2-67 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

**Volume Two, Chapter 67: "Indeed, You Two Make a Perfect Couple..."** The author: 汉唐歸來 Updated: 06/14/2025 20:30:01 Word Count: 4615 "Could it be that the little white-haired nut, having been cooped up in the academy for too long, finally gave in to an explosive shopping urge and decided to buy local specialties now that she's here?" thought Vinnie. What should he do now? The leader of their group had gone down to the town for shopping, so it wouldn't make sense for him to venture alone to Lake Village, right? Upon reflection, Vinnie realized that he hadn't prepared well for this trip and needed to get some supplies himself. His luggage, packed by Sicolda, was lacking in essentials like a change of clothes. Considering that this assessment wouldn't be over in a few days, Vinnie decided it would be wise to buy some additional clothes locally. He stepped into a lavishly decorated clothing store and started browsing. The clothes were elegantly displayed on teak racks, and the air was filled with a woody fragrance. It was clear this clothing store was part of a well-known chain, and surely the prices were high. But Vinnie found himself with no other choice, having combed several streets without finding another clothing store. Surely there must be more affordable clothing stores here, for the locals to buy from; they couldn't be making their own clothes or going to big cities for them, could they? Being new to this remote Imperial town, Vinnie was unfamiliar with its layout. When he tried asking for directions, the townsfolk seemed far too busy to stop and speak with a stranger like him. "Sorry to bother you, but could you...," Vinnie attempted to strike up a conversation with a passing guard, who completely ignored him as if he hadn’t heard a word. Really, are all the people in this town so rude? This guard truly lacked any sense of aesthetics. With his suave demeanor and charming looks, Vinnie was accustomed to turning heads. Yet here, not even a second glance? Hmph, these town folk were not only impolite but also lacked any appreciation for beauty. They couldn't see the striking allure and elegant visage he possessed. With no better option, Vinnie resigned himself to browse the upscale clothing store. Oddly enough, while perusing the men's section, his attention was inexplicably drawn to a variety of women's attire on the opposite wall. Ah, the craftsmanship was indeed exquisite, reflecting a tasteful luxury devoid of the vulgarity of ostentatious gold. It was beauty derived from refined design and subtle elegance. A backless butterfly gown, with its rose-red ribbon and white trim, shimmered under the lights like a fine wine. Paired with pearl white outer sleeves, it gleamed like precious jewels. Vinnie couldn’t help but envision Vanesha donning such a dress, how graceful and captivating she would appear, like a swan gliding gracefully across a ballroom. The imaginary hues of wine red against her cherry blossom-like hair, set against her silken, creamy skin mingling with the luxurious pearl-white fabric, painted a mesmerizing, dreamlike picture. Lost in this reverie, Vinnie's gaze wandered to a blue mermaid gown beside it, imagining the cherry-haired girl as a delicate blue butterfly in motion. Yet, moments later, he snapped back to reality, puzzled. Wait a minute, wasn’t he supposed to be looking for men’s clothing? How did he end up fixated on women’s styles? "You have an exquisite eye, sir. These two gowns were personally designed by the renowned fashion maestro, Rimke Gallatos," said a smiling saleswoman who had appeared at his side, apparently eager to assist. "Oh, really?" feigned Vinnie, scratching his head as he racked his brain, though he had no clue who this Rimke Gallatos was. Wait, Gallatos? Wasn’t that— "So, are you selecting an outfit for your girlfriend?" the saleswoman asked enthusiastically. "Uh, yes, that's right," Vinnie hastily agreed, though he had no choice but to follow her lead. What else could he say? He certainly couldn't admit he was picturing himself in the dresses! He didn’t want to be labeled a weirdo. Vinnie definitely didn't want anyone thinking of him as a deviant. "Then, could you tell me your girlfriend’s size?" the saleswoman inquired further. "Uh, any size, I suppose? Do you have everything in stock?" Vinnie asked, clearly intrigued. "Yes, sir, our shop may seem small, but we’re fully stocked to accommodate all needs." "So, if I tell you the size, you can provide a suitable gown?" Vinnie’s curiosity piqued. "Absolutely. We carry dresses for all ages and sizes," she assured with a smile. "Then..." Vinnie hesitated, just as he was about to make a decision, a familiar playful voice called from behind. "What is Vinnie up to here~?" "!" Vinnie's heart skipped a beat as he turned to see the silver-haired girl who had stealthily appeared behind him. Could it be? How does Esfas walk without making a sound? Like a cat, perhaps? "It hasn't been that long since we split up, and now you're here in a clothing store, ogling women's clothes. Were you thinking of getting me a dress as a reward~?" teased Esfs with a tilt of her head. "So, this gentleman is selecting clothes for this lady?" The saleswoman’s eyes lit up, as if she finally understood the situation. "Actually, that’s not..." Vinnie started to clarify. "I see, indeed, you two make a perfect couple," praised the saleswoman. "Even walking together, it’s clear how well you suit one another." "...Perfect couple?" Esfas repeated with a sardonic smile directed at Vinnie. "Uhh," Vinnie stammered, sweat beading on his forehead under Esfas's gaze. "Is it this dress? Then, could you kindly prepare a fitting one for me?" Esfas said, testing the fabric between her fingers casually and issuing instructions. She then tossed a finely carved badge to the saleswoman. What was going on? Vinnie was confused. He thought Esfas might have some kind of membership card for a global chain like this, but a badge—how did that work? The saleswoman paused in surprise at the badge before quickly becoming deferential. "My apologies! Truly, forgive my ignorance—I hadn’t realized it was you, Lady," she said, bowing and returning the badge with reverence. "What?!" Vinnie's mouth dropped open, murmuring incoherently. Right, Gallatos—that was Esfas's assumed surname? In the original, Gallatos was a noble family that had aligned with the old empire’s royal family, later vanishing along with the empire’s downfall. They utilized their remaining influence to rebrand as Gallatos, establishing networks and searching for direct descendants of the old royal family. To protect Esfas, her surname was changed from Carrilman to Gallatos, claiming her as part of the Gallatos lineage. While publicly only a small noble house, the Gallatos held significant clandestine power, operating many prestigious retail chains within noble circles, such as the brand this large store belonged to—just one outlet of many under the Gallatos name. Nevertheless, the Gallatos habitually kept a low profile, leaving even many nobles unaware that such chains were under Gallatos control. Vinnie smacked his forehead as he recalled this detail. However, this didn't seem related to why Esfas was incredibly wealthy on her own. Esfas was a highly independent and multitalented individual, almost otherworldly in her brilliance. Just by utilizing skills like ancient alchemy, fashion design, scroll crafting, and investing in manufacturing, she had accumulated wealth that far exceeded what she could possibly obtain from her family. Indeed, perhaps it was growing up in the Gallatos household that made Esfas a master in fashion design, with imaginative ideas that didn't compromise on meticulous detail and craftsmanship. Many nobles were enamored with her works, and numerous clothing items from Gallatos on the market were actually created by her under anonymity. It was no wonder she had such a refined taste in fashion. Yes, apart from perhaps her height and figure being a slight drawback, Esfas seemed unbeatable in all aspects, which was why she was so formidable in the original work. “Not to worry, my beautiful lady, please have this dress packed up to my measurements,” Esfas said, her gaze softly tender as she reclaimed the family badge from the saleswoman with a gentle smile, then turned to look at Vinnie. "Is this the one you fancy, Vinnie?" she inquired sweetly. "...," Vinnie nodded instinctively. Esfas chuckled, elegantly raised her hand, and the saleswoman, picking up on the gesture, immediately approached to take Esfas's measurements with a soft tape. "Do you have stock in my size?" Esfas asked in a sultry voice, as she tucked her hair away. "Yes, indeed, my lady, right this way, please." "Vinnie, just hold on a moment," Esfas instructed as she followed the saleswoman into the fitting room. Left alone, Vinnie stood dazed, unclear of what this miniature dynamo truly intended. From the fitting room came the subtle sounds of rustling fabric, suggesting that Esfas was changing. Hearing it, if it had been any other heroine, Vinnie might have felt something. But Esfas? Well, she wasn’t exactly petite, but not quite in the full-figured range either—somewhere right in the middle. About half an hour passed before Esfas emerged, dressed and accompanied by the saleswoman, from the fitting room. Seeing her in her new attire, Vinnie, who was nearly dozing off, was suddenly wide awake, staring in awe. Before him stood the silver-haired girl, like a princess out of a fairy tale ball. Her lustrous silver hair, styled into a high ponytail with a large black bow, perfectly complemented her flawless proportions. The black tights hinted at the luminescent glow of her skin beneath, making her silver hair shimmer brilliantly under the lights. Esfas was like a radiant rose wrapped in the finest pearl-white paper, enchanting and regal, as if she were a princess about to board a chariot to a grand gala. Indeed, her natural allure was so potent that even if she had any shortcomings with her figure, she still managed to showcase such contrasting styles to their utmost potential. Her mesmerizing appearance and impeccable fashion choice reminded Vinnie of when he first played *Carrilman Citrus* and got drawn in by Esfas’s character art. For a moment, Vinnie was utterly entranced. “Do I look good, Vinnie~?” she asked, twirling elegantly like a ballroom princess right before him, snapping him out of his daze. “…Hideous!” Vinnie blurted out, immediately realizing his mistake and trying to correct himself. “Ugly as sin, forcing yourself into a style that doesn’t suit you,” he huffed, averting his gaze. “Oh? Really? Then why can’t you say that while looking directly at me?” Esfas teased, her smile playful. “Tsk.” Vinnie wanted to maintain his stubborn act, but the bewitching allure of the rose scent made it difficult for him to resist or even look her way. “Well then, Miss, I’m quite satisfied with this dress. Please have it packed for me,” Esfas instructed as she gracefully walked back to the dressing room. “Of course, my lady,” the saleswoman quickly complied, casting glances at Vinnie and then at Esfas's retreating figure. Was the young lady entertaining a boyfriend out here? But somehow, their dynamic seemed... different? The saleswoman, though bewildered, dared not pry further, and instead dutifully assisted Esfas in changing back into her Carmaril Academy uniform. So, she bought that dress? Why did she intentionally purchase that specific outfit? Wasn’t he the one supposed to be buying clothes? How did it turn into an outing for Esfas to shop instead?? Vinnie felt bemused. Soon, Esfas emerged with the newly packaged dress in hand, strolling out of the fitting room with poise. “Farewell, my lady,” the store owner, having learned of her identity, quickly led his employees in bowing respectfully at the door to bid Esfas farewell. The owner was quite the considerate one, even expressing concern over whether Esfas had enough pocket money and offering her more if needed. After graciously declining, Esfas and Vinnie left the store together. “Vinnie, who were you planning to buy clothes for earlier?” Esfas asked as they walked. “…” Vinnie remained silent; he couldn’t very well admit he was shopping for himself, could he? “Let me guess, it was for Miss Milresia, wasn’t it~?” Esfas speculated with a mischievous smile. “If you say so,” Vinnie shrugged with a sideways glance at Esfas. “And why did you buy the dress I had picked out?” “That aside, Vinnie, who do you think looks better in this dress—me, or Miss Milresia~?” Esfas asked, smiling like a teasing little vixen. “Obviously Milresia would look better. You? Not a chance,” Vinnie retorted, unimpressed. “Really? But earlier, Vinnie, your eyes were glued to me like a magnet for quite a long time. Why might that be?” Esfas tilted her head inquisitively. “So ugly it piqued my curiosity; couldn’t help but stare a bit longer, is that unacceptable?” Vinnie’s weak protest lacked conviction even to his own ears. “Pfft, really? Vinnie’s got such a tough mouth, but his actions speak truths,” Esfas teased, sticking out her tongue. “Always claiming Milresia is your favorite, yet your gaze doesn’t stray when another woman appears. Even though you often call me fickle, aren't you just the same? A pretty face shows up and suddenly has your heart~” “Right now, in your mind, is it me who’s prettier than Milresia? There's no need to deny it; I can tell, and oh, how fickle you are.” Ah, Vinnie understood now. This tricky little nut bought that specific dress just to tease him, dragging him down to her level in terms of relationship ethics and chiding him for it. “Don’t lump me in with you, and besides, Milresia and I are just friends. If she heard you, it would be awkward for her.”