female staff inside a private room. Once they were inside, Selene felt hesitant sitting in what seems to be a luxurious burgundy velvet sofa, afraid that she might accidentally ruin it or something.

"My Lady, are you alright?" Carol asks as she looks at her. Selene shakes her head, and instead, quietly seated on the couch. She looks at Carol, who is still standing, and urges her to sit down.

"You can sit beside me," Carol shyly nodded and gingerly took a seat beside her. Her eyes are roaming inside every part of the room, wholly fascinated but looking uncomfortable.

"Isn't this too luxurious to be a tailor shop? I thought for sure that this is a room inside a royal palace." Selene chatted to ease Carol's nervousness.

Carol laughs as she looks at her. "You're right, My Lady. No wonder this is the most preferred shop of the other young noblewomen. It will definitely feel like you're a Princess.

They are suddenly interrupted when other staff went inside the room, pushing a cart full of refreshments. They were served with a variety of teas, sandwiches, slices of fruits and meats. Selene notices it since she arrives in the Empire; she rarely sees sweets being served, especially cakes. Maybe, she can also use her knowledge in baking to earn some money. Carol started wolfing down the food, but she decided to settle with tea. Thankfully, Lady Grayson finally comes back, holding a bunch of catalogs. From then on, a whirlwind of monotonous browsing of various dresses, styling based on the capital's fashion trend, body measurement, and dress fitting happened. Since Carol is also coming along with her to the city as her personal maid, she also asks Lady Grayson to make a few dresses for her to blend in with the other citizens from the capital.

Selene is trying her best to shorten their stay in the Red Spider Lily, but Lady Grayson's persistence and love for fashion keep her defeated. She's been really particular with many details and what suits her best that it took them hours to finish. Selene also tried her best to actively participate in her conversation about trends and styles and what kind of style she prefers. Thus, Selene ends up having a long but productive discussion with her about some ideas regarding fashion trends that she picked up back on Earth. Well, Selene is not an expert in the field, but she's been in this kind of situation when Patrick hired a personal stylist for her whenever she had to attend some public event. And since she always has a good memory, she can easily remember what her stylist has taught her before.

After long rigorous hours of discussion, Selene is finally ready to say goodbye to Lady Grayson, but she suddenly tightly held both her hands with a triumphant look on her face. Selene can almost see a trunk full of gold coins occupying her mind.

"My Lady, I think we could become good business partners. Even at such a young age, you're already brimming with talent and cleverness that surpasses even an adult. Can I visit you in your residence and discuss some more? I still want to hear your other fresh ideas."

Selene nodded with a smile that her jaw is aching. She's been smiling for long hours already. "Yes, just send me a letter of when you will be coming so I can adjust my schedule, and as you know, already, I will be going to the capital by next month, so the earlier, the better."

Lady Grayson claps heartily, and she looks at her teasingly. "Oh yes, I heard you would be attending the Third Prince's birthday celebration. I will make sure that you will become the most gorgeous and stylish lady at the party. You can put your faith in me."

"Then I will be looking forward to your creation, Lady Grayson," Selene replied in an encouraging voice.

Lady Grayson sighs almost dreamily, and a sudden star-struck look occupied her face. "You surpassed my expectations, My Lady. The rumors were not enough to justify your beauty, brilliance, and benevolence. No wonder Marchioness Rozeman is insistent on adopting you and hesitant to introduce you to the other families. They won't be able to resist you, and of course, it's too bad that you're already promised to someone else."

Selene freezes in her spot, and her eyes grew wide as saucers as she looks at Lady Grayson. The smile that she's been trying to maintain instantly fell off. So, there was that kind of rumor about her. Where the hell did they get that information? Lady Grayson slaps her mouth when she understands the reaction displayed on her face.

"Oh my! This mouth of mine! I apologize for my rudeness, My Lady."

Selene clears her throat and shakes her head while trying to act nonchalant about what she heard. She hopes that it didn't show to her face that she's already freaking out. Her heart thumps loudly against her ribcage as she looks at Lady Grayson.

"It's alright, Lady Grayson. You weren't rude. I'm curious, can you tell more about those rumors? You see, I wasn't allowed to go out of the mansion until today. I appreciate it if you can enlighten me."

"Oh, it's nothing much, My Lady. Everyone was just surprised to learn the Marchioness Rozeman has adopted a daughter. Since then, she's been actively going out of her residence and meeting up with the other nobles. They can see that she's recovering well, and they were very grateful to you, and…" Lady Grayson trails off, suddenly hesitant in telling her what she knows. She peeks at her through her long eyelashes, and Selene looks back gravely.

"And? It's alright, you can tell it to me." Selene further probes.

"You see, a month after you came to the residence. The Marchioness was seen by some nobles having a meeting with someone in the capital. One of the servants overheard the conversation, and they are talking about a possible marriage. The rumors were further believed to be true when the Marchioness refuse the invitations sent to you by other high-ranking families that were eyeing you to be their daughter-in-law."

"And to whom am I supposed to be engaged to? Did you also know who it is?" Selene asks in barely gritted teeth. She tightly clenched her fist as she waits for Lady Grayson's answer. She's getting a bad feeling about this.

"To the Empire's Third Prince, Imperial Highness Nicolai Ernest Goldstein," Lady Grayson announces.

When Selene heard his name, it feels like a huge boulder fell on top of her head, crushing her. She's been naïve. Selene cursed inside her head. That conniving bastard!