Arrival.

I made the decision to buy Aunt Lucinda a gift before heading home.

I finally took a bus to Norwich Street, where I remembered running into the interesting man the previous evening.

Upon getting off the bus, I suddenly remembered his Lion signet ring.

Honestly, was he a Leopold? I suppose I shouldn't draw any hasty assumptions. But, the ring he was sporting was incredibly convincing! ..

Okay, I really should stop thinking like this since it's causing me to overthink things which I shouldn't be.

I started looking for some interesting stores where I could buy things, when all of a sudden, I was reminded of Auntie's obsession with antiques in our house in Sudbury. She typically gathers dishes, tea sets, kitchenware, etc. She then neatly places it on display in each room of our home.

When I was a child, I used to play with her tea sets in secret in my tree house and pretend to be a noble with my dolls.

Upon remembering that, I laughed. So I suppose we need to locate an antique store.

I finally found what I was looking for after spending hours exploring in the sweltering sun!

I pronounced the words "Hadleigh Antique's" aloud as I read the name of the store that was written on the large window. Standing in front of the store, I could already make out the antique objects on exhibit.

Within, the store was eccentric and bizarre, while outside, it had a modern facade with a vintage concept mixed in.

The business owner feels confident in his ability to draw clients.

My eyes first landed on a variety of crystallized butterflies in various colors that were on every corner of the shops as I entered without thinking twice. via the wall, the cashier, the shelves, etc.

It appears as though I've entered some sort of magical garden.

There were no customers inside the business, despite the fact that it was peaceful and had a calm atmosphere, so I assume I'm the only person who is interested in it.

I had a strange kind of feeling about this area that it was drawing me in and making me want to discover something.

When I recognized that this is the identical emotion I had in my dream while being drawn into a blackhole, my heart sank.

"Why hello there, young Lady. Are you interested to these unique items? Please, feel free to roam around and choose what your heart's desire."

An Old Man suddenly appeared by the cashier, talking to me.

T-that's wierd...what was I feeling earlier?

"O-oh yes! I must buy something here." I said shyly and then I started to find something that will catch my eyes.

The items here aren't as strange and unsettling as those in the other antique stores I visited. In those stores, you could find creepy dolls, clown statues, and even a set of knives, but here, you could find eye - catching home decor, old picture frames, and other cozy items that you'd want to bring home. It was charming and easy.

I finally located a set of precisely folded handkerchiefs that had been stored inside a fancy box after "years" of looking. Because of how well-sealed it was, it didn't appear to be as antique and I assumed it had never been used.

Oh! This ought to be perfect for Aunt Lucinda! She is sewing initials to the handkerchiefs, as I recall! She'd appreciate this!

When I turned to my right and saw a bookshelf with odd hardcover books in it. Unaware of my senses, I walked over to the bookshelves and began looking for a book.

Strange... I feel different. What is this?

When looking at an intriguing book, my eyes unexpectedly latched on a curious book that piqued my interest. Between the others, I pulled it out, revealing a hardcover book in scarlet crimson in front of me.

"Banished Heiress.." I read.

What a odd book title..but at the same time it's kinda interesting! Is it a novel perhaps? Or a list of Heirs that had been banished?

Suddenly my heart started to pump fast! W-wait! Am I going to have a Heartattack!?

"Are you interested to that book, young Lady?" I heard the old man from the cashier asked me. I quickly turned around and faced him to answer.

"O-oh this? It was kinda peculiar actually.." I answered in a polite tone. Then the old man walked out from his cashier and he walked over to me.

I think he was in his 90's or what, he had dull green eyes but he was vibrant.

"Can I see?" He asked in a old weak voice. I slowly lends it to him and observes him.

I was impressed that he didn't need any glasses anymore despite he looks very old.

But that feeling earlier in my chest...what was that? It suddenly disappears...?

"Ah! This book~! It is about the life of a young Lady." He said and gave the book back to me. A life about a young Lady? That's interesting..

"B-but why is it titled like that? Was she a Heiress? From where?" I asked. I don't know why I said these words but there's something....something that I needed to know.

The old man chuckled which I looked at him in a confused way.

Did I said something funny?

"Um do you know something about this book? Did you already read it? And why is it named like that? Is it connected to the young Lady?" I asked once again, wanting more answers from him.

He ordered me to follow him to his cashier, so I did and He had already packed the handkerchief set for me when he was on his way.

"You will know the answer once you finished reading the book." He said with a grin.

When he stated those things, I was astounded by my position, and it caused me to remember something, but it was so hazy that I can't even remember it. He then spoke, which caused me to regain consciousness.

He grinned and said, "You can keep the book for free, M'Lady."

His sudden generosity surprised me.

I expressed gratitude and accepted the paper bag with the handkerchief set while saying, "That's so nice of you."

He said with sincerity, "I'm glad to serve you, dear Lady." Then, after I paid for the handkerchief, I occasionally saw a black-and-white photo frame set up on a little circular table near his corner, along with a green vase holding a white flower.

In the picture, a gorgeous young lady with tight-bunged hair was smiling serenely. It was obviously taken a very long time ago.

I didn't bother to ask him about it in the end, but I assume it's his late mother or sister.

~*~

I wore flat shoes, a white pencil skirt, and a light blue top. To go with the look, I gave my hair loose waves.

This ought to do it; at the very least, I seem respectable when I meet them.

I also applied some light makeup to avoid looking too pale. As I finally turned to look in the mirror, the first thing I saw was that my eyes were a gradient blue, almost as if they were. sparkling?

I extended my hand toward the mirror to have a better look without my senses even being aware of it. My eyes..were they always so dazzling and blue? It's odd.

~ding dong~

I paused what I'd been doing after realizing what I'd did.

Oh? Who is that, exactly?

I hurried over to the door and unlocked it. In front of me, a gorgeous girl with short pink hair appeared, holding a letter in her hands.

Who is she? Is she lost?

She asked with a big smile, "Hello! Is this Bryan Schimdt's apartment?"

Then It surprised me.

Is this Bryan's partner? But how come he never told me he had one!?

I made an effort not to pressure her by putting on an odd smile.

I responded by asking, "H-he lived by next door, but who are they?"

Don't tell me you're his girlfriend, please! If it is, I'm doomed! And I especially don't want to meddle in other people's relationships!

The girl laughed.

"Oh I'm Louisa! And I'm Bryan's friend! Don't get me wrong ok? I'm not his girlfriend!" She introduced and then laughed.

I let out a sigh of relief.

"O-oh I see~" I smiled.

"Well, everybody thought that I was his girlfriend! But totally it's not!" She chuckled.

"Oh right! Is he there? He said I'll be meeting someone, so he gave me a note and told me to go to this address. Are you Haven Fritz?"

I blinked several times.

Did I heard that right? I thought she's looking for Bryan but..she was looking for me?

"Don't freak out! I'm not going to arrest you! Haha!" She laughed and gave me a reassuring smile. I laughed with her as well.

She certainly has a positive attitude and is pleasant to be around. In the near future, I hope to have a friend like her.

Wait, this vibe feels familiar!

I asked her in a perplexed manner, and she simply smiled warmly at me. I just kept my composure and returned her smile without thinking about how I was feeling. I turned around to check at the wall clock and saw that my interview was still a few hours away.

"Would you like if I invite you a cup of coffee?" I asked and made way from the doorway.

Her eyes widen and chuckled nervously at me.

"A-are you sure? It seems you might be going somewhere important." She said in a concern way while looking at my clothes.

This time I was the one who laughed.

"Oh that, it can wait. Besides I have a visitor, please do come in." I grinned happily and without hesitation, she entered.

Louisa inquired after I gave her a cup of tea and sat across from her on my sofa, "Your home looks so nice, are you living alone?"

Because it was difficult to obtain a job in my hometown, I said, "Yeah, I relocated here a month ago in search for a position that would be appropriate for me.

"Oh! Then where is that? I might know it where because I travel a lot!" She beamed and then she took a sip from her tea.

I was amazed. She is obviously a traveler because of the way she is dressed. Louisa was dressed in white slacks, a black turtleneck, and a brown scarf around her neck that matched the hue of her eyes.

"I lived in Sudbury town with my Aunt. It'll take one train ride from here to get there." I said and smiled.

I always find myself happy when talking about my hometown especially my Aunt.

"Ah! The town that's abundant in flowers! I always loved going there! Especially they have rare trees that can only be found in that town. I came there last year and it was a blast!" She shared with a giggle.

I chuckled with her as well.

But on second thought, I don't remember Sudbury having rare trees around. She's right about Sudbury that's abundant in flowers but rare trees around, i didn't know that.

Am I missing something important?

"What a peculiar book, Is that yours?" She said as she points the book that was placed on top of my drawer.

"O-oh that. I bought it yesterday from a Antique Shop." I answered and reaches the book and shows it to her.

Her eyes showed interests and examined the book with her eyes.

"Antique shop you say? I've never been seeing this kind of peculiar book, like ever. But did you already read it?"

"Uhm not yet. I intend to read it when I got back home at Sudbury."

Weird, why did she suddenly asked me that?

"That's a good decision and it's a perfect place for you to read it there, like maybe something odd happen while reading it right? Ha ha ha!" She laughed suspiciously.

"Oh look at the time! I must have been took much of your time! You might be late! I'll get going!" Louisa stood up from the sofa and I stood up as well.

"I'll escort you to the door, if you insist." I offered and she started to walk towards the door as if she's in a hurry.

"Oh please! Don't bother yourself, I can leave by my own." She paused and looked at me with her simple smile.

"We will wait for you." She said and left quickly through the door, leaving me dumbfounded.

W-what does she mean by that!? We?!?!