Chapter 27: The Wind Rises
“Mr. Alman, what a coincidence, what are you doing here?”
Compared to the slightly surprised Alman, Evelia’s expression remained serene as she walked toward him, a faint floral scent carried in the gentle breeze stirred by her steps.
“Ah, just doing some investigations.” Alman rubbed his nose as if the fragrance had already wafted into his nostrils. “This place is one of the more chaotic areas in the Royal City. I’m considering whether to arrange for some knights to patrol here.”
“…”
Evelia did not speak, her eyes dimming slightly.
Compared to the bustling front street, this quiet little path felt indeed a bit eerie.
The corpse of the man whose neck she had just snapped was still hidden in the dumpster of the alley. Although she did not examine the dumpster closely to see if there were any other “residents,” she was all too familiar with the deep-set smell of decaying flesh.
Fortunately, the shop assistant had lightly sprayed some perfume on Evelia’s long dress; otherwise, she wasn’t sure if the hem would have picked up the stench of the corpse.
“Evel, you shouldn’t take such paths anymore; it’s not safe. By the way, did you encounter any trouble on your way here?”
Evelia’s silence made Alman feel some concern. As a knight, he instinctively worried about the safety of the girl before him; perhaps Evelia’s current attire was just too eye-catching. He thought to himself whether someone strange or thuggish might have taken notice of her.
But… it should be fine, right?
After all, Evelia clearly appeared to be a woman of means; it felt like those thugs on the old streets would have no way to bully her.
Probably… from Alman’s perspective, Evelia seemed quite the intimidating presence.
“No.”
Evelia’s tone remained flat, but it somewhat reassured Alman. Even he did not realize that upon hearing she was safe, he gently sighed in relief.
“Ah, as long as you’re fine.”
“Mm.”
Though it was just a continuation of a conversation that hadn’t really gone anywhere, the two found themselves awkwardly looking at each other.
Both of them fell silent, neither saying anything.
Alman studied Evelia, noting her different outfit, hoping to glean some details from her attire.
Evelia wondered if Alman would compliment her on her carefully arranged appearance; after all, countless men had turned to look at her on her way here, and it seemed Alman should express something too.
“…”
However, Almam did not speak; he pinched his ear, seemingly lost in thought, quietly shifting his gaze elsewhere.
He looked at the bustling crowd around them, but not at Evelia standing right in front of him.
“Is it not pretty?”
After a minute of awkward silence, the elegantly dressed Evelia couldn’t help but speak first.
She took two steps to the side, positioning herself back into Alman’s line of sight. She watched as he instinctively raised his gaze, her reflection in his blue eyes showing a pure white figure.
“…Hmm?”
Alman blinked in surprise, his body leaning back slightly.
“I meant my new clothes; don’t you think they’re pretty?”
Evelia did not give it much thought when asking; she simply wanted to know whether Alman liked her outfit. It was merely a question without any deeper meaning. If he said he didn’t like it, she planned to return to the clothing store for a different style.
“…It’s quite fresh.”
Alman opened his mouth, ultimately choosing a rather vague descriptor.
Having grown accustomed to seeing Evelia in a maid outfit, she certainly felt different this way.
If Evelia were truly just a girl, she would surely say, “Aren’t you supposed to say something nice to a girl?” But she wasn’t, so she genuinely contemplated what Almam’s compliment might mean.
Fresh? Could it mean it looks delicious? Probably not…
Does that imply novelty? Does it evoke a bright impression?
In any case, it should be praise.
“Thank you.”
Evelia thought to herself and politely replied with gratitude. She lightly tucked a stray hair behind her ear, her fingers gliding down her fair neck.
Alman’s gaze shifted elsewhere again, his expression obscured by the shadow of his hair curtain.
“Would you care to see me?” Evelia caught the details of his gaze and followed up with a probing question.
“Not really.”
As if caught in a minor action, Alman had no choice but to take in Evelia’s figure again, a smile involuntarily tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“Alright, you look quite beautiful, Evel.”
This time it was straightforward praise. Alman smiled, his ears slightly flushed. From Evelia’s perspective, it seemed that he had been pinching his ears just now.
Unbeknownst to her, Alman pinching his ears was just to cover up the warmth on his cheeks.
“Mm… that’s good.”
Evelia felt unexpectedly pleased with such a simple comment.
Was it because her strategy had worked that it gave her a sense of comfort?
“Are you headed somewhere?”
“No, I just went out to buy some clothes, and now I’m heading back to the manor.”
Having confirmed that Alman seemed to quite like this style, Evelia decided not to visit any other clothing stores; she could always return to that one if needed.
Although the shop assistant’s words had been somewhat strange, it seemed she had a good understanding.
“Ah, then please be careful. The main road is right outside from that side intersection; don’t take this eerie little path. I still need to check out other places, so please pass my message to the old butler that I’ll be back later.”
Hearing that Evelia had dressed this way not to meet someone, a strange sense of relief washed over Alman.
However, he wasn’t keen on accepting this feeling, so he deliberately avoided looking at Evelia now, lest other emotions bubble up.
…Ah, what a bother.
…This tactic is too obvious; I can’t be deceived…
Alman muttered silently to himself, casually finding an excuse to turn around and halt the conversation.
“Mm, understood, Mr. Alman.”
Evelia simply curtsied as a farewell, but it seemed she had more to say.
—Is that really all?
Watching Alman turn away, preparing to leave, Evelia felt a pang of dissatisfaction in her heart.
Is that all there is? Is a simple “pretty” enough?
After all, her outfit wasn’t merely for the sake of a compliment.
—She must make Alman fall for her.
The first impression is always the most stunning. Even if she wore the same style again later, it wouldn’t be as impactful as the first time.
So, she must seize this opportunity.
When Alman saw her for the first time in this form, she needed to etch her beauty into his mind.
Evelia stepped forward, watching the quivering branches in the distance, realizing that the wind was about to blow toward her.
She had to do it this way, welcoming the spring breeze.
Let her soft, long hair dance in the wind along with her dress, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of spring.
“Mr. Alman—”
As the wind blew in, Evelia called Alman’s name, and he turned around at the sound.
But contrary to her expectations, the weather did not cooperate.
Yet it echoed the shop assistant’s last mumble: “If the wind is a bit stronger, that’s fine; it really enhances the role of underwear.”
Indeed, when Alman turned to look at Evelia, what he saw was not the delicate beauty of a girl.
“…?!”
But a long dress blown up high enough to obscure her face, and beneath it, a carefully selected low-rise white sexy underwear.
—The role of the underwear had indeed been fulfilled.
Evelia seemed unfazed by her dress being blown up; unlike those shy girls who would frantically try to cover their lifted skirts, she merely felt the afternoon breeze was a bit chilly.
Her carefully prepared “intent” had indeed been conveyed to Alman.
Only, the scene was a far cry from what she had imagined.
