After Geoffrey left, Serena went back into the drawing room. Upon arrival, her mother and Geneva were smiling at her from ear to ear. As if wanting to ask, what she and Geoffrey talked about. Meanwhile, her friends just gave her awkward smiles. Well, they knew the truth, but their mothers didn't
Anyway, Serena just smiled back and asked, "Let's go?"
Celine wanted to gossip, but with their guests, it wasn't good to do so now. "Alright. Fin, are the carriages ready?"
"Yes, your grace." The butler replied.
With that, the girls all rose from their sitting position. They all walked outside where there were 3 carriages already waiting for them.
Celine and Geneva rode one together, while the girls all sat together in another. The third carriage was for their aids and for whatever they decide to shop.
—
It was a Tuesday afternoon but since there's an influx of nobles from other kingdoms, the streets and the shops were lively. When their carriage made a full stop, Serena looked through the window and saw that they were in front of shopping arcade with its entrance having a triple arch design.
Like any arcade of the era, it was long and tunnel-like. Inside, a series of arches divided the length into bays. It has a tent like ceiling, set with glazed roof lights and varying in height. There were about 56 shops on both sides with large glass windows showcasing their products.
Serena smiled, in truth, she has seen a lot of arcades in her previous life, but since transmigrating, she did not really have the chance to explore the places here. Most of the time, she was just cooped up in her room in the dormitory, went for events, and just looked around the area surrounding the school. Then, when her popularity spiked, she did not go out a lot.
Anyway, there were a lot of people inside, and when she and the others went in, some of shoppers stopped and stared. For a moment, they thought if there was something wrong, until they realized that Serena was one the most popular faces in the kingdom.
Trying not to mind the stares, Serena and the girls first went to a shop selling hats. It was summer, and as Gizel explained, Militeia's capital was by the sea. People actually swim by the beach when weather permits.
The staff of the shop could not believe their eyes. They had to rub them to ascertain that they were not dreaming. Lady Serena Maxwell was in their shop!?
They all tried to act normal, but really, they were star struck. Their smiles were kinda splitting their faces, then as if remembering their jobs, they all scrambled to be the first one to assist her.
Serena smiled at everyone. Telling herself that she must get used to this kind of attention. She chose the path of being an entertainer, and well, honestly, she does enjoy it too.
When they were done selecting whatever they wanted to purchase, one of the staffs could not hold it in any longer and asked for an autograph.
"Lady Serena, uhm, I and my family have been a huge fan of yours since we heard the songs you made… if it's alright with you, would you please sign me an autograph?" the staff picked up her courage to finally say, her lips trembling with both excitement and nervousness. They have served plenty of nobles and some were really snobbish. But Serena looked like an angel, and she heard about what happened in town last time.
Serena smiled back, "Do you have a pen? Where should I sign?"
The staff almost wanted to faint, it felt like the goddess herself smiled at her. "Please wait, I shall go get it. Thank you, thank you!"
Serena waited. After a minute, she was handed a pen and the cover of her album with Charlton that the girl said she bought earlier that day. Serena smiled seeing her picture with Charlton for their disc 'Nothing's gonna stop us now'. They look so great together.
She asked for her name, then she signed,
'Dear Amie,
Thank you for all the love and support. I wish you all the best in life.
Love,
Serena Maxwell'
Seeing Serena was nice enough to oblige. All the staff in the shop asked for one and thanked her profusely.
When they exited, a lot more people went inside the shop, and asked which hat she bought. After a few minutes, that design sold out immediately.
The next shop they visited sold accessories. Serena bought some sunglasses, which were not as fashionable as the ones in modern age, but good enough. Funnily, she could not help but think, well, she's popular now and must wear one from time to time to not get recognized or something?
Anyway, the same thing happened, only this time, not just to her but even her friends. The discs were just sold this morning and already some people in the arcade have bought a copy. Some stores were even playing their song when they entered.
Via, Gizel, and Milly, blushed and gushed when they were asked to give an autograph. Not believing that it was happening to themselves too.
Celine felt proud of Serena. While Geneva also felt proud for her daughter and niece. Well, who would've thought that they could also be popular?
After a while, the novelty of the experience wore off and they grew more conscious as people continued to stare. Also, more people have been coming to the arcade to sneak a peek. Thus, they all thought that they had enough of their excursion for the day.
In the end, when they were about to leave, Serena turned to look back only to see that people were staring at her retreating back. Well, like the star she was, she smiled and waved her hand to say goodbye. She even used her thumb and index fingers to show them the heart sign. The people all cheered and waved her goodbye too. Her friends noticing, followed by example.
—
TBC
