~Chapter 99~
The One Who Changes My World
Karsian froze completely, like a man turned to stone. He didn’t say a word. Even his crimson eyes seemed locked in place, unmoving as if time itself had stopped.
Eleanor didn’t bother waiting for his answer.
“Come on, let’s go.”
She held his large hand tightly, smiling with her eyes, and gently pulled him toward the busy street.
Her steps were light and bouncy, and as the distance between their arms brushed, Karsian finally seemed to jolt awake from hibernation. He twitched, then obediently followed her lead.
“…Yes.”
His low voice sounded so awkward, it was almost pitiful — like someone facing the greatest trial of his life. Even their joined hands betrayed his tension; no matter how hard he tried, it couldn’t be hidden.
His eyes were probably as fierce as if he was ready to strike someone down. Eleanor didn’t need to look back to know.
She just laughed and kept walking energetically.
Soon, Mayfair Street — Cardiff’s most famous shopping district — spread out before them.
The wide road, big enough for two grand carriages to pass easily, was lined with tall streetlamps decorated with seasonal flowers, flags, and glowing ornaments.
Both sides of the curved street were packed with tall buildings, housing nearly two hundred shops, restaurants, luxury boutiques, department stores, and theaters. Every renowned store in Juvenile had a branch here.
Walk further and you’d reach the Victory Monument, and beyond that, Cardiff’s central Blueturn Square — with Hotel Mercedes nearby.
Mayfair Street wasn’t just a shopping district; it was a symbol of Cardiff itself, beloved by nobles and commoners alike.
But not literally everyone loved it. Eleanor, for one, had never liked it much.
Too crowded. Too noisy. Too flashy. A place Arlo or Kiara would enjoy.
That was always her impression of Mayfair Street, which was why she usually avoided it.
Yet, somehow, walking here now with his hand in hers, the street felt completely new.
The sound of hooves clattering on stone. Carriages rolling by. Families and couples laughing as they strolled. Bright yellow flowers and fresh green plants decorating the way. The sweet smell of candy drifting from a shop at the entrance.
Before, Eleanor had been too busy worrying about others’ eyes on her to notice such little things.
But today was different.
Perhaps because today’s outing was meant to draw attention, the stares from strangers didn’t bother her.
In fact, she hardly noticed them at all. She was too busy soaking in the sun breaking apart into white rays, the clear laughter of children, and the way their clasped hands swung with each step.
Ordinary things, but for some reason, they felt oddly special.
A breeze brushed the back of her neck, slipping under her collar, cooling the sweat just forming there. Eleanor wondered why such trivial moments felt so refreshing.
Then she turned her head slightly — and found her answer.
The reason was right beside her.
Karsian. Just walking with him was enough to change her entire world.
As she had guessed, he looked intimidating — his large frame stiff and rigid, moving awkwardly as if he were armor bound too tightly. His expression was so serious, he looked like a man headed to kill someone.
In the past, she might have been startled or even frightened by his expression.
But now, she knew better.
That face meant he was embarrassed. It was his way of hiding shyness. And it was, frankly… adorable.
Getting flustered over something like this? This from the same man who clung to me with such hungry hands, whispering that it wasn’t nearly enough…
She stole a glance at his fierce eyes and recalled the memory that had haunted her since that night.
“It’s still not nearly enough.”
The way he had dropped his gentlemanly politeness for a moment, threading his fingers between hers, eyes blazing with raw, hungry desire. The voice that demanded more, the way her whole body had trembled, her stomach tightening.
Unforgettable.
If not for the chaos that had followed that dawn — Demian’s downfall — she might have replayed that moment again and again, to the point of distraction.
And now, seeing him again, that same tension had returned. Her heart pounded with both dread and hope — would something like that happen again today?
But instead of the dangerous man from that night, she now had this bashful giant who seemed overwhelmed by just holding her hand.
How can someone be this innocent?
Rather than disappointed, she found it amusing. A playful urge welled up inside her — she wanted to tease him mercilessly.
So Eleanor, forgetting how nervous she herself had once been, boldly turned up the pressure.
“Karsian, shall we go over there next?”
Her voice was light and teasing as she rubbed her thumb across the back of his hand.
She felt his skin tighten instantly in response.
“Yes.”
His deep voice was serious again, as if she had asked him to face down a dragon.
It was funny — he hadn’t even looked at what she was pointing to, yet he still agreed.
His thick brows twitched, his jaw clenched, his whole face tense. Eleanor’s laughter bubbled up.
What prank should she try next? Loop her arm around his? Rest her head on his shoulder like before?
She hadn’t known she had such a mischievous side. But Karsian was just so fun to tease. She knew she should stop, but she couldn’t help herself.
Just a little more. Then I’ll stop.
She promised herself, restraining the urge.
But there was one thing she didn’t know.
Karsian was anything but innocent. The only reason he seemed that way was because he was barely holding himself back, rubbing together the last of his patience.
And if she pushed too far, the one who’d be in real trouble… would be her.
Oblivious to this, Eleanor just kept smiling and taking light steps forward.
***
They walked hand in hand through the busy district until Eleanor suggested visiting a store called Juliana Campbell.
Juliana Campbell was a legendary jewelry shop, holding the prime spot at the entrance of Mayfair Street for decades. Even among the luxury boutiques, it was the most prestigious. Its jewels were leagues above others, far too expensive for everyday use. Even nobles usually only came here to buy engagement or wedding gifts.
So when Eleanor and Karsian walked inside, dozens of eyes turned instantly. She heard the whispers.
Of course. They were the most talked-about couple in Cardiff. Their visit here was perfect gossip material. Exactly what Eleanor wanted.
But she had no intention of actually buying anything. True, purchasing a glittering jewel here would cement the rumors — but the prices were outrageous.
Too much cost for too little effect.
She had already set aside a considerable sum for her independence, but she had to be careful. She wasn’t planning to live off Astria forever. She also had two people to look after.
So her plan was simple: browse a little, then leave. It might look shameful to some nobles, but she didn’t care.
But things didn’t go as she expected.
“Welcome. It’s an honor to have you. Allow me to first show you our finest pieces.”
She had underestimated the weight of Karsian Royster’s name. She knew he was important, but hadn’t guessed the elderly shop manager himself would rush out and personally present the jewels.
Now leaving would be harder. Eleanor bit her lip, uneasy. She could be laughed at all she liked — but she couldn’t afford to make Karsian look bad.
There was only one way. If she acted the part of a mistress, pouting and begging, he would surely refuse politely. That way only her image would suffer, not his.
But Karsian moved before she could whisper her plan.
“Show us a necklace suitable for daily wear. Nothing too extravagant, but of excellent quality.”
“Yes, sir. At once.”
The manager, his fine beard gleaming, hurried away.
As soon as he was gone, Eleanor leaned close and hissed under her breath.
“Karsian, that’s not why I brought you here—”
“This will make for better rumors.”
“I know that! But the jewelry here is too expensive. I can’t let you waste so much on me.”
“You misunderstand. I’m only buying something I want.”
His reply was absurdly bold.
Eleanor stared at his flawless face, then gave a disbelieving laugh.
“You mean you’ll wear it?”
“Yes. I might.”
Well, technically men could wear necklaces too.
But she had never once seen him wear jewelry — not even a simple ring or brooch. His sword was as plain as could be, without a single decoration.
And now he claimed he wanted a necklace? It was the most transparent lie.
“You never cared for jewelry before. Did you suddenly change?”
“I didn’t. But I’ve decided to start now.”
“…Is that so? Then since it’s for you, you’ll choose it yourself, won’t you?”
“Unfortunately, I have no eye for such things. Eleanor, I’ll rely on your judgment.”
His shamelessness left her speechless. All she could do was narrow her eyes and glare at him.
Oh, I’ll “rely on my judgment” all right.
Hilda once called her sense of style a “devilish talent.” Eleanor was dying to unleash that talent and dress him head to toe in outrageous splendor.
But she restrained herse
lf. No matter what, she couldn’t turn this picture-perfect man into a laughingstock of society.
