My Engagement Got Broken, But I Don’t Remember Getting Engaged in the First Place

Chapter 33: Made the First Move And Failed Miserably

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“I wonder how long that nasty rumor has been going around?” While having dinner with Elias in the dressing room like usual, Nora vaguely brought up the topic. She figured he would laugh it off as nonsense, but was surprised to see him look perturbed. She barely knew the details of it either, so she had called Flora over and they talked about it a couple of days ago.

“It has been a few days, I guess?” Without caring much for Elias who was deep in thought, Flora answered offhandedly as she ordered an apple juice. It was unusual of her to order so, as she loved to drink, and would often do so when she no longer had to perform for the day.

“You’re drinking juice even though you’re not performing anymore?”

“I’m quitting alcohol for a while. So that I won’t be confused by its power.”

Confused? That sounds extreme.

“Did you get awfully drunk?”

“Something like that.”

As she looked from Elias to Flora, whose facial expression was clouded in mystery, the food she had ordered arrived. Its fragrant aroma wafted through the air, whetting her appetite even more.

However, she couldn’t eat it right away. Elias first had to carefully examine all the dishes visually, olfactorily and gustatorily. She wasn’t still quite used to his strangely sexy demeanor and unable to keep her gaze on him, Nora curled a lock of her hair around her fingers. Her bluish-black hair was the only redeeming feature she thought she had. Even so, it was but a pale shadow opposite Elias’ captivating charisma, which was as ephemeral as clouds.

If he were a woman, he would be stunningly beautiful. Calling him a peerless beauty wouldn’t be an understatement. In fact, if you apply nothing but a lipstick on his face, no other lady could hold a candle to his beauty.

I want to keep staring…

As she kept staring at him with not-so-naive intentions, Elias suddenly stopped examining the food and gave her a gentle smile.

“You’ll be able to eat soon, just wait a little longer.”

“Okay.”

Apparently, it looked like she was hungry and impatient. It was rather embarrassing, but she would feel mortified if he knew the real reason she had been staring, so she let it be.

Meanwhile, Flora had been enduring her laughter, perhaps because her long-time friendship with Nora had made her figure out the latter’s real thoughts.

In any case, that was still quite embarrassing.

“So are you ready for the ball?”

Nora nodded as she devoured her steak glazed in a rich sauce.

“I’ve already chosen which song to perform and prepared the piano score as well. All good.”

If it’s a song that was usually performed at the restaurant, then a score wasn’t really needed, but since it’s the prestigious founding ball, she had to prepare one. She chose a new song to perform, befitting of such a glamorous and happy occasion.

“Not that, I meant your dress and such?”

“Oh, my dress? I was planning to use the same one I’m wearing now.”

It was the dress Elias had given her before, and since it was the newest and finest one she had, she figured it would do.

Or rather, it was more accurate to say that it was the only one she had.

“It looks great and lovely, but it’s the founding ball held by His Majesty! You must wear a new one.”

“I can’t. I’ve no money to spare.”

Their debts have zeroed but there was no excess. On the contrary, they were on the verge of going back in debt because of the increase in the toll fee. She couldn’t afford a new dress.

“Then I’ll give you one as a present.”

“No, thank you.” Hearing her immediate refusal, Elias heaved a sigh and put his glass down.

“You have been personally invited by His Majesty to perform, so you have to be careful about your outfit. This is in fact a necessary expense.”

“But—”

Although she was no longer as skeptical as she was before, she was still reluctant to accept something expensive.

As Nora was reluctant, Elias exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders.

“If you really don’t want to receive one from me, then there’s nothing I can do. But I have to tell Thor to gift you the most elegant dress.”

You mean the King will have to gift me a dress?!

That was far too appalling for Nora.

“Um, then, I’m counting on you.” As she consented, Elias nodded in response.

“Much obliged. We’ll pick out a lovely dress that will bring out your charm.”

Seeing him smile in satisfaction, Nora wondered if she was swept away again, but could do nothing about it regardless.

“We must call for the modiste as soon as we can.”

Elias seemed to be in high spirits but Nora was feeling uneasy. She had never bought anything at any popular shop. She had always made her own dresses, hence she has never been to the so-called dress boutique for nobilities.

He said he would call for the modiste, but where was he going to call it over to?

The House of Kranz was small and she didn’t want to go to the House of Callum even by mistake. It would be better to take the initiative here before the worst happens.

“Oh, Elias. I would like to go to the shop myself.” By saying so, it implied that she didn’t want to go to House of Kranz nor the House of Marquis, and it was easy for her to go to the shop alone. It would be very disrespectful to ask him to leave her the payment but that was better than the alternative.

“All right, we shall go together.”

“Huh?” A mumble of surprise escaped her as she heard his unexpected response.

“I’d like to help you choose your dress, of course… Or is it that even as your lover, I can’t even go with you?” With a dazzling smile, he accurately pierced through Nora’s weakness.

Not only was he her lover, but he was also going to pay for the dress, so she couldn’t possibly stop him from coming. The fatally wounded Nora had no power to resist. From the side, she heard Flora cheer her on softly.

“Then, let’s go together…”

“I’m sure we’ll have fun, Nora.” Seeing her concede, Elias nodded with satisfaction and smiled.

T/N: Rumors say that Nora had Elias playing in the palm of her hand but we all know it’s the opposite. Poor Nora, she never wins any argument. Haha.