Chapter 90
After treating the Countess, I decided to visit the mansion once a week to treat her knee.
After finishing the knee treatment, I spend time being pampered—eating delicious and sweet desserts to my heart’s content or lying in the bread position on the Countess’s lap while listening to stories.
In truth, with each visit to the mansion, I also hoped to meet Doctor James, the shapeshifter, again.
I subtly asked the Countess when Doctor James would come, but she regretted that he had no time to visit lately because his clinic had become busy with patients.
Perhaps I should visit his clinic directly. There’s so much I want to ask about whether he’s seen the Ulpes tribe.
Karden was still spending busy days meeting with members of the House of Lords and entering the palace for an audience with His Majesty the King, while Yudis had become too busy with merchant guild work with the ball a month away to even see her face.
“Since the Countess has a tea party gathering today, perhaps I’ll visit the shapeshifter shelter.”
The shapeshifter shelter operated by Duke Berdin, whom I met by chance at the Royal Library.
I knew the address but hadn’t had time to visit until now.
I need to search for the Ulpes tribe myself. There’s no more time to delay.
But if I go to the shapeshifter shelter alone, Karden and Yudis would surely worry, so I should pretend I’m going to the market.
Fortunately, the market isn’t far from the shapeshifter shelter.
I hurriedly put on a brown dress and coat. I dressed as plainly as possible to avoid standing out.
If I went to the bustling market in fancy clothes, I would easily catch attention and Karden might find out.
After preparing, I headed to the mansion’s stable.
The coachman was busy brushing the horses’ coats.
I asked the coachman, making up a story about wanting to visit the nearby market.
“The market, miss? Has the Grand Duke permitted this?”
The coachman, a former soldier, tilted his head and asked repeatedly. This was because Karden had forbidden me from going out alone for my safety.
At times like this, the Grand Duke is truly overprotective.
“Of course. He gave me permission to visit the nearby market alone. Please.”
Of course, I told the lie without batting an eye, and the simple-minded coachman prepared the carriage, saying he would follow orders.
The carriage that left the villa drove quickly toward the shops and market in the center of the capital.
Past the shopping district with fancy boutiques and jewelry stores frequented by nobles, the lively and bustling market streets used by commoners unfolded.
“Please stop here.”
“Are you sure it’s alright to get off here, Miss Shushu?”
The coachman anxiously pulled the reins and stopped the carriage.
“It’s fine. I’ll just look around briefly. Please come back here in an hour.”
“Understood. Please be careful while exploring the market.”
After confirming the carriage had disappeared down the road, I took out the map to the shapeshifter shelter from my pocket.
The detailed map drawn by Duke Berdin made it seem easy to find the location.
“Let’s get going then.”
Just as I was about to enter the market crowded with people, I saw a familiar face.
A presence that stood out clearly like a beam of light descending through the crowded throng. Despite wearing a simple beige dress, her noble and elegant figure caught my eye.
“Why is Olivia here?”
I opened my eyes wide in surprise. No matter how I looked at her, she was the female lead, but why was she looking around here?
Olivia seemed slightly flustered, wandering here and there as she was swept up in the crowd. As a high-ranking healer, Olivia should have had soldiers escorting her.
I hurriedly approached Olivia and called out loudly so she could hear me.
“Lady Olivia! Over here!”
When I waved my hand widely and called out, Olivia’s eyes widened like a startled rabbit upon seeing me.
“Lady Shuvelia, how delightful to see you in such a place.”
Olivia greeted me with a smile as bright as a spring flower.
Befitting her status as a noblewoman who was also a healer, it was a greeting with elegant etiquette.
I instinctively responded with a greeting as well. Formal greetings in the middle of a bustling, noisy market.
The glances from people around us were a bit uncomfortable.
“What brings Lady Olivia to the market?”
“Ah, I was returning from the Grand Temple when I got separated from my companions and lost my way, ending up here. How embarrassing. To lose my way on a path I often travel.”
Olivia spoke in a small voice, lowering her gaze with visible embarrassment.
“Don’t worry. I know the way. And a carriage will come to pick me up in an hour. I’ll take you home then.”
“Would that be alright?”
Olivia asked carefully, feeling apologetic.
“Of course. Since we have about an hour to spare, shall we take a walk around the market?”
My actual plan was to pretend to go to the market but visit the shapeshifter shelter instead, but protecting Olivia was more important. I’ll have to visit the shapeshifter shelter tomorrow.
Olivia tilted her head slightly, puzzlement clear on her face. Her beauty was like a lily with transparent dewdrops.
“You mean to walk around the market?”
“Yes, of course. Don’t tell me Lady Olivia has never explored a market before?”
“Ah. Yes. I’ve passed by markets before, but I’ve never actually entered one.”
“Then come with me. I wanted to explore the market too.”
I casually took Olivia’s lace-gloved hand.
Perhaps because I was a reader of the original story, I had cheered for the bright and upright female lead Olivia with the heart of a friend.
I’d like to become good friends with Olivia if possible.
Olivia looked down at my hand, surprise and uncertainty crossing her features.
Oh, perhaps taking someone’s hand when you’re not close is impolite in noble society?
Am I the only one getting excited about my internal sense of closeness?
As I was cautiously trying to withdraw my hand, Olivia gently grasped it back.
“Somehow, I’m happy.”
“Pardon?”
Olivia gazed intently at my face. Her eyes, blue like a clear sky, had a charm that drew people in.
I found myself captivated by her lovely appearance as she blushed slightly on her jade-like cheeks, looking shy.
T/n: The phrase “jade-like cheeks” (백옥 같은 뺨) is a traditional East Asian literary expression comparing fair skin to white jade, prized for its smooth, clear, and luminous qualities. This poetic description emphasizes Olivia’s exceptionally flawless complexion that beautifully reveals her delicate blush, conveying both her physical beauty and innocent nature.
“It feels like holding hands with a kind friend. This is my first time going for a walk with a friend while holding hands…”
Ah, that’s right. Olivia’s healing powers manifested when she was young, and she entered the Grand Temple to train as a healer.
So she wouldn’t have had experiences like attending social events or tea parties like other noble young ladies her age.
Our female lead has been working hard, healing others since childhood,d without properly enjoying herself. How pitiful.
With a lump in my throat, I firmly held Olivia’s delicate hand.
“Let’s go. There’s much to see in the market.”
Olivia and I entered the crowded market entrance.
Under colorful awnings, various shops like blacksmiths, butchers, fruit stands, and bakeries lined up, with merchants and customers haggling.
Laughter and cheerful voices filled the streets.
Olivia looked around the market with wide eyes, wonder and curiosity evident in her expression.
“This is my first time in such a place. Everyone is so full of energy.”
“Right? I wanted to visit the capital’s market too. It’s full of humanity and joy.”
Rather than the fancy high-end shopping district, I much preferred watching people and snacking in this humble but vibrant market.
On one side of the market was a bread stall. They were selling sandwiches with thinly sliced pork and shredded cabbage between thick baguettes.
I quickly went to the shop owner and ordered two sandwiches.
Olivia, watching from the side, tried to stop me in surprise.
“Miss Shushu, eating food on the street is a bit…”
“Street food is always delicious. Try it.”
I smiled brightly and handed the baguette sandwich to Olivia. She carefully accepted it.
When she hesitated, I took a big bite first. The combination of soft bread, ham, crisp cabbage, and sauce was delicious.
Olivia carefully opened her mouth and took a small bite of the sandwich. Her stern expression immediately changed to that of a bright child as she chewed diligently.
“It’s, it’s delicious. You were right, Miss Shushu.”
“See? It’s fun to eat food while exploring the market.”
I ate my sandwich while taking in the market scenery.
The blacksmith hammering at the forge, shop owners loudly selling their wares, workers carrying large loads on their backs.
The laughter of children running through the market, the voices of people talking as they shopped—it all sounded like an unending song.
Watching people living their lives diligently and honestly day by day gives me an inexplicable sense of fulfillment.
It also gives me the strength to live like them.
“Miss Shushu, you’re truly a fascinating person.”
Olivia whispered in a gentle voice.
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