Derek turned his head toward the window. As the carriage rolled forward, the streets of the capital city, Loste, slowly receded.
Though the medieval Western European-style architecture fascinated Derek, his attention wasn’t outside.
He sensed someone staring at him…
After boarding the carriage, Teresia gradually grew tense.
Alone with Derek in the confined space—and with him silent—she felt deeply uneasy.
Later, she noticed Derek hadn’t looked at her once. Relief mixed with dissatisfaction washed over her.
She began studying him, utterly puzzled by his thoughts.
Up close, Young Master Derek truly was… stunningly handsome!
But was he being kind to her—or plotting something?
If kindness, why?
Could it be… could it possibly be…
Ugh, so confusing.
Without realizing it, Teresia’s mind wandered. Her small hands fidgeted with the lace trim of her skirt, her cheeks slowly flushing warm and pink.
Derek was deep in thought too.
He felt Teresia’s gaze growing stranger, fixed on him like he was prey.
*Is she planning revenge for last night?*
Heaven and earth were his witnesses—he’d done nothing! Teresia had been the one initiating everything!
His thoughts sounded exactly like something a scumbag would say, yet every word was true.
If anything, Teresia had practically pounced on him. He was the one who lost out.
But as a new maid in Duke Wudewen’s manor, was such boldness acceptable?
Daring to openly scrutinize her master like this?!
If Duke Wudewen found out, trouble would surely follow.
To protect the future Holy Lady, Derek realized he must teach Teresia how to live discreetly in the manor.
Yet explaining everything was impossible.
Blessed by the Witch, he was practically mute—let alone capable of conversing with Teresia.
Just as Derek wrestled with this dilemma—*clip-clop, clip-clop*—the fine carriage horses gradually slowed.
"Young Master Derek, we’ve arrived at Jade Golden Phoenix Street," Xinzel announced, reining in the horses.
Jade Golden Phoenix Street was the busiest commercial avenue in Loste, capital of Doranbar Kingdom.
Packed with major merchant guilds and dazzling goods, Derek hoped to find a hidden bargain here.
Xinzel approached the carriage door and opened it respectfully.
The carriage’s stop jolted Teresia back to reality. She’d been admiring Derek’s profile the whole ride.
Glancing outside with confusion, she seemed lost.
When she looked back at Derek, she found him watching her too. Understanding dawned.
She took a breath, stood up, and walked to the door. Peering down at the exquisitely crafted carriage steps, she simply… *plopped* off.
Yes. Just like that—*plop*.
Derek froze, utterly stunned.
Even Xinzel’s stern face twitched almost imperceptibly at her rudeness.
As a maid of the Duke’s household, she should’ve stepped down gracefully—skirt lifted elegantly, movements poised like a butterfly landing on a flower.
Teresia?
*Plop!*
A textbook "country bumpkin jump"—efficient and blunt.
In *Destiny*, the beloved Holy Lady was the epitome of grace, her elegance captivating countless players. Who’d have guessed Teresia was just a naughty kid before joining the Holy Church?
After landing, Teresia showed no awareness of her rudeness. She turned naturally toward Derek still in the carriage, her expression clearly saying: *Your turn. Just "plop" down already.*
*Plop?* No way was Derek going to "plop." Not in this lifetime.
He rose smoothly from his seat, stepped onto the stairs with polished leather boots, and descended with gentlemanly grace.
Once down, he turned to Xinzel. "This maid…"
*Words bring trouble.* Derek bit back more.
Fortunately, Xinzel grasped his meaning. "My failure. I’ll discipline her strictly upon our return."
*Yes,* Derek thought. *Strict discipline is needed. Teresia’s antics could get her killed. Duke Wudewen isn’t as forgiving as I am.*
Teresia, however, remained utterly bewildered about what she’d done wrong.
Jade Golden Phoenix Street buzzed with life. Shops along the avenue had lavishly decorated storefronts to attract customers. Under the bright sun, gilded signs shimmered faintly. Through clear glass walls, exquisite goods were perfectly displayed.
Derek scanned the shops while keeping a wary eye behind him, dreading another Teresia mishap.
Strangely, after stepping onto the street, Teresia had grown unusually reserved.
Walking quietly behind him, she drew no further attention. Derek focused on the bustling avenue.
The street overflowed with diverse shops. Derek bypassed ordinary stores—clothing boutiques, snack stalls, household goods.
Daily shops held no value for him. Time was precious.
His targets were the grand establishments: armories, weapon shops, alchemy stores—places tied to combat.
He aimed to scavenge for life-saving special items. True artifacts were beyond hope, but a useful trinket would suffice.
This shopping trip, however, was a crushing disappointment.
Jade Golden Phoenix Street catered to the capital’s nobility—a paradise for the wealthy elite. Merchants tailored goods to flatter aristocratic tastes.
Take that sword: Derek couldn’t judge its power, but its blade was plated in dazzling gold. Waving it like a glow stick during an otaku dance performance would make you the shiniest person in Doranbar Kingdom.
Or that armor set: wear it, and you’d become a walking 250-watt lightbulb. Defense mattered little—it would light your path home, its golden radiance piercing even the darkest night.
Though no appraiser, Derek saw the flaw. The expensive weapons and armor lacked practicality. They were pure luxury displays, meant only to flaunt wealth.
While Derek browsed, Teresia waited alone outside the shops.
He hadn’t meant to exclude her, but her "bear-like" dismount had terrified him like a wilderness encounter.
He feared the untrained maid might break something inside. Compensation wasn’t the issue—if Duke Wudewen heard of it, Teresia would wither under his fury.
Unaware of his worries, Teresia stood quietly, bored and secretly resentful that Derek hadn’t taken her along.
She curiously observed the street’s shops and crowds, then lowered her head.
The pedestrians were all capital nobles.
Dressed in vivid silks, their faces wore arrogant smiles. Their haughty gestures and domineering aura deepened Teresia’s insecurity and unease—the real reason for her sudden reserve on Jade Golden Phoenix Street.
*How detestable nobles are!*
But Young Master Derek seemed different…
Lost in this thought, she found herself wishing he’d return to her side soon.
Just then, footsteps approached her from behind.
