025 ※ White Rose Boutique [V]

"MISS NEVAN," ASHER CALLED AND GWEN TURNED HER EYES TO HIM. Catching both of us by surprise. Is he going to hit on her? I confess that would surprise me because he was never one to wield such an attitude. "You have said before that people say that the Princess is somewhat good with the sword," ah, I know where this is going. "But that's quite an understatement," RIGHT?

"Oh? I'm sorry. It's just what I have heard. I didn't want to offend you or anything like that," she turned to me. "I'm sorry, Princess." But I didn't say anything back, waiting to hear what Asher was going to say next.

"Please, don't misunderstand, Miss. I'm not trying to scold you or anything like that," oh, how adorable. He seems frustrated with the misunderstanding. "I just wanted to let you know that Her Royal Highness is one of the best fighters I have ever met. And she wields the sword like you wield your thread magic to create those beautiful clothes," yes, you're good. Keep complimenting her work like that and in less than three months you will be engaged.

She seemed surprised and turned to me. "Is that true?"

I nod, with a proud smile. "When I told you that Sir Asher was my disciple-brother, I meant to say that we both have the same Master. You must have heard of him, Sir Thorin Meelany, the Captain of the Nicholai Grand Duchy Knights and the Second in Command of the Imperial Army, directly under my dad."

"He's very famous. I've seen him twice here in Theolia." Well, that makes sense, because he's the 2nd Commander of the Imperial Army so sometimes he has to come and speak with Emperor Hendrixander. "And handsome."

At that even Kate nodded. "As the Princess said, we are both his pupils. He taught us everything we know about fighting since we were little kids. And although I'm his 2nd in command in the Grand Duchy Knights brigade, Her Highness was always better than me."

"He's being humble!" I told her, even though he was only spitting facts. "You should see him in action one day. He's a beast."

"If I'm a beast, then you are a monster," his answer came quickly and I responded with a smirk.

"But I am," he rolled his eyes at my confidence and his soon-to-be-wife giggle, enjoying the situation.

"You indeed look like siblings," she exclaimed.

"We may not be blood-related, but we are siblings," I said and he nodded. After a moment, I turned to Kate, took a good look at her from head to toes, and turned back to Gwen. "So, you finished with me and took a note of everything, I want you to prepare. Then now I want you to take Kate's measurements." While the young stylist got all excited because more work meant more money, Kate stared at me confused.

She's probably going to try refusing it. "I don't need that!" Yeah, just like I thought. "There's no need for that, Princess."

"Katherine Quinlan," I said and got closer to her. "You aren't my nanny or maid anymore. Did you forget that you got promoted to my personal assistant? Now you will have to dress better because you will be on my side."

Okay, I confess, I'm kind of using this as an excuse to buy her some things. As you can see, she would have totally refused it if I hadn't had such a reason for doing it. Moreover, if I told her my real motivation, having the mindset she has, she would pretty much believe I was being pitiful and would refuse it once more. Lying is necessary.

Gwen nodded. "The Princess is right, Miss Quinlan. As a Royal personal assistant, you have to dress up adequately, more like a noble would." She's always been good with words.

My nanny didn't seem to like the idea but sighing, she agreed to do it. Asher got back to his position with his back turned to us, while Kate undress and stayed in her undergarments, showing me and Gwen her beautiful body. "Damn, Miss Quinlan," Gwen exclaimed with a grin on. "With this impeccable body of yours, you can 100% pass as a member of the nobility."

"I agree!"

Kate got somewhat uncomfortable with that topic, so I changed it right away. And after we finished everything, I decided to invite Gwen to have some tea with me, some hours before the Knighthood Oath Ceremony. Then I gave her a token that can allow her entrance to my family's residence in the Imperial Capital.

"Count me on, Princess. I've always dreamed of drinking some tea with the Royalty. Although I used to believe it would never happen," she ponded more to herself, making both me and Asher laugh, while Kate only smiled. "Anyway," her eyes went to Ash's and I felt sick again.

Ugh. Disgusting.

But I should give them a little space to talk.

"Gwen, you can speak with him, while I eat some more cupcakes with Kate. Thank Goddess you made more than thirty of them. I feel like eating ten pounds of it," leaving the two of them on the entrance's couch, I got back to where the cupcakes were and Kate followed me.

When I was beginning to eat the third one, I felt her stare on my face, then I looked up and took another bite of the little cake. "What's with you playing matchmaker?" Ah... was it so obvious?

"I don't know," I said before eating the other half of the cupcake in one go. "Today after I woke up, I just felt like I should try helping all the couples that could possibly get together. Especially none of you dare to take the first step."

But she kept staring at me, so I had to turn my attention to her once more. "Why don't you try acting as a cupid for yourself?" Ugh, no. I don't want to start this talk now.

"No one caught my attention!" I lied and tried my all to look unbothered and indifferent to this disgusting topic.

She laughed sarcastically and directed me a smirk that I had never seen on her.

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