No romance. No love triangle. Absolutely no harem. I’m dead serious about this, I will leave absolutely no room for any nonsense. I’ve been witness to too many novels derailed by romance routes and fanservice that distracts everyone from the actual plot. So many tragedies have come from introducing the male lead to soon, leaving no room to get anything done. Chasing some random duke is unbecoming, since there is no possibility that this story is for anyone other than me. I mean I could list all of the wasted potential I’m STILL livid over like ‘The-

  “My Lady, I’ve brought some afternoon tea!”

  Obviously a little startled, Verina choked on her reply “I see. Thank you, I needed a break.”

  “Is that really fun for you? You’ve hardly ever touched a cover outside the romance section.”

  “I haven’t been able to see that genre the same these days, so I’ve stepped outside my usual.”

  “Ah- This is good though! It’s always good to branch out… and that’s such a popular memoir! It’s totally interesting for us non-mages to learn more about…”

  Hard to not act OOC when you don’t know anything about the ‘C’… I kind of expected the original soul to be more studious given how she writes. Despite this, I’ve got quite the convenient cover-up. I’ve gotten through about half of my current reading list thanks to Amber’s enthusiasm.

  “Don’t worry so much, there’s no need to walk on eggshells around me. Is there anything else you need?”

  Amber quickly quit babbling and started fidgeting with her apron, there was really only one topic this could be about.

  Verina took initiative to break the silence. “Did my letter get a reply?”

  She took out a letter with that familiar, troublesome seal, handing it to her hesitantly.

  “Thank you.”

  She opened it for the two of them to read with her cup in hand.

  As expected, it’s a rejection to the annulment. He wishes to meet tomorrow morning for negotiations. Probably due to something like political alliances or family pressure. The reply was very quick, it seems getting this out of the way as soon as possible is ideal for both parties moving forward.

  “It seems I must prepare for tomorrow’s guest. Please accompany me out, I have shopping to do.”

  The carriage was prepared rather swiftly, as if it was assumed that after a letter with an imperial seal arrives, an outing must occur. All the more convenient, her schedule was tight for this day and the next. Amber and Verina were on their way to the city within the hour after the letter was received. The ride was spent in some idle conversation about the weather and ideas for the outing, mending this relationship has been going quite well, but may as well lay it on thick to be safe.

  “Thank you for your presence. Didn’t you say you grew up in the city?”

  “I did, I’m quite familiar with everything in the area. Would you like some recommendations? I have a few dress shops I believe you would like-”

  “Actually, I was interested in antique furniture today. Do you know any places that restore and sell that?” Verina interrupted.

  “Oh, of course. I just assumed… I- Yes, I know a place! Their selection is top notch for this side of the city.”

  I am certain that Amber is the only person who wouldn’t question me about this, I will definitely get her salary raised. “Please lead the way there, then.”

  It was a busy time of day, mid-afternoon shopping is an activity loved by everyone regardless of class after all, but the view was quite new to her. The variety of stores within the square was astounding, nothing like the strip malls of urban America. Although she had her priorities, she was awarded the view of colorful store-fronts and unique selections, even if she couldn’t express her fascination.

  “Here we are, this should have what you’re looking for. Do you have anything specific in mind?” With the ring of a bell, Amber opened the door to reveal the cluttered interior of Rhodes Antiques.

  The selection was as Amber had said, with the amount of furnishing in the space it was almost certain that there was at least ten options for everything she needed and plenty else to make searching for it a pain. From floor to ceiling, there was stacks of tables, dressers, drawers, and cabinets full of skillfully organized trinkets, everything attached to a yellow price tag.

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  Walking in, they let the door close behind them to be fully engulfed in the atmosphere. The window display was just as crowded as the rest, leaving few beams of sunlight aside from the stained glass window of its door. The rest of the establishment was illuminated by a few chandeliers, none matching in design and all with yellow tags hanging in view.

  “This is exactly what I was thinking of, thank you.” She said as she observed the towers of furniture looming over them, “Well then, could you do me a favor?”

  “Anything you ask, my lady.”

  “Could you find a complete tea set? Preferably with gold detailing.” I need at least ten…no fifteen minutes, so accounting for clutter and travel time this should be enough if I hurry.

  “Of course, my lady!” Amber replied, already starting the treacherous journey to the other side of the room.

  As soon as she was out of sight, Verina raced to the front of the store, trying her best not to knock anything over. Making it in record time (only getting lost twice), she rang a bell to catch the attention of whoever should be attending the desk. Everything that wasn’t bolted to the floor was for sale here, including the collection of the bells behind the sign ‘Ring for Service’. Service was on its way, as there was the audible noise of footsteps and perhaps climbing? She couldn’t be too sure, but if the backroom was anything like the main area then it was a possibility. And soon enough, a peculiarly scrawny man stumbled through the backdoor.

  “How may I assist you this fine afternoon?” he said in a monotone inflection, yet to look up properly.

  “Good afternoon, I have a question.” she paused, examining the shopkeeper. “Do you happen to have a discount for damaged appliances?”

  “What need would you have for that?” Examining Verina right back, Mr. Rhodes retorted rather bluntly. “Surely you can afford any of our quality pieces, why would you need the discount?”

  I forgot who I was for a second, this was quite an oversight. Damn, I’m being hardcore judged for this. “Discount aside, can I purchase any of your damaged furniture?”

  “Why would you want it?”

  Because it would be a shame to break a perfectly good table when I throw one at you. “Do you have any or not?”

  “Our usual repairs person has been out, so I suppose you could look at the backroom.” He gave her another side-eye before leading the way.

  The backroom was even more cramped than the main area and offered some explanation to how this store wasn’t collapsing. Rhodes began shifting a few of the lighter objects through levitation to bring a nice selection forward. The demonstration was quite ordinary, but let’s mind that Verina had never seen any mage at work before.

  “Thank you for your accommodation. You have quite the talent for organization, this must be why you can run such a successful business.” What a practical use of magic! I read that levitation usually takes four years of formal education to perform. Put this man on Tetris ASAP!

  “Sure. Anyways, here’s all I’ll offer. The rest should go to more grateful hands.”

  You know nothing about me or my ingrate hands however right you may be. “That is quite alright.”

  She began examining the selection, going from piece to piece, assessing the level of damage, quality, craftsmanship, and weight. It went quite a bit slower than Mr. Rhodes would have preferred, given there were only six things set out.

  What a businessman, I never could have guessed by his attitude. He has managed to select pieces that would have been costly to repair without much return on investment, although I notice that some pieces are from luxury brands. I have to admit that he has me beat.

  “I will purchase the left love seat, the occasional side table, and the coffee table.”

  “Refined taste. Would you like to pay up front?”

  “Later, I’ll browse while you set your prices.” A total of 13 minutes have passed, there is a good chance Amber is looking for me.

  Verina left the backroom swiftly before walking around two corners. Within two minutes she was greeted by a proud servant holding a beautiful white and gold tea set on a silver platter.

  “I found one! I hope it is to your liking.” I have to know, is she extremely lucky or extremely skilled?

  “This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you. I have found everything else as well, we should go to check out.”

  Verina led the way to the desk with the fastest route. By the time they arrived, Mr. Rhodes had rung up the three items. The two ladies examined the prices and total, which were surprisingly decent for someone who had just been criticizing her for being a cheapskate. Everything that could be carried on the ride was wrapped neatly and carried by the two, with the rest to be picked up in the late afternoon. The drive back was filled with idle chatter about beautiful teacups, fancy display cases, and potential room layouts with the new furniture.

  Upon arrival, everything was promptly emptied from the carriage and another was sent out for the remaining antiques. Notably, most onlookers were shocked to find that no dresses were purchased that day.

  This afternoon was the busiest Verina had to deal with so far, the Crown Prince was visiting after all. A light menu, rearranging the drawing room, directing servants, and planning what to wear was not the easiest task on such short notice. When the rest of the antiques arrived, she familiarized herself with the layout and the position of each item. This, in total from the afternoon arrival to the final set-up, took three and a half hours.

  Just about 7 pm. I have some time to think this over still, and I’ve prepared for a few scenarios. I know what Crown Princes are typically like, but I don’t know Alaric outside of the gossip and his letters, I can only hope he’s as cold as I think he is. Best case scenario, he sees reason and we mutually agree to be rid of each other…who am I kidding, when has my life ever been that easy? This has to end in a breakup one way or another and I don’t care who I have to hurt to get that. Although, I suppose how he acts is going to be a turning point for how my plans will unfold.

  Satisfied with the final touches, Verina leaves the drawing room. In a brisk stride, she makes the way to her bedroom, as she shouldn’t keep Amber waiting when they had made such important plans. The tea hadn’t been poured yet when she arrived.

  “Welcome back, my lady,” she pulled out a chair with her free hand, “please sit down. You said there was a matter you wanted to discuss with me?”

  “Yes, regarding tomorrow.” Footsteps filled the brief silence, as she continued only when she was seated. “I am concerned that the Crown Prince and I may not see eye-to-eye on the annulment. As much as I wish this could end amicably, I want to prepare for if things turn sour.”

  The tea was poured right as the clock reached 7:15 pm, and thus the two ladies were seated in their usual spot.

  “What would you like me to do, my lady?”

  Although I trust Amber the most out of everyone in this world, I’m not so naive as to think that I can rely on her to follow me blindly. She’s clever, and I respect her input on this, no matter how important these plans are to me. I already ask quite a lot of her, but I still hope she will agree to this.

  “I need you to completely trust me for two minutes tomorrow.”

  It was clear how shocked Amber was at this request. The air was heavy with the implications of what she was asking, the feeling of her conviction wavering was deafening.

  “Please do not give me an answer tonight, I will allow you to consider this overnight. We can speak tomorrow morning whenever you are ready.”

  “…As you wish, my lady.”

  The two finished their tea in silent contemplation. The tension was relaxed before the cups went cold, and they readied for sleep like any other night. Idle chatter between friends is quite relaxing, they both knew the next day held too much stress to allow them to stew in it overnight. Thus, they said their routine goodnights and goodbyes before allowing their minds to contemplate what they should do the next day. Thinking is much more efficient without the interference of emotions such as anxiety, and everyone knew how important clear thought is in this circumstance. Drowsiness befell the two right on schedule, preparing them for the next morning.

  I changed the spacing this chapter, do you prefer this or the more condensed version?