The Good Witch of the Lake

It's the same exact color as the cloak Harij usually wears.

If she is to wear that—won't it feel as if I'm wrapped in his cloak? No, no, this is not the time to be distracted by such a thought…—

Looking at the downcast Roze, Tien takes out a large catalogue book from his luggage. "Here, see if you can find anything to your liking."

Many samples of clothes are pasted to the pages. Roze goes through Tien's open catalogue.

"Due to the room's lighting, some fabrics might appear dull. Believe me, under the sun, you can see that the texture is weaved exactly like the petal of a flower."

"I don't go outside that often, anyway. So it's fine. I want something comfortable, because I'll be wearing it all the time."

"—then this color will be a good match. Viridian Blue—the color of your beloved forest." Tien's voice is gentle and quiet, such that Roze finds herself immersed in it. The atmosphere is a lot calmer now.

His finger points to one cloth; one colored with the greenery reflected upon the lake's blue surface.

There's no change in her expression, but Roze is clearly enchanted. As such, Tien smiles, already knowing the witch's choice.

"Since it's woven using silk and gold thread, it gets more dazzling under the light—"

"—I don't have the slight interest of parading it before anyone, besides, no one will—"

"Nah, it's just my obligation as a merchant to explain my wares."

Unable to argue back, Roze abruptly shuts her mouth and Tien smiles with satisfaction.

"The color will complement you even better if you have rosy cheeks or wear blush~"

"Huh. I can just slap my cheeks numerous times, then—that redness also counts as blush, right?"

"Ahaha~! Even though it's adorable that my cute witch is slapping her cheeks like this, but no. With your current complexion, your cheeks will only turn blue."

"Are you trying to say something here? I know I don't go out much—maybe 'pale' is the word you're looking for."

"I'm just saying it's not healthy, especially for someone your age. Moving on, this adornment over here is a cameo of a countess's side profile—currently trending in the Capital. The artisan who created this is famed and was even given a royal decree three years ago—…"

Tien continues to hammer trivia at the bewildered Roze until it gets dark. It becomes apparent that nothing will shut him up.

Mid way, Roze regrets her decision of not shoving that drug down his throat.

At a later date, after finding out Roze's preferences, Tien returns with not one, but two boat loads of goods, Roze is shocked to the core.