33rd Dawn - A Reunion

"Five golden bills for the headband and three for the scrunchie? Are you sure about this, Miss Lillian?"

I only blink at Baron Pierre in puzzlement, unsure of what's wrong with my calculation.

We're currently negotiating and discussing the content of the contract. I have Lewis clarify things for me since I'm not that knowledgeable about this kind of transaction. But even then, Baron Pierre is surprised at the amount I offered to have him buy my creations for.

"All I need to do is to give out instructions on how to do them and show an assortment of designs. Also, the company will be the one to provide the materials. For these reasons, I believe my amount is reasonable enough," I explained, head slighlty tilted.

"You aren't just going to teach anything, though? This is an original work," the Baron claimed to which I only smiled in understanding.

"Of course, that's fine with me."

With that, he accepted eventually.

We then proceeded to the contract. At first, I though I'll just have to sign it with a pen, but then the butler suddenly pulls out a stamp with the business logo on it, which is an image of a fairy. He then uses an ink pad that glows upon contact with the stamp before kindly reaching for my palm. After pressing the stamp on it, the logo on my hand continues glowing. Looking back to Baron Pierre, I find him doing the same as what was done to me.

"Now, let's have our palms face each other and wait for the light to die down."

I did as the Baron instructed, and true enough, a bluish light appears as we raise our hands as if reciting a pledge. The logos eventually vanish into thin air. When I look at the contract spread on the table, I find the logos, along with our handprints, neatly imprinted on the lowest part.

"Hey, Lewis, what on earth was that?" I mumbled to my companion in flummox.

"The Baron used a special type of ink. It's often utilized in forming a contract, especially in politics and business. Now, if those deals aren't met, the punishment is getting your hands cut off the moment you violated them."

"What?!"

At this, both Baron Pierre and the butler jolt in surprise. I can't help it, though, since I just learned that what I did is probably similar to having my soul sold to the devil. Lewis also called it a special ink, which made me realize that this isn't just any ordinary bargain, after all.

After finishing our arrangement, Baron Pierre lets me tour around his salon while he hauls Lewis to a private conversation. Looking back, the Baron didn't really speak with him that much. His attention was solely focused on me for most of our talk.

Thinking not much of it, I just decided to stroll around and let Lewis take his time.

"Woah...! A wedding dress!"

After a few minutes of roaming, I find myself gaping in astonisment upon laying eyes on a well-embellished, snow white gown. I then recall that the salon has a couple as their only customers for the day. Still gawking at the dress, I just continue on my way and turn to a corner absentmindedly, not knowing that it leads to a fitting room.

Yet, it's much too late and I already witness what's the staff is bustling about for a while now.

My eyes went as wide as saucers as I find the bride-to-be.

"Felicity?"

A loud, heavy pounding suddenly takes over my chest. I find myself speechless and stiff. Seeing her in a stupendous silver white wedding dress with golden lacings and intricate threadwork has my mouth gaping in awe. Remembering who is the groom-to-be makes me slump, though. I'm not sure what I truly feel about all these anymore.

Eyeing closely, Felicity appears to be very delighted, which only accentuates her charm and loveliness. Before me now is a young maiden in love - one who's feeling like the luckiest in the world.

"Lillian?"

Taken aback, I swivel around only to find Sol staring at me with disbelief. I just mirror his flabbergasted expression for a moment as I try to register everything in my head. As the situation finally sinks in, I still couldn't find any words to say. It's as if I was knocked out of breath as soon as I met his eyes.

"Excuse me, young master. My lady is calling for you," a servant voiced out all of the sudden, much to our surprise.

Despite how flummoxed I am to learn he's actually that count's son, I still managed to sigh in relief, thinking that with this, I can slip away somehow. But then, Sol has to ruin my chance and tell him to wait for a while. At his order, the attendant saunters away.

"Lillian, what are-"

I didn't let him finish, though. Using the servant's exit as a distraction, I make a dash for it and leave him stupefied. In the end, I just can't really face him, especially when my encounter with Felicity at the gallery is still fresh in my mind.

"Sorry, I gotta go! Bye!" I lamely exclaimed when Sol called out for me.

This is probably a rude thing to do, though. I'm aware that he's been searching around for me during the past weeks. I don't blame him for anything either. If anyone's at fault here, I think it has to be me since I'm the scaredy cat. Felicity may have badmouthed me the other day, but that didn't really taunt me or anything. What I'm afraid of is the aftermath of this confrontation.

Just like when I was unprepared to see Felicity in a wedding gown, I'm still not ready to confess everything to Sol and have my heart broken all over again.