To the One Who's Only Cold to Me - Chapter 89

“Well, still”

After glancing at Aisha for a while, Marie suddenly spoke up. Aisha, who had been resting her chin on her hand and gazing out the window, turned to look at her with a puzzled expression. Marie, looking a bit flushed, was staring right at her.

“As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters!”

“Honestly, this is much better than you lying in bed all day. A noble lady participating in business how amazing is that?”

Marie was the maid who had served Aisha most closely. Because of that, she had seen everything Aisha crying from heartbreak over Ian and even falling ill because of it.

Marie hated seeing her beautiful, kind lady suffering because of a man. No matter how handsome or powerful that nobleman was, what was the point if her lady ended up hurt every day, soaking her pillow with tears?

“And when you go out like today, I’m happy too! I get out of cleaning, I get to see the outside world legally, and”

So, cheering on Aisha’s change, Marie chatted away enthusiastically. Aisha chuckled at Marie’s comment about skipping chores and patted her head gently.

“Do you know how jealous Anna was when she found out I was going out with you today? That girl’s still sulking right now”

As Marie rambled on, the carriage passed through the mountain road and now rolled smoothly. In the distance, the red rooftops of the town came into view. Aisha shook her head a few times, trying to shake off the image of Ian still lingering in her mind.

‘Let’s just focus on work right now.’

Ian’s presence hadn’t disappeared completely. But just having him fade a little made her heart feel lighter. Aisha smiled brightly at her father-in-law who had come out to greet her.

“Yes, Miss. Please speak well to the Count for me.”

“Of course. Thank you for today. I’ll be sure to tell my father.”

Aisha stepped out of the store that did business with Parden, feeling pleased. The quality of the goods was better than expected, and the quantity was perfect, so the job had finished earlier than planned.

“Marie, let’s take a walk around the village.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Is that okay with you two?”

“Of course, Miss.”

Seeing Aisha’s satisfied expression, Marie and the two guards brightened as well. The four of them began exploring the village, their steps lighter than when they first arrived.

“Wow, it’s beautiful.”

“Right? I’m glad we came.”

Colorful fabrics were hung all over Lafran Village. Especially in the central market, the cloths draped by each store along the street made for a spectacular view. Gold threads shimmered under the sun, woven into brightly dyed cloth. Though these fabrics weren’t top quality since they were displayed outside, the sparkling threads still looked beautiful.

Aisha and Marie browsed the items leisurely. The shopkeepers, noticing the noble-looking young lady with a maid, were eager to sell their goods. But seeing the two large bodyguards following a few steps behind, they quickly grew cautious.

Thinking her guards might be scaring off the sellers, Aisha asked them to stay a bit farther away. At first, the guards refused for safety reasons, but after her repeated requests, they finally gave some distance.

With the guards now farther away, Aisha and Marie entered a shop to look around. The merchants of Lafran Village, perhaps used to noble customers, had no hesitation promoting their goods to Aisha. But even with their enthusiastic sales pitches, Aisha didn’t seem impressed.

‘As I thought nothing here compares to the custom orders.’

Most stores didn’t have anything as good as what she had pre-ordered. In fact, there were quite a few counterfeits. It was expected most artisans were already booked, and it was rare for high-quality goods to reach the general market.

“Let’s just check that store and head back.”

Aisha, having lost interest, pointed to one last large store. Marie, seeming tired of browsing as well, nodded silently and followed her.

“Welcome. Let me guide you inside.”

The last store had many staff, fitting its large size. But despite the spacious interior, the goods weren’t very impressive. Aisha again walked with a disinterested look.

“Ha! Haven’t you heard how famous Lafran’s fabrics are?”

While Aisha was skimming through items, a sharp voice rang out from nearby. Curious, she looked toward the sound and saw a customer in unusual clothing arguing with what looked like the shop owner.

“Hmm… Is that really the price?”

“Ha! How frustrating!”

Though the shop owner was louder, the one who stood out was the customer. With sandy dark skin, clearly different from the people of the Caesar Empire, and stark white hair, it was obvious they were foreigners.

‘Astainians?’

Aisha widened her eyes in surprise. People from the Astain Kingdom, which lay beyond the western sea of the empire, were rarely seen in the capital.

“Miss, look at them! I’ve only read about them in books. It’s my first time seeing people with that skin tone in real life!”

“Marie, don’t stare. It’s rude.”

When Marie openly gawked, Aisha gently scolded her. Marie turned her head, but couldn’t help sneaking glances.

“Anyway, this is 100 gold. This fabric is one of the best in Lafran. You doubt me? Hmph!”

As Aisha listened in curiosity, she turned again when the owner quoted an outrageous price—100 gold. Her brows furrowed.

‘That’s not even from Lafran… and 100 gold?’

100 gold could buy a huge gold bar. To charge that for a fake item was ridiculous. Though she planned to stay out of it, Aisha couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Miss?”

Marie called out worriedly as she followed. Aisha took a deep breath and approached the foreigners and the shop owner.

“Fine. I’ll buy it.”

“You should’ve said so earlier! Lucky you. Other craftsmen wouldn’t even offer it if they were doubted like this”

Just as Aisha reached them, the foreigner was about to buy the item. Ignoring the boastful owner, Aisha looked at the three foreigners and spoke to the one in front.

“That’s a fake.”

Everyone turned to her. Aisha stepped closer and pointed at the cloth.

“Look here. Real Lafran fabric doesn’t have marks like this. This embroidery is done with ordinary techniques.”

“W-What? Who do you think you are?”

Caught red-handed, the shop owner exploded. Aisha flinched slightly at his loud voice but stood her ground.

“Have some shame. Not only are you selling a fake, but charging 100 gold for it? Even if it were real, that much Lafran fabric is worth less than a quarter of that. You should look elsewhere, sir.”

“Why are you interfering?! Get lost before you ruin my business!”

When Aisha mentioned the actual price, the shop owner turned red with anger. He shouted so fiercely it seemed he might attack. Marie motioned to the guards and quickly stepped in front of Aisha.

“Don’t you dare yell at my lady! You fraud!”

“What? Fraud?”

Seeing Marie as easier to pick on, the owner raised his hand. But Aisha cut in coldly.

“Touch one finger on my maid, and I’ll cut that hand off.”

“Damn it!”

At her warning and the approaching guards, the shop owner stumbled away, fabric in hand. He shoved aside the staff and ran into a back room—a pathetic sight.

“Shall we drag him out, Miss?”

“No, it’s fine.”

The guards kept watch, but Aisha waved them off and turned to the foreigners. She paused, meeting the eyes of the man in front.

‘Ah…’

Among the three, he stood out the most. He was not just tall almost towering and had long hair, a single ear covered in dangling earrings, and striking ruby-red eyes that held a strangely captivating charm.

But that was it. Aisha, who wasn’t swayed by appearances, quickly looked away and pointed outside.

“If you’re looking for real Lafran fabric see that mark out there? Stores with that sign are run by real artisans. There are many just a block down. Try there.”

The man said nothing, only stared at her. His gaze felt too intense. Aisha, a bit flustered, gave a polite smile and turned.

“Well then Marie, let’s go.”

“Wait.”

Clink. The man’s earrings jingled and then, a large hand suddenly gripped Aisha’s wrist. Shocked by the unexpected strength, she turned wide-eyed to face him.

“Your name. And family?”

He smiled slowly and asked, not in Imperial language but in Astainians, as if giving a command. Aisha, having learned the language, understood but was too stunned to answer.

“Miss! Let go of her!”

Marie, snapping to action, rushed to help. The man ignored her until Aisha twisted her arm, and finally let go.

“Name. And family.”

“Isn’t it polite to introduce yourself before asking someone else’s name?”

Rubbing her sore wrist, Aisha spoke sharply without meaning to. Behind her, the guards had returned, tense and watching the foreigners. But the man seemed completely unfazed and stroked his chin.

“Me? I’m… Imir. Yeah. Just call me Imir. Satisfied now?”

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