Chapter 7: “So Cute I Could Die”
2021.11.23
Although we were slightly delayed due to an unexpected accident, Ascan, Noxia, and I rode together in a carriage toward the most famous boutique in the capital. Perhaps because we had contacted them in advance, as soon as we arrived, the staff lined up at the entrance, forming a welcoming procession. It was a display of grandeur that left no doubt about the Brellov family’s influence. Reading the novel, I already knew it, but seeing it in person made me realize just how impressive their power was.
As the coachman politely opened the door, I was the first to step out. Noxia followed, and Ascan came last. While Noxia and I were recognizable to the staff, Ascan was not. I could feel the boutique employees’ eyes widen at his appearance—it was no wonder; he was stunningly handsome, capable of stealing attention at a glance.
“Welcome! I am Madame Michel,” said a middle-aged woman standing at the front. Without needing to speak further, it was clear she was the owner of the boutique.
“You must have received prior notice, but we’re looking for a gown for the imperial ball.”
“Yes, we made sure no other customers would disturb your shopping so that Your Grace could browse comfortably. Please take your time—I will personally guide you.”
Madame Michel spoke casually, but the fact that on such an important day, only one party of customers was allowed, was special. Even without requesting it, we were being treated like VIPs—it was a bit puzzling. Then I remembered how in the novel The Beloved Saintess, Tanacia went to great lengths to look more beautiful than Noxia at every party.
Could that reputation be influencing this?
Even though Tanacia hadn’t started her notorious actions in earnest yet, she already had a subtle reputation, which made me suspicious. Noxia, standing beside me, spoke with a bright expression.
“This is my first time here, but it’s so kind and nice.”
“Really?”
It was my first time shopping as Tanacia herself. But since the boutique might have been visited before in other contexts, I avoided giving a definitive answer. Tanacia was the villain in the novel, and outside of her misdeeds, she didn’t appear much, so information about her was scarce.
Hearing Noxia, Madame Michel smiled lightly and replied,
“Your compliment is most flattering. Since Lady Brellov visits us often, we always try to serve with our utmost care. I imagine this is the case in all boutiques, not just ours.”
It sounded like praise, but to my ears, it didn’t feel like it. No matter how I thought about it, I doubted that Tanacia ever shopped so gracefully in the original story. I glanced back and saw the last boutique staff member trembling in fear.
I guess I really was an infamous customer…
The Brellov name certainly contributed to the boutique’s hospitality, but perhaps my notorious reputation also played a part. Watching the anxious staff, I quietly sighed. Knowing the truth didn’t change anything. Soon, we arrived at a large fitting room. The luxurious space had an entire wall of mirrors and seats to comfortably watch the fittings. I sat on the sofa first, and Noxia joined me. Ascan remained standing, expressionless as always. Madame Michel expertly handed over a dress catalog and began explaining.
“These are the newly arrived dresses. Please select whichever you like, and we’ll bring them for you to try on.”
I nodded and began looking for a dress that would suit Noxia. Unlike me, her greatest asset was her silver hair, which gave off a holy, ethereal feeling. I imagined it sparkling under the ballroom lights, paired with the red diamond set gifted by Orland. A pastel dress seemed more suitable than a bold, dark-colored one. After careful consideration, I pointed to four dresses.
“Let’s start with this one.”
“Of course. Please come this way to try it on…”
“My sister will be wearing it, not me.”
Both Madame Michel and Noxia looked at me in surprise. Apparently, they expected me to choose my own dress first. Noxia waved her hands nervously.
“No, you should pick yours first!”
“I want to find what suits you first. I’ll do mine after.”
The key point of this imperial ball was that Noxia would meet Crown Prince Rohel for the first time. Nothing significant happened for Tanacia that day, so I didn’t need to worry about appearances. Noxia’s eyes filled with moisture as she seemed to misinterpret my gesture.
“Sis…”
I had no intention of harassing Noxia like Tanacia did in the novel, but I also didn’t want to become overly friendly. Noxia and I could each live our own lives happily.
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m just helping you pick your dress first—that’s all.”
Even as I explained, it sounded tsundere-like, and Noxia’s awed expression didn’t soften. Feeling awkward, I nudged Madame Michel.
“Please bring the dresses quickly.”
“Ah, yes. This way, please.”
Noxia nodded slightly and stood. Soon, the curtain drew back, and she appeared wearing the dress I had chosen.
Hah, my taste is impeccable…
The dress perfectly matched her holy image, adorned with elaborate beadwork that could make her the star of the ball just as it was. I had considered visiting other boutiques, but this top capital boutique offered excellent quality. Noxia examined herself in the mirror with excitement.
“How do I look?”
“It suits you perfectly. Try another one as well.”
“Okay!”
She changed into several dresses one after another. Madame Michel, observing with me, praised her constantly.
“Each dress chosen by Your Grace suits you so well that I’m unsure what to recommend!”
Indeed, all the dresses suited her. The pink one was cute, the light blue elegant. They all looked perfect. Once Noxia returned to her seat after trying on the last dress, I asked which one she preferred.
“I like them all—it’s unbelievable!”
“You still have to pick one.”
“Which do you like? I want you to choose.”
Her words made my decision harder. Though adorable Noxia could shine in anything, to impress Crown Prince Rohel, she needed to look exceptional. After thinking carefully, I finally pointed to one dress.
“Then how about this one?”
It was a white dress that felt pure yet extravagant. Considering her silver hair, blue eyes, and the red diamond set, it would harmonize most beautifully. Noxia nodded brightly.
“Yes, I’ll wear this one.”
Madame Michel checked the dress in her notebook, ensuring that no other noble would purchase it.
“We’ll tailor it and send it to the Brellov estate.”
I nodded, then noticed only the women’s catalog on the table.
“Show me men’s attire as well—I need something for my driver to wear.”
“Ah, of course.”
Once Noxia’s dress was settled, we moved on to Ascan’s formalwear. Expressionless as ever, he followed my instructions, trying on various outfits silently. Knowing he wouldn’t give input anyway, I consulted only with Noxia and Madame Michel. The chosen outfit suited him perfectly.
“Wow—it looks amazing!” Noxia said, covering her mouth with both hands.
Madame Michel nodded, equally entranced.
“Any lady would envy having such a handsome driver nearby.”
Their sincere praise made my shoulders lift in quiet pride. Ascan’s black hair, golden eyes, perfect nose, and firm lips complemented his tall, broad-shouldered frame—a beautiful, cold aura that drew attention effortlessly.
“All chosen, now go change back to your original attire.”
“Yes.”
He left silently to change. I opened the catalog again.
“Now I just need to pick my own dress.”
Shopping was fun, but exhausting. Even without trying on dresses, fatigue washed over me. Madame Michel noticed and quickly suggested options.
“These are similar to the dresses you usually wear.”
But none suited me. Light, lovely dresses looked better on Noxia. Tanacia in the novel imitated others’ tastes, so it fit that she would pick something for Noxia rather than herself. Fortunately, my appearance was similar to Tanacia’s previous life, so I knew what suited me.
“I’ve changed my taste. I won’t wear these anymore.”
I rejected Madame Michel’s suggestions outright. Then a dress caught my eye—a rose-red gown. It wasn’t glaring red nor pale pink, but a vivid, floral red adorned with intricate decorations. Unlike Noxia, who suited pastels, I looked better in bold, striking colors. I knew it would suit me without trying it on.
“I like this one.”
Madame Michel looked slightly surprised.
“This isn’t your usual style, but it might suit you. Try it on…”
“No. This one’s perfect. Just charge me for it.”
After all, the ball’s focus was Noxia. My dress was secondary. Madame Michel hesitated, and Noxia even jumped in disbelief.
“You carefully chose my dress and Ascan’s outfit, but you’re picking yours without trying it?”
“I can tell it will suit me without trying it.”
I closed the catalog decisively. Madame Michel bowed and left to process the payment. Noxia, unsure what to do, clutched my sleeve.
“Shouldn’t you at least try it first?”
“I told you, I know it’ll fit. Don’t you trust me?”
“I do, but…”
Seeing her give up, I resisted the urge to tease her. Let’s not get too friendly.
At 27 in my previous life, Noxia felt like a much younger sister. Our relationship had already deviated from the original story; I wouldn’t make it worse. Unnecessary actions could cause trouble, so I restrained myself.
At that moment, a boutique employee cautiously approached.
“Would you like some tea while you wait?”
I glanced at Noxia, curious.
“What would you like?”
She nodded eagerly.
“Cold black tea, please.”
“Just bring one for her, then.”
The nervous employee bowed and left. Soon, a tray arrived, but as the employee set the cup down, it slipped—clattering to the floor, spilling the tea. No one expected it to stain my dress. Everyone froze in surprise. Madame Michel rushed in.
“Oh my! Quickly, get something to clean this!”
The staff panicked. Then, Ascan appeared, kneeling in front of me and using a napkin to blot the tea from my dress. His own clothes became stained, but my dress was saved. It may have seemed ordinary for him to do this—he was my servant, after all—but to me, raised in modern society, it was astonishing. Without thinking, I reached out and placed my hand on his shoulder, signaling he could stop.
Ascan, fulfilling his role silently, lifted his head. Our eyes met—his golden depths and mine—and without hesitation, the words escaped my mouth.
“…So cute I could die.”
