Chapter 69

Part 2 will end in about 8 more episodes! Thank you for your continued support ( ˘人˘ )

The next morning. I woke up earlier than usual, did some light magic practice with Haniwa in the garden, and after a leisurely bath to wash away the sweat, Yan carefully helped me get dressed.

"Miss, you look very beautiful."

"Thank you."

When I looked in the full-length mirror, there was a flamboyant and beautiful villainess—none other than the Grace Sentsberry I knew.

I wore a deep navy dress like the night sky, with large gemstone earrings and a matching necklace that sparkled around my neck.

The thick eyeliner that framed my large eyes and the red lips accentuated my beautiful face.

There was no need to create a gap anymore, and it wasn't yet time for Grace's exit in the novel.

Most of all, Lanhart had said he liked the gap between appearance and personality, so I thought this outfit would be good.

"...I feel a bit uneasy."

Still, because I hadn't dressed like this much recently, I felt a bit out of place.

I suddenly wondered, "What would Zain think of this appearance?" and quickly shook my head.

It was pointless to think about such things, no matter how much I did.

"Miss, please be careful."

"Yes. Evan will be there, so it's fine."

Even though it was a date, Evan was supposed to watch from a distance.

I thought that the man would usually dislike this, but Lanhart had said, "I don't mind, it's reassuring," and "I like being watched too," which was a bit scary and hard to understand.

Eventually, Lanhart came to pick me up at the mansion, and we got into the carriage together.

"You look beautiful today, I was taken aback."

"Thank you."

"Your face doesn't seem to believe it, which is sad."

"You probably say that to everyone."

"That's harsh. I've been reducing it, you know."

Not saying it but reducing it, which was very much like Lanhart.

From there, we rode in the carriage to the city for lunch. It was a hidden gem of a place, but apparently quite high-end, and even royalty used it secretly.

"Do you come here often?"

"Rarely. I only bring important people."

"O-Oh."

If I had taken his words at face value, my heart might not have been able to handle it. I gave a casual response and changed the topic.

"What do you plan to do after this?"

"There's a store I want to visit, and then I'd like to spend some quiet time together. Is that okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine with anything."

As a date novice, it was helpful to be completely led. Most of all, I felt reassured that I would enjoy myself if I left it to Lanhart.

After enjoying a delicious dessert and feeling full and happy, we headed to a store that looked like a trendy boutique.

It had everything from dresses and accessories to what looked like high-end furniture, and it was apparently invitation-only.

"This would suit you, I think."

"Y-Yes, indeed... Wow, it's cute."

Lanhart, who had always seemed stylish from head to toe, had excellent taste. He picked out dresses and accessories that suited me perfectly, and my heart raced. However, being frugal, I was concerned about the prices and was trying to decide on just one item when he had already bought everything.

"Let me give you these as a gift. I just want to see you in them."

Feeling somewhat guilty, I insisted on paying, and Lanhart chuckled.

"You really are different. I've never seen such a reaction before."

He said he would have the dresses sent to the mansion and took my hand again to leave the store.

"Shall we go to a place where we can be alone and relax?"

"Y-Yes."

Curious about where we were going, I got back into the carriage. This time, unlike before, Lanhart sat next to me.

In his hand was the large amethyst hair accessory we had just bought.

"Can I put this on you?"

"Sure, but it might not match my current hairstyle."

"Can I do everything for you?"

Not quite understanding, I nodded, and Lanhart, without hesitation, undid my half-up hairstyle.

I couldn't help but wonder how many women's hair he had touched like this.

"Grace's hair is really beautiful. It stands out, so I can always find you wherever you are."

Occasionally, his large hand would touch my neck, making me feel ticklish and embarrassed. I couldn't even respond, just gripping my hands tightly on my lap and remaining as still as a statue.

"Your neck is all red. You're so cute."

"N-No, I'm fine! I'll do it myself!"

"Sorry, sorry, I won't tease you anymore."

Unable to bear it, I tried to move to the opposite seat, but he immediately apologized. His flustered voice surprised me, and I lowered myself back into my seat.

Even if I complained that teasing was cruel, he repeated, "I'm really sorry."

"Because you're so pure and cute, I can't help but be mean."

"......"

"Plus, at first, you didn't even notice me, so it's nice to see you react like this. I'm sorry."

From his demeanor, I could tell he wasn't joking, and I couldn't say anything. Lanhart said my attitude had changed, but I thought he had changed more.

Though I couldn't express it, his tone and attitude had become much gentler. While Lanhart had always been helpful, this felt different from that kind of kindness.

"There, it's done. You really do look beautiful. It suits you well."

Looking at my reflection in the window, I was impressed by how skillfully it was done.

Feeling a bit shy, I thanked him, and Lanhart smiled happily, making me smile involuntarily.