As they stood up, Arlan had the shop attendant call Imbert. Imbert paid the cost of that shawl, while the shop owner conversed with Arlan.
Before they leave, Oriana took that chance to look around. She wandered to the main hall of the shop.
Oriana eyed the clothes hung on the racks of the shop. Her gaze stopped at the part where relatively simple scarves were hung.
’The colors are so beautiful. Even though they look plain, they must be very expensive as well. Even if I spend my entire lifetime’s earnings, I won’t be able to afford even one.’
She shook her head at the thought and walked outside of the shop.
Arlan, who was walking out of the private room along with the shop owner, caught Oriana looking at those scarves.
The shop owner followed the prince’s gaze and spoke, "Your Highness, would you like to see those scarves? Those kinds of scarves are easier to style and are preferred by fashionable young ladies. Perhaps Your Highness would like to purchase some gifts for the lucky woman you fancy."
Arlan pointed towards a particular color. "Give me that one."
The shop owner hurried to follow his order.
Imbert led the servant carrying the items the prince bought towards the carriage.
On the other hand, Arlan gestured for Oriana to follow him towards another lavish mansion-like place. The moment they neared the entrance, Oriana realized it was a restaurant. The rich aroma of food overwhelmed her senses and she could not help but wonder what kind of food those cooks were making. But then she smiled bitterly, ’It must be expensive as hell. If the aroma has a price, I probably could not even afford to smell it.’
Before entering the main door, she stopped, making Arlan turn his head over his shoulder to look at her.
"Anything the matter?" she heard him ask.
"Your Highness, I will remain here outside. Please enjoy your meal."
"And who will take care of my needs inside?" Arlan questioned. "Are you forgetting your duties as my personal attendant?"
"I do not dare, Your Highness. Apologies."
She obediently followed him inside.
The interior of that restaurant was beautiful, every inch of it filled with classic luxury—large crystal chandeliers on high ceilings, gleaming marble floors and intricately patterned rugs, with the walls adorned by exquisite artworks.
The dining area had plush, upholstered chairs, each set around elegant, polished mahogany tables. Meticulously arranged floral centerpieces added a touch of natural beauty to the surroundings, while those seated were all noblemen clad in layers of expensive attires and jewelry.
Someone like Oriana should not be here for sure. Everyone inside was an important person...except for her.
An impeccably dressed server led them towards a beautiful table near a large open veranda, a secluded location on the first floor offering a breathtaking view of the entire shopping district. The server pulled a chair for Arlan first, before pulling a chair for Oriana. Oriana didn’t know what to do.
"Aren’t you going to sit down?" Arlan asked.
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