Chapter 8: Knot Again!

"Don't you think it's such a good day for a stroll?" I said as the five of them washed me. I still feel a little embarrassed but I have gotten used to it anyway.

"But aren't you always strolling around the mansion, milady?" Amy pointed out. She has gotten talkative these past few days and wasn't that nervous around me anymore.

Freesia held out a towel for me as I come out of the tub. Mari and Lily dried my body while Amy attended my hair, wringing out the excess water.

"I'm talking about going to the capital."

Slipping the robe on, we went to my bedroom where Freesia and Erin were in, waiting for us. They were both holding two dresses for me to choose from and after hearing what I said, went back inside the closet to find another dress, fit for going out.

I honestly think there's no need for that because all of my dresses look like they're for going out. Looking at how fussy they were being, I could already predict that they're going to complain, so I shut my mouth.

"Milady's going to the capital?" Mari asked and looked at me in confirmation.

"Mmm. I want to look around..."

Nadia likes going to the capital and she would regularly splurge her money, buying useless and expensive stuff. They might be thinking that I'm going there to buy anything.

"Then let Lily and Erin accompany you, milady," Mari responded while styling my hair. I looked at her in the mirror and saw her wink.

So she's also aware that Lily still doesn't trust me that's why she's giving me a chance to get closer to her.

Marigold! You're making me cry!

I got dressed in time with their help and Freesia went out to notify the coachman about my departure. As we made our way to the entrance, George came out of nowhere, so I stopped.

"Good Afternoon George."

"Is the young miss going somewhere?" He inquired, standing there looking upright.

George has been the Herman family's butler for a very long time. He was already the butler when my father became the Marquis and he still is now. He looks like an ancient being in my eyes.

I noticed from these past few days that he's been watching me. I didn't say anything though and just did my thing, ignoring him. He's probably acting out of order, probably from a person who finds me suspicious.

"I am going to look around the capital. Do you need anything?" I looked at him, smiling expectantly.

"No milady. I wish for your safe journey." He said and gave a bow.

"Thank you~" I beamed and started walking again. Just then, I remembered something and turned back to George who remained standing at the side.

"Ah! Tell my brother I'm only going to stroll around the capital and that he doesn't need to worry." I added and flashed a grin.

He looked surprised for a second but then gave a nod.

"I will, milady."

Still grinning, I resumed moving and made a bee-line to the waiting carriage outside. I was laughing on the inside. Just imagining Nathan's stunned expression, I already feel delighted. Oh, how I would pay riches to see Nathaniel looking ruffled.

I didn't realize I had let out a chuckle, not until I saw Erin looking at me with question marks all over her face.

"We wish for milady's safe journey." The four of them stated in unison after we got inside the carriage.

The carriage left after our signal and we were on our way to the capital. The trip on the way there was smooth and it didn't take as long to arrive at our destination.

My eyes surveyed the surrounding, taking in everything. The capital of Rosenthal sure is big and looks progressive. There are shops everywhere you look, and people come and go, either both nobility and commoner.

"Are we going to the usual place milady?" Erin asked. She was holding an umbrella up my head. I told her it was okay without it but Erin sure likes defying what I say. She had come a long way from being all timid. I'm so proud…

The usual? Ah, like a shop right?

"No. We're just going to walk around and enjoy the sun, so you better put the umbrella away!" I exclaimed and pointed at the thing she's been holding.

"B-but!"

"It's not summer yet, a little sun wouldn't hurt. Right, Lily?" I turned to look at Lily who remained silent throughout the journey. She's still a little doubtful of me so I'm trying to take my time gaining her trust, little by little.

"Y-yes… milady." She mumbled, looking down at her feet.

Can't be helped…

"See? She agrees with me. Put that away now!"

"Eh? Uhh okay…" She muttered while pouting.

Pouting Erin looks cute as well fufufu

Just as I said, we just aimlessly walk around. Stopping here and there to assess, admiring the scenery, and sometimes the things being displayed on the glass windows. Observe people, and just generally going for a stroll.

"Are you hungry? Let's go into that café over there!" I pointed at the other side of the street where a café was established. I saw a lot of people getting in so I thought that place must be popular.

The two followed behind me, a man held the door open as we entered the place. I gave him a smile as thanks and he looked really surprised.

Heh, even here huh? Why are they always so surprised whenever I do that? I understand the servants in the mansion but also here? Hmm…

Then I remembered when I first saw this face smiling in the mirror. I got shocked as well, aren't I? It was because she looked so stunning that it almost gave me a heart attack.

Was that it? Ehh… I don't know what to think about that.

"Hmm… The cakes look so good~ What do you guys want?" I asked as I examined the display.

"E-eh? We as well?" Erin cried out, looking very startled.

I blinked at her.

"Of course! So? Which one do you like?"

"Then whatever milady wants!" She answered, eyes sparkling in joy.

"How about you Lily?" My eyes looked at her in question. She, however, looked really uncomfortable. This is making me sad.

"T-tha… that… I--" She sputtered and took a step back.

Unfortunately for her, there was someone standing there and she accidentally stepped on that someone's foot.

"You!" That someone yelled. Her voice caught the attention of the people nearby and now we had a live show.

"How dare you step on me!" The girl yelled, yet again.

Lily looked really horrified and was now tearing up as she bowed profusely over and over.

"I… I-- I'm sorry! It was an accident, I swear!"

The girl still sported a sour expression as she watched Lily being finicky, so I stepped in. She's making a big ruckus for such trivial matters…

"Please forgive my companion. She didn't mean to step on you…" I voiced out, looking amicable.

One of her brows lifted up.

"Companion?"

"It was an accident so I hope the lady would give her mercy." I continued. Lily looked up at me in gratitude and stayed rooted at my side.

I was still smiling amicably at the girl, who looked the same age as me, while the people around us watched everything that transpires. As if watching a play…

"Accident? Don't you know how important these shoes are!" She exclaimed and point down at her foot.

I looked at it. It looks… expensive? I don't know man, I have no idea about shoes. But seeing how she's making such a big deal out of it, it must be a limited edition or whatever.

"I don't. That's why we apologize."

I'm getting tired of this. I only want to eat cake…

"You!"

"Look. We know we are in the wrong--"

"Why do you keep saying we?!" She but in.

This girl has no etiquette at all, cutting someone off while they are still talking? I dislike her more and more…

"-- that's why we apologize. These are only shoes--"

"Only?! Do you know what these shoes are?!" She butted in. Again.

I am getting pissed off, I swear to the heavens. What's with the shoes? Are they made of diamonds?

Pursing my lips in annoyance, I looked her in the eye.

"I'll pay for it then. Buy the same shoes and mail the receipt in the Herman residence."

The people, after hearing the name, started whispering among themselves. Even the girl who kept raging on about her shoes looked astounded.

Dang it, I didn't mean to use my family like that. And what am I saying? Mailing the receipt? Wouldn't that mean I'm splurging again? Nathaniel would choke me!

Now I want to take back what I said...

"H-Herman?"

"If there's nothing more, then we're leaving. Let's go..." I stated and gave the two of them a sideways glance before walking off.

The people gave way and parted like the sea, as I pass by and they were all looking at me like I'm some famous person.

This feels really awkward.

We got out of the place and we're currently cruising back to our carriage. I was so sad because I didn't get to try the shop's pastries, so I felt somber.

And I'm hungryyyyy!

"Thank you milady," Lily muttered after a while. She was still fidgeting, so I smiled at her and patted her head. She was, after all, still a child.

"You're welcome~ C'mon, let's buy something from a different café and bring something for them as well," I said.

Not long after, we entered another place that we saw and ate there. After that, we ordered some cakes for takeout and left.

Inside the carriage, I was worried about the shoe situation. If she ever did mail a receipt, dad would probably pay for it, and Nathaniel would know. He would really think I have been acting all this time and had not truly turned a new leaf.

I could almost already feel his cold eyes glaring down at me.

Oh, I'm so screwed!