We try them on. Mary picks a golden-yellow dress to match her hair, along with matching shoes. She also selects a simple necklace—a fine gold chain with a yellow gemstone pendant.

As for me, I slip into this masterpiece of haute couture, not even complaining when they tighten the corset underneath. And it's… it's simply divine. It hugs my figure, accentuates my neckline, and, despite the rigid fit from the waist up, still allows me to move freely. I spin a full 360 degrees. The silk layers flow through the air. I spin twice, faster this time. In the mirror, I see how some of the layers hover for just a moment before settling back down, following my movement.

I stand by my first impression: this is a queen's dress, crafted from silk so fine it dances with the wind.

I want it.

I've never been this obsessed with a dress before, but this one—this one, I need. I also pick out matching shoes and a dark red choker, along with a pair of earrings with two red gemstones—one snug against the earlobe, the other dangling in the classic teardrop shape.

They'll look perfect with an updo.

"Your fiancé will be absolutely enchanted when he sees you, Miss L'Crom," the owner remarks. "You look stunning."

That snaps me out of my trance. Because I hadn't been thinking about anyone—least of all Marco. I was just admiring this work of art and enjoying how good it looks on me.

The thought of Marco bothers me, like an unwelcome intruder in my moment. Then I catch Mary's curious gaze and remember Vincent.

Will he like my dress?

I feel my cheeks heat up slightly.

The owner smiles approvingly. Mary looks at me, puzzled. I ought to slap myself. Why am I wondering if Vincent will like it? Why do I even care?

"Red is the prince's color" Mary whispers very softly.

What? Oh… she's right. But I don't like the dress because of that, do I?

"Well, I don't think it's exactly the same shade of red," I tell her.

Immediately, I turn my head toward the shopkeeper and smile. Time to change the subject!

"The dress is beautiful. The seamstress must be very skilled," I say.

"Advanced level in tailoring," she replies proudly.

For a moment, I'm taken aback. But of course, there must be mastery levels for sewing. And if this is what an advanced level can create, I can't even imagine what a grandmaster could do. That is, assuming someone of a lower level could ever reach that mastery. Because here, artisans don't get dragged into dungeons to be power-leveled.

Two assistants approach us with pins to mark the alterations. Mine already fits like a glove—they're just adjusting the hem so I don't trip over it. Mary's, on the other hand, needs to be let out a bit around the bust and hips. Once we're done, she pays for her dress without hesitation. The cost is about a tenth of what she made in the dungeon. With the total amount, she could have bought a decent house in the city. Yeah… noble ballgowns are ridiculously expensive.

On our way to the pastry shop, I ask:

"Didn't it hurt to spend nearly nineteen gold coins? Wouldn't you rather have given them to your family?"

She looks at me, surprised, before answering.

"My family may be commoners, but they don't struggle. In my village, we live well. And as for me, I think fitting in is the best thing I can do. Skipping the ball or going in an inappropriate dress wouldn't help me. Besides, earning this money was super easy. We just need to do more dungeons," she adds with a radiant smile.

Super easy... She really has no idea that if it weren't for my wolf, we wouldn't even be here.

I suppress the sigh threatening to escape my lips and smile instead.

"Of course, we'll do more."

We arrive at the pastry shop. It's a new place that opened recently, catering to academy students and well-off members of the bourgeoisie. The prices are steep. I mean, I don't have much to compare them to—just the pelts I sold and the tools I bought for the goblins. But the fact that a small pastry costs two silver coins, nearly the price of two deer pelts, seems excessive to me.

After ordering a hot infusion and two pastries each, Mary stirs her tea absentmindedly with her spoon, watching me thoughtfully.

The shop is spacious, yet the tables are well-spaced, giving customers a sense of comfort and privacy. A large window provides a view of the street outside.

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"So, Their Majesties want to betroth you to Vincent?" she finally asks after a few minutes of silence—one I hadn't dared to break.

Because this conversation is anything but pleasant for me.

"Mary, I'm sorry. Yes, they said that, but only if he chooses me. The queen seems very understanding and wants her son to be happy. Besides, you know he's not the heir, so he doesn't have that pressure to marry for status. If he falls in love with you, I really think Their Majesties would approve," I say, trying to sound encouraging.

But I'm not.

The prince's face—yes, undeniably attractive—flashes through my mind.

The damn guy is too handsome, and he knows it. Sharp features, golden eyes that, when they lock onto you, make you want to lose yourself in them…

But I'm not interested in romantic relationships.

Then… why does it hurt to give up the possibility of having him? Why does the thought of handing him over to Mary sting?

Mary isn't stupid. I'm not fooling her. She watches me, a little sad, then nods to herself.

"I see. You like him too. We both like him."

"No, I don't" I protest, blushing.

Oh, for heaven's sake, I'm blushing even more than Mary, and she's supposed to be the naïve, high-light-magic girl here.

Okay, I was a virgin in my twenties back on Earth. So what? I had fooled around with a few guys, but nothing serious. Just because I lived in the 21st century didn't mean I had to lose it before sixteen, like my best friend did.

"It's fine. I like Theodore too, and in fact, I'm going to the ball with him." She reaches out, gently taking my hands in hers. "Promise me something—no matter what happens, we'll stay friends. And if we ever end up falling for the same guy, we'll accept his choice."

No way, I want to scream. I have no intention of falling for the prince of an otome game—a textbook playboy, designed to be easy to conquer.

I don't say it. I bite my tongue.

"Mary, right now, I don't want to marry anyone."

"It's not up to you; it's up to your parents," she says softly. "Promise me."

It seems important to her. And she's right—I don't want to lose her friendship, least of all over a guy.

Besides, for now, she's on Theodore's route.

"I promise," I say, locking my gaze with hers.

Mary squeezes my hands a little tighter, smiles, and then lets go of me.

"Thank you, Bianca. You're my best friend at the academy. Besides Lily, you're the only one who treats me well despite being a commoner. I don't want to lose you."

Warmth fills my heart.

"I don't want to lose you either," I reply sincerely.

She truly is my only friend in this new world. At least for now. And I'm grateful to have met her.

We spend a long while chatting about other things, enjoying the warmth of our tea, the sweetness of the pastries, and the comfort of good company.

We make it back to the academy just in time for lunch.

"How was the girl stuff?" Darius asks as we grab our food and sit with them.

Theodore isn't here, nor is Alistair. They went to the latter's mansion for the weekend since it's his little sister's birthday. Lily went with them. I don't know why Vincent didn't go with them as well.

So, at the table, it's just the prince, Darius, and Ronan.

"Come on, Darius, stop being so nosy" I say, not sure if I'm joking or scolding him.

"This meal's been kind of boring, sitting here with Ronan, who barely talks, and Vincent, who's been acting weird and distracted all day."

"Hey" the prince protests.

Ronan doesn't. Ronan says nothing.

"Come on, something's up, and you won't tell me. You're much quieter than usual, and you didn't go to Alistair's sister's birthday.

Has he been like this all day? Uh, yesterday at lunch, he tried to make plans with me for later, but I told him I couldn't, that I was swamped with classes.

I guess it's because he saw me go talk to his parents and doesn't know what they wanted from me. He must be worried, thinking it has something to do with my new sword.

Ugh, now I feel bad… poor guy. I'll try to talk to him before heading back to the goblin village with Ronan after lunch.

"Nothing's wrong, Darius" Vincent replies to him.

"Is it the exams, then?" he insists. "Did you mess up on one?"

We already finished the first trimester exams. This past week has been insane, with one or two exams every day. And on top of that, I had my private lessons in the afternoons...

"I'm not about to risk bringing shame to my family name by failing. Obviously, I did well."

"Then that just means you're even more boring than usual."

"Darius, leave Vincent alone" Mary steps in. "We all have the right to be a little more thoughtful sometimes."

The redhead rubs the back of his neck and shrugs.

"You're right. Sorry, Vincent."

"No need to apologize. And ladies, since you won't tell us how your morning went, at least give me a moment of your time. Bianca, can I talk to you at some point this afternoon?"

"If you want, we can take a walk in the gardens after lunch. I'm heading off to train afterward."

"Alone?"

"With Ronan."

"Just the two of you?" —He raises an eyebrow.

"Yes."

He locks his golden eyes on mine, as if trying to read me. I smile. He's not going to figure it out—he can't even begin to imagine the goblin village.

I hear Mary accidentally clinking her fork against her plate as she picks up a bite of roasted vegetables.

"Fine, thanks" the prince finally replies.

"But only if you also spend some time with Mary this afternoon. Otherwise, she's going to be bored."

Mary opens her mouth to protest but shuts it again when she sees me wink at her.

I don't want her to think I'm trying to win Vincent over. So, if I'm talking to him alone, he should have a proper date with Mary.

A part of me stirs, telling me that, once again, I'm giving away something I actually want. Because the walk in the garden won't be a date—it'll just be me telling him about my elements.

I feel my cheeks heat up as I remember the rest of my conversation with his mother.

No way. Not a chance. There's no way I'm telling him about that.

Mary misinterprets my blush and plays along.

"Now that exams are over, I actually have the whole afternoon free" she smiles.

Vincent doesn't seem entirely sure what's happening here. Whether out of politeness or genuine interest, he agrees to go for a walk around the city with Mary.

"So, how was your morning, Ronan?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Productive."

Good, he no longer calls me "my lady" in public.

"Still training with the sword?" Darius asks.

"Necromancy."

Before the redhead can start prying into what exactly that entails, I change the subject again. Knowing Ronan, he might have gone to a cemetery. Or would he do that at night instead?

Either way, we end up talking about Theodore's little sister until lunch is over, and Vincent and I say our goodbyes to the others.

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