Chapter 40
Thanks to Suleiman, I started my day earlier than usual and called Arin to prepare for the day.
But unlike other mornings, I found myself deep in a rather serious dilemma.
“What should I wear…?”
It was because of the message Suleiman had left earlier: “Let’s have dinner together.”
Normally, I would just put on whatever Arin picked out and leave the room without a second thought. But today, every detail—from my hairstyle to the color of my outfit—mattered.
“Is something wrong, Ishtar?”
As I nervously bit my nails and paced the room, Arin looked at me with concern.
“Uh, no… it’s nothing.”
Arin had a strangely sharp intuition. Afraid that bringing up Suleiman’s words might reveal my flustered feelings, I clammed up.
Could it be… that I like him? No, it’s not like that!
Even though I was showing all the typical signs of someone falling for another person, I could barely admit it to myself.
As I stared blankly at the wardrobe, seemingly filled with nothing but clothes that all looked the same today, a knock sounded at the door.
“A package has arrived in the wardrobe. Shall I bring it in?”
The wardrobe…?
The wardrobe was a place in the palace where clothes were made for residents, especially royalty and high-ranking nobles. While there were well-known boutiques outside the palace, residents generally preferred garments from the wardrobe. Only there could they access rare fabrics and renowned embroidery artisans.
“Ah! It seems the new summer dresses I ordered are ready! I’ll have them brought in immediately.”
Excited, Arin went out with several servants and returned with boxes.
“What… is all this…?”
I was astonished to see at least fifty boxes of varying sizes.
Inside were expensive-looking garments neatly folded: robes with intricate patterns woven with delicate gold threads, large party dresses adorned with abundant jewels, dozens of pairs of shoes and accessories wrapped in thin silk.
Seeing my stunned expression, Arin explained on my behalf.
“Summer is approaching, so we ordered clothing and accessories from the wardrobe in advance.”
“All this? Besides, I’m not royalty, nor even a noble. Why would the wardrobe prepare all this for me…?”
“Prince Suleiman requested it. The Sultan specially allowed it.”
“Suleiman…?”
“Yes. It seems the prince thought you might be experiencing discomfort here. He also said that if you need anything else, just let us know.”
Excited, Arin began organizing the clothes while humming a tune.
I stood dumbfounded in front of the mountain of boxes and clothing. In the past, I might have happily taken them all to sell for profit, but now my heart was uneasy.
Is it really okay to just accept all this…?
Although I was well treated as a prophetic cat, in human form, it was different. To others, I was merely a woman in a relationship with Suleiman. Yet I was receiving treatment reserved for royalty, which would undoubtedly draw envious eyes.
But my concern wasn’t about people gossiping or judging—it was foolish, but I worried that my presence might cause Suleiman to be criticized.
I shouldn’t be thinking like this… I feel like I’m acting strange.
Developing feelings beyond mere favor toward someone with whom I had a transactional relationship was risky. In my position, I had to be cautious with every emotion.
“Is something wrong, Ishtar? You look troubled.”
Seeing my darkened expression, Arin hurried to my side. I put on a cheerful face to reassure her.
Once the room was tidied, I changed into one of the dresses Arin recommended.
The outfit I chose from the new arrivals was an elegant silver silk dress with detailed golden embroidery. Over it, I draped a turquoise robe, accented with a ruby-studded belt. Even the visiting maids gasped in admiration.
“You look incredible, Ishtar.”
“Absolutely stunning! Truly dazzling!”
I marveled at myself in the full-length mirror. The turquoise robe matched one of my odd-colored eyes perfectly, and the delicate veil added an air of mystique.
“This veil is made from a special Eastern fabric. It’s thin and cool, perfect for summer.”
I toyed with the veil draping my hair, recalling how I had worn it often to avoid unwanted attention when I first came to live with Suleiman. Now, most people in the palace knew of me, so I no longer needed to hide my face.
Occasionally, I used it to shield my face from prying eyes, but there was no reason to constantly hide.
“Arin, leave only this veil out. Store the rest. I’ll only use them when needed.”
“But… but…”
“It’s fine. Nobody here doesn’t know me anyway. I’ll explain this to Suleiman and Aziz.”
Reluctantly, Arin nodded and finished helping me prepare.
Today marked the resumption of lessons with Aziz. Though we had extra time thanks to Suleiman, sorting the wardrobe’s new clothes made our schedule slightly tight.
“Let’s hurry. Aziz will scold us if we’re late.”
Arin hurried to gather my things, trailing behind me as I tried to calm my racing thoughts while walking through the corridor.
Meeting Aziz after some time, our lesson proceeded as usual. To make up for missed progress, he moved quickly through the material, but I absorbed everything without issue.
Somehow, I feel smarter since coming to this world.
My mind, which I had assumed was sharp from recent academic tests, proved to be even more capable than expected. I could learn complex subjects quickly, memorize intricate material in one or two readings.
Beautiful and intelligent… wasting such potential just by staying in the palace felt like a loss.
“Let’s end here for today. Well done, Ishtar.”
Startled by the sound of the book closing, I snapped out of my thoughts.
“You seem distracted today. Is something troubling you?”
Embarrassed, I toyed with my hair. Seeing the veil covering my head, I explained that I intended to stop wearing it around the palace.
To my surprise, Aziz readily agreed.
“Of course, if it’s uncomfortable for you, Ishtar. There’s no need to wear it.”
“…I thought you might dislike standing out.”
“It was to prevent your discomfort due to those who speak carelessly. Now that Suleiman has dealt with them, there’s no problem.”
I widened my eyes at this.
“You drove people out of the palace… just for me?”
“If someone made you uncomfortable, they deserved to be made to lower their heads.”
“But you supported me wearing the veil before.”
“Yes… but if I were Suleiman, I would have already forced them to wear veils—or blinded them entirely.”
Aziz murmured that last part with a smile, but the dangerous undertone was unmistakable.
This guy… he’s serious.
I had become sensitive to invisible power after receiving Ashhtar’s blessing, so I could sense the magnitude of his strength.
I even forgot to practice using Ashhtar’s power because I’ve been too absorbed in studies.
I should have at least familiarized myself with the kingdom’s knowledge by now.
I explained in detail to Aziz about my encounter with the goddess.
“Hmm… so that’s what happened. But why tell me now? I’m slightly disappointed.”
“…Well, I didn’t fully trust you before today. You’ve always been somewhat suspicious. I never knew what to believe.”
He chuckled at my blunt words.
“Your straightforwardness is typical of you, Ishtar. I like it.”
Not that I’m trying to please you.
I swallowed my complaint. Though I hadn’t fully accepted him as my mentor yet, there was still much I needed to extract from him.
