After I picked out Roses gift, I thought about what else I needed to buy. The escort knights continued to follow me, but I did my best to ignore them.
Cosmetics, colored ink, and paper Oh! This looks nice as well! Im glad I can shop comfortably now that Father isnt here.I sighed when I thought about Fathers pendant, which was still tucked away in my drawer.When should I return it to him, anyway? I hope I dont get scolded for keeping it for so long without telling him.
As I mulled over my predicament, something caught my eye.Wow, this is very neat and pretty.I studied the set of blue gemstone cufflinks with silver rims. It would be a suitable accessory for my father.
Maybe he wont be so mad if I return his pendant with this.With these beautiful cufflinks as a bribe, I would be able to keep him happy.
I pointed at them without hesitation. Ill be buying this.
The clerk placed the cufflinks in a wooden box and handed it to me.
This should be enough, right?
At that moment, someone greeted me. Oh, who is this? If it isnt Lady Floyen!
When I saw the person who greeted me, my expression hardened.Its Radian, a man who possesses the tongue of a viper.He usually led social gatherings and was infamous for starting rumors. I avoided him even before I recalled the memories of my past life, which goes to show how notorious he was. Even worse, he was Mikhails cousin.
This is the first time Im seeing you after your aunts birthday banquet.
Isnt it common sense to not acknowledge your cousins ex-girlfriend?
Although I was displeased, I smiled and greeted him. Yes, it has been a long time, Esteemed Son of Droil.
What do you mean by Esteemed Son of Droil? Im disappointed that you are calling me so formally. Its not the first time weve met. He kissed the back of my hand and laughed eerily. Please call me Radian, my lady. Youre as beautiful as a daffodil.
Asking someone to call them by their first name and kissing the back of a ladys hand without permission was improper, even if the two had met in the past. I wanted to point this out but refrained from doing so. The last thing I needed was for him to start rumors about me.
Things will also become complicated if he talks to Mikhail about me.
I wish I could talk to you more, but theres somewhere I need to be. Please excuse me. I hurriedly removed my hand from his and spoke sternly.
Radian laughed. Why are you in such a hurry, my lady? Its as if you are running away from something
I cut him off. I have a strict schedule, I said firmly.
Although my words probably made him feel unpleasant, Radian laughed and said lightheartedly, Ah, I see. Well, it was nice to meet you. I
Yes, it was nice meeting you as well. Goodbye.
I didnt want to waste any more time, so I cut him off again and turned around. The escort knights formed a barricade around me.
This way, Lady Floyen, Geraldine said politely.
I guess they do their job at times like this.I feigned a smile.
In the end, it didnt matter if Radian started rumors about me because his reputation was just as bad as mine. Even so, he had ruined my mood, so I decided to continue shopping at another time. It was fortunate that I was able to get away from him quickly, otherwise, he would have too much to say to Mikhail about me.
I hope we never meet againI shuddered at the unpleasant sensation that lingered on the back of my hand and rubbed it against the hem of my skirt.
* * *
An unexpected visitor arrived at Marquess Hessens townhouse before dinner.
Its been a while, Mikhail.
It was Radian Svel Droil. Mikhails expression twisted when he saw his cousin, who he didnt get along with.
My legs are sore. Can I sit down?
Get ou Mikhail tried to order him to leave immediately, but Radian was one step ahead of him.
Oh, you want me to sit down? Thanks, he said.
Mikhail frowned at Radian, who cut him off and promptly sat down on one of the parlor chairs in the drawing-room.
What do you want? Mikhail asked wearily.
Radian laughed and spoke in a relaxed tone. Now there, I came with good news. Shouldnt you bring me some tea?
Spit it out and leave, Mikhail said coldly.
Radian wasnt intimidated by his cousins tone. He shrugged and said, I guess this attitude of yours is why Lady Floyen left you for a new lover.
When Radian mentioned the words new lover, Mikhails face twisted. Nonsense. What are you talking about?
Without a hint of concern, Radian pulled out a pipe cigarette from the inside pocket of his coat. Nonsense? Arent you being too harsh to me? I havent even said what I saw today. He grinned as he lit the pipe cigarette. She was buying a set of cufflinks. I saw it with my own eyes.
Cufflinks?Mikhail widened his eyes. Cufflinks were usually given to family members or lovers. It was a way for women to demurely reveal their love and possessiveness to the receiver.