Chapter 54 

At a single glance from the boutique owner, every door to the shop shut, and curtains dropped over the windows.

Had I come alone, maybe the shop would’ve stayed open. But with royalty inside—especially the Crown Prince—privacy became mandatory.

No one asked for this level of discretion, but that’s what made Friele Boutique the best in the capital.

The staff, however, were visibly tense.

Noticing this, Perfoné smiled gently.

“Please, pretend I’m not here. Today’s visit is all about Lady April.”

Of course, none of them relaxed.

How could they ignore the Crown Prince?

Damian, ever blunt, voiced what they were all thinking:

“Easier said than done, Your Highness.”

I laughed quietly at how unaffected he was by social pressure.

To break the tension, the owner clapped once and called, “Let’s bring out the new autumn collection!”

Staff hurried off to prepare.

I sank into a sofa beside Perfoné and whispered, “First time in a place like this?”

“I don’t usually shop for dresses.”

“You could always come with the one you care for. This boutique is especially popular among noble ladies.”

His golden eyes turned to me.

I had spoken lightly—after all, we were to annul the engagement soon. But his expression… changed. It wasn’t cold or fake. It reminded me of that early morning look—when he asked me not to smile like her.

“Your Highness?”

Before he could respond, the boutique owner returned.

“This one’s our signature piece for fall.”

A row of mannequins in bold, revealing dresses rolled out. Shoulders bared. Backs open.

My eyebrows shot up.

When did this become fashionable?

I reached out to touch the fabric. The owner held up a blue dress and smiled.

“With your fair skin, this shade will look stunning. And if you tie your hair up just a little—perfection.”

“Many gentlemen are buying dresses as gifts for their fiancées this season.”

“It’s lovely,” Perfoné commented politely.

“Would you like to try it on?” the owner asked as she unfastened the display.

But I didn’t move.

Too exposed. Not just my taste—but my past.

I couldn’t wear a dress that showed my back or shoulders. I didn’t have the scars anymore, thanks to divine healing… but their absence would raise suspicion.

Especially if Rozian suspected someone with Daniel’s powers still existed.

“Do you have anything more… modest?”

The owner blinked. “That’s out of style, but I’ll check.”

Soon, they brought out simpler designs—less trendy, but safer.

⸻

As we stepped toward the exit, Perfoné leaned in behind me.

“You didn’t buy a dress?”

“Do I need a reason?”

“You seemed to like it… I thought maybe…”

He trailed off, glancing at my shoulder.

“You didn’t buy it because of the scar?”

Ah.

That old story again.

His expression—guilt-ridden, apologetic—was exactly like when we were kids.

“I told you before,” I said firmly, turning to face him.

“That wasn’t your fault.”

“But it happened while you were protecting me.”

He still remembered.

I clasped his hand.

“You forgot what I said back then?”

He looked stunned.

“I told you to keep it secret, right? That there were no scars left.”

He searched my face, unsure if it was a lie I told a child or the truth.

“Wasn’t that a lie?”

“If it was or wasn’t, that’s up to you to believe.”

I winked.

Before he could respond, the owner reappeared.

“Lady April, your accessories will be sent to the estate.”

He closed his mouth, whatever he was going to say now lost.

⸻

Outside the boutique, we saw crowds rushing down the street.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Oh! Didn’t you hear?” the owner said. “The sword tournament just began—and today’s match has an exciting participant.”

“Who?”

Damian, standing at the door, answered for her.

“Adonis Beatrice.”

“She entered?”

I was stunned.

That the imperial guard—and a woman—was allowed to join the founding festival tournament? Unheard of.

Maybe it was something I said during my last visit to her house?

And then the owner added:

“She’s facing her younger brother in the first round.”