31 - Outing
Mariana's escape plan continued to progress-beautifully, in her opinion. Unfortunately for her dignity, it also required an unreasonable number of maids.
"Grand Princess Mariana, please raise your arms."
"Grand Princess Mariana, turn slightly."
"Grand Princess Mariana, do not move."
Mariana stood in the middle of her dressing chamber like a decorative statue while at least six maids fluttered around her.
One adjusted the ribbon at her waist. Another carefully combed through her long golden hair.
A third knelt to smooth the fabric of her skirt. Mariana stared blankly at the ceiling.
Why... does dressing like a noble require a full military operation?!
"Grand Princess Mariana, your posture please," one maid gently reminded.
Mariana immediately straightened. "Yes... of course."
Inside, however, she was dying. Back in her previous life, getting dressed took exactly five minutes. Now it took half an hour and a small team of professionals.
At last, the head maid stepped back and nodded approvingly. "It is done."
Mariana looked down at herself.
She wore a flowing summer dress of pale cream silk embroidered with delicate yellow lilies along the hem.
The fabric was light and airy, perfect for the warmer season.
A soft golden ribbon tied neatly around her waist, while her hair had been braided loosely with small pearl pins woven through the strands.
She looked... undeniably noble.
Mariana sighed. "I feel like expensive furniture."
The maids giggled softly. Just then, the door opened. Grand Duchess Darelene stepped inside. Her eyes immediately softened at the sight of her daughter. "Oh my."
Mariana shifted awkwardly. "Mother...?"
Darelene approached slowly, her elegant gaze admiring every detail. "You look lovely."
Mariana blinked. Her mother rarely spoke so openly with affection. A faint warmth rose to her cheeks. "Tha-Thank you..."
Darelene smiled. "Shall we go?"
Mariana brightened immediately. "Yes!"
Freedom from the estate! Freedom from accidental Crown Prince encounters! Yay!!
The two women soon made their way outside where a magnificent carriage waited at the front courtyard. The vehicle gleamed brilliantly beneath the morning sun.
It was crafted from polished gold-trimmed wood, its wheels reinforced with white steel. On its doors shone the proud insignia of the Forebros Grand Duchy.
A roaring lion whose mane spread outward like the radiant rays of the sun. Surrounding the crest were delicate carvings of blooming yellow lilies. Servants and guards lined the pathway as the Grand Duchess and her daughter approached.
The coachman bowed deeply before opening the door. "Your Grace. Grand Princess Mariana."
Darelene stepped inside first. Mariana followed, carefully lifting her skirt to avoid tripping. The interior of the carriage was comfortably lined with velvet cushions and soft embroidered curtains.
A moment later, the carriage rolled forward.
-
The streets of Forebros city bustled with life.
Markets overflowed with colorful fabrics, fresh fruits, and gleaming jewelry. Merchants called out to customers while children darted between the stalls laughing. The golden carriage slowly entered the main plaza. Immediately, people began whispering.
"That's the Grand Ducal carriage."
"The Grand Duchess is inside."
"Wait... is that Grand Princess Mariana?"
Heads turned as the carriage stopped near the most famous modiste in the city. The coachman opened the door. A servant placed a small step. Grand Duchess Darelene descended gracefully. Then Mariana stepped out.
The plaza seemed to pause for a moment. Sunlight caught in her golden hair like threads of light. Her soft summer dress fluttered gently in the warm breeze. Several young nobles stared.
Commoners murmured quietly. "Is that really her?"
"She looks different."
"I heard she changed recently..."
Two lower noble ladies standing near a flower stall whispered behind their fans. "Remember how terrifying she used to be?"
"Yes... she once scolded a merchant until he fainted."
"But lately she seems... calmer."
"Much milder."
"I heard she even apologized to a servant last week."
Mariana heard that. Unfortunately. Her ears turned red instantly.
Oh no... oh no no no!! They're talking about me.
Mariana tried very hard to look composed. But the attention of dozens of curious eyes made her soul attempt to leave her body.
Why are they staring?! Why are they gossiping?! I'm just buying clothes!
A group of commoners bowed respectfully as she passed. "Good morning, Grand Princess Mariana."
Mariana panicked slightly. "Go-Good morning!" Her voice squeaked.
The group blinked in surprise. "... she really is different," someone whispered.
Mariana felt the embarrassment rising like a tidal wave. She quickly moved closer to her mother and clutched the sleeve of Darelene's arm.
Darelene glanced down. "... Mariana?"
Mariana whispered urgently. "Mother, everyone is staring..."
Darelene looked around calmly. Indeed, many people were watching them with curiosity. But instead of concern, the Grand Duchess smiled faintly. "You are the daughter of a Grand Duke, dear."
Mariana whimpered softly. "That's exactly the problem..."
Darelene gently patted her hand. "You will grow used to it."
Mariana doubted that very much. The two women soon entered the elegant building of the modiste. Inside, racks of beautiful dresses lined the walls. Silk. Lace. Velvet.
Mannequins displayed elaborate gowns in every color imaginable. A refined woman hurried forward with a deep bow. "Your Grace! Grand Princess Mariana!" The shop owner looked delighted. "It is an honor to welcome you."
Darelene nodded politely. "We require several dresses suitable for the coming summer season."
"Of course!" The woman clapped her hands excitedly. "Please come this way."
Mariana followed quietly while trying to recover from the earlier public humiliation. Unfortunately, outside the shop, the whispers had not stopped. "Did you see her?"
"She looked shy."
"That's impossible..."
But in a shaded corner of the plaza, someone else had been watching silently. A tall figure dressed in a dark cloak stood near a fountain. Amethyst eyes observed the modiste entrance. The man smiled faintly. "Well now..." The voice was soft. Amused. "Interesting."
Inside the shop, completely unaware of the dangerous attention she had just attracted, Mariana was currently being measured by three extremely enthusiastic seamstresses. Her peaceful modiste trip had only just begun.