As usual, I was sitting in my father's shop, working. Even though he considers this position a punishment, I actually enjoy the grind.
I've turned down plenty of suitors, which has put my father in more than a few awkward spots—especially since some of them were nobles.
I want to marry someone I actually love, not someone forced upon me. I don't care about wealth or lineage; I care about what moves my heart.
Despite my love for the craft and the feeling of self-improvement, the days can sometimes dissolve into a killing boredom.
Lately, business has dried up because of Theo's engagement. That single event sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
Most people saw it for what it was: a calculated alliance between the Silver and von seiker families. They complement each other perfectly.
Even though the Silver family is small—just two people—the presence of Elder Karl changes the entire equation. He is the strongest Elder in the Sect, with a reputation in the Abyss that precedes him like a shadow.
The engagement initially brought us a windfall of profits, but once the dust settled, it completely disrupted the natural flow of the market.
I truly pity Theo. I wonder... has he returned to the person he was before the Anastasia incident?
The memory of his face from that day is still etched into my mind. It was a mask of so many things: collapse, grief, disappointment, pain. And above all, the desperate urge to cry.
Yet, Theo suppressed it all behind a stoic face. Despite his soft features and striking looks, he radiated a raw, hardened masculinity that day.
I just hope he's happy with this marriage.
I heard footsteps entering the shop, so I stepped forward to greet the customer.
I immediately noticed the expensive attire and that beautiful, silvery-white hair. My pulse quickened with excitement. I could practically smell the money. I softened my voice, putting on my best professional charm as I approached. "Welcome! How can I help yo—"
I froze. The words died in my throat as I took in those familiar features.
Stunned silence took over. How could the world be this small? Can thoughts actually summon people? Just moments ago, he was in my head, and now he was standing right in front of me.
"Banatiya? This is the third time I've called your name. What's come over you?"
"I'm sorry, Theo," I stammered, flush with embarrassment. "I just didn't expect to run into you here."
Theo let out a laugh. "I never thought I'd hear an apology from someone as stubborn as you. I truly believed you didn't know how to say the word."
I felt a vein throb in my temple.
This bastard. His tongue was just as sharp and insolent as ever. To hell with all that worry I just felt for him!
A second ago, I was pitying him, hoping he'd found himself again... No, no. Some people are better off staying lost. Why did the heavens choose to answer my prayers now?
"People change, Theo," I replied, struggling with every fibre of my being to keep my expression neutral.
"I'm starting to believe that," he said with a smirk. "Because if Banatiya has actually changed, then there's nothing stopping the Demon King himself from turning over a new leaf."
Endure it. Just endure it.
I gripped the hem of my dress tightly. "Theo, tell me what you came for or get the hell out of my sight."
He tilted his head from side to side with that annoying grin. "What? Where's this 'change' you mentioned? I don't see it. Am I going blind?"
That was it. I grabbed a nearby stool and lunged at him, but Theo was already bolting for the door.
Luckily for him, he made it outside, which forced me—as a refined lady—to maintain my composure.
I took a deep breath to steady myself, returned the stool to its place, and began fanning myself with a ledger.
After a while, Theo stepped back inside. "I apologise, Banatiya. I—"
"State your business, Theo," I cut him off sharply.
He looked at me with mock surprise. "Is this how your shop treats—" He caught my glare and stopped mid-sentence. "Fine. I came to have some custom clothes made."
He reached into his storage bracelet and pulled out something white and beautiful.
At first, I didn't realise what it was, but upon closer inspection, my excitement—which had plummeted moments ago—surged back to life.
This was one of the most expensive, luxury hides in existence. I immediately began to touch and examine it.
The exquisite softness was unmistakable. It was the legendary texture of Lunar Deer skin.
I looked up at him, my eyes wide. "Theo... you finally learned to appreciate me. Have you decided to give me this magnificent gift?"
In the blink of an eye, Theo's face turned stony as he gripped the other end of the hide. "No, no. You're worth much more than this. Next time, I'll bring you something even better."
I stared at his deadpan expression, then down at his hands, which were clamped onto the leather like a vice. "It seems this hide is worth a lot more to you than I am."
"You're just imagining things," he said. "Don't be so negative."
I tried to pull the hide toward me, but it didn't budge an inch. I looked at him flatly. "Well? Do you want me to work on it or not?"
Theo let go instantly, looking slightly embarrassed.
"And you claim I'm worth more? With that look on your face, it felt like I was snatching your own mother away from you."
I sighed. "Anyway, what do you want me to make? A coat? A suit?"
Theo shook his head. "It's not for me. I want it to be a gift."
He began to describe the specifications for the garment, and finally, he produced two cores from his bracelet.
I snatched them up immediately. "Surely these were meant for me as a gift, right?"
After a long negotiation over the price, the deal was finally struck.
"Don't forget," I told him, "your order will take three days."
"Understood. I'll visit you then." He paused. "And by the way, Banatiya... I really did come just to visit you."
"I know, I know," I teased. "You could have gone to any other shop for this order."
Finally, after a warm conversation, Theo left the shop.
What a miser, I thought, smiling to myself. He didn't even bring a gift after being gone for so long.
I couldn't help it anymore. I burst out laughing.
The look on his face while he was trying to lie was unforgettable. I wish I knew how to paint; I'd hang that expression in my room and laugh at it every day.
To be honest, I didn't want him to leave. Despite his provocations, his words make you forget the time. He makes life bloom wherever he goes.
I wonder... who is the lucky woman who's going to receive this gift?