Depraved Noble: Forced To Live The Debaucherous Life Of An Evil Noble!-Chapter 703: Let’s Get You Into A New Outfit!

Emboldened, Maria began dangling and wiggling her feet even more playfully. The faster she teased, the faster Cassius ran, picking up speed with joyful energy.

"How do you like it, Maria?" He called up to her, voice bright. "How do you like the Cassius Express?"

"It’s absolutely wonderful!"

She answered, spreading her arms wide as if she really were riding a magic carpet.

"I feel like I’m flying right now—like I’m using some sort of magic to just float around!"

But then Maria realized something, and a flicker of concern crossed her face. She leaned forward slightly in the throne, peering down toward where Cassius’s head must be beneath the wide seat.

Her voice was hesitant, worried.

"We’ve already left your estate, and we’re on public roads now. Everyone can see you." She bit her lip. "What will this do to your reputation? A man of your standing, carrying a woman around like a servant?"

She was genuinely worried. Cassius was a highly notable figure, the ruler of the entire Holyfield estate.

He had prestige, power, a position that demanded respect.

Seeing him like this—acting as a glorified pack mule for a woman who was, technically, nothing more than a guest—might be seen as disgraceful.

People might laugh at him. Mock him. Think less of him.

But Cassius’s voice was warm and utterly unconcerned.

"There’s no need to worry about that, Maria. The people here know me. They won’t judge me based on this."

He paused, and she could hear the grin in his voice.

"Besides, I’ve done plenty of ridiculous things in the past. The people here don’t even bat an eye anymore."

She was surprised by his easy confidence. Curious now, she looked around as they continued along the road.

They had left the private grounds and were passing through the agricultural outskirts—open fields stretching on either side, golden with ripening crops.

Farmers paused in their work, straightening up with tools in hand. For a brief moment they stared in open surprise at the sight of a woman seated high on a floating throne, carried effortlessly by their lord.

Then, almost as one, they broke into warm smiles, nodded in greeting, and returned to their tasks as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.

Maria’s eyes widened.

"It’s just like you said, Cassius...they really don’t mind. They understand you."

A soft, genuine smile bloomed on her face. She felt a pleasant warmth spread through her chest.

In most places, commoners and nobles kept a wary distance; the slightest chance to criticize a highborn would be seized upon with glee.

Yet here, no one looked at Cassius with disdain.

Instead they smiled and chuckled among themselves, as if this were simply another of their lord’s charming eccentricities.

The sense of easy community, of genuine affection between ruler and people, touched her deeply.

"Don’t just sit there, Maria. Smile and wave!"

Cassius’s voice floated up, playful yet encouraging.

"Greet everyone who passes by. I’m pretty sure they’d be thrilled if the Saintess of Compassion showed them a little attention."

It was already embarrassing enough to be carried so high and openly, with every eye on her. But his words made her heart flutter.

She decided to go along with it.

When they passed a mother and her young daughter walking hand-in-hand along the roadside, Maria offered her brightest smile and lifted her hand in a graceful wave.

The little girl’s eyes lit up instantly.

"Mother, Mother! It’s the Saintess of Compassion! She really is here—the great lady herself!"

But then she had a look of confusion and curiously asked,

"But, why is she sitting on a chair? And why is the young master carrying her?"

The mother’s confusion melted into a warm chuckle.

"I don’t rightly know, sweetheart." She admitted. "But she waved at us. We should wave back, shouldn’t we?"

She raised his hand. So did his daughter and seeing this Maria felt a burst of joy so pure it almost hurt.

She waved at the next group—a cluster of farmhands walking back from the fields, their tools slung over their shoulders.

They saw her, grinned, and tipped their caps.

"Morning, Lady Maria!"

"Fine day for a ride!"

"Looking beautiful as always!"

Maria laughed, waving back, and turned to look down at the throne’s underside.

"What exactly have you been doing around here?"

She asked, half-teasing, half-genuinely curious.

"They’re so used to you that nothing surprises them anymore."

Cassius’s chuckle was muffled but clear.

"Oh, that’s a secret Maria. But as long as you join my family I can bring you along for all my antics and fun."

Maria shook her head, still smiling, and continued waving.

They passed a young couple walking hand in hand.

An old woman sitting on her porch, shelling peas.

A group of children playing in a field, who stopped their game to wave at her with the enthusiasm only children could muster.

They passed by so many people and Maria waved back at all of them.

For a few blissful minutes she felt like an empress returning triumphant to her city after a long campaign, her subjects lining the roads to welcome her home.

The unique, almost dreamlike experience was all because of Cassius, and gratitude bloomed warmly inside her.

—

Before long they reached the bustling main town.

More people filled the streets—shopkeepers, merchants, children darting between carts. The moment they appeared, greetings rang out from every direction.

"Good morning, Young Master!"

"Lord Cassius! I see you’ve picked up another beauty today. Truly going all out to impress her, aren’t you?"

Many called to him with warm familiarity. Even those working inside houses or shops stepped out to wave, their faces lighting up at the sight of their lord.

Cassius nodded and smiled back at each one, never breaking stride.

Maria watched it all in quiet awe; the closeness between Cassius and his people was undeniable. Everyone clearly adored him.

Of course, when Cassius normally walked the town alone, the crowds would swarm him, pulling him this way and that to show their appreciation.

Today, however, they kept a respectful distance.

They knew their master well—he was an infamous playboy—and when he was in the company of a woman, it was best not to interrupt.

So they simply watched from afar with fond smiles, giving the pair their privacy.

Maria basked in the appreciative gazes turned her way.

She felt genuinely happy, almost glowing under the attention.

But just as she opened her mouth to ask where they were headed, Cassius came to a smooth stop.

He lowered the throne gently to the ground, then lifted it off his head and set it down with care before spreading his arms wide.

"We’re here, Maria. The first stop on our date."

She looked up and blinked in surprise. It was a clothing store—nothing too grand or extravagant like the high-end boutiques she had seen in the capital, nor rundown in the slightest.

It had a warm, homely feel, with large glass windows displaying pretty women’s garments in soft colors and elegant cuts. Through the panes she could see racks of lovely dresses that looked both comfortable and charming.

She turned to him, a faint idea already forming in her mind.

"Why exactly have we come here, Cassius?"

He looked slightly hesitant, rubbing the back of his neck as if unsure how she would take his words.

"Please don’t take any offense, but...I thought that if we’re going on a proper date, it would be much nicer if you wore something less formal than your current robes."

He gestured lightly toward her sisterly attire.

"Something more colorful and pretty—something that actually looks like you’re on a date with me, instead of a sister monitoring her charge."

He quickly added, voice earnest,

"Of course you look utterly gorgeous in your robes too! I just...I also want to see you in something else, if it’s possible."

He stepped closer, his expression earnest.

"Of course, this is completely optional. There’s no need for you to change. If you don’t want to, if I’m overstepping my boundaries, we can skip this entirely. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable."

Maria stared at him.

Then she shook her head, a slow smile spreading across her face.

"No, Cassius. This is perfect."

He blinked, surprised.

"Perfect?"

She nodded, her smile widening.

"The truth is, I wanted to change my clothes too. I wanted to wear something nice for today, but I didn’t have anything with me. All I brought were sister’s robes."

She gestured at her outfit with a rueful expression.

"I felt quite hypocritical, actually. I always tell Joy to buy pretty things, to dress well, to take care of her appearance. And here I am, wearing the same drab robes I’ve worn for years."

Cassius’s eyes softened.

"So this is perfect." Maria continued. "The perfect opportunity. And since you’ve already arranged everything..." She looked at him knowingly "...I think we should just go in."

Cassius’s face lit up.

"Then come along!" He offered his arm, his smile bright. "Everyone is waiting for you!"

Maria didn’t know what he meant by that.

She found out the moment they stepped through the door.

The clerks were lined up inside, standing at attention like soldiers awaiting inspection.

And the moment Maria crossed the threshold, they bowed in unison.

"GOOD MORNING, LADY MARIA!"

Their voices were synchronized, practiced, like they had rehearsed this exact moment.

Maria froze.

Every single one of them was looking at her with expressions of barely contained excitement.

Their eyes sparkled. Their smiles were wide. They looked at her like she was a saint—which she was—and they were honored simply to be in her presence.

Maria was caught off guard. She leaned slightly toward Cassius and whispered.

"What is going on? Were they...waiting for me all along?"

"Of course. I made sure to prepare everything."

Cassius nodded, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

"After all, when the Saintess of Compassion agrees to visit your humble establishment, you want to be ready."

He gestured toward a middle-aged woman with elegantly bound dark hair, who stood slightly apart from the clerks. She was beautiful in a refined, mature way, with sharp cheekbones and kind eyes.

"Madame Elise, the owner of this establishment, has come personally to attend to your needs. She’s brought out her special collection—the one she usually only shows to her most valued clients."

Madame Elise dipped into a deep bow, her cheeks flushed.

Maria smiled at her—a genuine, warm smile—and the woman looked like she might faint from happiness.

She was a businesswoman, used to dealing with high-end customers, used to maintaining her composure in any situation.

But this was different.

This was Maria. The woman that half the continent looked up to. The woman whose compassion and kindness were legendary.

Even Madame Elise, jaded as she was, couldn’t help but feel flustered.

She wanted to step forward. To speak. To say something, anything, to the woman before her.

But she held back.

This was Cassius’s moment. His date. His chance to shine.

She would not intrude.

She stepped back, joining the line of clerks, waiting patiently for whatever commands might come.

Cassius and Maria moved deeper into the store.

Maria’s eyes roamed over the displays, drinking in the colors and textures.

Dresses in soft blues and gentle pinks. Blouses with lace trim and delicate embroidery. Skirts that flowed like water and jackets that fit like dreams.

She reached out, running her fingers over a bolt of emerald green silk.

"Cassius." She breathed. "They’re all so beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you. But..." He said, and she could hear the smile in his voice. "...we’ll find something that comes close."

Maria laughed, shaking her head, and continued her slow progress through the store.

Her fingers trailed over fabric after fabric, her eyes lingering on this dress, that blouse, a skirt that seemed to shimmer in the morning light.

Cassius followed behind her, watching her face more than the clothes, his heart full.

This was what he had wanted.

This joy. This wonder. This light in her eyes.

The day was just beginning, and already, it was perfect.