Chapter 4

...Mother and daughter's outing...

As the morning sun streamed through the window, Seraphine returned to her room, her mind buzzing with anticipation for the day's outing to the boutique with my mother.

Meanwhile, Mili, her faithful companion, scoured the closet for the perfect ensemble, returning with an array of four dresses. With a thoughtful gaze, Sera suggested a blue dress, it was elegant and perfect for an outing.

Mili promptly returned the others to their places, leaving only the chosen garment in sight. With Mili's gentle assistance, Seraphine slipped into the dress, her excitement growing as she put the final touches on her appearance, ready for the exciting event that awaited them outside.

**

Milli's POV...

As the days passed, it seemed as though my lady's beauty only flourished, a delicate blend of her esteemed parents' features. The duke and duchess themselves had been renowned for their striking appearance in their youth, a legacy that shone through in their three children, who were hailed as the most beautiful in the entire empire.

Yet, despite her captivating looks, my lady remained elusive, shying away from the social spotlight. This withdrawal birthed whispers and tales that swirled around her, unfounded rumours that painted her in unflattering hues. But to those of us who had the privilege of serving in this duchy and witnessing her growth from childhood, such gossip held no weight.

Beneath her reserved exterior, my lady possessed a heart of gold, a penchant for aiding others that endeared her to all who knew her. Despite her reticence, her acts of kindness spoke volumes, weaving a tapestry of love and admiration around her in the hearts of those who truly knew her.

After the upcoming debutante ball, everyone will surely come to realize the true perfection of our lady.

(End of POV)

**

After I finished preparing, I stepped outside the duchy building, where our carriage awaited. Moments later, my mother emerged, ready for our outing.

My mother asked with concern, "Dear, did you wait for long?

I replied with a polite smile, "I just arrived." In response, she nodded and held my hand, and we walked towards our awaited carriage.

Our safety was ensured by the escort of our duchy knights, known as the Black Shield knights. Among them was Sir Evan, the Vic-captain of the esteemed Black Shield knights.

While our knights were formidable, the most powerful ones belonged to the grand duchy, under the banner of the Nightfall Dragon.

As a Vic-captain Sir Evan was helping us to get into the carriage. As Sir Evan gently assisted me into the carriage, I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, "Thank you, Sir Evan." At that moment, I caught a glimpse of a rosy hue painting his ears, a subtle telltale sign of his hidden feelings. It lasted for a second but didn't go unnoticed by my eyes.

I couldn't help but smile, knowing that Sir Evan's kindness stemmed from more than mere duty. He had been a constant presence in real Seraphine's life since childhood, a steadfast friend who saw beyond the whispers and rumours that surrounded me. With each act of assistance, his unspoken affection became more evident, a silent testament to the depth of his feelings.

As the carriage began its journey, I stole a fleeting glance at Sir Evan, our eyes meeting briefly before he turned his gaze away. In that shared moment, amidst the gentle sway of the carriage, I couldn't deny the flutter of anticipation that danced in my chest.

**

As she sat in the cosy carriage, thoughts swirled in her mind like leaves caught in a gust of wind. She pondered over the idea of a relationship with him, unsure of what it could bring.

There was a certain appeal, a flicker of interest, but her plate was already overflowing with commitments and responsibilities. Yet, in the quiet moments of reflection, she couldn't deny that he seemed like a good option amidst the chaos of her life.

So, with a gentle sigh, she decided to keep him in the recesses of her mind, a possibility waiting to be explored when the time felt right.

**

The carriage ride from the duchy to the bustling streets of the capital took a leisurely half-hour, filled with idle chit-chat and the occasional glimpse of city life passing by. As they arrived at their destination, the Duchess gracefully stepped out of the carriage, her presence commanding the attention of the knights who assisted her.

With a nod to her protectors, she ushered her companion, a curious young lady with a sparkle in her eye, into the elegant boutique of Countess Miller. The air inside was imbued with the scent of freshly cut fabric and the soft hum of conversation.

Countess Miller herself, a woman of impeccable taste and poise, greeted them with a warm smile. Her boutique was renowned throughout the capital, a haven for those seeking exquisite garments tailored to perfection. Dressed in the height of fashion, she exuded an aura of professionalism and charm.

As they stepped into the boutique, Seraphine's eyes widened in awe at the array of stunning gowns adorning the racks. Countess Miller greeted them with a warm smile, her professional demeanour putting them at ease.

After greetings, Countess Miller ordered a staff member of the boutique to lead them to the private room, as she was attending to a customer.

The staff member led them to a sumptuous private room tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main boutique floor. As they stepped inside, the opulence of the surroundings enveloped them like a warm embrace.

The room exuded an air of exclusivity, from the lavish decorations adorning the walls to the exquisite furnishings that beckoned guests to sink into their plush cushions. But it was the ceiling that truly stole the show, a masterpiece of craftsmanship that seemed to whisper secrets of VIP status to those below.

As the Duchess and Seraphine settled into the luxurious surroundings, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer magnificence of their surroundings.

After some time the Countess made her way inside the private room.

"Welcome, Your Grace, Miss Seraphine. What brings you lovely ladies to my boutique today?" Countess Miller inquired, her tone gracious.

The Duchess returned the smile, her gaze flickering with excitement. "We're in search of the perfect gown for Seraphine's debutante ball next month. She's looking for something elegant yet modern," she explained, her voice tinged with pride for her daughter.

Seraphine nodded in agreement, her lips curved into a confident smile. "Exactly. I want something that reflects my style and personality," she chimed in, her tone firm yet polite.

Countess Miller nodded thoughtfully, her keen eye already assessing their preferences. "I understand completely. Let's see what we can find," she said, leading them to a section of the boutique filled with contemporary designs.

As they perused the racks, Seraphine's fingers trailed over the fabrics, her mind buzzing with possibilities. She paused at a sleek, off-the-shoulder gown in a deep shade of midnight blue, the fabric shimmering under the soft lighting of the boutique.

"This one catches my eye," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "It's chic and sophisticated, yet it still has a modern edge."

The Duchess studied the gown with a critical eye, nodding in approval. "It's lovely, darling. The colour is striking on you," she remarked, her pride evident in her tone.

Seraphine's smile widened at her mother's words, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. "I think this might be the one," she said decisively, her gaze meeting Countess Miller's.

Countess Miller smiled back, her eyes twinkling with admiration. "An excellent choice, Miss Seraphine. You'll be the epitome of elegance at the ball," she assured her, her confidence in Seraphine's decision evident.

And as they finalized the details of the gown and measurements, they made their way out of the boutique.

Seraphine couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for the upcoming event, knowing that she had found the perfect gown to make her debut in style. Now what is left is some jewellers and other necessary things.

**

"Darling, finally we are done with the shopping. It's time to go back home," the Duchess declared with a contented sigh.

"Yes, mother," Seraphine replied, her voice filled with relief. After a moment of silence, she furrowed her brow in confusion. "But mother, you didn't buy anything. Didn't you say you have some work in the boutique?"

The Duchess smiled gently, her eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement. "Ah, my dear, I may not have found anything for myself today, but seeing you find the perfect gown was all the satisfaction I needed," she explained, her tone tinged with maternal pride.

Seraphine's cheeks flushed with warmth at her mother's words, a sense of gratitude swelling within her. "Thank you, mother," she whispered, her voice soft with emotion.

The Duchess wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulders, drawing her close. "You're welcome, my darling. Now, let's head home and celebrate your exciting find," she said.

Behind them were their knights carrying their shopping.

As they stepped out into the bustling streets, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city. The Duchess and Seraphine walked side by side, their hearts full of the memories they had made that day.

As they approached their carriage, Seraphine turned to her mother with a bright smile. "Thank you for today, mother. I couldn't have found the perfect gown without you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

The Duchess returned her daughter's smile, a twinkle of pride in her eyes. "You're welcome, my dear. It was my pleasure to accompany you on this shopping adventure," she replied, her tone warm with affection.

As they settled into the carriage and began the journey home, the Duchess couldn't help but reflect on the bond she shared with her daughter. In moments like these, when they laughed and talked and shared in each other's joys, she knew that their connection was unbreakable.

As the carriage rolled on into the twilight, the Duchess and Seraphine savoured the precious moments they had spent together, knowing that their shopping adventure was just the beginning of many more cherished memories to come.

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Image of Seraphine:

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Image of the Duchess:

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