Beneath the Surviving Princess's Joyful Facade - Chapter 71

The carriage headed towards the dressmaker’s shop. Upon seeing the veiled woman, the shop owner, who had been informed in advance, bowed politely.

“Miss, we have been expecting you. I have been instructed to serve you well,” the owner said.

“Our lady cannot speak,” Gella explained. “I have attended her since she was young and can communicate through gestures. Please speak to me.”

Cullen watched Gella from a step behind, uncertain of the exact instructions she had received but recognizing the situation from previous operations. It reminded him of how some knights were aware of the rebellion plot while others believed it was just a local conflict.

“Shall we move to the private room?” the shop owner suggested, barely able to hide her excitement. “A few days ago, I was informed of your general measurements. We have prepared suitable outfits for you to try on.”

As the veiled woman and Gella entered the private room, Cullen stood guard outside the door. It seemed the shop owner had been informed of more than just the measurements, as she immediately began fussing once the door closed.

“Is the Salik prepared? Not just any drink, but chilled Salik in a crafted glass. You, get the cosmetics. And you, fetch the tiara from the safe.”

Catching Cullen’s eye, the owner smiled widely. “We place tiaras on our special guests. It makes them feel like princesses,” she explained.

That princess might be digging up the garden right now, Cullen thought, sighing softly. It seemed the young madam had no idea her stand-in was roaming around.

Cullen maintained his stance, hand on his sword, watching the hallway. After a while, the owner appeared with a tray carrying a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and tall glasses.

“I thought she might be thirsty,” she said.

It was likely part of her sales tactic, using the rare Salik to entice them into purchasing expensive items.

“Let’s ask the lady first,” Cullen replied curtly, knocking on the door. It was part of the test, and he knew he had to play along.

“The shop owner wishes to enter. May she come in, Miss?”

Despite the test, Cullen’s primary duty was the lady’s safety and maintaining her anonymity. He needed to control the situation.

“Yes, she may come in,” Gella responded.

Opening the door, Cullen allowed the shop owner to enter, who immediately began fussing.

“Oh my, you haven’t tried on any dresses yet?” She glanced at Cullen, giving a knowing smile. “It seems the lady needs a lot of assistance. Just a moment.”

On cue, the staff began to gather, but Cullen raised his hand to stop them.

“Wait. No one may enter the private room,” he stated firmly.

“We’ll wait in the hallway,” one of the staff members replied politely, lining up with cushions holding tiaras and ornate wooden boxes.

“Sir Knight, should I leave the door open while I assist the lady? It would make you feel more at ease, wouldn’t it?” the shop owner suggested, already setting up the chilled wine on the table before hurrying back to the door for the next item.

“Start with the cosmetics,” she instructed her staff in a low voice before turning back to the lady with a cheerful tone.

“You need to be satisfied with your reflection before you feel like trying on clothes. Miss, may I do your makeup?”

Cullen thought to intervene but hesitated when the veiled woman shook her head, signaling [Dismiss her].

“Miss, too bold a makeup can be off-putting to men. Subtle tones are in fashion these days,” the owner continued, ignoring the lady’s refusal.

“See? A touch of natural color on your cheeks and lips can create a captivating blush. Even the most uninterested man would turn his head.”

The previously steadfast hand began to waver. Cullen watched with interest, and the shop owner, sensing victory, pressed on.

“Are you uncomfortable removing the veil? Then how about this? This perfume is called ‘Love in a Gift Box.'”

Her voice became dramatic, rising with excitement. “This perfume means you’ll receive a love confession like a gift. Who can resist a woman with such a sweet fragrance?”

The lady’s resistance weakened, her hand lowering. The normally composed woman showing a human side fascinated Cullen.

Noticing this, Gella asked cautiously, “What does it smell like?”

“It’s a secret and special fragrance of fresh flowers and fruits,” the shop owner replied enthusiastically.

Gella asked with a hint of frustration in her voice, “No, what are the ingredients?”

“That’s a secret, of course,” the owner replied smoothly.

“Then I’m sorry. There are ingredients that our lady cannot have contact with,” Gella stated, her refusal just as smooth.

Cullen decided to reassess his opinion of Gella from that moment.

“Hmm… How old is the lady?” the owner asked, trying to change the subject while holding back her irritation. As her tightly controlled smile trembled, the veiled woman quickly indicated seventeen with her fingers.

“She is seventeen this year,” Gella conveyed.

Gella glanced at the woman, puzzled. The role she was supposed to be playing was that of a twenty-year-old. It seemed the woman had given her actual age.

Cullen nodded to himself. A seventeen-year-old, no matter how well-trained, could be momentarily swayed by talk of love and romance. Her slight hesitation was endearing. Cullen, by the way, was twenty-two, though he was often taken for being ten years older.

“Then I have just the thing, many things, actually!” the shop owner continued, eagerly suggesting various items and occasionally slipping in questions.

“Where are you from, Miss? Do you visit this area often?”

[This is my first time in a big city].

“Our lady is visiting the capital for the first time,” Gella replied.

“Is this your first visit to a dressmaker’s shop in the capital? Oh, what an honor for us!” the owner exclaimed, her sales tactics not missing a beat.

Questions continued, aimed at gathering information.

“The person who made the reservation didn’t provide any details, only a large deposit. Might he be your fiancé, Miss?”

“Is there someone special you have in mind?”

“What kind of person do you like?”

The persistent questioning was met with a firm [Dismiss her] from the veiled woman. Finally, Gella intervened.

“The lady is feeling tired now,” she said.

“But at least take a look at the fabrics,” the shop owner insisted, adding a touch of drama to her expression.

“The person who contacted us insisted on selecting only the finest items. They even left a substantial deposit,” she added.

Cullen’s ears perked up. The commander went that far? Well, it made sense for someone to play the role of the young madam.

“If you leave empty-handed, they’ll be disappointed. It was so difficult to book the private room. We had to cancel other reservations.”

The shop owner continued to explain how busy the reservations were, expecting a young girl new to the capital to be intimidated and make a selection. Yet the response was still [Dismiss her].

“I’m sorry, but our lady prefers to make her choices in private,” Gella said.

The shop owner’s back stiffened. She finally stood up. “According to the rules, I need to retrieve the tiara. It’s something I personally put on the client.”

She made it sound like a grand favor was being withdrawn. “It’s not something we offer to just anyone. It’s a special experience, like becoming a princess.”

[Shut her mouth]

“She says it’s fine,” Gella translated.

“Well, I can’t argue with that,” the shop owner said, her face showing her displeasure. She exited the room and addressed Cullen.

“Does the lady have severe acne scars?”

“That’s an inappropriate question,” Cullen replied.

The shop owner turned on her heel, muttering loudly enough for all to hear.

“These country bumpkins are so stubborn. They don’t know a good thing when they see it.”

Cullen couldn’t help but smile. His rugged smile was enough to frighten the shop owner.

“I’ll make sure no one disturbs you further,” she said quickly, retreating with a respectful bow.

From the private room, Gella’s voice could be heard persistently.

“Miss, please try it on. The young master even put down a deposit,” Gella coaxed.

The lady’s reply was inaudible, but Gella didn’t give up. Listening from outside, Cullen figured Gella was playing the temptress while he was the guardian.

“This would look so perfect on you. It’s elegant, bright… It would match your complexion wonderfully. Just once, please? Yes?”

After much coaxing, a triumphant cheer from Gella indicated her victory.

“I don’t know how to fasten this kind of dress. Just try it on like this for now,” Gella suggested.

Cullen quietly listened from outside, not out of amusement but because it was his duty.

“Oh, it’s beautiful, but… Miss, let’s try another one. This dress comes up to the shoulders and will cover all the scars,” Gella continued.

So, she did have quite a few scars. It confirmed she was likely from an assassin guild. Yet, her movements were remarkably graceful for someone with such a background.

The memory of her hesitation at the mention of love and romance lingered in Cullen’s mind.

“Indeed, your fair skin makes it look perfect. Really, you look stunning,” Gella’s voice praised earnestly.

Fair skin, of course, thought Cullen, nodding. The young madam was also very fair.

“Miss, I regret not being able to use sophisticated words like a lady, but you are truly, genuinely beautiful,” Gella lamented sincerely.

It seemed the lady was exceptionally attractive. Cullen had never examined the young madamclosely, but he recalled she wasn’t unattractive.

“Are you really going to keep this look to yourself? The young master should see this.”

Gella quickly added, “Young master will be amazed when he sees you like this.”

Cullen listened even more intently. She was obviously referring to the commander. But why would she wish to astonish him? Doubts began to surface again.

“Oh my, Miss! Look at your face turning red. Goodness…” Gella’s voice trailed off, leaving the room silent. What was happening inside?

“Sorry, I hugged you without thinking, and now the dress is all wrinkled. Oh dear…” Gella’s apology came softly.

Cullen lowered his gaze to the floor. Gella’s close interaction implied the lady might be from a fallen noble family or a family of lesser nobility.

A young noblewoman from such a background coming to the capital and being smitten by the commander seemed plausible.

Was Gella being so kind because she pitied the lady’s unrequited feelings for the commander? Cullen’s heart inexplicably pounded.

***