We deeply apologize for saying this. Because of a miscalculation in the modification of the dress youve chosen, we were not able to proceed with the delivery. Please consider visiting us one more time.

Selena tilted her head as she read the note from the store of Diatte. It wasnt pleasant news to receive during the morning breakfast.

Care to see this?

Selena passed the note to Kalcion, who was eating his breakfast next to her. From her tone, it was unclear whether she got sensitive or was actually in a bad mood.

He put down his utensils and picked up the note. Shortly after, his brows furrowed in frustration.

That was rude.

His reaction was brief. As if there was nothing more to see of it, he threw away the paper on the table after crumpling it with exaggeration.

Isnt it rude?

They asked me to visit them. As if itd be too much to come in person to the mansion.

The more she stared at him, the deeper she saw Kalcion frown. He was annoyed.

They could have come here for the money, but they had a sudden change of heart.

Was there a shortage of money?

I dont think so..

She did not expect she could only buy one dress through the Renbirds expenses.

Im afraid someone was behind this.

They could be negligent until the customer visited the store in person. Kalcion glanced at Selena as he was about to speak.

If word about my visit spreads tomorrow and I become a topic for gossip, shouldnt I accept this opportunity?

She couldnt help but expect a disgusting battle awaiting her. Meanwhile, she had already lost her appetite. She had to take the chance to bump into every place and get entangled in a situation to establish a connection.

She jumped up from her seat, her meal barely finished.

Ill go get ready.

When she left the dining room, Juna, who was waiting in front of the door, quickly caught up to her.

Where are we going today?

Juna was unaware of the call from Diatte. This way Selena could easily take the lead.

I must go back to Diatte. Theres been a mistake in the modification of my dress.

Oh..! Wow do you suppose we could get a table this time?

Well, Ill be lucky if that table isnt thrown at me.

Yes?

Selena looked back at Juna and just smiled.

I want to look beautiful today. Im going to rush in with the momentum to refund, so Ill ask you to prepare me accordingly.

Ah..!

Juna understood her point at once.

Stronger than any! Smarter than any!

No difficulty.

***

As soon as Selena got off the wagon, Diattes gatekeepers were caught nervous. She was wearing a bold dress and aggressive makeup.

From the number of guests already present inside, they had predicted a violent day.

Since this store was a threshold for social communities, it housed many large and small conflicts that occurred over the years.

Even if the aristocratic enthusiasts fluttered their fans with grace, they could become dangerously violent when offended. There were times when they had to put chestnut ointment around their eyes to regain their beauty, distorted from fighting.

Selena had such a feeling from the atmosphere. However, there was a formidable figure present today.

But, that wasnt the end.

What are you doing here?

Both Selena and the gatekeepers turned to the speaker at the same time.

The gatekeepers, blinded by Selenas appearance, had missed the person who appeared after her. Their faces sank with discouragement when they identified who it was.

What about you?

Selena responded immediately. She spoke casually as they never set any formal manners between them.

Even though she was the first to snap at Selena, Fionel frowned as she got closer.

Wow, you have such guts. How did you come all the way here?

Is this a place Im not allowed to visit? Oh, yes. This doesnt seem to be a place for humans. Seeing that youre here, too.

Fionel shook her head at Selena, who refreshingly returned the slang. She looked tired of it.

Youre insane.

What?

I guess you dont know that youre wasting your life. Are you not afraid of anything?

Selenas eyes changed. Fionel didnt sound so threatening. Not as she did before.

She knows something.

Aligning with the conversation she had with Kalcion last day cleared her doubt. The puzzle included Fionel.

I want to talk to you.

We are doing it!

No, let us talk about something serious and somewhere private.

What? Why?

There was no way she would be able to tell it here. Speaking of which, she didnt want to waste any more time on useless gibberish.

Selena grabbed Fionels wrist and pulled her along.

Ah?! What are you doing? Are you crazy?

Ah, mlady!

Fionels maid tried to intervene, however, Selena pushed her away.

Were just going to talk quietly, so please wait here.

B-But!

The maid and gatekeepers were left restless, as Fionel was dragged to one side of the building.

On reaching there, Selena shoved Fionel against the wall.

Kyaah!

She screamed like an injured chick when her back hit against the wall.

However, Selena had no speckling sympathy in her eyes. Fionel, who habitually tried to play injured, quickly regained her senses when she saw her face.

You!

Do you know about Irelles death?

I.. I guess.

As soon as Selena mentioned Irelle, Fionel stopped resisting.

There you go.

Fionel was silent.

Selena slowly approached and placed her hand on the wall beside Fionels head. Her towering figure and glaring eyes were threatening enough.

She knew Selena couldnt do anything when her maid and the gatekeepers were witnesses, but it tensed her up.

Selena lowered her head to Fionels level and spoke quietly.

Ive learned more than before. About Irelle.

And?

Selena did not lower her dominance, but that didnt mean Fionel was completely subdued.

Now that it reminds me, it sounds like youre threatening me as if I could die as Irelle did.

..

Fionels breathing grew fierce.

They say that Irelle killed herself without a reason. But, I think you know why she did so.

.H-How would I know that? It died along with her.

Fionel did not comply even though she was scared to some extent. Selena wanted to tighten her grip, but she doubted she would get a proper word out of that mouth.

She took a step back. As she removed her hand from the wall, Fionel ran off through the limited gap she found.

Selena would enter the society anyway. There was nothing urgent. Fionel knew the cost, so Selena only had to find a way to pressure her to tell the story in the future.

Listen.

Fionel, who was sprinting toward the shops gate, stopped and glanced back.

Selena was standing still at her place. Fionel pouted her lips and brought up something unexpected.

Fionel is sincere about His Excellency.

So?

You arent.

And?

Selena was supposed to seduce Kalcion from the beginning and play his lover, but her falling in love with him was not within the scope of consideration. Rather, Kalcion had to play the role of falling in love with her.

Whether youre serious or not, the fact that the Duke is mine remains the same.

So what was so important about that? Externally, Kalcion was always seen with Selena.

Youre a b*tch!

Fionel eventually exploded. That much swearing didnt itch Selena.

In my eyes, youre a b*tch who doesnt care about His Excellency who already has me.

If you look at it, wouldnt it be worse if someone tore lovers apart out of jealousy than someone who just seduced people? The former did not have to be weak if only her tempting nature was okay.

Fionel, now more furious because she couldnt argue, snapped while stamping her feet.

Im not saying Im bad, Im nice! Youll see.

Then she ran off to the store. Selena just shrugged her shoulders.

..Who knows?

Fionel was insignificant seconds after she was being threatened. Her good nature was questionable, but Selena knew that someone worse than her was ill-tempered and walking free in society.

Hold on.

As she took a step back to the store, a sudden thought crossed her mind.