~ The String of Fate ~

I entered the store with Ardeat right behind me and was immediately struck with awe at the huge selves of magic gems before me.

They were all placed carefully and well organized.

They even had this thing board of wood floating in front of them with magic that stated their names and abilities along with their prices.

"Good evening ladies. How may I attend to you?" A voice called out from behind us instantly earning my attention.

An elderly, friendly-looking man appeared behind us dressed in graceful formal attire and bowing with his hand placed on his chest and his other placed behind his back.

Which led me to the conclusion that he must be the one who ran this whole thing.

He had beautiful light blue eyes which shone brightly in the light, and white hair slicked back which glistened from all the gel in it.

But... Why would he personally come here to assist us himself?

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you again, my lady." The man gave a knowing smile that immediately caused my eyebrows to knit together in confusion.

'The game never mentioned Sovine coming to any other store other than gowns and jewelry...' My lips pressed into a thin line as I stared down at the mysterious man.

He stood with a friendly appearance that hardly matched the look in his eyes.

'So how the hell does he know me?' I had already had magic done on me from the seal that Ardeat and I shared.

It allowed me to change my hair and eye color to the same as hers, and I had performed it before even leaving the mansion.

So even if he had heard about me due to all those previous scandals and drama Sovine had brewed around the social circle and around  he shouldn't be able to recognize me from just that much.

"No need to be so wary my lady." He let out a hearty laugh as he watched my expression closely.

"Wary? Oh my, what reason could I possibly have to be wary?" I gave him a confused look with a smile.

"Is there a reason?" I looked down at him observantly in an attempt to read his friendly expression and body language to my words.

'Am I being too obvious? I didn't smile while saying that though most people usually would since I'm sure Sovine would scowl instead- Ah, fuck! I'm stupid!'

I realized I had been acting like Sovine, which I currently wasn't supposed to do.

'Shit... I wasn't supposed to act how Sovine usually would...'

I had been trying to act like Sovine so much to not seem suspicious for so long that now I even forgot that I wasn't supposed to act like her.

"..." Both the old man and I remained silent as I continued looking down at him expressionlessly trying to not show him any emotions and make this situation worse.

Before he suddenly let out a soft yet amused chuckle. Cause that's totally not suspicious that eh just starts laughing out of nowhere. Or creepy.

"Of course not. What possible reason could a lady such as yourself have to be wary of this humble shop of mine?" He finally arose from his bow.

"But I'm afraid that this place might be a little too shabby for your liking. After all, I doubt any ordinary commoner could afford such delicate material for their attire..." The elderly man continued with a gentle smile.

His brows furrowed a bit in a disappointed manor which I didn't quite understand.

"Or do you mean to tell me that is somehow possible?" The elder added a moment later with a sweet smile which completely contradicted the hateful look in his eyes.