Chapter 125

It was a chilling thing to say. Standing before Anastasia, she felt less like a person and more like a doll, one freshly unboxed, pristine and meant to be played with.

She managed to hold a faint, polite smile as she replied.

“Thank you.”

“But wouldn’t it be better to take that off your wrist?”

Anastasia pointed to the bracelet on Ariel’s wrist—a magic restraint, placed on her by Devoncia through near coercion.

“Ah, this…”

Ariel hesitated, her fingers brushing lightly over her wrist before she spoke.

“It’s not something that can be removed.”

“Is that so?”

Anastasia’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she looked at the bracelet. However, the moment passed quickly, and she turned her gaze back to Ariel with a gentle smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

Anastasia gifted her the dress she had tried on, just as it was. When Ariel attempted to express her thanks and offer something in return, she politely but firmly declined.

Seeing her return in such a bright and elegant outfit, Canon let out an admiring gasp.

“Did you go on a date or something?”

“No, I went to the central district with Her Illustrious Highness of House Chappelle.”

“Then did you purchase that dress yourself?”

“It was a gift from Lady Seoha.”

“I see.”

Though Canon’s response was simple, her tone carried layers of meaning. Her gaze lingered on the dress, its frills and delicate details made it look like something a child might put on a doll. Whether it reflected the Lady of House Chappelle’s genuine taste or was meant as mockery… she clearly wasn’t sure.

Ariel had wondered the same.

Did Anastasia truly believe this outfit—pretty, yet faintly ridiculous—was beautiful? Was it a sincere gift, or a subtle form of mockery?

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

The following day, Anastasia sought Ariel out once more. Dressed impeccably in her white uniform, she stood at the door to her room and gave it a light knock.

Ariel answered with a puzzled expression.

“Your Illustrious Highness, may I ask why you’ve come?”

“I’ve decided to sit in on classes starting today. Just for a trial, nothing official yet.”

“You mean an observational session to help complete your timetable?”

“Yes, that’s it. It feels a bit lonely going alone, and I’d rather not bring an attendant… I was hoping you might come with me.”

“Of course. I’ll go with you.”

“Truly? Thank you!”

Anastasia beamed and pulled her into a sudden embrace. Ariel flinched as the girl slipped an arm around her waist without warning.

Pressed close against her, Anastasia laughed softly, her eyes curving into delicate crescents, half-moon slivers of delight.

“By the way… there’s something I’d like to ask before we go.”

“What is it?”

“You still have the dress I gave you yesterday, right?”

“Yes. I’ve kept it safely.”

“Then… would you wear it today?”

“But it’s a dress… I’m not sure it’s appropriate for the academic wing.”

“It’s fine. It doesn’t break any regulations.”

“Then perhaps I could change into it after class—”

“I want to see it now. Won’t you wear it for me?”

“….”

“Please.”

Anastasia cut her off again, pressing her request without pause. Ariel realized there was little point in resisting. No matter how politely she tried to decline, it wouldn’t change anything.

In silence, she gave a small nod.

Anastasia lit up with a bright, satisfied smile. She remained standing squarely in the doorway, making it clear she had no intention of leaving until she changed.

With no other choice, Ariel turned and stepped back into her room. Putting on a dress wasn’t such a terrible thing. Even though wearing it to the academic wing would no doubt draw attention, that was fine. If this was a way to repay a gift, then perhaps it was better to simply accept it.

Canon, who had been watching from nearby, quickly caught on and fetched the dress, laying it out neatly in the powder room. 

As soon as Ariel entered, she began preparing everything she would need. The change of clothes took little time. She dressed Ariel in the soft peach-colored gown, then gently brushed out her dark hair, letting it fall smoothly over her shoulders. Finally, she fastened lace ribbons to either side of her head.

In the mirror stood the same reflection Ariel had seen the day before.

Anastasia, still waiting in the doorway, lit up the moment she saw Ariel emerge in the same outfit. She hurried over with light steps and linked arms with her, wearing a bright, innocent smile.

For a brief moment, Ariel found her a little more approachable. There was genuine joy in those violet eyes, undeniable and unfeigned.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

In the academic wing, where every student wore the standard uniform, Ariel stood out without question.

Seated in the lounge of Building Eight, she looked almost like a child’s porcelain doll—dressed in pale pink, delicate and still, yet somehow graceful in spite of it.

A bisque doll in a rose-colored dress.

Students passing by let their eyes trail over her figure. Some glanced briefly, while others stared openly, their gazes lingering far too long. She could feel the stares, blatant and unrelenting, but Ariel forced herself not to react.

Beside her, Anastasia seemed to relish the attention. She stopped passing students, gesturing toward Ariel with a radiant smile and asked, ‘Isn’t she beautiful?’ while proudly presenting her like a prized treasure. The students, clearly bewildered, nodded awkwardly in response.

At first, Ariel suspected this might be some elaborate form of mockery. However, the gleam in Anastasia’s eyes, the sheer delight in her voice and posture, none of it felt cruel.

…No. Anastasia wasn’t mocking her. She was genuinely proud, showing her off like one would a beloved jewel.

Anastasia kept up her display until the attendant came to announce the start of class.

“My lady, your lesson will begin shortly. It’s time to head to the classroom.”

“Alright, stop fussing.”

Anastasia shot the attendant a sharp look, her lips pursed in a faint pout. Then, as if flipping a switch, she turned to Ariel with a look of exaggerated regret, her eyes softening into a dramatic downturn.

“Ariel, I’m off to class now.”

“Yes, have a good lesson.”

“Wait here for me, all right?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be back soon.”

With that, Anastasia left the lounge, her attendant following a few steps behind. Her posture—poised, assured, accustomed to being accompanied—faded gradually into the distance. Surprisingly, she hadn’t insisted on bringing Ariel all the way to the classroom.

Left alone, Ariel took out a small collection of short stories that Canon had thoughtfully packed for her. Although the weight of countless stares still lingered, she tried to ignore them and opened the book.

Or tried to.

Suddenly, she sensed a group approaching. Among them, one figure came especially close, and without warning, reached out and snatched the book from her hands.

Ariel lifted her head, a look of bewilderment crossing her face.