Chapter 18
Andria stood in front of her salon, craning her neck to look around.
She was waiting for Beloni.
Not long ago, Andria had rushed back to her salon upon hearing that Beloni, the talk of the town, had visited while she was away. Thankfully, the salon manager had pretended to be Andria, letting Beloni in. Beloni ended up buying clothes worth thousands of gold coins.
Two weeks had passed since then, and Beloni had contacted Andria, expressing her interest in buying accessories this time.
If Beloni were just another famous figure, Andria wouldn’t have gone out of her way to wait for her.
But Beloni was the star of the “social scandal” that both nobles and commoners couldn’t stop talking about.
It became widely known that the dress Beloni wore in the first “social scandal” painting was from Andria’s salon, causing a surge in sales of similar designs. Many even offered extra money to get an identical dress.
The hype hadn’t died down yet, so Andria was sure whatever Beloni bought today would also become the next big trend.
That’s why Andria, setting aside her pride, waited impatiently in front of the salon.
After what felt like an eternity, just as she regretted not making her twin sister, Andria, do the waiting, a grand black carriage drawn by four black horses appeared. It came to an abrupt stop, kicking up a cloud of dust. A sharply dressed knight jumped down from the coachman’s seat and opened the carriage door.
A woman with her head held high took the knight’s hand, and Andria quickly approached her with a smile.
“My lady, it’s been a while! How have you been—”
But the woman looked at Andria as if she were mad, then turned away.
“Miss, you can come out now.”
It was only then that Andria saw the real Beloni Jerem.
Beloni stepped out of the carriage slowly, holding the knight’s hand. She wore a flowing pink dress. Despite her age, which might have made pink unsuitable, the dress perfectly complemented her delicate features and graceful demeanor. Her loosely braided hair rested on one shoulder, adorned with flower-shaped pink diamonds.
Andria’s eyes widened.
Upon closer inspection, the flowers weren’t just ornaments—they were pink diamonds, each worth thousands of gold.
“Hmm?”
Beloni tilted her head, her beautiful face curious.
“Andria?”
As Beloni’s gaze swept over her, Andria snapped back to reality.
“My lady, welcome! It’s been two weeks since we last saw each other, hasn’t it?”
She chatted nervously, trying to hide her unease.
‘Could she possibly know I’m not Andria?’
The thought flashed through her mind, but it was unlikely. The two sisters were so identical that even close friends from the orphanage often mixed them up.
Andria led Beloni to the third floor. Though Beloni had only mentioned accessories, Andria had prepared some dresses just in case.
Beloni glanced at the accessories with little interest. Andria poured her heart into praising and explaining them, but Beloni’s expression remained cold.
‘How dare she! The failing daughter of a marquis, now successful just because she married well!’
Andria clenched her teeth in jealousy.
These accessories were all her creations, yet Beloni looked at them with disdain, even though she had purchased dozens of Andria’s dresses.
“None of these interest me,” Beloni finally said, breaking the silence. “Andria, are you sure these are the best you have?”
Andria’s face stiffened, but she forced a smile.
“Of course… of course, we have better items. These must’ve been shown by mistake.”
Beloni’s expression softened slightly.
“I’ll personally bring the finest pieces. Please wait just a moment.”
Andria hurried to the basement, unlocking the heavy door. The air was stale and suffocating, as she rarely visited except to retrieve finished dresses.
“Andria! Do you have any accessories ready?”
Andria, her twin, slowly handed her a set. Andria snatched it away.
“Give it to me! Why are you so slow? Ugh!”
Losing her balance, Andria stumbled and fell. Andria tried to help her up, but Andria pushed her away irritably.
“Forget it! Just stick to making dresses. That empty-headed duchess will probably come back for more.”
Focused on checking the accessories for damage, Andria didn’t notice Andria picking up the basement key that had fallen.
Back upstairs, Beloni’s attitude shifted as she examined the new accessories. She pointed with her fan.
“From here…” She moved her fan to the farthest item. “…to here. I’ll take them all.”
Andria beamed, delighted by the large purchase. She decided to bring out every piece in stock the next time Beloni visited.
As an employee packed the items, Beloni noticed the staff member subtly nodding at her. A faint smile appeared on her lips.
Once the transaction was complete, Andria escorted Beloni to her carriage. As the door closed, Beloni let out a quiet sigh.
“Marina, did everything go as planned?”
“Yes,” Marina replied.
While Andria busily fawned over Beloni, Marina had quietly spoken with the salon employee—Beloni’s planted informant, who was assisting Andria’s plan.
“The key was duplicated and returned without issue.”
“Good.”
Relieved, Beloni leaned back against the carriage seat, her body relaxing. But the carriage suddenly stopped.
“Help, please help!”
A desperate child’s voice made Beloni open the window.
“Sir Nosel, what’s happening?”
Before Nosel could answer, a raggedly dressed child ran up to the window, kneeling.
“Lady, please! My sibling’s been kidnapped—please save them!”
The child pointed to a dark alley where two men were dragging a bloodied child away.
Unable to ignore the plea, Beloni turned to Nosel.
“Can you help?”
After a brief hesitation, Nosel stepped down.
“Stay here.”
“I’ll show you the way!” the child said, leading Nosel into the alley.
As Beloni and Marina watched them disappear, Beloni reassured herself.
It was daytime, with people nearby. Nothing dangerous could happen.
Just as she relaxed, the carriage door burst open. Two figures in black robes stormed in.
One of them drew a sword, pressing it to Marina’s throat before she could scream.
Beloni’s wide eyes locked onto the other figure, who slowly removed their hood, revealing calm brown hair and striking golden eyes.
“Beloni Jerem,” the figure said with a smirk. “You’re not easy to meet.”
Beloni’s breath caught.
It was the third prince.
OH SHI-