Xavier smiled, picking up the handkerchief from under the table. "Looks like it's hers," he murmured to himself. "That was an interesting meeting." With that, he headed toward the estate. At the entrance, Ron Cavier, his aide, was waiting."Shall we continue where we left off, my lord?" Ron asked.Xavier replied with a hint of annoyance, "Yes, we should. Send Elizabeth to my office. I'll meet her there."Entering his study, Xavier slid open a drawer and carefully placed Freda's handkerchief inside. Ron observed him curiously."Does this belong to Lady Thornelle?" Ron inquired.Xavier smirked slightly. "It didn't go as I expected, but the outcome was exactly what I wanted."Ron raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? You seem a bit down, unlike the time you rejected the daughter of the Duke of North. You should consider marrying soon—you're worrying the Duke.""You, of all people, know how much I resent being burdened by unwanted relationships. It's only for my father's sake that I even agree to these meetings. Honestly, I'm tired of it all," Xavier admitted, running a hand through his hair.A knock interrupted their conversation. "May I enter, my lord?" a timid voice asked."Come in, Elizabeth," Xavier said curtly.Elizabeth entered, her nervousness evident. Ron handed her a pouch of gold coins. "As promised, 500 gold coins. I wish you the best for your future. Our deal is done. I don't want our paths to cross ever again."Elizabeth's face paled. "What is the meaning of this, my lord? You can't push me away just like that! I thought... I thought you really liked me. How could you do this to me?"Xavier's expression hardened. "Liked you? I was very clear about the terms of our deal from the beginning. You are no longer needed. Leave.""I won't! I love you, Xavier. Can't you see that? I won't let you slip away so easily!" she cried, her voice trembling with desperation. "I'll tell everyone I'm carrying your child—your child! Everyone already thinks we're seeing each other. It won't be hard to convince the court."Xavier's lips curled into a cold smile. "I didn't realize you were so humorous. That was an excellent joke. Go ahead—I'd love to see you try."He motioned to his guards. "Escort her out.""No, Xavier! Stop! I love you! I know you love me too. Look at me!" Elizabeth screamed as the guards dragged her away, her tears falling in torrents.Xavier sighed, rubbing his temples. "Take care of it, Ron. I don't want that woman bothering me again."Ron nodded. "Yes, my lord."At the Marquis estate, Freda stood by the fountain near the training grounds, her eyes fixed on the knights practicing their drills. The sound of clashing swords echoed in the air."The best part of my day," Freda said, grinning mischievously. "What do you think, Ella? That red-haired one over there—he's quite the sight, don't you think?"Ella giggled. "Indeed, my lady. He's very... dedicated to his craft."Freda leaned against the marble edge of the fountain, pretending to adjust her gloves as her gaze lingered on the knights, their muscles glistening with sweat under the sun. "Dedicated? That's an understatement. Look at him—he moves like he owns the entire training ground.""My lady," Ella teased, "should I fetch him for a proper introduction?"Freda feigned shock, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ella! Such scandalous suggestions! But... perhaps not today. I wouldn't want to distract the poor man from his training."The two burst into laughter, their playful banter echoing softly."My lady, we should go. The carriage is waiting," Ella reminded her gently."Oh, right. We have to visit the boutique," Freda said absentmindedly, her gaze still lingering on the knights. "What was it for again?""It's for the hunting competition next week," Ella replied."Oh, yes. The hunting competition," Freda muttered, still distracted. "Just a bit longer...""Freda! What are you doing here?" a stern voice called out. Freda turned to see her older brother, Erick, approaching.Startled, she stammered, "Oh, I was looking for you, brother. Of course. You seem busy, so I'll visit you later. Come on, Ella. Let's go. My carriage is waiting. Bye!" Freda hurried toward the main gate, leaving Erick shaking his head.In the carriage, Freda leaned back with a sigh. "What's the budget for my expenses, Ella?""A thousand gold coins, my lady.""That's quite a lot. It's been forever since I shopped to my heart's content. Today is going to be fun," Freda thought, excitement bubbling within her."What is... this? Is this really the famous boutique you were telling me about?" Freda asked, looking at the store with evident disappointment."Yes, my lady. It's Madam Hillary's boutique. She's famous in high society for her elegant and refined designs," Ella explained nervously."Elegant? This looks like a devastatingly failed attempt at sophistication. What's with all these ribbons? It's so tacky," Freda said, her tone dripping with disdain. "No wonder my wardrobe has been so basic."She turned to leave. "Let's go, Ella. I don't see anything here that suits my style."As they exited, whispers followed them. "It's the Marquis' daughter. She's quite arrogant.""She's different from the rumors. Such a beauty," another voice murmured.After visiting several boutiques, Freda sighed in frustration. "All the designs are the same. It's a historic novel, after all. Fashion here is still in its early stages. I wish I remembered which novel this was or at least had a hint about the plot," she mumbled.Just as she was about to give up, she noticed a small shop tucked away in a quiet corner. "Lorien's Boutique," the sign read."Let's go here, Ella," Freda declared.Ella hesitated. "Are you sure, my lady? It looks... shabby.""We've already raided all the other boutiques. Let's give this one a try," Freda insisted.As they entered, a young man greeted them. "How can I help you, my lady? My name is lorien Ralvier. Welcome to my boutique."Freda smiled. "Impress me. I want something fresh—practical yet stunning."Ryan's eyes lit up with determination. "It would be my pleasure, my lady."Later that evening, back at the Marquis estate, Freda collapsed onto her bed with a satisfied sigh. "What a tiring day, but it was so much fun. I'm thrilled with my new wardrobe. Ryan is truly talented, and the prices were unbelievably reasonable."Ella beamed. "I wasn't so sure about the boutique at first, but you looked like a literal goddess in those dresses. They're different from your earlier style, but they suit you perfectly.""I know, right?" Freda said, grinning. "Thank you for today, Ella.""For what, my lady?" Ella asked, confused."For being such great company. It felt like a fun date with you," Freda replied warmly.Ella laughed. "It's my duty, my lady. I enjoy my time with you, too. I like how you express yourself now, unlike before. You have such a beautiful smile."Freda chuckled. "Oh my, you're the best, Ella."As Freda closed her eyes, Ella covered her with a blanket. "Goodnight, my lady," she said softly, smiling as she left the room.