DDSWTB 32

Chapter 32

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“Other than the accessory shop, is there anywhere else you’d like to go?”

I want to buy shoes, but… is it okay to say that?
Since Gilbert asked if there’s anything else I want, then it should be fine to tell him, right?

“Um, I’d like some new shoes.”

Would it be alright if we stopped by a shoe store?

“If it’s troublesome for you, brother, then it’s fine…”

I quickly added that part so as not to upset Gilbert.

“No, not troublesome at all. I’m glad you told me.”
Gilbert accepted pleasantly.

I can’t really tell what he’s thinking, but basically… is he a kind person?
He’s definitely self-serving, but in reality… I wonder. He gives off this sort of mysterious aura. But, he’s the scariest type if made into an enemy.

“We’ve arrived.”

When I glanced outside the window, the streets were bustling with people.
It had been a while since I’d seen such a crowd.

The carriage stopped in a spacious area meant for such vehicles, and we got out.
Just like on the way here, Gilbert offered me his hand.

Perhaps because nobles also visit this city, many of the buildings were splendid and beautiful. The people walking cheerfully through the streets seemed to come from wealthy families, if not noble ones. Their faces overflowed with smiles and laughter. You could feel how peaceful the Rios Empire was.

“Shall we go?”
“Yes.”

On the way to the accessory shop, Gilbert said he’d use this opportunity to show me around the city.

It’s better to know the roads in case something happens. I should take this chance to memorize them.

Step, step, step

Tap, tap, tap, tap

As expected, Gilbert walks fast because of his long legs. I had to jog a little to keep up. And since my shoes don’t fit properly, the rubbing was making my feet hurt even more.

Clunk

“Ah!”
Just then, Tiana tripped on a small stone and nearly fell.

Oh no, I’m going to fall!
Thinking so, Tiana squeezed her eyes shut.

Whoosh

“Careful, young lady. Are you alright?”
Luxion caught me in his arms.

“Lord Gilbert, Lady Tiana is still very young, her legs aren’t strong yet. Please match her pace. You walk too fast.”

Luxion gently scolded Gilbert, urging him to be more considerate.

Saying my legs are weak… that makes me sound like a newborn baby. I wonder how Luxion actually sees me.

“Sorry, Tiana. I wasn’t considerate at all, was I?”

Gilbert expressed his regret to me. But honestly, since he brought me here, I thought it was only natural that I should match his pace.

“No, I’m fine like this.”

It really seems Gilbert and Luxion can speak frankly with each other.

“There’s a shoe shop nearby, let’s get you shoes first.”

That’s a relief for me too.
Walking around town means longer distances and harder ground than at the ducal estate, so the blisters made my feet hurt.

“Yes, I’d like to look at shoes first.”

Gilbert stretched out his arms.
Eh? What’s this supposed to mean?
Then Luxion, who was holding me, handed me over to Gilbert, who started walking.

“W-wait, I can walk on my own, please put me down.”

I hurriedly protested.

“It’s dangerous, so this is fine.”

Gilbert wouldn’t yield.

Then Gilbert exchanged a look with Luxion and nodded.
Did they signal each other? It seemed like some sort of unspoken cue.

“Young lady, I just remembered I have an errand nearby. I’ll step away for a moment.”

Saying that, Luxion ran off somewhere.

Well… honestly, it’s convenient to be carried like this. Still, why is Gilbert carrying me now? A little while ago, he’d have never done something like this.

But if I have to be carried, I’d rather it be Luxion. I can’t complain since I’m the one being carried, but with Gilbert… we haven’t really talked much before, so it’s unbearably awkward. It’s hard to breathe.

I hope Luxion comes back soon…

After a while, we arrived at the shoe shop.

“Tiana, we’re here.”

“Wow, so this is the shoe shop! It’s sparkling and so beautiful!”

In the glass showcase meant for display, rows of elegant shoes in various shapes and colors glittered.

As we were about to go inside, Luxion returned.

“I’ve come back.”

“Welcome back, Luxion. Did you finish your errand?”

“Yes. Thanks to the young lady waiting for me, I was able to get it done safely.”

Not that I actually waited… Gilbert carried me here, after all.

“Welcome! Oh my, Lord Gilbert. What kind of shoes are you looking for today?”

The person who seemed to be the owner greeted us warmly.
Does Gilbert often come here?

“I came to buy shoes for my little sister, Tiana. Do you have any recommendations?”

“Yes, of course. Nice to meet you, I’m the owner of this shop.”

“Likewise,” Tiana replied briefly.

“We just received some adorable pink shoes recently. I’ll bring them out right away.”

“Good. And also, please bring several pairs that would suit her.”

“Understood.”

At that, the staff in the shop began to murmur among themselves.

“I heard Tiana’s the failure of the ducal house, the one everyone shuns.”
“I heard that too. Didn’t she even use violence against Lady Ellie, her elder sister? Why is she even here?”

Their voices carried clearly to us.

“Enough! She’s a customer—back to work, everyone!”

The owner clapped his hands sharply and glared at the employees.
They seemed startled and quickly returned to their tasks.

“My apologies. I’ll be speaking with them later.”

“Yes. You’d better properly discipline your employees. I expect this won’t happen again.”

“Lady Tiana, are you alright?”

“Yes. I’m not bothered.”

I hadn’t heard this kind of thing much lately, but the former servants at the ducal estate always whispered it loud enough for me to hear. By now, I was mostly used to it.

“I see…”

Gilbert looked sad, and I felt his grip around me tighten slightly.

“In that case, please allow me to show you to this private room while we prepare the shoes.”