33 - Whisper
The modiste had never been this silent.
Moments ago, the room had been filled with cheerful chatter, admiration, and the clinking of teacups. Now, every noblewoman, seamstress, and servant stood perfectly still. Because two powerful figures were facing each other.
Grand Duchess Darelene Cerys Kylin la Vernon. And Crown Prince Zafiel Abaddon Morrigan von Clematis.
Darelene inclined her head with flawless elegance. “Your Imperial Highness.” Her voice was polite. Perfectly measured. But the faint chill beneath it was unmistakable.
Zafiel merely smiled. “Grand Duchess.”
He gave a casual bow that was respectful—but relaxed enough to signal he did not feel the slightest pressure from the situation. Mariana, still standing in the middle of the room in her golden dress, felt like a sacrificial offering between two lions.
Please let the floor swallow me...!
Darelene gestured gracefully toward the velvet seating area. “Since Your Imperial Highness has graced this humble shop with your presence… would you care to sit?” The words were polite. But the meaning beneath them was clear.
Explain yourself.
Zafiel did not miss it. His smile widened slightly. “With pleasure.”
He walked over and sat down comfortably on one of the velvet chairs as though he had been invited to a pleasant afternoon tea. The seamstresses looked ready to faint from stress. A servant quickly hurried forward with refreshments.
Zafiel accepted a small plate of sweets without hesitation. “Thank you.” He took a bite of a honey pastry.
The room remained completely silent except for the faint sound of him chewing. Darelene sat across from him. Her posture was perfectly composed.
“Your Imperial Highness,” she said calmly, “may I ask what brings you here today?” Her golden eyes studied him sharply. “You rarely visit the commercial district without prior notice.”
Zafiel hummed thoughtfully as he finished the pastry. “Mmm.” He reached for another sweet. “Curiosity.”
Darelene’s brow barely twitched. “Curiosity?”
“Yes.” Zafiel took a sip of tea. “I heard that the Grand Princess had come to the plaza.” His amethyst eyes flicked briefly toward Mariana. “And since the entire city seemed to be speaking of her today…” He smiled lightly. “I decided to see for myself.”
Darelene did not smile back. The surrounding noblewomen watched the exchange like it was a theatrical performance. Mariana, meanwhile, was slowly dying.
Mother, please. Kick him out. Please kick him out.
Internally, she was practically kneeling on the floor begging. Her mind screamed:
WHY ARE YOU SO CALM ABOUT THIS SITUATION?!
But Darelene only folded her hands gracefully. “I see.” Her voice remained perfectly polite. "But surely the Crown Prince of the Empire has more pressing matters than observing a young lady purchasing dresses.”
Zafiel shrugged lightly. “Sometimes small curiosities are worth investigating.” He popped another sweet into his mouth.
Mariana stared at him in disbelief.
He’s eating like he’s at a café?!
The tension between Darelene and Zafiel stretched across the room like a drawn bowstring. But the Crown Prince looked entirely at ease. He finished his tea. Then casually set the cup aside. “Well.” He stood up.
Mariana’s heart dropped.
No. No no no!! Why is he standing?!
Zafiel walked toward her. Every step felt slow. Deliberate.
The seamstresses parted like nervous birds scattering. Mariana stood frozen in place. Her brain screamed. RUN. But her body refused to move. Zafiel stopped right beside her.
Close! Too close!!
The noblewomen watching from the side looked ready to scream from excitement.
“Oh my…”
“They look like a couple…”
Mariana wanted to disappear. Then Zafiel lifted a hand. Her heart nearly stopped. His fingers gently touched the strap of her dress. The golden ribbon had slipped slightly from her shoulder during the earlier fittings.
Without asking, he adjusted it. Carefully. His fingers brushed lightly against the fabric as he straightened the strap back into place. The room collectively gasped. Mariana’s face burned bright red.
“H–Your Imperial Highness—”
Zafiel leaned closer. Much closer. His voice dropped low. Only for her to hear. Warm breath brushed against her ear. And then, he whispered a single word. “Iana.”
Mariana’s entire world froze. Her pupils shrank. Her heartbeat stopped.
Because that name was not Mariana. It was not the Grand Princess. It was not a name from this world. It was the name from her previous life. The name she had never spoken to anyone here. The name she had carried before the accident. Before the isekai. Before everything.
Iana.
Her hands trembled.
How... How does he know that name?
Her mind spiraled in panic.
Zafiel slowly straightened again. His expression returned to calm amusement. To everyone else in the room, it looked like he had simply whispered something charming to the Grand Princess.
Several noblewomen squealed quietly. “So romantic…”
Mariana, however, felt like she had just been struck by lightning. Her gaze slowly lifted to meet his.
Zafiel looked down at her with the same relaxed smile. But his eyes were different now. Sharp. Knowing. Dangerous. Like someone who had just confirmed a very interesting secret.
And suddenly, Mariana realized something horrifying. Her escape plan hadn’t failed. It had never existed in the first place. Because somehow, the Crown Prince had already found her.