Despite the awkward beginning, Adonis soon realized something odd inside the boutique — no one was judging him.
In fact, quite the opposite.
"Is that him? The one who ranked first?""He looks even cooler up close…""Isn't she Mia? His girlfriend?""No way. But they do look so good together."
Adonis stood frozen as whispers fluttered through the store like gossip butterflies. His ears burned. He couldn't pretend not to hear them — one girl even pointed directly at him.
"It looks like I underestimated the reputation of rank one in bloom class" he thought looking around, "But still, standing in a boutique with Mia here is equally embarrasing, especially" he looked at eclipse robe burying itself into sea of robes"
"I'm dying. Please bury me under the sewing table."
He risked a glance at Mia.
Nothing.
She remained as composed and icy as ever, examining a delicate ice-blue robe, completely unbothered by the attention they were attracting.
Meanwhile, Eclipse robe had fully committed to chaos. It fluttered joyfully through the air, basking in the fabrics like a spoiled noble on a fashion spree. It zoomed toward a rack glimmering with gold-threaded garments and dramatically wrapped itself around a sparkly silver robe with ribbons and frills — practically hugging it.
"Uwuwuwuuu~!" it chirped, delighted.
Adonis deadpanned. "No. Absolutely not. You're not cross-dressing."
"Uwuuuu!!" Eclipse spun angrily in protest.
"It has taste," Mia commented flatly, watching the robe twirl.
Adonis groaned. "Please don't encourage it."
Right then, the boutique's owner appeared — a dramatically dressed man with violet eyes, slicked hair, and flourishes in every movement.
"Oh! What a lovely pair we have here today!" he greeted. "Welcome to Lunabelle's Silken Enchantments! All our robes are stitched with magical embroidery sourced from six different countries! We offer affinity-based enchantments for only twenty mana runes more!"
He leaned forward, eyes sparkling with amusement.
"But for you two? Our special Couple's Enchantment Combo Discount!"
Adonis looked horrified. "We're not a—"
"We'll take it," Mia cut in calmly.
He turned to her, completely betrayed. "Why?!"
"It's a discount," she said simply.
Adonis didn't even argue anymore. "...Fine then."
Eclipse robe fluttered with glee, spinning in victory.
After they left the boutique, Eclipse was absolutely glowing, proudly wearing its new frilly silver sleeves sewn to its inner lining like battle trophies.
"I'm never making you a promise again," Adonis muttered at it darkly.
The robe spun once, satisfied.
Then he turned to Mia. "Alright. What do you want from me now?"
She didn't even flinch. "Three things. First: pretend we're in a relationship. Second: come with me somewhere. Third: you train with me when I ask."
Adonis froze.
Did I just get teleported into a romantic comedy instead of an isekai??
"Pretend? Why?!"
She sighed slightly. "Do you know how many guys tried flirting with me? How many tried to hit on me or confessed to me since I arrived Thirty. So far. And it's only the first week."
She continued, calm and logical as ever.
"I come from the Silveria Family, the best artifact crafters in the world. Combine that with my appearance, my elemental bloodline, and my rank — and people think I'm a walking prize. If I don't do something, I'll never be left alone."
Then she looked at him, those cold eyes like frost. "You're perfect for the role. We sit together. You ranked first. No one will challenge you. So no one will bother me either, its win a win for both of us"
Adonis blinked.
"…That's… honestly reasonable." he said, plus he couldn't refuse even if he wanted to since he promised her.
She nodded. "I know."
"Alright, where are we going now?"
"You'll see."
She turned and began walking without another word.
Adonis sighed and followed.
Behind him, Eclipse fluttered like a proud chaperone, the frilly silver trim shining under the sunlight.
And so, Adonis Drake, top student of Stellar Magic Academy, sword prodigy, and recent victim of boutique-induced trauma — had unknowingly signed a verbal contract into The Cold Queen's Fake Boyfriend Program.
He wasn't sure if he should feel honored, terrified… or both.