Chapter 159
“Miss, you should prepare to go out soon.”
The servant’s voice snapped Jaha out of her thoughts.
“Go out?”
“Today, you’re visiting the tailor with the master.”
Only then did she remember the forgotten promise.
“In a week, we’ll go to the tailor for fittings. If you’d like, we can also tour the city while we’re out. Would you care to join me?”
“Gladly.”
She’d been so excited for her first outing that she’d agreed instantly—so how had she forgotten?
Unlike Seoul with its subways and buses, this world made it impossible to venture into the city without a carriage, forcing Jaha into a semi-exile. While she hadn’t lacked for comforts, being cooped up in the estate made her crave fresh air.
With a fluttering heart, Jaha wore a formal outing outfit—not indoor clothes nor garden attire, but proper outerwear. By modern standards, it was somewhat cumbersome and flowing.
Half in wonder, half in awkwardness, she was examining her attire when a voice tinged with laughter reached her.
“It suits you well, Jaha.”
A soft, muffled chuckle, as if the speaker found her unbearably adorable.
Jaha’s face grew warm.
Rikanan was, as always, terrifyingly splendid today. Just like when he had first come to fetch her—a face that could belong to an angel, a demon, a god, or a fairy-tale prince.
‘Back then, I was truly shocked.’
Even now, she couldn’t forget the impact of that moment.
His unbearably unreal beauty had suddenly crashed into her vision, so startling it was almost eerie. Like having cold water dumped over her without warning.
They say diving straight into a pool without warming up could give you a heart attack. That was the kind of beauty he possessed—one that required mental preparation. If it appeared in your sight unannounced, your heart might just stop.
That day, she learned that when something exceeded all limits—whether in a good or bad way—it evoked not pure admiration but awe.
Perhaps because they were going out, seeing Rikanan meticulously groomed made Jaha feel ambushed again.
Why does that man always appear in perfect form, as if he’s a peacock determined to lure me with his finest display?
Of course, Jaha knew that was a ridiculous delusion.
As if it’s for me. He probably just enjoys dressing up.
Still, she wished there was a rule that people who looked like him had to announce their grooming plans in advance—like how drivers get fined for cutting in without turn signals. An unwittingly thrown stone could kill a frog, after all.
“Shall we go now?”
“Ah, yes.”
Drawn back to reality by his pleasant low voice, Jaha nodded.
Beneath the chandelier, the man had been dazzling, but even inside the relatively dim carriage, he still looked like a painting. If his surroundings were bright, he shone blindingly; if they were dark, he exuded an uncannily alluring aura.
With an amused tone, Rikanan remarked,
“Jaha must really like my face, it seems.”
“Well, of course…”
It wasn’t just Jaha—if you stopped a hundred random people on the street and asked, all hundred would likely say the same. Unless they had terrible eyesight or exceptionally peculiar tastes. So, admitting it wasn’t particularly embarrassing. Jaha readily agreed.
“That’s true.”
“Then why don’t you come to me?”
“Huh?”
Startled, Jaha reflexively repeated his words. What did he just—? Did I mishear?
She stared at him, eyes demanding an explanation, but Rikanan remained silent. His calmness only deepened her confusion.
He’s definitely a master at driving people mad. The way he could stir someone’s insides while looking completely unbothered was infuriating.
If I react, I lose. If he plays coy, I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear it either. No need to get worked up over words he wouldn’t even take responsibility for.
While she desperately tried to ignore him, the carriage entered the city. The change in scenery made Jaha giddy—it felt like stepping onto a European film set.
When she first woke in this world, she had been in a forest, then immediately taken by soldiers to Rikanan’s estate. This was her first time in a crowded place, and she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the unfamiliar sights.
“We were supposed to stop by the dressmaker’s first, then tour the city, right?”
Testing the waters, Jaha spoke as if there was no room for refusal. Rikanan let out a soft laugh.
“So we were.”
“Are we just sightseeing from the carriage? Or getting out and walking?”
“What would you prefer?”
“Riding in the carriage is comfortable, but walking around might be nice too.”
“Then how about we take a slow lap around the city in the carriage first, and if something catches your eye, we can stop and explore on foot?”
It sounded like a good plan, so Jaha agreed.
Glancing out the window, Rikanan adjusted the gloves on his hands, pulling them snug. His meticulousness—as if letting them slip even slightly was unacceptable—left Jaha with a strange feeling.
‘Why does he go to such lengths?’
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