The first dresses Delma brought were adorned with diamonds, sapphires, pearls, and what was known as “sky fiber,” or floral lace.

I was sorry to Delma, but I couldn’t choose any dress that I really wanted among them.

“Delma, I want to wear this.”

“You can’t, you should dress up flamboyantly for a day like today!”

Today’s outing was known to others as a casual day out, so it seemed she was making a big fuss because it was my first outing.

After some struggle, I was able to wear the most modest and comfortable dress I owned.

“You shouldn’t… it’s your first family outing… you should wear the most suitable dress…”

Delma continued to express regret, but I was satisfied looking at myself in the mirror.

‘I can’t say the dress I’ve chosen is cheap either.’

Compared to the other dresses, the one I was wearing looked sufficiently flamboyant to me.

It didn’t have any accessories, but the fabric was just as luxurious, and it was a tailored dress that fit my body perfectly.

“It’s fine, I like this.”

“But this is a dress the young master bought for you…”

Delma seemed to hope I’d wear the dress that Clemens had chosen. I firmly shook my head.

‘It would be too ostentatious.’

If I were really going out as a lady of nobility, I would’ve chosen a dress without considering practicality. However, now I couldn’t pick a dress based solely on how flamboyant it was.

‘Ah, the bag!’

I slung the backpack that was next to my bed over my shoulder. Seeing this, Delma looked puzzled.

“Why the bag? Didn’t we load all the luggage onto the carriage?”

“Yes, but I’m taking my favorite bag.”

“Oh, is that so? That’s your favorite bag?”

I gave a childish excuse, but the real reason for taking the bag was different.

‘If the silver snake is really there, I’ll hide it in here and take it with me.’

Even at the duke’s house, the bag was where the silver snake always hid.

I sincerely hope the snake of the rumors isn’t it…

‘If it is, I have to take it with me.’

No matter what, I have to prevent the sacred beast from becoming snake soup.

With a firm resolve, I stepped outside. Anticipating the cold outdoor wind, Delma even wrapped a scarf tightly around me.

“Have a fun and safe trip, young lady. And you too, Sophia.”

“Yes, I’ll be back, Delma.”

Holding Sophia’s hand, who was next to me, I moved toward the front gate.

“I’m glad Sophia is going with me.”

“Yes, I’m happy too, young lady.”

I really hadn’t expected Sophia to go with me.

According to Philen, only two attendants could accompany me to the auction house.

One spot naturally went to my bodyguard Yan. I was curious who the other person would be, and when I asked Philen, he said it was decided to be Sophia.

It was a bit surprising. Sophia going to the auction house with me.

Philen had emphasized the dangers of the auction house several times when we met. Naturally, I thought the other person would also be a Leviche Knight.

Of course, Sophia was a very skilled nursemaid. But it seemed a bit risky for her to go to such a place unarmed.

‘Sophia is just an ordinary person. I know Yan will protect me, but I’m not sure if he can protect Sophia too…’

If Sophia was going, it was very, very good for me. She was one of the few people who made me feel comfortable in the duke’s house.

After worrying for a few days, I discreetly asked when Delma wasn’t around.

I suspected that Philen had chosen Sophia, not considering her safety but only as a person to attend to me.

And Sophia replied with her usual smile.
“I’m fine, my lord. Don’t worry, I’ll keep both you and myself safe, just like I have been doing so far.”

If Sophia had shown any sign of worry, I would have told Filen, but she didn’t show any concern at all.

Rather, her eyes seemed to drip with honey as she looked at me, the one who was worried.

“Or maybe Filen worries too much.”

Perhaps the auction house wasn’t as dangerous as Filen feared it would be.

As we headed for the front gate, a strange carriage caught my eye first.

Overall, it was dark brown, a carriage that wouldn’t easily catch anyone’s eye.

Come dusk, when building shadows and moonlight disappear, you wouldn’t even notice it if it was parked on the street.

“Are we taking this?”

Up close, I could see finely decorated patterns that drew my attention.

Less glamorous than the carriage the Duke usually rode, but if not compared, this carriage too was quite luxurious.

Just then, a brownhaired young boy who seemed to have been waiting approached me with a warm welcome.

“Clemens?”

“Yep, you’re here?”

When our eyes met, Clemens gave a gentle smile. I spoke with a sense of bewilderment.

“Your hair is brown.”

“Correct, you’re observant.”

“That doesn’t seem to be about being observant…”

Originally, Clemens had bright blonde hair, contrasting starkly with the darkhaired Duke.

“Did you change it with magic?”

“No, there’s a hair dye. I used that.”

I thought of the hair dye people used in my previous life.

“People used to change hair colors like this before as well.”