Chapter 243: Date with Chloe
"The city is as lively as ever even in the early morning," Vlad stated, his eyes fixed on the bustling streets ahead.
The medieval-style stone buildings lined up along the both side of road, their facades adorned with wrought-iron lanterns and glowing signboards.
The main road bustled with magical carriages, some carrying goods while others transported nobles who sat comfortably inside, likely on their way to attend to their daily affairs.
The footpath was mainly filled with people taking their pets out for a morning walk or jogging in their tracksuits.
Velarum was a large city with a radius of nearly fifty kilometres. Even the smallest shop here was larger than Vlad’s home back in the village. The commoners studying in the academy rarely bought anything from the city. The prices here were ridiculous, and there was rarely anything they couldn’t buy from the academy’s market itself. In that sense, the academy’s market had even more advanced artifacts than the city.
Still, this city was always the highest priority for any rich merchant who wanted to make it big. The reason was obvious. The children of high nobles. They could buy exclusive clothes, enjoy the finest wines and cuisines that the commoners would never have access to in the academy.
Putting it more bluntly, shopping and eating in the city gave a sense of superiority to the noble teenagers who were forced to treat the commoners as their equals in the academy.
"Do you have any specific place in mind, Chloe?" Vlad asked, standing in front of the Convocation Hall beside Chloe.
"I want to buy some new clothes first," she revealed, her eyes scanning the scenery of the city before her.
"Alright, I happen to know a place."
As the duo slowly walked through the busy street, Chloe’s head turned as she glanced at the man walking beside her.
’It’s time for the first move,’ she murmured inwardly.
’Attempt One. Begin with the classic. The hand hold,’ Seraphina’s annoyingly confident voice echoed in her mind as Chloe recalled her teachings. ’You must have done it many times previously, but this time intertwine your fingers with his. He will surely notice the intimate gesture.’
She pulled her hand out of the pocket of the long coat that was draped over her shoulders. With a little hesitation, she grabbed Vlad’s hand. Her slender fingers slipped into the gaps between Vlad’s fingers.
Surprisingly, Vlad’s fingers also immediately pressed against the back of her palm.
’I-I did it,’ she declared inwardly. Her head lifted to see Vlad looking at her with a warm smile as they walked.
"Don’t be scared of the crowd," Vlad said in a soft tone. "I’m here with you."
"..."
She gave him a silent nod before turning her eyes forward.
Attempt One — Failure!
---
After a walk of a few minutes, the duo reached the deeper, more advanced part of the city. The buildings here were formed of colourful tinted glass, with doormen in formal attire standing at the entrance of each shop.
Vlad slowed down in front of a luxurious clothing boutique, its glass display lined with mannequins draped in elegant gowns and exquisite dresses. A board hung above the entrance with the words engraved in glowing red.
CRIMSON VELVET
Vlad had previously visited this shop with Seraphina during their date. It was an exclusive female store. From night suits to wedding gowns, clothes for every different occasion were available here.
"This place looks too expensive," Chloe murmured, hesitant to go inside. "It will be a waste of money to shop from here—"
Before she could even fully express her resistance, Vlad tightened his grip on her hand and walked towards the shop.
"The fabric Crimson Velvet uses in their clothes is enchanted with magic," Vlad revealed what he had learned from Seraphina. "Their clothes are lightweight, soft, and gentle on the skin."
"But the price—"
"My Chloe deserves the best. Don’t worry about money," Vlad declared, cutting her off mid-sentence.
Now Chloe had nothing to argue about. Her cheeks were almost tinted from Vlad’s remarks, even though it wasn’t the first time he had called her ’My Chloe.’
The doormen gave them a slight bow as they entered the shop, its glass door opening automatically.
It was a large hall with multiple sections where clothes for different occasions were displayed on hangers and mannequins.
The duo had only taken a few steps deeper into the shop when a female attendant appeared before them.
"Welcome to the Crimson Velvet," she greeted the duo with practiced grace and a professional smile.
With just a single look at these customers’ aristocratic clothes and flawless skin, she could tell that they were important customers who must be handled carefully.
"Please, allow me to assist you," she continued, offering a slight bow. "Are you looking for something specific today, or would you prefer to browse our latest collections?"
’Time for Attempt Two,’ Chloe declared inwardly before asking, "Do you sell undergarments?"
Only for a brief moment did the attendant’s brow twitch. Never had a customer visited the Crimson Velvet with undergarments as their first priority. However, as the professional she was, she didn’t let the surprise show on her face.
"Yes, we do," she replied in a calm tone. "Please follow me."
"Go take a look," Vlad said to Chloe. "Buy anything that catches your eye. I will wait for you here."
He wasn’t stupid enough to make her uncomfortable by following her when she was obviously going to buy something private.
"No, stay with me," Chloe ordered in a flat tone. She took a gulp, preparing herself to say the next sentence. "You have seen my undergarments more times than I can coun—"
He placed his hand over her mouth as he agreed, "Fine-fine. I’m coming with you."
The attendant gave a playful smile to the duo.
"It seems the lady has already decided that your assistance is indispensable, my lord."
Vlad only gave an awkward chuckle. ’Since when has Chloe become so unfiltered and direct?’ he sighed inwardly as they followed the attendant to the deeper part of the shop.