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Chapter 21

Roesia stepped out of the carriage as she decided to visit the commercial district for a change of scenery. She was urged by Garvin and her maid Annie to go out because she was coped in her room for a long time.

"Where do you want to go, milady?" Annie asked as she opened the parasol and put it above Roesia's head to block the sunlight.

"Hm... Let's head to the jewelry store. I want to find a gift for father."

Annie and the escort knight Paul followed Roesia inside the jewelry store owned by Madame Peridot.

Madame Peridot is a well-known jeweler. Her designs were elegant, unique, and very appealing to the nobles' extravagance.

"Lady Blackwell, welcome!" The staff greeted Roesia with a delighted voice when he saw her. "What can I do for you, milady?"

She's a frequent customer of their shop, and Roesia likes to buy rare and expensive pieces. That's why everyone regarded her warmly whenever she came by.

"What can I do for you?"

"Hm," Roesia looks around. The store is spacious and has an elegant interior. There are also a variety of jewelry and accessories made of expensive gemstones inside the display case.

However, despite the variety of jewelry displayed in the store, Roesia couldn't find a single piece that fit her tastes.

"I want to see the new designs."

"In that case, please allow me to guide you inside the VIP room, milady."

Roesia nodded and followed the store staff.

The VIP room where she was led, was located behind the main shop.

Despite being a small room, it was spacious enough for the nobles to stay in.

Roesia sat on the expensive red sofa. It was soft and fluffy, allowing her to rest comfortably.

"Can I offer you a beverage while you wait, milady?"

"Yes. Jasmine tea," Roesia answered.

"I understand. Madame Peridot will be here shortly." The staff bowed and left the room to fetch her a tea.

It didn't take a while for him to come back holding a tray of tea and a plate of desserts.

He gently placed it on the coffee table and exited the room after making sure that Roesia had everything she needed.

Shortly after, Madame Peridot entered the room with a bright and jubilee face.

"Lady Blackwell, it's been a long time. I'm glad to see you here," she said and smiled widely.

Roesia smiled, "I wasn't feeling well these past days."

"Oh, that's regrettable," she answered sadly. "I trust that you're alright now, milady."

"Yes."

After their brief exchange, Madame Peridot clapped her hands, and the staff quickly entered the VIP room as they brought the newest pieces of jewelry that she designed.

"These are the most recent collection that I made. I haven't shown it yet to anyone but you, milady."

"Oh my!" Roesia exclaimed in delight as she saw the well-crafted jewelry. She can tell that the gemstones they used are of high quality. The cut was precise without rough edges and damage. It was also polished delicately, creating a soft and shiny texture.

Many pieces caught her eyes. However, Roesia couldn't decide what to buy. She's torn between getting a brooch or a cufflink for his father.

"I would like to take a closer look at that brooch." Roesia pointed at the brooch sitting beside the bracelet.

"You truly have a great eye, Lady Blackwell," Madame Peridot praised her as she handed it to Roesia.

Roesia took the brooch from Madame Peridot to carefully inspect it. It has a beautiful baroque style with small cuts of diamonds used to accentuate the radiant cut of green emerald. She compared it to the other jewelry designs placed on the table, but this brooch stood out among the others.

"I will take this one, along with that necklace," she said, pointing at the blue diamond necklace. "Please, wrap the brooch carefully because I will be giving it as a gift."

"Yes, milady." The staff said.

Madame Peridot remained in the room after her staff exited the room, taking the jewelry with them. She sat across Roesia, wearing a concerned look on her face.

"Lady Blackwell, would you mind if I dare pose you a question?"

Roesia shook her head as she took a sip of her newly brewed tea.

"This may be presumptuous to ask, but are you and Lord Arno still engaged?" She asked with hesitance.

Roesia stopped. She put down her tea and looked at Madame Peridot.

"Yes. Why did you ask?" Roesia softly said, "Perhaps, do you have something to tell me, Madame?"

Madame Peridot went silent. She was hesitant to tell the Ducal Princess of Blackwell about his fiance's infidelity. However, she felt pity for Roesia being cheated by Lord Arno behind her back.

She couldn't understand why would someone cheat on the Lady. She has power, status, money, and beauty.

"I apologize if this may offend you, Lady Blackwell," she paused, "I also understand if you choose not to believe me."

Madame Peridot took a deep breath as she continued.

"Lord Arno came by recently along with the Daughter of Count Rowan. I was surprised to see them enter the shop holding each other affectionately. I understand that the three of you were childhood friends. However, the way they act toward each other is different from being just a close friends. My doubts grew bigger when they bought a matching ring and wore it as they left-!"

Madame Peridot couldn't continue her words when she felt a shiver run through her spine as she saw the cold expression on Roesia's face.

Trickle.

"Huh?" Madame Peridot blinked her eyes in surprise when she saw tears trickling down Roesia's soft cheeks.

"Hic, hic..."

"Milady!" Annie quickly took out the handkerchief in panic and quickly handed it to Roesia.

'Did I just imagine it?' Madame Peridot thought in confusion.

She saw Roesia's cold expression earlier. She was taken aback as she never thought that Roesia is capable of showing such expression.

"Madame, please apologize to the lady! Lord Arno and Lady Rowan aren't that kinds of a person."

"No, Annie."

"Milady?"

"Madame Peridot did nothing wrong," Roesia said between her cries, "I...I already had my doubts about their relationship. I know that Killian had no feelings for me. I must've misunderstood his actions as affection toward me."

Roesia cried pitifully, "It is my fault for not noticing it earlier. I just thought that Killian loves me as he agreed to our engagement.

"It's not your fault Lady Blackwell," Madame Peridot quickly said to comfort her, "Lord Arno is to blame for giving you false hope and cheating on you."

"How could they do that! You were so kind to them," Annie said angrily. She was furious seeing her lady cry.

It took her a while for Roesia to calm down. Her eyes are now swollen after crying so much.

"Please keep this a secret," Roesia said in a quiet voice.

"Of course, milady. You have my words."

* * *

"Milady, are you okay?" Annie asked with concern when she saw Roesia dejectedly looking outside the carriage window.

"Yes," Roesia responded. "Annie, do you think father will be angry at me if I decide to break my engagement with Killian?"

"The duke will understand, milady. It might not be obvious, but the duke cares about the lady more than you think."

"Is that so?"

Roesia turned her gaze to Annie, "Turn back the carriage and tell Paul to bring us to the information guild."

She arrived at the salon, and they were guided to the back, where the stairs are. They climbed the stairs until they arrived at the top floor where the information guild is located.

"Only the client is allowed to enter," the man who guided them said as they arrived in front of the door.

"That's not possible," Paul retorted.

"I'm sorry, but you cannot enter," The man firmly said, blocking Paul from following Roesia.

"It's okay, Paul. I'll scream if something happens."

Paul was reluctant to let her go alone, but he eventually agreed to Roesia after seeing her firm gaze.

"I understand, milady."

The man opened the door leading to the reception room where they entertains the clients.

Roesia entered the room and saw a tall man wearing a mask standing behind the wooden desk. His hair looks like dazzling golden threads, and his striking blue-gray eyes are uncannily similar to someone.

'No way is that...'

"Mathieu?"