Chapter 86. The Awkward Outing of Iseo and Riri
The Awkward Outing of Iseo and Riri
The scars left behind when Eckhart Castle fell during the civil war ran deep.
For Riri, who had been hiding in a shelter only to be kidnapped and brutalized by Belial, the trauma was especially severe.
Though considerable time had passed,
Riri often sat curled up in a corner, her once-bright demeanor replaced by vacant stares as she listlessly passed the hours.
"Haah... What are we going to do with that girl?"
Head maid Maria watched Riri with worried eyes before calling out to Iseo, who was preparing to go out.
"Miss Iseo, you said you were heading to the village shops, right?"
"Yes. I've run out of research materials."
"Then, while you're at it, could you take Riri with you? If she stays cooped up in her room like this, she'll fall ill. A bit of fresh air might do her good."
Iseo glanced at Riri for a moment before nodding.
And so began their awkward outing.
The marketplace of the Eckhart fief was bustling with life.
Though the civil war had ended not long ago, thanks to the Count's full support, commerce had quickly recovered.
"......"
"......"
Iseo and Riri walked side by side, but no words passed between them.
Iseo was naturally quiet, and Riri, weighed down by her fears, kept her head bowed low.
Iseo stole a glance at her—her slumped shoulders and lifeless eyes.
This won't do.
She steered them toward a vibrant clothing store up ahead.
"Miss Riri, look over there. Aren't those ribbons lovely?"
"Huh? Oh..."
Riri lifted her head. As her eyes landed on the colorful ribbons and dresses displayed in the window, a faint glimmer of life flickered in her dull gaze.
Iseo took her hand and led her inside.
"Try some on. The Count gave you an allowance, didn't he? It's fine to buy one or two things."
Riri hesitantly browsed through lace-trimmed aprons and hairpins.
At a candy shop bursting with colorful sweets, she paused, entranced by the sugary scent. In front of a bakery, the aroma of freshly baked bread made her swallow hard.
"Want some?"
When Iseo bought a warm cream bun and sugar candies to share, Riri finally managed a small smile.
"Thank you, Iseo unnie. ... It's delicious."
With their bellies full of sweet treats, the two followed the faint fragrance wafting through the streets.
[Rosemary Aroma]
A high-end shop selling perfumes and soaps favored by the noblewomen of the territory.
As they opened the door, a dreamy blend of lavender, rose, and ylang-ylang enveloped them.
"Wow... It smells amazing."
Riri sniffed the air curiously. Accustomed only to the scents of soap and laundry, these luxurious fragrances felt like another world to her.
Iseo picked up a delicate glass bottle from the display.
[Lily of the Valley Perfume]
"Miss Riri, give me your wrist."
"Huh?"
Iseo dabbed a drop onto the inside of Riri's slender wrist, then rubbed it gently with her own before bringing it to Riri's nose.
"How is it?"
"Mmm... It's fresh. Kind of like grass..."
"This scent suits you perfectly. Delicate, pure, and innocent—just like you."
Riri's cheeks flushed at the compliment.
She had always worried about smelling sweaty when embraced by the Count—but if she wore this, would he like it? A mischievous thought flickered through her mind.
When Riri saw the price tag and flinched, about to put it back, Iseo stopped her and placed the bottle on the counter.
"This is my gift to you. For lifting your spirits."
Leaving the perfume shop, the two crossed the street to a large [General Merchandise Store], filled with dishes, decorations, toys, and all manner of goods.
Riri's eyes sparkled as she scanned the shelves—was there something she wanted?
She stopped at the toy section.
Roughly carved wooden horses and cloth rabbits, simple but charming.
Riri couldn't tear her eyes away as she fiddled with them.
"They're cute. Do you want one?"
When Iseo asked, Riri shook her head with a bittersweet smile.
"No... Not for me. I was thinking of my siblings back home. My youngest sister loves rabbit dolls. The one she had before got so old its ear fell off..."
She hesitated, picking up the doll and putting it back down.
Though the Count had given her spending money, it was meant for her sister's medicine and household expenses. She couldn't afford to waste it on something as frivolous as a toy.
In the end, Riri reluctantly placed the doll back.
"I'll... just be happy looking at it. Let's go, unnie."
As she turned to leave, Iseo quietly pointed out two dolls and a set of thick wool gloves for the coming winter to the shopkeeper.
"Wrap these up, please."
Outside, Iseo handed the heavy bundle to Riri.
"Huh? What's this?"
"Gifts for your siblings, and gloves for your mother. It's good to prepare before the cold sets in."
"Iseo unnie... You shouldn't have... These are too expensive..."
Riri's eyes grew red. Despite being an outsider, Iseo had thought of her family—her frozen heart began to thaw.
"It's fine. You can pay me back later when the Count gives you more allowance."
Iseo winked playfully, and Riri wiped her tears with a bright smile.
With sweets eaten and shopping done, the tension between them had eased.
Sitting on a bench and sharing snacks, Riri finally opened up properly.
"Actually... I've been having nightmares a lot lately."
She fiddled with bread crumbs as she spoke.
"Those memories keep coming back... It's terrifying. But I can't afford to stop working."
"Because of your family's situation?"
"Yeah... After Father passed, Mother raised the three of us alone.
My youngest sister is sickly and needs expensive medicine, so Mother works outside all day.
A few years ago, a storm destroyed our house, and we had to take out a loan to rebuild.
My wages help with the expenses, but... If I falter, my family could starve."
Riri's eyes grew damp.
Only twenty years old—an age when she should be dressing up and enjoying life—yet she bore the weight of her family's survival, enduring hardships at Eckhart Castle.
And though she had once caught the Count's attention, now that she was outside his notice, it only deepened her insecurity.
"But I keep wanting to run away because I'm scared... I must be a terrible daughter."
Iseo listened quietly before patting Riri's shoulder.
"No, you're amazing. Not many could do what you're doing at your age."
"But... I don't know how long I can keep living like this..."
"Don't worry. Look at Head Maid Maria."
Iseo spoke gently.
"She started as an ordinary maid too, but now she's saved enough to buy several houses in the territory.
The Eckhart family treats its servants well. If you hold on a little longer, you'll be able to live happily with your family."
"Really... Do you think so?"
"Of course. And the Count cares for you too. If it gets hard, I'll help."
At Iseo's calm but firm reassurance, Riri sniffled and nodded. The weight on her heart felt a little lighter.
With their moods lifted, the two headed toward Iseo's original destination—a magic ingredient shop.
[Golden Owl Shop]
A well-known store in the kingdom, famous for its rare magical materials—a landmark of the Eckhart fief.
Inside, the scent of dried herbs and bubbling unknown solutions filled the air.
Iseo browsed the shelves with practiced ease, filling her basket with the necessary ingredients.
"Excuse me, do you have any [Silver Laurel Leaves]? They're essential for high-grade potions."
The shopkeeper grimaced apologetically.
"Ah, what bad timing. The last one was just bought by that customer over there."
He pointed toward a woman standing nearby.
Dressed in a black mini-dress with one shoulder exposed, a hood draped over her head.
She turned slowly.
Pale, almost ghostly skin, lips red as blood.
Her short gray hair was tipped with green dye, and her cat-like eyes left a striking, unforgettable impression.
Most noticeable was her figure.
Not as overwhelmingly busty as Violetta or Maria,
but with ample curves and a slender waist that exuded a peculiar allure.
Her gaze locked onto Iseo.
For a moment, her pupils gleamed strangely.
"Oh my... You're a Celisian, aren't you?"
"——!!"
Iseo's body stiffened.
To have her identity recognized so easily—instinctively, she stepped back into a guarded stance. Riri hid behind her.
"Fufufu, no need to be so startled. I am the Archmage Morgana. For a mage of my caliber, your appearance and mana wavelength give you away instantly. Though I suppose it's more science than magic, hm?"
Morgana smirked as she approached.
"An Archmage...? The only Archmage I know in the kingdom is Lady Violetta."
Iseo tested cautiously, and Morgana's brow instantly furrowed.
"Hmph! Don't mention that woman's name."
She flicked her pipe irritably.
"That cow with her obscenely large chest knows nothing of true magic. She nitpicks too much. I am the real Archmage, devoted purely to magical research!"
Her tone dripped with deep-seated rivalry.
Morgana glanced at Iseo's basket before quirking her lips in interest.
"You're looking for this, aren't you?"
She shook a small vial containing silver leaves.
"I happen to have some... But I won't just give it away. Let's trade."
"Trade...?"
"Yes. That [Evening Primrose Root] in your basket. I need it right now. Swap this for that."
Iseo hesitated. The root wasn't urgently needed—she had bought it as a backup. But the silver leaves were essential for the Count's potion.
It was a fair deal.
"Alright. Let's trade."
They exchanged items.
Morgana pocketed the root with a satisfied grin.
"Fufu, to meet a Celisian in this northern backwater... How amusing. I thought your kind couldn't survive in the human world."
Her gaze swept over Iseo meaningfully.
"Well then, little girl—see you again if fate allows~"
With a sway of her tight dress, Morgana sauntered out. A chilling breeze seemed to linger where she had stood.
"Who... was that?"
Riri asked timidly.
Iseo narrowed her eyes at the door where Morgana had disappeared.
An Archmage who recognized me... So there's another besides Violetta.
"Let's go, Miss Riri. The Head Maid said we could stay out until evening, so let's do some more shopping and get a nice lunch."
Taking Riri's hand, she led her toward the jewelry shop Nancy had recommended.
