Chapter 012
Getting involved in a scandal with Alejandro was not what I wanted. Alejandro had to remain a figure of fantasy. My goal was to make him someone who seemed just within reach, enough to make people yearn for him.
But I couldn’t let myself get caught up in a scandal already.
I wore black dress pants, a black vest, and a jacket.
I had wrapped my chest with bandages, but I wore the vest to make it less noticeable. From a distance, I probably looked like a petite, pretty boy.
“…I see.”
Lehan replied with curious eyes.
“Let’s go inside.”
Lehan followed closely behind me.
“Your Highness, may I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Are you okay with cutting your hair? You’ve always maintained that hairstyle.”
I tried to appear as though I had no ulterior motives. I could feel Lehan staring at my head from behind.
“… It doesn’t matter. “
Fortunately, his response was light.
“Whether it’s short or long, everyone knows what’s inside here.”
At that moment, Lehan’s voice was chillingly cold.
I instinctively realized that I had to pretend not to know what Lehan was thinking at that moment. I spoke in a more cheerful tone.
“Then I should think about what hairstyle would look good with the clothes you’ll be wearing. Hmm, with such a pretty face, I think any style would suit you well.”
I could feel Lehan’s intense gaze on me from behind. What could he be thinking? Did he want to kill me? The intensity of his stare made the hair on my arms stand on end.
“…That doesn’t matter either. Since I’ve decided to give myself to you, do as you wish.”
“In that case, it might be fun to try out various hairstyles. After all, different styles suit different outfits.”
“Do as you please.”
“Did you hear about what I’m planning to do?”
“Well, isn’t it some kind of dress-up game?”
“It’s somewhat similar. And today, I’m planning to figure out which clothes suit Your Highness best… Then I’ll also narrow down which boutique to contract with.”
“A boutique to contract with?”
His voice sounded puzzled.
“Yes, because I need outfits for the ‘fashion show’ I’m planning.”
In my hands was a business plan.
Anyone who understands the value of the business I’m trying to start will surely jump in. It will bring a fresh breeze to this stagnant industry.
* * *
Alejandro watched Evelina’s busy movements from behind. Evelina, who had chosen Alejandro’s clothes, drew the attention of the madame by purchasing the most expensive outfit among them.
It was only natural that the madame, who had shown interest since Alejandro entered, would take the bait.
“…So, if I lend you the outfits, not only will you promote them, but you’ll also sell them? And you’ll feature them in a book for promotion?”
“That’s right, madame.”
There was a hint of excitement in Evelina’s voice. Truly, it was impossible to pin down what kind of person she was. Alejandro narrowed his eyes.
He hadn’t expected her to show up in such a manner. His original plan had been to put Evelina on display, but things had taken an unexpected turn.
Yet he doesn’t find them that bad.
“But how can you guarantee that this business will succeed?”
“Even if I fail, madame, you won’t suffer any losses. The unsold clothes will be returned to you. Moreover, if you doubt my business, are you implying that you don’t trust the Crown Prince?”
Suddenly pointed out, Alejandro swallowed hard without realizing it. He hadn’t anticipated that she would draw him in this way.
It was truly audacious in an unexpected manner.
“…That’s not the case, but…”
The madame’s gaze flickered to Alejandro before shifting away. Her eyes were full of curiosity. She must want to know what kind of relationship the two of them have.
“But Mr. Ethan, you seem to have nothing to offer.”
“That’s not true, madame. First of all, I can secure guests for the magazine I’m planning to publish through this event. And second, next time, you’ll need to pay me to send clothes. So it’s a benefit.”
“…You have quite a lot of confidence.”
Even while conversing, the madame’s gaze repeatedly darted to Alejandro. Alejandro quietly met her eyes.
The madame’s face paled slightly as she looked at his concealed eyes. She turned away.
“What will you do? I can’t spend my time here indefinitely. I plan to visit several boutiques.”
“…Can you give me some time?”
“Well.”
She shrugged. The madame spoke with a complicated expression.
“…If you gather the clothes from each boutique in one place, you can compare them. It would be great if this goes well, but if it ends up being undervalued…”
“Isn’t that the most important thing? I’m convinced that this is a crucial opportunity for the stagnant fashion industry to make a significant leap and achieve higher standards. We’re going to breathe new life into this industry.”
“You have quite a lot of confidence, Mr. Ethan.”
In the end, the hesitant madame accepted the contract. Out of the seven boutiques that Lehan and I visited, four agreed to the contract while three did not.
This was definitely an impressive outcome.
They had four outfits that could be showcased in the show. Adding the seven outfits she purchased from each shop, that makes eleven.
This should be enough to put on a good show. We also established the commission rate for the clothes rented from the companies.
By the time Lehan and Evelina left the last boutique, the sun had already set.
“Thank you for your hard work, Your Highness.”
“I feel like I’m paying too much for this.”
“I put my life on the line, Your Highness. It certainly won’t be a losing deal.”
For the price of my life, this much is nothing.
“What’s the next step?”
“We need to gather people, Your Highness.”
Letting everyone know where and what I’ll be doing—this was the next step.
“Just stay put, and I’ll handle everything for you.”
My favorite character, let’s have you enjoy only what I serve and walk the flower path?
“…I’m hungry.”
“I’ll treat you to a delicious dinner. With this outfit, you won’t have to worry about any scandals.”
Lehan stared at me as if something was off. He seemed to be hesitating.
“…You’re really unpredictable.”
“Me?”
“No.”
Alejandro changed the subject.
“What would you like to eat? If you mention my name, we can get into any famous restaurant. So, choose something.”
“Uh, well… what’s famous around here?”
I should at least know this.
Should I try the food that my favorite character picks? I’d be willing to eat even salt porridge if that’s what he wants.
* * *
Alejandro looked at Evelina with an incomprehensible expression. She had been rummaging through the boutiques as if she knew every corner of Silant Street, yet she had no idea what restaurants were around.
‘Does she only focus on what interests her?’
Moreover, Evelina seemed accustomed to this kind of business. Her attitude and tone when dealing with the madames of the costume shops and her confident demeanor when negotiating.
Yet, when interacting with Alejandro, she became incredibly gentle. Her eyes sparkled to an almost overwhelming degree, but she never crossed any lines.
It was as if just looking at Alejandro was enough for her.
A pure kindness that was not threatening at all.
It was astonishing that such a thing could exist in this world. There is always some vested interest tangled with the emotions exchanged between people.
‘She’s too pure.’
For instance, her decision to disguise herself to avoid the risk of a scandal was telling. Typically, noble ladies would be desperate to get involved with someone like Alejandro.
‘What kind of world must she have come from to be like that?’
Even though Evelina appeared that way, those who knew her would have realized that “Ethan” was connected to her. With the bait appropriately set, it was just a matter of waiting for the fish to bite.
Under normal circumstances, after achieving his goal, Alejandro should have returned home. Yet, here he was, sitting across from Evelina and having dinner.
Rebecca was right.
‘I don’t know what you’re going to do or what role you’ll play.’
From what he had observed so far, she seemed to be impulsive and somewhat strategic.
‘She definitely likes me.’
That was an undeniable truth.
