Reborn, Its Time To Save My Family And.. My Enemy!
Chapter 220: You Are Not The Only One!

Chapter 220: You Are Not The Only One!

The small bell above the door chimed as Olivia stepped into the familiar salon.

The shopkeeper, Madame Corielle, looked up with a warm—if slightly surprised—smile. "Lady Olivia! It’s been some time. Please, come in. I did not expect the lady to return this early. Are you here lookin for a new dress or you want changes in the dress you brought two days ago?"

"I needed a change," Olivia said smoothly, her tone calm despite the whirlwind inside her. "I want another striking dress for the reception. Something in red again, bloody red."

Corielle blinked, but nodded quickly. "Of course, my lady. Right this way."

Olivia let herself be led to the back, where a variety of gowns were brought out—velvet, satin, sheer, silk—each more extravagant than the last. As Corielle and a younger assistant helped her into one gown after another, Olivia kept her senses heightened. She was sure the maid had informed the Cloindoreis already.

Or their spies had noticed her alone in the carriage. She had come here without any escort or knight. If they wanted her blood by tomorrow, it was the perfect opportunity.

She stayed by the window, turned just enough that she could see her reflection and the street behind her in the glass. The market square was alive with vendors shouting, horses clopping, noblewomen laughing beneath parasols. But no one is suspicious.

She looked back at the assistant. The naive girl was noting the measurements and detail of the gown Olivia had made halfheartedly.

"Corielle returned with a matching cloak. "You’ve always had such refined taste, Lady Olivia. Is there an occasion?"

Olivia smiled faintly, glancing at the mirror. The dress was beautiful but she was not here to buy one. But even if she had taken an hour and the assistant’s perfect smile was fading, nothing happened. Was she overthinking? Could it be something else?

Perhaps there was another ritual she did not look for.

"Thank you, I will buy this one." The assistant finally looked relieved. She smiled and decided to pack the dress.

Just as Olivia changed her clothes and came out, she noticed Evelyn waiting in the lounge. She was flipping the parchment continuing new designs. When she heard footsteps, she raised her head and smiled at olivia.

"My lady, we are meeting everything. What a coincidence." The assistant looked worried about Olivia remembering the events of last time. But Olivia passed her an assuring glance before turning to look at Evelyn again.

"Yes, too many coincidences are happening these days, lady Evelyn. Are you feeling better now?" Evelyn’s expression changed but she hid it under her smile.

Evelyn stood gracefully, adjusting her shawl as the assistant handed Olivia her packaged gown. "You must join me for tea and desserts, my lady," she said, voice light and sweet. "After all, we hardly got to speak properly last time."

Olivia hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. "Of course. I could use something warm."

Evelyn’s smile deepened. "Splendid. My carriage is just outside."

They exited the salon together, the streets still bustling with the usual afternoon crowd. Olivia climbed into Evelyn’s carriage, her fingers tightening subtly around the package on her lap. Evelyn sat across from her, crossing her legs elegantly as the coachman closed the door behind them and flicked the reins.

The carriage rolled forward smoothly.

Olivia kept her eyes on Evelyn, waiting for an attack. Would she drop something sharp and feign a prick? Offer a ribbon that requires tying around the wrist? But Evelyn did nothing of the sort. She chatted amiably about the new reception at the governor’s manor, the weather, the flowers blooming outside the city walls.

Still, Olivia remained guarded, shifting slightly with every bump of the road, expecting... something.

Evelyn watched her quietly for a moment, then chuckled. "You’re stiff as a statue, Lady Olivia. Are you that uncomfortable in my company?" Her tone was teasing, but her eyes glittered with something sharper.

Olivia forced a small smile. "You can’t blame me, can you? Our last meeting was a bit... unsettling."

Evelyn laughed. "You mean when I fainted like a wilting flower in front of you?" She waved a hand. "Embarrassing. I assure you, I’m much stronger now."

The carriage slowed, then stopped outside a quaint, ivy-covered tea house tucked between two antique stores.

They stepped out, and a doorman greeted them with a courteous bow. Inside, the scent of honeyed pastries and fresh mint wafted through the air. A table had already been reserved for them in a corner by the window.

Evelyn sat gracefully, removing her gloves with practiced elegance. Olivia followed suit, through her eyes kept flicking to the cups and teapot being brought in by a young, silent server

"Please," Evelyn said, nudging a sugar bowl toward her. "Try the lemon rose blend. It’s quite calming."

Calming, or numbing? Olivia reached out and took the cup, but didn’t sip immediately. She watched Evelyn raise her own cup and drink with a content sigh. Olivia followed and took a cautious sip.

The tea was just tea.

Pastries arrived next—flaky and sweet. Olivia let herself taste a small one. Still nothing.

And yet, that made her more unsettled. If they needed her blood before tomorrow, why not act now?

"You look disappointed," Evelyn said suddenly, voice soft and amused. "Were you expecting me to poison you?"

Olivia stiffened, eyes narrowing slightly. "Should I have been?"

Evelyn leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "No on attacking a cautious beast, Lady Olivia. They are worried they would be attacked instead. You are far too cautious, are you not exhausted by always being on watch? Is there someone you could even trust?"

"I have plenty, but I am afraid you are not one of them. So do not mind me if I am wary of your intentions, my lady."

"Oh no! Not at all." Evelyn stirred her tea slowly. "But sometimes, not everything is a trap. Sometimes... the real danger is when you stop watching."

There was a flicker in her voice, a shift.

Olivia set her teacup down carefully. "Then I’ll make sure I never stop."

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