Secret Love Affair between a Former Saint and a Dark Hero - Chapter 33
‘Who’s that over there?’
‘Is that really one of the saint candidates? Hmm, I’ve seen her before, but I don’t remember her looking like that. It’s like……. She looks like she’s on drugs or something. My God, why did she change like that?’
‘I have no idea. Anyway, isn’t that blonde girl Arcanda, the saint candidate?’
‘It seems so. Why are those two together? I heard their relationship wasn’t good because of Iora’s jealousy over the saint position. Weren’t they enemies? There were rumors going around about them fighting everyday, especially mentioning how resentful Iora was. Hoho, could it be… she lost?’
‘Well, they look just like a maid and a lady-in-waiting, don’t they? The difference is so obvious, it’s almost pitiful. It’s well known that His Highness chose Arcanda, so maybe now Iora has finally given up. Could it be her way of bowing down to the future saint?’
‘Oh, I see! If that’s the case, Lord Ribandt’s future looks bright, doesn’t it? Hohoho.’
Compared to the scathing remarks of the maids, that sounded like playful teasing. Iora managed to contain herself by just blushing a bit and standing her ground. Listening carefully, it was intriguing to know how rumors about her had spread. It was just that much.
As Iora listened, Arcanda, who had been chatting with the shopkeeper, suddenly turned her head and grabbed Iora’s arm with surprising strength that betrayed her slender appearance. A luxurious fabric was pushed in front of her eyes.
Iora blinked, and Arcanda whispered in frustration, “Iora! Don’t just stand there. See which colors suit your skin tone. We’ll order dresses from the family designer, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a preview. It might even be good to place an order today.”
“Uh, okay.”
“These types of fabrics are trending nowadays. So, what color do you like?”
“I… I’m fine with any color.”
“Oh my! Any color? This will be your dress, Iora. You should pick and choose carefully.”
Arcanda’s eyes widened as if she’d heard something really astonishing, and she slapped Iora’s shoulder. It hurt, and Iora let out a yelp.
“Choose wisely. That way, I can pick something different that won’t clash with your choice. Truthfully, that’s why I suggested coming here together today.”
“That won’t clash…?”
“Of course! We’re both debutantes, so it’s better for both of us if we coordinate without clashing.”
Aren’t the colors of the debutantes similar? Iora squinted at the vibrant fabrics Arcanda was caressing. She glanced at Arcanda, then back at the fabrics repeatedly.
She wasn’t sure. In her family, she’d always had to go along with what her mother and father had decided, because they never asked for her opinion on what clothes she would wear. Thinking about colors and fabrics she might like—she had never even considered such things. Like she said, anything would do. Anything. Besides, considering how fair Arcanda’s skin was, anything would complement her well without clashing with Iora’s choices.
‘This is Arcanda thinking of me, so I won’t be ignored because I overlap with her…’
At debutante events, all young ladies wished to wear bright and vibrant dresses. Hence, aside from black or extremely dark shades, there would inevitably be someone wearing a dress almost identical to theirs. There are quite a number of young girls who would love to be a part of a saint candidate’s debutante ball.
“Iora! What about this fabric? It seems like it would complement your eye color perfectly.”
“Oh, um, it’s beautiful.”
Her eyes widened the moment she saw the fabric she held—a subtle shimmering lilac cloth. It seemed like it would look stunning once combined with a slightly darker fabric, adorned with white lace, and embroidered with silver threads. Yet, as she envisioned the intricate design, Iora felt a faint sense of discomfort within herself.
‘Right.’
She’d been so absorbed in being the novel’s Iora that she had forgotten, but somehow she managed to smile.
‘I always loved dresses with lots of lace.’
As Kim Jiyeon, she remembered when she was very young, looking at fairytales and thinking that she wanted to dress like a princess. Not the worn-out clothes passed around among orphanage kids but those glittering with jewels, like something out of a movie.
‘Actually, I’m in a position now where I can wear princess-like dresses as much as I want…’
Arcanda laughed heartily, waving a bright orange fabric. It complemented her fair skin so well that Iora absentmindedly nodded as she gazed at it.
“Iora, you look tired. Thanks for adjusting to my rhythm today.”
“Oh, no. I’m the one who’s grateful…”
“Really?”
This was her turn to speak. When was the last time she had been to a place like this with peers?
As Iora watched Arcanda smiling warmly, her heart skipped a beat. It was heartwarming. When should she express her gratitude? While Iora pondered over these trivial worries, Arcanda set down the fabrics and approached, extending her finger.
“What’s this?”
“Let’s promise, Iora. You’ll wear the dress made from the lilac fabric I chose, and I’ll wear the orange dress for the ball. Let’s make sure this time we spent together today doesn’t go to waste.”
Warmth filled Iora’s heart at her kindness, and she shyly nodded her head. She was grateful for Arcanda’s concern for her from start to finish.
‘I shouldn’t have avoided her because she’s the heroine. She’s so kind…’
Guilt washed over her. Hadn’t Arcanda expressed some disappointment the last time they spoke? She’d always wanted to meet, and it was truly regrettable that they never had.
Iora made a quiet resolution within herself. She was unaware that Arcanda was watching her face carefully, trying to gauge her expression.
