The tea house was quiet, dimly lit, and smelled faintly of cinnamon and old books. Cordelia Ross sat at a secluded corner table, one leg crossed over the other, her eyes fixed on the entrance.
A man entered moments later. He was tall and dignified, with streaks of silver in his dark hair and the family crest of House Ross embroidered discreetly on his lapel.
"Lady Cordelia," he greeted with a slight bow, placing a small enchanted box on the table. "Your stipend for the month. As always, your parents send their regards."
Cordelia picked it up and weighed it in her hand. "Mm. Feels heavier than last time."
He smiled gently. "They also sent a message. Word reached the estate... that you mentioned having a boyfriend."
Cordelia blinked once, her expression unreadable. "Did it now."
"Yes. And... they would very much like to meet him."
She leaned back, fingers tapping the box. "Let me guess. Black hair, red eyes, sharp tongue, zero patience, and a face that screams ’I don’t care’?"
The man tilted his head. "So the rumors are true, then."
She sighed. "I may have exaggerated a tiny detail to get a bunch of obnoxious nobles to back off. Didn’t think it’d make it across the continent."
"Well," he said with a warm chuckle, "your mother and father are curious. They trust your judgment, but they’re excited. They just want to see who’s captured your attention."
Cordelia raised her teacup without sipping. "Wonderful. I tell one lie and suddenly I’m organizing a family dinner."
The man bowed again. "I’ll inform them to expect your update soon."
As he left, Cordelia exhaled through her nose. "...This is going to be such a mess."
Cordelia walked alone through the cobblestone streets, the small box of coins tucked safely inside her bag. The breeze was mild, carrying the scent of spring blossoms, and students milled about the city in their casual attire. She blended in well enough, but inside, she felt like a misplaced piece on a grand board.
’Two months,’ she thought. ’It’s only been two months since I ended up here...’
She passed a group of young nobles laughing in front of a bookstore. None of them noticed her, but that didn’t bother her. What bothered her was how normal everything looked—how easy it was to forget that this world wasn’t her own.
Back home, she had a routine. School during the day, tea with her mother in the evening, and—at night—curled up in bed with a fantasy novel glowing softly on her phone screen. That was her peace. That was her escape.
Now she was in the story.
And it wasn’t peaceful at all.
"I used to read this stuff just to unwind," she murmured to herself, lips tugging into a wry smile. "Now I’ve got a fake boyfriend, a scheduled auction, and nobles watching me like hawks."
She stopped in front of a tailor’s boutique. The glass window displayed a sleek dark dress with elegant embroidery. It was similar to what she had requested—but hers would be custom made.
Cordelia adjusted her coat and stepped inside.
Cordelia stepped out of the fitting room slowly, her reflection catching in the tall mirror framed with gold trim.
The tailor, a thin man with silver-rimmed glasses and a sharp sense for detail, clasped his hands together as he looked at her.
"Well, Lady Ross?" he asked with a curious smile. "What do you think? All measurements seem to fit as intended. The lines fall just right, and the navy accent plays beautifully against your eyes."
Cordelia turned slightly, letting the fabric flow behind her. The backless design revealed smooth skin down her spine, contrasted by the high neckline at the front. The cut was sharp, modern—even by Earth’s standards.
"It’s bold," she said, examining her reflection with a slight smirk. "But that’s exactly what I asked for."
The tailor nodded, adjusting a fold at her side. "Quite daring, if I may say so. Most nobles wouldn’t choose something this...innovative."
Cordelia held back a laugh.
’Normal. Earth fashion was way ahead of this. This would be considered tame back home.’
"Well, I like it," she said simply.
"Then I’ll have it packed immediately," he said. "Enchanted against stains, tears, and minor spells. Ready for any scandal—or storm."
As he walked away to prepare the box, Cordelia lingered by the mirror a moment longer.
’Just a girl from another world... trying not to trip over her heels in the middle of a rewritten story.’
As Cordelia stepped out of the boutique, a soft breeze lifted the hem of her cloak. She adjusted it slightly, her steps slow and thoughtful as she walked along the cobbled path.
A small voice called out to her from a corner stand where a young boy, no older than seven, stood with a basket of flowers. His clothes were worn but clean, and his eyes sparkled with determination.
"Miss! Want to buy a flower? They’re lucky!"
Cordelia paused, glancing at the mix of wildflowers in his basket. Her gaze settled on a small, dark blue bloom—nearly the same shade as the accent on her new dress.
"How much for that one?" she asked, crouching slightly to his height.
"Just two coins!" he replied, holding it up eagerly.
Cordelia smiled and placed the coins in his hand. "You’ve got a good eye for color."
The boy beamed, carefully handing her the flower. "Thank you, big sis!"
She blinked at the words, a bit caught off guard.
’Big sis, huh... it’s been a while since someone said that to me.’
"You’re welcome," she said softly, tucking the flower behind her ear. "Good luck with the rest."
The boy nodded cheerfully. "You look pretty!"
Cordelia gave him a small wave as she walked off, her fingers briefly brushing the petals in her hair.
The sun had begun to dip beyond the rooftops, casting the city in warm gold and pale blue shadows. Cordelia walked slowly, hands behind her back, the flower still resting above her ear. Her footsteps echoed softly through a quiet street that led back toward the academy.
’Two weeks left until the auction...’
Her mind drifted back to the letter from her father. To the awkward lie she had thrown out without thinking. And to the boy who didn’t even know he was now unofficially her "boyfriend."
’Right. I should probably... explain that to Noah soon.’
Then again, the thought of doing so made her cringe slightly.
She stopped at the edge of the path, glancing up toward the sky.
’It still feels surreal. Just two months ago I was reading NovelHubs in bed with my laptop overheating on my chest... and now I’m buying custom dresses and walking around like some noble lady in a fantasy world.’
She let out a quiet chuckle and shook her head.
"Alright. No more spacing out."
Cordelia squared her shoulders and turned back toward the academy.
"I’ve got things to prepare on my end too. Let’s not fall behind, Noah."