chapter 5

Entering the boutique, Nina was in awe at the interior. There were sparkling chandeliers and rows and rows of beautiful dresses in every shape and design imaginable. Tall mirrors marked the walls and the staff were neatly dressed in light blue uniforms.

Walking behind the young Miss, they were shortly approached by the owner.

"Duchess Kinstone! It's lovely to see you again. I presume you're here for a new dress?" The owner asked.

The owner of El Salon, Cecilia Lee was known to be a mysterious figure. She was a tall woman with waist-length purple hair and wore bold make-up. A playful character who was both seductive and intelligent, her background was unknown. All people knew was that she was very pampered and well-protected.

"Yes, Madam Lee. I need a new gown for my tea party this weekend. I'll be inviting the usual guests." Lillian chirped.

"Perfect! I have just the dress for you! I just finished the final touches on my new line. Stevie, can you please bring the goods?"

A young man in a blue suit nodded before rolling out an array of gowns in several colours.

"Take your pick, Duchess. I have designed every variety, frills, lace, and silk for the upcoming summer."

As she watched Lillian try on several gowns, her young Miss motioned to her.

"Nina, which one should I get? It's so hard to choose!"

"They're all wonderful on you. I don't think I can, Miss."

"That's okay. I guess I'll pick them all and put it on the Duke's tab." Lillian smirked and put her thumbs up.

Nina thought to herself, 'ayyy spend that money gurllll'.

"Nina, why don't you do some of your tasks? Didn't you say you needed to buy some extra cloth for the maids?" Lillian gave her a secret wink.

"Ah yes, Miss. Thank you for the reminder. I'll get to it and return as quickly as I can." Giving a small bow, she headed out to town.

Walking down the cobblestone path, she took in all of the vast scenery. There were the sounds of horses pulling carriages, the soft laughter of well-dressed youth and smell of baked goods. As she walked further, there were less high-ranking folk and more commoners, with children playing ball on the road. While it was less fancy than the aristocracy area, there was a sense of nostalgia that rang through her.

Entering the clothing shop for commoners, she bought several rolls before asking for the mens' section.

"I'm sorry dear, we don't specialise in menswear but if you walk across the street to your left, you'll see the store run by old man George. He's up just next to the blacksmith."

Quietly thanking the lady, Nina heeded her words before she realised she was lost. Very lost.

"Calm down, I'm just a little lost. Except I'm in a totally different world and I have no idea where I am. Oh my god, chill Nina." Taking a deep breath, she pushed her anxiety down before mustering the courage to ask a stranger.

Spotting a young knight, she walked up to him. He should know where the blacksmith is right? I mean, he's a knight, Nina thought. Tapping his shoulder gently, he turned to face her.

"Excuse me, Sir. Would you happen to know where the blacksmith is by any chance?"

Staring up, she realised she was looking directly at his chest. Her eyes slowly trailing up, she saw the most beautiful man she had ever seen. With bronze skin, ruffled golden blond hair, and deep blue eyes, she felt like she was staring into the ocean herself.

'Adonis…is that you,' she thought. There were a few bruises on his face and his silver armour had an image of a golden phoenix. Snapping out of her gaze which seemed like minutes, she gave him a small smile.

Slightly coughing, the knight scratched his neck.

"The blacksmith is to your right, young lady." He said, pointing behind her.

Turning around, Nina quickly spotted the blacksmith and the men's boutique next to it. It turned out that the whole time, she had walked past it.

"I can't believe it was right there! Thank you, sir! May I have your name to properly thank you?"

"My name is Victor." He said in a deep, husky voice.

"Thank you, Sir Victor. For bruises, I find the best remedy is to rub arnica herbs to quickly heal it!"

Before she could leave, the knight spoke.

"Your name?"

"Um, my name is Nina. I'm a maid for Duchess Kinstone." She sheepishly answered.

"I will try that, Miss Nina."

"Please do! It has saved me countless times. Well, Sir Victor, I hope you have a fantastic day!"

Giving a deep bow and waving goodbye, she walked towards the mens store. Grabbing two sets of small (extra small) mens clothes, she stopped to check all her goods outside the entrance.

"Extra cloth, two sets of clothing, I'm all set!"

As she turned to walk back to her young Miss, she was met with a large force that knocked her down.

"Sorry! Ouch. What the hell?" She mumbled.

Picking up her things off the ground, a pair of large hands helped her.

"Oh. Thank you so much!" As she turned to look up, she was met with a familiar face.

"Sir Victor! You don't have to help me, but thank you. I apologize for bumping into you."

As she put her things in the bag, she noticed something off about the young knight.

"Sir Victor, did something happen? Your hair looks very different...but you have less bruises than before!" Unlike before, his hair was neatly combed back.

Before the knight could answer, Nina quickly interjected.

"I told you the arnica herbs can definitely help right? Although I've never seen bruises heal so quickly! You must have a superpower. I have to go now, but thank you, Sir Victor!"

As she waved goodbye, Nina was completely unaware of how her interaction with the knight would change the course of her future.