[TKOSINM] 72 — Legend of the Empire

A clear bell sounded, breaking the heated situation, followed by a deep voice.

“What is going on here? What in the world...”

The voice that broke the silence was enough to divert the attention of the crowd, and those who recognised him gasped in amazement.

There was not a single person in the store who did not know who he was. Sure enough, he was Grand Duke William of Kristen, also known as the ‘Legend of the Empire’.

♔♔♔

Why did Grand Duke Kristen appear in the dress store?

He, who is like a wild beast, stuck out sorely in the cute and glamorous dress store. Besides, getting a glimpse of him was as difficult as picking a star from the sky, let alone seeing him in a place like this!

Of course, Regis’ young lady and the man next to her had also noticed the Great Kristen and froze. While everyone was turning into stone statues one by one, the Great Kristen made his way in. He stopped in front of Irene.

“How did this happen? Your hair...”

Juice was still dripping from Irene’s hair since she could not clean it. Irene was ashamed of herself. She thought her look had been blemished, so she could not lift her head.

“It is not a big deal. Everything is fine.”

“What are you doing without bringing anything for her to wipe?”

When the Grand Duke rebuked the clerk, the clerk’s complexion became white, and he hurriedly brought a handkerchief to wipe Irene’s wet hair and clothes.

Miss Regis and the man just stood there, looking at Irene and Grand Duke Kristen alternately, struggling to figure out what was going on.

She had mocked her because she appeared to be a low-level noble who could not read the atmosphere. But Grand Duke Kristen suddenly appeared and looked at that lowly woman.

“Are you hurt anywhere, sweetheart? Did you get injured? Even if you did, it’s alright, so tell me.”

The Grand Duke urged Irene to speak quickly. Following Irene’s gaze, the Grand Duke turned toward lady Regis and the man. The duo stopped breathing altogether.

“Was it these people? Unscrupulous people who have troubled you.”

The Great Kristen spoke in a cold voice. Even though it was obviously summer, his momentum made it freezing cold that it felt like Winter had arrived.

Upon facing the Duke’s outraged glare, the lady and her companion were tossing their glance at Irene, asking for help.

But Irene was not in the mood to care about them right now.

She was trying to cover it up quietly, but the sudden appearance of Grand Duke Kristen made the atmosphere inside the shop no less than that of the slaughterhouse.

I just wanted to buy a dress…

That would have been enough, but what was the problem? That she came here alone to buy a dress? Is that something to be ridiculed for in such a public place?

Angry.

Since she was a human being with emotions, she was bound to be angry. It was natural. 

However, …

I don’t want the Grand Duke to be involved in this.

He was too big and too great of a figure to be involved in this such a small matter, for it to become scandalous. It was best to finish it on her own.

I can’t say it’s my power entirely…

But still.

Irene stepped forward; the Grand Duke looked at her.

“Lady Regis.”

At Irene’s call, the young miss of Regis looked at her in shock. Her pupils were shaking violently. She tried to catch her breath. All of a sudden, it seemed she had asthma. Who knew?

“I did not mean to disregard your sincerity. Compensation is fine too. Nonetheless, using your background to step on those who are powerless. That is not a good image.”

If she had truly been a woman from a powerless family, this situation would have been unbearable as she would be embarrassed and ashamed. She felt that it was malicious of them, so it was difficult for Irene to let it slide. She wanted to say a few words.

“Oh, yes. I’m sorry, terribly sorry.”

The woman from the Regis family grovelled and apologised. Seeing this, Irene felt a bitter taste, since she knew that Lady Regis’ apology was not meant for her.

But she did not want to point that out. Because she did not want to stay here any longer.

The Grand Duke, witnessing Irene’s composure, opened his mouth.

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Happy New Year 🤍 hope you all have a happy and healthy one. My apologies for the less frequent updates. I’ve been caught in the mire of skyrocketing omicron cases and have to prioritise my real life matters 😢 Thank you for your patience, please stay safe! -Ru, 🤍🤍