Sister, I Hit You Because There Was a Ghost Behind You - Chapter 21

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 21. Shopping Is an Endurance Test, Payment Is a Battle of Willpower
Aveline Street, the most expensive and extravagant shopping district in the Capital. Among its many establishments, the doors of Lumière—the most prestigious boutique that supplied the Imperial Court—swung wide open.
The employees bowed in unison and called out.
“Welcome, Count Eberhardt!”
I lowered my sunglasses slightly and surveyed the shop. Glittering chandeliers, the finest silk dresses, and other noble patrons stealing nervous glances at me. I smiled with satisfaction and spoke.
“It looks like new inventory has arrived. Last time I came, there was nothing worth buying, so I left empty-handed.”
The Manager rushed out, beads of cold sweat on his brow, and spoke in an ingratiating manner.
“O-of course! We’ve set aside all our newest pieces exclusively for you, Count. Please, allow me to show you to our VIP room.”
I nodded and turned to look behind me. Standing there with awkward expressions were two men—not porters, but the Empire’s two strongest warriors. Kairik von Herzen seemed uncomfortable in the cramped boutique, roughly loosening his necktie as he grumbled.
“Do we really have to come all the way here? We could just call someone to take measurements.”
I responded firmly.
“Absolutely not. A party is warfare. You must inspect and choose your weapons personally. Besides, my partner’s attire is an important ‘accessory’ that will make my dress shine.”
Demian Lyart appeared tense in the unfamiliar opulent atmosphere, but soon asked calmly.
“What should we do then? Shall we carry the bags?”
I snapped my fingers and gave my orders.
“No. Go in there for now. The fitting room.”
The Manager quickly brought out a rack of men’s formal wear. I scanned the rack and pointed with my finger, selecting pieces one by one.
“This one, this one, and that one. As for sizes… just looking at you both, I’d say His Highness is about a 110, and you’re around a 105.”
Kairik von Herzen narrowed his eyes and asked.
“When did you measure my size?”
I shrugged and answered.
“Not in bed yesterday… I mean, I can just tell at a glance. I have a good eye for these things.”
In that instant, both men’s ears flushed red. The memory of last night had surfaced. I cleared my throat and pushed them toward the fitting room.
“Come on, hurry up and change. The fashion show is about to begin.”
Moments later, the curtain parted. Kairik von Herzen emerged first. A black velvet tuxedo. But with three shirt buttons undone and only the jacket draped over his shoulders, his appearance was less wild and more decadent. He swept his hair back and spoke with displeasure.
“It’s too tight. I can’t breathe. Can I tear it?”
I gasped and cried out.
“Don’t you dare! Do you know how much that costs?! Your Highness, please button up your shirt. This isn’t a bedroom.”
I stepped forward to fasten his shirt buttons for him. Then Kairik von Herzen, reaching out first, grabbed my wrist and whispered low.
“If you do it, I’ll behave.”
His warm breath touched the crown of my head. I pretended to be unaffected, fastened his buttons all the way, and even adjusted his necktie as I spoke.
“…Just stay still. I feel like I’m training a wild beast, honestly.”
Next came Demian Lyart’s turn.
As the curtain opened, gasps of admiration escaped from the waiting staff.
He wore a pristine white formal tailcoat in military style. Buttons fastened neatly all the way to his collar and shoulders cut sharp as a blade, his appearance maximized his ascetic yet noble charm.
The soft, form-fitting formal wear was entirely different from the bulky Holy Knights Order uniform he usually wore, and Demian Lyart seemed unfamiliar with the sensation.
He touched his leather gloves awkwardly and asked carefully.
“…Does it look strange? I’ve never worn such an elaborate tuxedo before, and I can’t seem to adjust to it.”
I stared at him blankly for a moment, then swallowed hard and answered.
“Strange? You could walk straight into the Holy Temple as a groom right now.”
At my compliment, Demian’s cheeks flushed a soft rose. Kairik, standing beside him, immediately furrowed his brow and grumbled.
“What’s this? I’m ‘tamed’ and he’s a ‘statue’? That’s some serious discrimination.”
Kairik von Herzen jabbed Demian’s shoulder provocatively, spoiling for a fight.
“The Holy Knights Order Commander certainly has it good. Clothes really do make the man.”
Demian chuckled softly and fired back.
“Your Grace the Grand Duke is hardly lacking either. For a barbarian, you’ve mastered the art of appearing civilized quite well.”
Sparks flew between the two men’s eyes once more. The air in the boutique grew heavy. The staff, terrified, scurried into the corners. I pressed my forehead and stepped in to mediate.
“That’s enough. If your clothes tear, I’m billing you both for damages.”
I positioned the two men side by side before the mirror. Black and white. Wildness and reason. Two men of entirely different magnetism stood on either side of me. Our three reflections in the glass looked like a scene from a high-fashion magazine. The Manager approached with an enchanted expression.
“My goodness… In my twenty years of business, I’ve never seen such a perfect composition. Count Eberhardt, you’re guaranteed to be the star of this party.”
I smiled with satisfaction and extended my card.
“Exactly. Everything from here to there—their outfits and the dress I selected—I’ll take it all.”
The Manager’s eyes transformed into the shape of coins.
“E-everything? The total will be quite substantial…”
I waved the card coolly.
“Charge it all at once. I don’t need a receipt.”
“Thank you so much, esteemed customer! I shall serve you for life!”
The Manager bowed at a ninety-degree angle. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like the pleasure of spending money. My stress melted away in an instant.
Of course, the two men carried the bags, but we all boarded the carriage back to the Mansion with shopping bags filling our hands.
Kairik von Herzen and Demian sat on either side of me, silently gazing out the window. The excited atmosphere from shopping had dissipated, replaced by an awkward silence.
Eventually, Kairik spoke first.
“So, have you decided?”
I feigned ignorance.
“Decided what? The dinner menu?”
Kairik von Herzen stared directly at me.
“Don’t play dumb. Your partner.”
Demian turned his head to look at me as well. His gaze was earnest.
“Violetta, I understand you’ve rejected the Crown Prince’s proposal. However, you absolutely need a partner for the party.”
Demian continued carefully.
“When the Crown Prince requests a dance, without a partner at your side, you’ll lack grounds to refuse. You need someone to protect you.”
He was right. The Crown Prince wouldn’t give up—he’d cling to me relentlessly. To shut him down decisively, I needed a partner with either higher status or an irrefutable reason for my choice.
Kairik von Herzen seized my hand and spoke.
“Choose me. In the Empire, there’s no one with higher rank than me except the Emperor himself. The Crown Prince? One glare from me and he’ll wet himself.”
Demian took my other hand and spoke calmly.
“Status matters less than justification. I am the Holy Knights Order Commander, representing the Church. If you choose me as your partner, I can completely block the Crown Prince’s political advances by citing religious neutrality and faith.”
A wolf in my left hand, a holy knight in my right. Both arguments were flawless. Kairik von Herzen was a physical shield; Demian was a political one. Either choice would stop the Crown Prince.
The problem was… whoever I didn’t choose would be hurt.
I gazed out the window with an uncomfortable expression.
“…Please give me some time. There’s still a week until the party.”
Kairik von Herzen snorted and released my hand.
“A week, then. Don’t drag this out any longer. My patience isn’t infinite.”
Demian Lyart released my hand gently as he spoke.
“I will wait. Whatever choice you make, I will follow.”
The carriage arrived at the Mansion. I fled from it like a hunted animal and rushed upstairs to my room.
Lying on the bed, I stared at the ceiling. Elaborate dresses and formal gowns were piled in one corner of the room. Today’s shopping had been enjoyable, but my real task still remained.
‘A partner…’
This wasn’t merely about dancing. This party was my debut into high society as Count Eberhardt, and it was a battlefield where I had to seize victory over the Crown Prince.
I clutched my head and muttered to myself.
“God, I wish I had two bodies!”
Just then, an owl flew past the window and dropped a letter. A black envelope sealed with silver wax. There was no sender’s name. With trembling hands, I tore it open.
「I await your invitation, my hero. – From S」
S? Who could that be?
Could it be… Shadow?
But why would an information broker send me a personal letter?
The message was brief, yet its meaning felt far from ordinary.
I had a premonition that this party would become far more complicated than I’d anticipated.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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