Although we were slightly delayed due to an unexpected incident, I, Ascan, and Noxia boarded a carriage together, heading toward the capital’s most renowned dressmaker.
Perhaps because we had notified them in advance of our visit, upon arrival, rows of staff members lined up neatly from the entrance caught my eye.
It was, unmistakably, a grand welcome.
Though I already knew from the novel, I once again felt the immense power held by the Brellof family.
As the coachman courteously opened the door, I was the first to step down from the carriage. Noxia followed after me, and finally, Ascan emerged.
Noxia and I were faces known to the public, but Ascan was not.
I could sense the dressmaker staff’s eyes widening at Ascan’s appearance—it was only natural, given how strikingly handsome he was, captivating attention at first glance.
“Welcome. I am Madam Michelle.”
The middle-aged woman standing foremost among them stepped forward to greet us. Even without her saying so, it was clear she was the owner of this establishment.
“I believe you were informed in advance—we are here to find dresses for the royal ball.”
“Yes. To ensure the young lady enjoys a comfortable shopping experience, we have declined all other customers today. Please take your time browsing. I will personally guide you.”
Michelle spoke casually, but it was extraordinary for them to serve only one party on such an important day when new collections had just arrived.
They were treating us with VIP-level courtesy, even beyond what we had requested, which felt somewhat puzzling.
Reflecting on it, in the novel , Tanashia had always gone to great lengths before every party to dress more beautifully than Noxia.
‘Could this perhaps be due to that influence?’
Even though Tanashia had not yet begun her full-scale villainous acts, her infamous reputation was already quietly spreading, which made me suspicious.
Noxia, standing beside me, spoke with an excited expression.
“This is my first time here, but everyone seems incredibly kind and welcoming.”
“Really?”
This was also my first time shopping in person since possessing Tanashia’s body. But since Tanashia might have visited this dressmaker before, I couldn’t give a definite answer.
Tanashia was the villainess of the novel. Like a character who only appeared during evil deeds, information about her outside those moments was scarce.
Michelle, who had been leading us slightly ahead, apparently heard Noxia’s comment and smiled gently as she replied.
“I’m utterly flattered by your praise. Since Lady Brellof visits us frequently, we strive wholeheartedly to serve her well. I imagine all other dressmakers would do the same.”
Though clearly meant as a compliment, it didn’t sound quite that way to my ears.
No matter how I thought about it, Tanashia from the novel probably hadn’t shopped gracefully.
Glancing sideways, I noticed the dressmaker staff member trailing behind us trembling violently with fear.
‘I must have been an absolutely terrible customer…’
Though the Brellof family name undoubtedly played a major role in this lavish hospitality, perhaps my own notorious reputation as a difficult customer also contributed.
Watching the tense staff, I sighed inwardly. Knowing the truth changed nothing.
Soon, we arrived inside a large fitting room.
Decorated luxuriously, one entire wall was mirrored, and comfortable seating was arranged for spectators.
I walked first to the sofa and sat down. Noxia came to sit beside me. Ascan, as usual, stood expressionlessly nearby.
Michelle skillfully handed me a dress catalog and began explaining.
“These are the new arrivals. Please select whichever you like, and I will bring them for you to try on.”
I nodded and began searching for dresses that would suit Noxia.
The most significant difference between Noxia and me—and her greatest advantage—was her silvery hair, which gave off a sacred aura.
I imagined her silvery hair shimmering under the ballroom’s brilliant lights, paired with the red diamond set gifted by Orland.
Clearly, a soft pastel-toned dress would suit her better than bold, vivid colors.
After carefully examining the options, I finally pointed to four dresses.
“Let’s start with these.”
“Yes, if you wish to try them on, please come this way…”
“It’s not for me—it’s for my younger sister.”
At my words, both Michelle and Noxia stared at me with surprised eyes.
Apparently, they had assumed I would choose my own dress first.
Noxia waved her hands dismissively, flustered.
“No, no—you should pick your dress first, elder sister.”
“Let’s find what suits you first. I’ll choose mine afterward.”
The crucial event of this royal ball was Noxia’s first meeting with Crown Prince Rohel.
For Tanashia, this day held no significant plot events, so merely showing up in something decent would suffice.
Somehow interpreting my actions, Noxia’s large eyes welled up slightly.
“Elder sister…”
Apparently, my changed attitude compared to the original story had led Noxia to misunderstand something.
I had no intention of tormenting Noxia as the novel dictated, but I also had no desire to become close, affectionate sisters.
Noxia could live her own happy life, and I could live mine—that was enough.
“Don’t misunderstand. I simply chose yours first because I promised to help you pick your dress.”
I meant it as an explanation, but even to my own ears, it sounded like tsundere dialogue. Consequently, Noxia’s touched expression didn’t fade.
Feeling uncomfortable with the atmosphere, I urged Michelle beside me.
“Please prepare the dresses quickly.”
“Ah, yes. This way, please.”
At Michelle’s words, Noxia nodded slightly and rose from her seat.
After a brief wait, the curtain rustled open, and Noxia appeared wearing the dress I had selected.
‘Hah, as expected, my taste is impeccable…’
The dress perfectly complemented Noxia’s sacred aura. The ornate beadwork was dazzlingly glamorous—it seemed she could become the ballroom’s centerpiece just by wearing it as-is.
I had considered visiting multiple dressmakers depending on the situation, but indeed, as the capital’s premier establishment, their dress quality was outstanding.
Noxia, her face bright with excitement, examined her reflection in the mirror from various angles.
“How is it?”
“It suits you well. Try on another one.”
“Okay!”
Apparently pleased with what she had just tried, Noxia cheerfully went to change into another dress.
Thus, I watched Noxia appear several times in different dresses.
Michelle, observing alongside me, generously praised each one with evident satisfaction.
“Every dress you selected for the young lady suits her so beautifully—I’m at a loss for what else to recommend.”
True to Michelle’s words, every dress suited Noxia. The pink one was adorable; the light blue one exuded elegance.
I liked them all so much that I was genuinely torn over which to choose.
When Noxia returned after trying the final dress, I pointed to all the dresses she had worn and asked,
“Which one do you like best?”
“All of them feel unbelievably perfect!”
“You still have to pick just one.”
“What did you think, elder sister? I’d love for you to choose for me.”
Noxia’s words deepened my dilemma. As the saying goes, “Fashion is completed by the face”—lovely Noxia radiated beauty no matter what she wore.
But to successfully mark her first meeting with Crown Prince Rohel, she needed to be adorned even more beautifully.
After careful thought, I finally pointed to one particular dress.
“How about this one?”
The dress I indicated was white-based, conveying both purity and splendor.
Though all the other dresses suited her well, considering her silver hair, blue eyes, and the red diamond set together, this one seemed the most harmonious and beautiful.
Noxia beamed and nodded vigorously.
“Yes, I’ll go with this dress.”
Once we made our decision, Michelle marked the dress in her notebook. To prevent nobles from wearing identical outfits, once sold, a dress could not be purchased again.
“We will custom-tailor your chosen dress and deliver it to Brellof Mansion.”
I nodded, noticing only women’s dress catalogs on the table, and added,
“Show me men’s attire as well. I intend to have outfits tailored for my page too.”
“Ah, I’ll bring them right away.”
After finalizing Noxia’s dress, we moved on to selecting formalwear for Ascan.
His face remained expressionless, giving no hint of his thoughts, but he obediently changed into various outfits as I instructed.
Knowing he wouldn’t give proper answers if asked for his opinion, I consulted only with Noxia and Michelle.
The outfit we ultimately chose for Ascan was immensely satisfying.
Noxia covered her mouth with both hands, her voice brimming with delight.
“Waaah—it suits him so well!”
Beside her, Michelle also nodded, unable to hide her rapturous expression.
“To have such a page by your side—many young ladies will envy you.”
Their sincere compliments made my shoulders unconsciously lift with pride.
Ascan possessed raven-black hair and golden eyes like an abyss. His nose stood perfectly straight, and his lips were firmly set.
Though still a youth, he was taller than others his age, with broad shoulders—his facial features and physique alike were flawless.
One might describe him overall as a handsome young man exuding a cold aura.
He might not realize it, but that very contrast drew people’s gazes even more intensely.
“Now that we’ve chosen everything, go change back into your original clothes.”
“Yes.”
At my words, Ascan wordlessly disappeared to change.
I reopened the dress catalog lying on the table and said,
“Then I just need to pick my own dress, and we’re done.”
Though I enjoyed shopping, it was equally exhausting. Even though I hadn’t been the one changing clothes, fatigue was catching up to me.
Noticing my state, Michelle quickly recommended some dresses.
“Here are styles similar to those Lady Brellof usually wears.”
The dresses Michelle showed me were all unsuitable for me.
Soft, lovely pastel dresses suited Noxia, not me.
In the novel, Tanashia had been a copycat—she likely chose dresses based on Noxia’s preferences rather than what suited herself.
Fortunately—or unfortunately—my previous life’s image closely resembled Tanashia’s, so I knew which dresses suited me well.
“My taste has changed. I no longer wear dresses like these.”
I immediately rejected Michelle’s recommendations and turned my gaze elsewhere—when suddenly, a dress caught my full attention.
It was a rose-hued gown.
Not a bold, attention-grabbing red, nor a soft pink like Noxia’s—it was a truly floral, vivid red.
Its unique color and ornate embellishments made it an alluring dress that grew more captivating the longer one looked.
Unlike Noxia, who suited pastels, my features harmonized well with rich, vivid colors. Even without trying it on, I knew it would suit me beautifully.
“I like this one.”
At my words, Michelle checked the red dress and looked slightly surprised.
“This isn’t a style Lady Brellof usually wears. But come to think of it, it might suit you quite well. If you try it on…”
“No need. I’ll take this one.”
After all, this royal ball was primarily meant to highlight Noxia.
I was merely tagging along with Ascan for sightseeing—what dress I wore hardly mattered.
“But still…”
Michelle, startled, trailed off mid-sentence.
It wasn’t just Michelle. Noxia, overhearing beside me, jumped up as if the idea were unthinkable.
“You worked so hard choosing my dress and the page’s formalwear—and now you won’t even try yours on before deciding?”
“I don’t need to try it on to know. It’ll suit me.”
I closed the dress catalog decisively, signaling no further deliberation was needed. Then, looking again at Michelle’s astonished face, I repeated,
“Please process the payment.”
“Ah, yes. Understood.”
Michelle bowed deeply and exited the fitting room.
Noxia, looking utterly flustered, grabbed my sleeve.
“Shouldn’t you at least try it on before deciding?”
“I already know without trying. Don’t you trust me?”
“It’s not that, but…”
Faced with my firm attitude, Noxia fell silent, no longer pressing me.
Finding her dejected expression oddly cute, I nearly said something more—but stopped myself.
‘Better not get too close.’
In my previous life, I was 27—constantly, Noxia felt less like a peer and more like a much younger sister.
Already, our relationship was diverging from the original plot; I had no intention of straying even further.
Rash actions might entangle me in unnecessary trouble. Unless it directly affected my survival, I intended to restrain myself.
At that moment, a dressmaker staff member who had been waiting behind cautiously approached and asked,
“Shall we bring tea while you wait?”
I nearly refused out of habit, but glanced at Noxia instead, asking,
“Would you like something to drink?”
Noxia nodded vigorously—apparently, changing dresses earlier had left her thirsty.
“Yes, I’ll have iced black tea.”
“Then bring only my sister’s drink.”
“Yes, understood.”
The visibly nervous staff member bowed deeply and exited.
Shortly after, another staff member entered carrying a tray—and as she moved to place the iced tea before Noxia, who sat farther inside than me—
Clink! Crash!
The staff member dropped the cup she was placing on the table.
Instantly, the glass shattered against the floor, splashing its contents everywhere.
No one had expected the spilled tea to soak my dress.
I had noticed from the beginning that the staff member’s hands were trembling unusually—but never imagined this would happen.
Everyone froze in shock at the sudden accident. Michelle, who had just reentered the fitting room, spotted the situation and hurried over.
“Oh dear heavens! Quickly, bring something to clean this up!”
Even at Michelle’s shout, the staff members floundered in panic.
It was at that moment—
Silently, Ascan—who knows when he appeared—knelt on one knee before me. He began dabbing at my dress, now stained with tea, using a napkin.
His own clothes became soiled in the process, but his action prevented my dress from becoming further stained.
To some, it might have seemed a trivial scene.
As my page, it was his duty. Given his slave status, kneeling like this might have seemed perfectly normal.
But to me, someone who had experienced modern society, this seemingly ordinary act felt anything but ordinary.
As if entranced, I reached out and placed my hand on his shoulder as he knelt.
It was meant to signal he could stop.
At my touch, Ascan—the ever-faithful servant—wordlessly lifted his head.
Meeting his abyss-like golden eyes, I found myself blurting out my feelings without filtering them through my mind.
“…You’re so damn cute.”
My Arch-enemy Sealed My Memory and Said That He is My Husband
This is an incredibly captivating story that you absolutely shouldn’t miss! I’ll give a brief introduction here, and below you’ll find a detailed synopsis of the plot.
The female lead is a fierce and powerful demon king. The male lead is a once-in-a-millennium celestial lord, admired by the entire cultivation world.
They are equally matched, legendary rivals who have battled for centuries.
In the final duel, the female lead is gravely injured. The male lead saves her, seals her memories, and hides her true identity. He tells her that he is her fiancé. His entire life has been flawless—except for the one thing he never expected, never controlled, and never wanted to control: falling for his greatest enemy. She is his inner demon, his obsession.
When the female lead regains her memories, she is furious at his deception.
She makes his life a living hell.
And somehow, the male lead—possibly a total masochist—doesn’t mind at all. In fact, he’s happy she’s paying attention to him.
Yep, we’re back to my favorite trope: male lead suffering. If you love this kind of story, jump into the pit with me now!!!
Intro
Dong Xia lost her memory.
Her handsome and extremely powerful fiancé Li Qing comforted her: “It’s okay if you can’t remember. I’ll always be with you.”
Everyone thought Dong Xia’s ancestors must have burned incense to get such a perfect fiancé. He was the number one person in the immortal realm, yet he remained chaste and only loved her.
…
The day before marrying her fiancé, Dong Xia finally remembered everything.
She wasn’t suffering from memory loss at all.
Her arch-enemy had made her fake her death, destroyed her cultivation, replaced her memories, and pretended to be her deeply in love fiancé.
No wonder he said, “It’s okay if you can’t remember”!
Dong Xia laughed coldly as she pulled out her long knife: Li Qing, prepare to die 🙂
*
Li Qing, as the supreme being of the immortal realm, was the people’s shining beacon.
The only unknown stain in his life was his affection for Dong Xia, the ruler of the demon realm.
In the final battle of the war between immortals and demons, the sky collapsed and the earth shattered. The ruler of the demon realm was finally slain under the sword of the supreme being of the immortal realm, and everyone in the immortal realm applauded.
The cultivation world lost a ruler of the demon realm.
And in the back mountain of Li Qing’s cave dwelling, he secretly hid away a fiancée.
Notes:
1. The female lead is white on the outside, black on the inside, and the queen of flattery; the male lead repeatedly tests the edge of darkness, a VIP guest at the crematorium.
2. Fantasy cultivation world setting.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
