Secret stories were entertaining, but gathering for too long in a dark alleyway was bound to lead to unfavorable rumors.

Little did they know that they were being watched.

“This fabric would suit you better than me. Why don’t you get one for yourself while we’re at it?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You’ve been with me this whole time, it hasn’t been easy. If it weren’t for you, I would be helpless right now. Consider it a thank you.”

Despite refusing with her words, Margaret couldn’t tear her eyes away from the fabric.

I smiled at Margaret, who couldn’t let go of the fabric and just kept fiddling with the end, and promptly called someone over.

“Could we take measurements right away? I’d like to order a few outfits for my friend.”

“Of course. We’ll prepare it right away.”

“I don’t need several outfits. What if your husband finds out?”

“So what if he does? He said he would give me whatever I wanted. If he had a problem with me buying a few more dresses, he would have complained a long time ago.”

“……”

“And I want to check something with this.”

How far he would go to buy my favor.

I leaned down and whispered into her ear, just loud enough for Margaret to hear.

From this position, I could see the blue veins on her slender neck very well.

“I have a purpose too, so please accept it without worries. You’ll do that, right?”

“……Alright.”

The fabric slipped out of Margaret’s hand and fluttered in midair.

I watched Margaret’s expression become more complex and smiled subtly.

Although she hesitated, in the end, she had no choice but to stand up and follow the attendant.

After confirming that Margaret had left, I leisurely flipped through the catalog and then turned my attention to the person next to me.

“I like this design. If you have a sample, could I try it on?”

“Of course, you can try it on. I’ll lead you to the fitting room first, then I’ll instruct an employee to bring the dress.”

“Alright. I’ll wait. Oh, and could I have a cup of tea first? I’m getting a bit thirsty.”

“If there’s a particular tea you would like, we’ll bring it right away.”

“Do you happen to have spring breeze tea?”

Spring breeze flowers only bloomed briefly in early spring before withering quickly, so the tea made from dried petals was typically difficult to find.

Especially in the middle of winter, when any existing stocks would have been depleted, making it even more challenging to find.

“Well, about the spring breeze…”

“Oh, is it hard to find? I was hoping to have some after a long time. That’s a shame. Then another tea”

“No, no! We have it! We definitely have it! I’ll prepare it as quickly as possible, so could you please wait a moment?”

“Alright. I was a little tired and wanted to rest. I’ll relax and wait while catching my breath, so please take your time.”

Knowing full well they couldn’t refuse, given who I was, I pretended not to know and headed to the dressing room first.

The fitting room, designed to accommodate the taste of the nobles, was more like a reception room, complete with a sofa.

I quietly locked the dressing room door as much as possible to make no sound after the footsteps of the employee had moved away, and slowly scanned the room.

The curtain was softly swaying in the wind that came in through the slightly opened window.

And behind that was a black silhouette.

“Hello.”

“……”

The longawaited guest finally arrived.

I stared intently at the man who slowly walked out as I drew the curtain.