"Your highness, where are we going?" Angelina asked the young man sitting in front of her. But to her puzzlement, he didn't answer her. She was confused and could only stare blankly at him. Was he giving her the silent treatment? But what did she do wrong...?

A few minutes pass and Charles's expression seem to darken with each passing second. He turned his head away and stared out the window, looking like a grumpy child.

"......" at that moment, Angelina stared out into space and wondered what she did to get herself here. Then she came to a realization.

"Charles, where are we going?" Angelina smirked teasingly at the young Emperor who seemed to be throwing a silent tantrum.

After the words left her mouth, Charles flinched and his lips couldn't help but curve upward into a faint smile. He immediately pushed his smile down and kept a straight expression. But Angelina could see he was happier as his ears were flushed.

"Charles...?" Angelina called out to him while dragging her voice.

"...we're going to the mansion I'm temporarily staying at of course. " Charles could no longer bear to ignore her and answered.

"But why?" Angelina asked as she still kept a pleasing expression. But her poker face instantly collapsed when she heard his next words.

"Lily doesn't want to spend time with me?" he said while putting on a pitiful expression. As if trying to gain pity.

"U-um... that's not it...." Angelina found it strange how she is always unable to win in a battle of words against Charles.

Why does is seem like she's losing braincells when she's around him?

When the two finally arrived, they were greeted with the sight of lines of servants waiting for them.

A servant opened the carriage door and Charles stepped out first before helping Angelina out.

"Welcome back your highness and your grace!" The servants bowed and greeted respectfully.

"Your highness." Charles's aide, Aaron approached them and politely nodded at Angelina. He led the two to the study and left. He knew he would only anger his master if he continued to stay.

When Angelina arrived at the study, the first thing that caught her attention was a the paintings. There were a few from the shop but the one that stood out was one of a familiar lady.

It was her but seemed off.

Following her line of sight, Charles looked at the painting as well. He averted her gaze before explaining to her.

He always wanted a painting of her. But he never saw her appearance when Lilith grew as a woman. So all he could do was describe her appearance from memory. But that he hadn't seen her in years. So in the end it was slightly off.

"....oh" Angelina mindlessly nodded.

Charles glanced at her and stared in a daze. He did see Lilith when she grew up. But her current state was horrifying.

He could barely tell it was her. She looked haggard and terrifying as her face melted off.

He couldn't bare to see her like that, and yet he couldn't look away.

In his past life, he dreamed of seeing her again. Seeing how beautiful she was as a woman. But that blissful dream was destroyed instantly when he saw her burning.

He could never forget that scene he so dreaded.

The two sat down and chatted over tea. It was an easy conversation. Charles would even occasionally talk about their past. Angelina was naturally intrigued.

"I remember how shocked Lily was when Lily found out I was older." Charles chuckled. Her dumbfounded appearence when he told her his age was priceless.

Back then, Lilith was actually taller than Charles. She was so confident that she was the older one, that she even pat him on the head and call him 'little brother.'

"Lily was so baffled, that Lily even slipped on the mud and fell backwards-"

"Pfft..!" Angelina accidentally spit out her tea.

"...." Charles paused and picked up a handkerchief to wipe his face.

"Oh...my apologies!" Angelina stood up and bowed. How dare she spit tea on an Emperor's face!?

"No it's okay Lily..!" Charles waved his hand and told her to sit back down.

The two joked around for a few more minutes before a knock came from behind the door.

"...." Charles's brows furrowed.

Hearing nothing from inside the study, Aaron decided to just open the door and enter. He soon realized his mistake as he was faced with his master's glare.

"U-um... Your highness... th-there's some urgent documents you need to look over...!" Aaron forced himself to not run away.

Charles frowned and grunted in response.

"Should I leave?" Angelina asked. It wouldn't be polite to stay while he was trying to work.

"No. Lily can stay." Charles smiled.

"Oh..um alright then." How could she leave without the Emperor's permission?

Charles stood up and went over to his desk. He sat and began to look over the pile of documents Aaron had put down.

Aaron sat down on where Charles sat before and started to write something down.

Angelina quietly sipped her tea and from the corner of her eyes, she saw Aaron's handwriting.

'Wait... wasn't it...' Angelina's eyes squinted.

Seeming to read her thoughts, Aaron smiled and answered the question lingering in Angelina's mind.

"Haha...I didn't think lady Angelina would notice.." Aaron scratched his head. Then added, "yes I did write that letter for his highness.."

"....." Angelina's mind went blank. She always wondered why the recent letter's handwriting was different from the first letter she received from Charles. But she always shrugged it off and thought nothing of it.

"Your grace wouldn't believe how nervous his highness looked as his highness was trying to write m'lady a letter!" Aaron laughed. "His highness ended up asking me to do it"

"Did my lady like it-" before he could finish his words, Aaron was abruptly interrupted.

"Aaron..." Charles slammed his hand on his desk.

"Um! Y-...yes your highness...?" Aaron exclaimed.

"Go and escort Lil- I mean...lady Angelina back to the Skyler estate." Charles coughed.

"Y-yes your highness!" Aaron stood up and bowed to Charles, before opening the door for Angelina.

After the two exited the study, Charles buried his flushed face in his hands and sighed.

**********

"Miss!" Marie ran frantically to Angelina, who had just gotten off the carriage.

"Is miss alright!? Did that Emperor do anything!? Was miss hurt!?" Marie shook Angelina's body.

"I-i...I'm f-fine!" Angelina answered quickly.

"Oh. Okay." Marie smiled sweetly.

"...."

***********

The following day.

Birds were chirping and the sounds of crowds chattering filled the surrounding area. The sky was clear and bright. Not a cloud in sight. The sun shined brightly, making the small boutique seem charming.

With a quiet creak, sir Robert opened the door for Angelina.

The inside was still empty but it was clean.

"I've already found 6 seamstresses and 4 other people to work here. They have all worked dilingently to keep this place spotless. " Sir Robert stated.

"Very good. Are there any problems?" Angelina asked.

"Not at all boss. We only need some furniture and your grace's instructions for the decor, as well as the renovations. Oh yes. Did boss find a suitable designer?" Sir Robert asked.

"Indeed I have. She's a friend of mine and has quite the passion for things like this. I believe she is fitting." Angelina fanned herself.

"Ah that's a relief." Sir Robert sighed. "Oh boss. I almost forgot to inform you. But word has gone out about 'Angel' opening a boutique. And it has caused quite a ruckus..."

"Oh? What happened?" Angelina asked, quite interested.

"Quite a lot of people gathered in front of the shop and they kept asking about it." Sir Robert said.

"And how did you respond?" Angelina asked.

"I only told them the location and date for the opening." Sir Robert made sure to pay attention to Angelina's reaction. Praying he did what was right.

He only relaxed when he saw a faint smile on her face.

He watched and listened as Angelina nodded and gave him a few more instructions.

***********

"Arianna." A voice called out to her from behind.

Arianna, who was admiring the sight of the flower garden during sunset, looked back and saw her stepmother. She was wearing a gentle smile.

"Mother." Arianna greeted her politely.

"Arianna, I heard your father has bought you a new gown." Marchioness Chandler said in a pleasant tone. Causing anyone who heard her feel as ease.

"Indeed." Arianna nodded.

"I couldn't help but notice that it's color is yellow. But... It doesn't seem to fit you well..." Marchioness Chandler put on a nervous expression.

"What's the issue?" Arianna furrowed her brows. Looking concerned.

"I don't want you to humiliate yourself. That's why I suggest you don't wear it. Yellow doesn't suit you at all. I only want the best for you dear. I'm sure your aware of how Important reputation and appearances are as an aristocrat." Marchioness Chandler 'advised.'

"Well ..." Arianna felt slightly conflicted. Her father has been growing more and more busy lately. It has been a while since he gave her some attention. So she was extremely delighted when her father gifted her the gown.

She also really liked the gown...

But...if she truly looked unpleasant wearing that gown, she should follow her stepmother's 'advice' and not wear it. She shouldn't embarrass her family.

"Arianna. Do you understand?" Marchioness Chandler asked.

"I understand mother." Arianna nodded.

The Marchioness sighed and pulled Arianna to an embrace.

From an outside perspective, they looked like a harmonious pair.

"I'm grateful to have such a loving mother like you." Arianna smiled.

"Arianna." The Marchioness instantly frowned. "Did you forget my past words? Your smile is too irritating to look at!"

"Oh- my apologies mother..." Arianna immediately pushed down her smile.

"You know I care for you dear. I hope you don't resent me. I'm merely trying to do what's best for you." The Marchioness hugged her stepdaughter.

"How could I resent you mother? I know mother has good intentions." Arianna said softly.

"That's good..." The Marchioness brushed Arianna's hair with her hand and smiled.