Chapter 47
In truth, even he had been conflicted for some time. He had no voice in high society and didn’t know how to help Linia.
Although Idel only provided a bit of assistance with the knowledge she possessed, it made a tremendous difference to Linia.
After Camille’s party, Linia visibly brightened and laughed more often. Her improved mood meant she no longer snapped at the servants, and even when she was annoyed, she quickly let it go.
Thanks to this, the mansion had been very peaceful lately.
“I just came to ask you to keep taking care of things as you have been.”
“Of course, it’s my responsibility.”
“That ‘of course’ doesn’t always happen as it should. I know you’ll try your hardest, perhaps stubbornly so… but still.”
He trailed off, uncharacteristically hesitant.
Running his hand through his hair, he avoided Idel’s gaze and said:
“Linia has nothing to do with the things I’ve done. She didn’t choose to be born as the sister of someone like me. Even if you hate me, I ask that you don’t—”
“I don’t hate you, Count! And I certainly don’t dislike Linia either! I don’t understand why you’re so worried.”
Startled, Idel shook her head urgently.
It sounded as if he feared she would mistreat Linia out of spite for him!
Only after Idel fervently denied it did his eyes return to hers.
“That’s a relief. If you ever need anything, come and tell me—money, whatever. I mean it sincerely.”
“Thank you. I’ll remember that.”
He nodded lightly but with a hint of nervousness. After glancing around Idel’s room one more time, he left.
As Idel stared quietly at the closed door, she couldn’t understand one thing.
“Why does he think I’d hate him? I even thanked him for saving me last time…”
She tilted her head in confusion but decided to stop overthinking it. She changed into her nightwear, thinking it might just be a misunderstanding on her part.
—
The weekend arrived.
After helping Linia prepare for her outing with Laszlo, Idel quickly changed her clothes.
Daisy had been ready for a while and was waiting on the first floor.
“Hey, sis!”
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“No worries! It’s only been about ten minutes since Linia left. Let’s go!”
Today was the day Idel had promised to visit the portrait street with Daisy.
In addition to getting a portrait done, Idel needed to buy some clothes and items. Now that she could go out, it seemed wise to prepare outfits, shoes, parasols, and hats.
Daisy also wanted to buy more yarn for her shawl and had brought her purse and bag along.
But as soon as Idel reached the gate of the Chrysos estate, she felt a bit nervous.
“It feels strange to be going out again after so long…”
She had mistakenly confined herself within the mansion for a while, but, in a way, the estate’s walls had also protected her from the cold gazes of the outside world.
The street they were heading to today was Esghar Street in Baltice, a lively area where many middle-class citizens lived. It was known for its unique and beautiful goods, attracting nobles as well.
“What if I run into someone I know…?”
Could she smile as if nothing had changed if her former friends pointed fingers at her?
“Hey, sis? Are you okay? Did you forget something?”
When Idel hesitated at the entrance, Daisy turned back and asked.
Standing under the bright March sunlight, Daisy looked vibrant and cheerful, like a budding sprout.
At that moment, Idel realized something. With someone so loving and kind as Daisy by her side, there was no need to dwell on past relationships.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m Idel, a maid of the Chrysos household, and I’m happy with my life now.”
So, even if those so-called friends, who only cared about status, changed their attitudes and mocked her, it was their shame, not hers.
“I thought I forgot something, but I didn’t. Let’s go!”
Idel stepped out from the shade and walked into the sunlight where Daisy stood waiting.
—
Before visiting the portrait street, they spent time shopping for essentials.
Idel ordered two outfits suitable for wearing outside—one in a soft, muted sky-blue and another in a darker gray.
Though the dresses didn’t have lace, she liked the neat design: small pleats running along the buttons from the collar to the chest, modest sleeves that weren’t too puffy, and a simple but elegant overall look.
After placing her order, she bought a white bonnet and a plain black parasol.
“Have I ever shopped with such peace of mind before?”
For the first time, Idel found shopping enjoyable. It was surprising—she enjoyed it more now, with limited means, than she had when she could afford more.
“Back then, it was more important to buy things that would impress others than things I truly liked.”
Every moment of her previous life had felt like a test.
Now that there were no judges around to assess her every move, she felt more like herself than ever.
“Which one do you like best, sis?” Daisy asked.
As Daisy browsed through the pre-made shoes on display, she turned to Idel and asked, “Which ones do you like the most?”
Idel picked a pair of simple but comfortable-looking leather boots. They were a far cry from the delicate silk shoes adorned with intricate decorations she had worn during her time as a noble. But she liked these boots far more.
After finishing their shopping, the two hurried toward the portrait street.
Though it was called a “street,” the portrait market was actually located on a bridge that stretched across the Roben River. Along the wide bridge, artists displayed their works and set up easels, ready to take commissions from customers.
Just as Daisy had mentioned, it seemed portraiture was quite the trend, as the bridge was bustling with people looking to get their portraits done.
“You have to wait at least an hour to get a portrait from one of the famous artists,” Daisy said.
“Shall we take a stroll and see if we find someone whose style we like?”
“Yes!” Daisy beamed, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and clung playfully to Idel’s arm. She looked so adorable, peeking curiously from side to side, that Idel felt an urge to hug her.
*I’m glad we came out today.*
Idel smiled warmly.
Even though portraits weren’t cheap, and Daisy’s tight budget made the idea of such a luxury stressful, Idel wanted her to enjoy the experience. For someone, fifty ringtons might not be enough for a single meal, but for someone else, it could be an entire month’s allowance.
Idel knew Daisy must have done some mental calculations, trying to figure out how to make the fifty ringtons fit into her budget, even though she had excitedly agreed to the outing.
“The portraits are a bit pricey,” Daisy said cautiously. “Even the cheapest ones cost more than fifty ringtons. Are you sure it’s okay?”
“I’ve saved enough, so it’s fine. I’m the one who wants to do this with you, so I’ll cover the cost,” Idel replied.
“Oh no! I have to pay too!” Daisy protested.
“Think of it as a gift. All you have to do is show up looking your absolute best that day.”
The look of joy and gratitude on Daisy’s face was something Idel knew she wouldn’t forget. It felt like she was repaying, in some small way, the debt she owed her friend.
The two strolled along the portrait street, chatting cheerfully and searching for an artist they liked. With such perfect weather, even Idel felt as lighthearted as Daisy.
Until someone called out to her.
“Wait, is that… Idel Canyon?”
Idel turned to face the voice.
“Lady Lucille Arten…?”
It was the daughter of the Viscount Arten family, whom Idel had known briefly before her marriage. Judging by the wedding ring on Lucille’s left hand, she had since married into another family and taken a new name.
Lucille had once desperately tried to gain the title of Idel’s “friend,” showering her with flattery so excessive that Idel had had to push her away. But that had been long ago, back when their social standings were different. Now, Idel was the one in a lower position and thus obligated to show deference.
Lifting the hem of her skirt slightly, Idel offered a polite bow.
“It’s been a while, my lady. I hope you’ve been well.”
“Oh my, oh my! It really *is* you! Everyone, come here! It’s Idel Canyon!”
Lucille’s sudden outburst caught Idel off guard, and her face stiffened before she could stop it.
Anxiety crept in as she worried not only about her own situation but also about Daisy, who had been looking forward to their portrait outing. Yet, Lucille seemed entirely unconcerned about the awkwardness she was creating for Idel.
A group of familiar faces soon gathered around Lucille, friends Idel had seen a few times in the past. Although reluctant, she had no choice but to greet them as she had earlier.
“Hello,” she said, bowing again.
The women’s eyes grew wide, as if they had stumbled upon something unbelievable, and they burst into laughter.
“Oh my! Imagine getting a greeting from *Idel Canyon*!”
“Look at her wearing a maid’s uniform! So the rumors were true—she really became a maid for the Chrysos family!”
