# 9
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Episode 9
* * *
The carriage carrying Cales and Ruelia stopped in front of the most glittering street of the commercial district.
Luitelrus Fashion Salon.
A place decorated with a billboard in the shape of a cloud, with a pink floor and gold writing.
It was a small salon that Count Emile's daughter received as a gift from her parents on the day she came of age, and it has now expanded to reach the heart of the commercial district.
“Wow, it's getting bigger.”
When the carriage door opened, Ruelia opened her mouth slightly in surprise.
Brightly colored flowers, similar to those grown in greenhouses, were lined up along the stairs, emitting a strong fragrance.
The sign, the handrail, and even the door handle are all of the highest levels of luxury.
Ruelia felt awe at this scene.
'Am I allowed to enter a place like this?'
Being a commoner made her feel like she would shrink if she entered.
“Is this the place?”
Kyles, who had been seriously reviewing the documents all the way, spoke as he looked out.
He turned his head to examine the building they were going to.
"Yes, this is correct."
“Who owns this place?”
Has he not yet thought of collecting information about the woman he loves?
Ruelia sat quietly, studying Cales' expression.
There was some displeasure evident on his face.
There is no doubt that choosing such a luxury fashion salon was a mistake. He's not the type to spend on luxury, so he won't like it.
“As far as I know, she is Count Emile’s daughter. The lady who served you at the Knights’ Families’ Assembly.”
She skillfully used Count Emil's daughter as a shield.
Since he has feelings for her, he might soften his reaction.
“Emil? Is this place supported by the Bellona Merchant Guild?”
“No, I heard that it was built and expanded solely with the Count’s family money.”
"Really? Well, let's go in then."
Look, it worked.
Ruelia breathed a sigh of relief at the Duke's face, which became calmer.
Finally, it's time to meet Count Emil's daughter.
She intended to use the meeting to find out how deep the Duke's feelings were.
She will examine their relationship and plan how to help him with his love affair.
'I hope that Miss has even a little admiration for the Duke.'
If this happens, things will go smoothly without worry.
Ruelia remembered this little hope and got up from her seat to get off the carriage as usual.
“Ruelia.”
Suddenly, Caelus called out to her and stopped her.
He got out of the carriage first, and did something he had never done before, as if he were accompanying a noble lady.
“Mr. Duke?”
Ruelia looked in amazement at the hand extended in front of her.
Kyles stared at her steadily, without any wavering in his stance.
“Aren't you going to come down?”
He added a tone of urgency.
“Ah, yes, I have to get down.”
Ruelia carefully took her body out of the cart, ignoring Caelce's outstretched hand.
But she didn't get off the cart.
“Where are you going?”
Kyles looked at her in surprise and raised his hand to stop her.
“What? But you asked me to come down...”
“Are you going to go down alone without holding the knight’s outstretched hand?”
Why is the Duke acting like this?
If this were usual, she would have easily grabbed his hand.
But Ruelia was not treated like a lady by Caelus. Not because he lacks manners.
She was never offended by that.
Help and boss.
They both were very loyal to their roles.
“Hmm, if I hold your hand, Sir Duke, won’t that be misunderstood?”
"What?"
In fact, her conversation with Melissa made her more sensitive.
'Mistress…'
Ruelia knows that the Duke is not the type to keep a mistress.
But people's eyes will not see it that way.
Isn't noble society a place where rumors spread even before the fan is turned up?
These rumors will quickly reach Count Emil's daughter, who runs a fashion salon for society ladies. This is embarrassing.
“I mean, we've never done this before, so if your treatment suddenly changes...”
“And what does the attention of others have to do with it? If we think like this, wouldn’t it be better if we didn’t attend Bellona’s party together?”
“Well, that's true.”
“Right. And to attend the party, you should get used to this.”
“You're right.”
Ruelia nodded enthusiastically, half convinced.
Caelus smiled coldly, satisfied and added.
“Even if it leads to misunderstanding and rumours, it won't be bad.”
He glanced at the fashion salon building, then at the surrounding shops.
Ruelia followed his gaze towards Luitelros.
In the window of the second floor there was the shadow of an elegant hand moving, undoubtedly the daughter of Count Emil.
“What you say is very true.”
Ruelia understood the deep meaning of Cales and admired him.
She always knew that he was smart, but she never expected that he would use plans in his love.
Jealousy plan.
If so, she is glad to cooperate.
“It's good that you understand.”
Cales looked admiringly at Ruelia for her cooperation.
Her resignation letter did not reflect her true intentions.
Perhaps it was a trick by Countess Bellona to set them up.
'That snake will surrender now.'
If she didn't, destroying the Bellona Guild would be enough.
He had no intention of letting what he considered part of his circle be taken.
Especially a rare talent like her.
"Let's go."
With Cales' nod, Ruelia raised her small hand cautiously.
A slight scent of ink was coming from her hand.
Her hand, callused from frequent use of a quill pen, was suddenly soft. Warmer than a warm water bag on a cold winter night.
A strange texture makes you want to press it.
Kyles squeezed her hand slightly.
Ruelia looked at their clasped hands with nervous eyes.
'What is this? 'Something strange.'
She was not treated like a lady by Caelus, but she was not without the experience of accompanying knights.
But the knights of the duchy did not hold her hand with such force.
It's not Kyle's lack of skill in treating ladies.
'Did I do something wrong?'
As her eyes studied him, she quickly added.
"Thanks."
Cayce furrowed his eyebrows for a moment, then loosened his grip.
He sighed sadly and shook his head with a disappointed look.
“Mr. Duke?”
“Let's go.”
The Duke's face returned to normal.
He gently led her to the entrance of the fashion salon, his previous clumsy movement gone.
“Welcome, Monsieur Duke Abert, and Miss.”
The door guard recognized them and bowed politely.
For a moment, Ruelia felt like a noble lady.
This was a slightly dangerous exciting feeling.
* * *
The interior of the Luitelrus was decorated with great luxury.
But the hospitality was bad.
The important client has not yet met the stylist or the salon owner.
Kyles was really upset. He sat cross-legged at a diagonal, and complained to Ruelia, who was leafing through a catalogue.
“Really great hospitality.”
“Maybe because we came suddenly.”
They didn't book in advance, but gave hasty notice before arriving. Maybe this is the reason...
This transaction must be the first of its kind in Kyle's life.
'Miss seems to really like it.'
To bear this treatment and wait for it.
This is the power of love.
Ruelia kept her eyes on the catalogue.
“Wow, beautiful.”
The words of admiration came out automatically.
Is this the skill of Count Emil's daughter? The dresses were gorgeous and stunning to the point of magic.
“If you like a dress, choose it. So we don’t waste time when the owner comes.”
“Ah, yes.”
You have to choose quickly and finish, right?
Ruelia stopped at a page while browsing.
It was the most simple dress and without decorations.
Simple enough to make in a couple of weeks.
“I like this.”
At that moment, the person who would receive the order appeared at the door of the reception room.
“I apologize for the delay, Monsieur Duke Abert.”
Luxurious blond hair, calm and clear green eyes, and elegant and majestic steps.
Ayla, daughter of Count Emil.
With a great first impression, Ruelia held her beating heart tight.
Finally, her master and his one-sided love met in one place. How will the Duke react?
She looked at Kyles expectantly.
“How insolent a count’s daughter.”
Ruelia was stunned by Cales's shocking words.