Anastasia stood up for a moment on the border of the city while looking very happy. She couldn't believe her eyes.
" I'm finally here. I thought that I will never be able to see such a place.
Lucia had never seen that bright expression on her madam's face. She looked like an innocent child who was given a long-awaited play.
- Are you this happy?
- Yeah, this is incredible.
They held each other's hands, then they entered the big city. They walked slowly while watching the fancy shops.
- Wow, look at all those dresses! They are so beautiful. Come on Lucia, let's try some of them.
Anastasia entered one of the shops:
- Welcome, lady, can I help you?
- I want to buy a dress.
The seller noticed their shabby clothes, at that moment, she thought that they were random commoners who came into the wrong dress shop.
- I'm sorry, I don't think you can afford our dresses. Other shops sell affordable dresses for you.
Anastasia realized that the seller looked down at them, which made her angry.
- Are you saying that Count Gilbert's daughter can't afford a dress from this shop?
The seller suddenly panicked:
- C...C...Count daughter?
- Yes.
The seller immediately bowed her head:
- I'm very sorry, my lady, I didn't recognize you. Welcome into my humble shop, I will show you everything we have.
- Never mind, now that I took a close look. This shop is so humble, I will look for another one that suits me better.
Then she held Lucia's hand and left:
- There must be other shops that have more decent sellers.
- My lady, I think we shouldn't stay here for a long time.
- Don't worry, we just got here.
They went into another shop, and this time, Anastasia was able to try a lot of beautiful dresses.
- My lady, you look so beautiful!
- Really, is it this good on me? This is the first time I try on such dresses.
Lucia felt so sad when she heard that.
" How sad that a count's daughter has never gone shopping or bought beautiful dresses. Agatha has always given her worn dresses and the count didn't care about such things thinking that his wife was taking good care of his daughter. My lady is such a beauty, someone like her could be very famous in the noble society, but Agatha intended to obliterate her existence. I still don't know why she did such a cruel thing to a sweet girl. "
- Lucia which one should I buy?
- They all looked good on you, but I think the red one suited you more.
- Then, I will take it...Now, it's your turn, Lucia. You must choose one.
- It's okay, I don't need a fancy dress anyway. It will be a waste of money.
- Lucia, I insist. I won't leave the shop until you chose one.
Lucia sighed. She won't be able to decline:
- Alright, I will choose the green one.
The seller interfered:
- Oh, what a good choice! Green velvet is the newest tendance. I will pack it for you...
Suddenly the seller panicked when he realized that another customer came into his shop:
- What's wrong?
- The count's wife came. Excuse me, I must take care of her or she will make a fuss.
Anastasia took a look at the entrance:
- As I expected, Agatha is here.
Lucia freaked out:
- What a bad coincidence! What should we do? If she saw us she will surely tell your father and use it as an excuse to bring you back home.
- Don't worry, if we stay in this fitting room, she won't see us.
Agatha was accompanied by other noble women. She chose some dresses and started trying them on. The seller went to check on Anastasia and Lucia:
- Aren't you done?
- Oh, we want to try a bit more. Go and take care of the other customers until we chose something else.
Agatha didn't like any of the dresses.
- I hate all of them.
Then she noticed the one that Anastasia chose.
- I want that one
- I'm sorry, madam. It is already sold.
- To whom?
- To the lady in the other fitting room.
- Well, tell her that the count's wife wants this dress. She won't dare to buy it.
Lucia and Anastasia heard everything:
- My lady, give it to her, that's the best way to not get caught.
Anastasia answered without hesitation:
- Never... I have given up enough.
Then she walked out of the room.
- I'm sorry, but I won't give up that dress...Mother.
Agatha became shocked, she didn't expect to see Anastasia in such a place.
- WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?
- Well, the soldiers came to the city for a quick expedition. The commander permitted me to walk around the place...
The other noble women were quite surprised to see that Anastasia was indeed a very beautiful woman and not as Agatha described her. She told them that the daughter of her husband was an ugly girl and she use it as an excuse for not letting her out.
- I'm going to buy that dress
I suppose mother won't take it away from me.
Agatha wasn't prepared for such a meeting, besides she couldn't do anything in front of her friends. She put a fake smile on her face:
- Of course, dear. You can buy anything you want. I will pay.
- Really?
- Yes...
Anastasia smirked, then she ordered the seller:
- I want to buy all the dresses that I try earlier, and my dear mother will pay for them...
Then she looked at her mother:
- Thank you very much...Though you have never brought any new dresses for me, I know that you care about me...Dear mother.
She took the bags and left along with Lucia. Agatha was about to explode, especially when she heard the women talking about Anastasia's beauty.
" I will make you regret humiliating me"
Anastasia was laughing:
- That expression on her face is really funny.
- Is it okay to make her angry?
- Don't worry, she won't be able to do anything...Now, what should we do?
- Going back to the camp.
- I can't go back when I feel this hungry. Come on let's eat something first.
The both of them headed toward a famous patisserie. Anastasia loved sweets, When she saw all those varieties of cakes she couldn't help but buy everything she saw.
- My lady, you are buying too much. We won't be able to eat all of this.
- I will take it back to the camp. The soldiers will be glad to eat something this delicious.
- I think we must go back now...
- Wait, we still didn't go to the market.
- But, we must leave as soon as possible.
- I promise that we will leave as soon as we visit the market. Come on, I know that you are very curious to see it as well.
- Fine, but let's make it quick...
The both of them headed towards the marketplace. There were a lot of stands that contained different goodies. All sorts of fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish. Everything looked fresh and delicious.
- LUCIA, THIS PLACE IS VERY AMAZING.
- Yeah, but it is very crowded.
Anastasia felt thrilled. She was very excited to see all those normal people walking near her. The women, the children, and even the elders. Their faces were full of warmth.
Lucia started feeling worried:
- My lady, it will be soon dark, I think we should go...
- I heard that the city at night becomes full of lights...I want to see that.