"Wow," I exclaimed in awe, marveling at the bustling crowd around the town hall.
"We need to stop by the boutique first for a fitting," Cedric reminded me. Today, we were also supposed to have our measurements taken for the outfits we'd wear to the upcoming victory ball at the palace.
The boutique wasn't far from the festival's excitement. As we walked there, I couldn't keep my eyes from wandering. I was eager to explore the festival and try the variety of food being sold. Before I realized it, Cedric had firmly grasped my hand. Flustered, I faked a cough to mask my awkwardness. He gently stroked my thumb as if holding my hand wasn't enough.
When we entered the boutique, a woman in a red dress awaited us. Her makeup was bold yet not excessive. She walked so elegantly that I felt she might even surpass me in grace. She had to be the owner of the boutique.
She bowed and greeted us. "It is such an honor to have the Duke and Duchess Orion visit my humble establishment," she said with a warm smile. "I am Laures. Most people call me Miss Laures."
Humble? There was nothing humble about this place. Everything here exuded luxury and expense.
I returned her smile warmly. "You must already know what we're here for, Miss Laures."
"Oh, of course, Duchess," Laures replied, guiding us to a plush gray sofa. "Please, Duke, feel free to rest here. I will take the Duchess's measurements first."
Cedric released my hand and sat down. Without delay, Laures led me to a room for the fitting, leaving Cedric behind with a few boutique staff standing nearby. It didn't take long for Laures to measure my figure. Honestly, my body seemed to match the mannequins in this boutique—truly a physique most women dream of.
"Duchess, please try on this gown," she said, presenting a soft, light blue dress with a shimmering, flowing skirt. It looked like something Cinderella would wear. However, the upper part was a bit too revealing. My shoulders and neckline were perfectly highlighted by the gown.
The boutique staff assisting me kept complimenting how perfectly the dress suited me. I knew that already. It seemed like nearly every woman wished for a body like mine—Cathleen's body. I used to feel the same.
"Duke, what do you think of this gown?"
Laures led me to Cedric. He looked me over from head to toe, his gaze lingering for quite some time before he suddenly stood up, startling me.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?" I asked, puzzled by his abrupt movement.
"Laures," Cedric said, his tone chilling. There was a fiery aura radiating from him.
Even Laures seemed taken aback by the sudden shift. "Yes, Your Grace?" She quickly bowed to Cedric.
"Don't you think this dress is too revealing?"
"What?" I blinked in confusion at his comment.
"Pardon, Your Grace?" Laures furrowed her brow, taking a cautious step closer to Cedric.
"Don't you think this dress is too revealing?" Cedric repeated, emphasizing each word.
"What do you mean? Sure, the shoulders are bare, but I like this dress." I twirled around to show off the gown's graceful flair. "See? Isn't it beautiful?"
Before I could finish spinning like Cinderella, Cedric abruptly stopped me. He now stood directly in front of me, just inches away.
"Look over there," Cedric said, pointing to the boutique window. Outside, several men were staring inside. I hadn't noticed them until now. Judging by their expressions, they seemed to be looking at me. When had they arrived? I had no idea where they came from. They were likely festival-goers. I didn't like their stares. While they might have been admiring me, it made me uncomfortable. My initial excitement about the gown faded; I had only liked it because I thought Cedric would, too.
"Do you enjoy being looked at like that by others?" Cedric asked.
I shook my head. "No."
Cedric gently patted my head and said, "Let's find another dress."
***
After nearly three hours of deciding what outfits to wear, Cedric and I finally had the chance to stroll around the town hall. There were so many fascinating things to see. Food vendors were lined up everywhere, calling out to visitors to come to their stalls.
I bought a candied apple and offered it to Cedric. "Do you want this candy apple?" I asked, holding it up right in front of his face.
He gently pushed my hand aside. "No, I don't like sweets that much."
"Oh, alright. I won't force you." I resumed walking, continuing my little adventure with Cedric, who quickly moved to my side and took hold of my hand.
I bought plenty of food and had a great time. I also picked up some trinkets and cute items I found at the festival. Cedric, without a single complaint, helped carry all my shopping bags.
"How is it? Fun, right?" I asked enthusiastically.
Cedric flashed a brief smile and said, "Yeah, very fun." He said it, but his face didn't show much excitement.
"Let's go to—" My words were cut off when someone suddenly shouted in the crowd.
"MARIONETTE! MARIONETTE IS HERE!" The person's yelling created a commotion, spreading Marionette's name across the festival like wildfire. Visitors swarmed toward the stage, where a blonde-haired woman stood.
The sudden rush of people jostled Cedric and me. Some of my purchases fell, and Cedric's grip on my hand slipped.
I was swept along by the crowd rushing to the stage. Cedric tried to reach for me, but the flow of people was too strong, pushing me further away from him. Forget Cedric for now. I had to focus on keeping my balance in this chaotic sea of people. If I fell, it might be the end of me.
Before I knew it, I was at the front of the stage, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd cheering for Marionette. I mustered all my strength to break free from the throng. Pushing through a human tide was exhausting, but thankfully, I managed to escape.
Now, the problem was I'd lost Cedric. The place felt unfamiliar. I wandered around, hoping to find him.
But it seemed I had taken a wrong turn. The further I walked, the farther I seemed to be from the festival. This area was desolate and unnerving. I wasn't foolish enough to keep going into a deserted, potentially dangerous place.
I turned back, retracing my steps. Unfortunately, all my shopping bags and food were gone. And Cedric was nowhere to be seen.
"Hey there, miss. Taking a stroll alone?" a middle-aged man reeking of alcohol approached me.
"Damn it," I muttered under my breath. It seemed like today wasn't my lucky day.