🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 18
“Lately, we can’t keep pearls in stock.”
“Suddenly, they’ve become really popular. Not long ago, we had plenty of pearls but couldn’t find buyers. Now, more people are buying, so it’s great for us.”
“Do you have pearl earrings?”
“I’d like to see rings made with pearls.”
“I want to buy that pearl necklace.”
“The Lady Ferrera Countess has even extended an invitation…”
The story of Pony Kanz, the only daughter of the Kanz Baron, and her love for a commoner carriage driver spread from mouth to mouth, growing ever more beautiful and tender.
Eventually, rings made with blue pearls became a trend, and purchases of pearl jewelry increased among some nobles, bourgeoisie, and commoners alike.
“Miss, isn’t this amazing?”
“It really is! Look at all this money.”
Of course, I was the one who had started this trend at Serenade, my own shop.
Although high-ranking nobles hadn’t started visiting yet, the shop was bustling enough, and the previously empty cash register was now filled with trangs from the Ether Empire.
“To earn so much from the first customers… It’s amazing! Your talent is really something!”
“Hah, don’t be impressed by this little amount. I’ll be taking all these trangs for myself eventually.”
“That’s great! I need to tell Orbi too—he’s been so busy, he hasn’t come by recently…”
“You can connect with him through a mana stone, right, Orbi?”
Serna.
A low voice echoed through the shop. It sounded as if the speaker had just woken up.
Why would someone in a high position in Quiln sleep until midday? They said they were busy, but maybe they just didn’t want to do the work.
“Lucky you, Orbi.”
Should I come today?
“I’ll have to. You’re behind on your work anyway. You didn’t forget the contract, did you?”
At my words, a low laugh came through the mana stone.
I’ll come. Because I want to see you.
“You always have to tack that on. Can’t you just not?”
See you later.
Orbi said their piece and cut the connection.
Because of the story about Pony Kanz and the carriage driver, items at Serenade were starting to sell out. Orbi had to come today.
And so,
“Anna, let’s go out.”
“Huh? But the shop’s so busy… Where are we going?”
“You have to strike while the iron is hot.”
“We just hired one new person, and you want to leave too…?”
If I wanted to make the most of the opportunity, I had to move without wasting a single second.
We found the clothing store said to be the most prestigious in the Empire. The route was a bit tricky, but Anna’s skill helped us find it without trouble.
‘Sorbeille Clothing House’
It was said that most noblewomen in the Empire wore Sorbeille’s dresses. Some even claimed that every trend in the Ether Empire started at Sorbeille.
The impressive building made Anna and me gulp nervously.
“Let’s go, Anna.”
“Yes, Miss.”
With serious expressions, we entered the lavish Sorbeille Clothing House. A staff member greeted us with a smile.
“Welcome! Did you make a reservation?”
“No, we didn’t, but can we purchase clothes?”
“Of course! May I have your name?”
“Serna Schubert Troid.”
“Ah! You’re the daughter of Count Troid. Please, follow me.”
Without hesitation, she led us inside. Even if others in the store had heard of me in the capital, she treated me politely.
The staff guided us to the interior, drawing back thick curtains to reveal a large hall lined with beautiful dresses on both sides. Anna seemed equally impressed.
“If you choose a design, we can adjust it to your size.”
“I’m in a bit of a hurry. Can I buy something ready-made in my size?”
“As long as the size fits, yes.”
Anna and I browsed the dresses slowly. From off-shoulder white dresses to sleeveless halters with sparkling jewels, to pale yellow dresses decorated with spring-like pink lace—there seemed to be everything.
It was all so beautiful I almost wanted to buy everything, but I restrained myself and picked up a black dress.
The off-shoulder design revealed my shoulders, paired with long black gloves covering my arms. The slim-fitting line emphasized elegance, and the black color made jewelry stand out.
“Anna, did you pick yours?”
“Miss… it’s so beautiful I can’t decide.”
“If you don’t hurry, they won’t sell it to you.”
“I’ll choose!”
Anna hurriedly picked a black dress too, with puffed shoulders and an A-line skirt, which suited her petite figure perfectly.
We each went to the changing rooms to put the dresses on. Adding a bit of weight to my previously thin frame helped the dress fit nicely.
When we emerged, Anna had changed as well. Bella and Anna both gasped in admiration.
“So… so beautiful.”
“Really? It feels a little strange to me.”
“You’ll be the most beautiful in the Empire… truly.”
Bella spoke sincerely.
Looking at myself in the mirror, it was true—I really did look beautiful. Even though I’m Serna now, I still couldn’t fully get used to this face.
My beige hair reached my waist, my green eyes were bright, and though I was a bit thin, it only made me look more like a delicate young lady.
Leaving behind Bella and Anna’s admiration, I chose a few more outfits. I couldn’t wear the same thing every day.
Then came the most important matter.
“Bella, may I see the Madam?”
“For payment?”
“No. I need to meet the Madam in person.”
Bella tilted her head at my words, but I insisted—I had a proposal. I was going to purchase these clothes with Serenade jewelry.
I smiled slyly, and Anna looked uneasy, as if wondering, “What is she thinking now…?”
Trust me, Anna. This is both a business deal and marketing.
Following Bella, we reached the top floor, where the Madam’s office was located. The room looked more luxurious than mine, tastefully decorated. I waited there.
“You have an important guest. She’ll be here soon.”
As promised, when my tea cup was half-empty, the Madam entered.
She was tall and elegant, wearing a unique outfit that suited her perfectly. No awkwardness at all.
Alongside her was another person—a petite young woman with pink hair, peeking out curiously. Her amber eyes were full of interest as she observed me.
“Miss Troid, pleased to meet you. I’m Ariènne, Madam of Sorbeille Clothing House. I heard you wanted to see me.”
“Yes. I have a proposal. If possible, could you also introduce the person behind you? She seems curious about me.”
“Oh! I’m sorry, this is the Lady Roévi… I mean—”
Ariènne seemed startled, then spoke quietly with the pink-haired young woman, apparently confirming her identity.
“I’m Lady Roévi.”
“Nice to meet you, Lady Roévi.”
After a brief greeting, Ariènne sat down in front of me, with Lady Roévi at her side.
It was time to bring up the important matter. I gave Anna a look, and she laid out the items we had brought from Serenade on the table.
The jewelry sparkled, catching the attention of Bella, Ariènne, and Lady Roévi. A good start.
“These are items from my shop.”
“Wow… they’re really beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like this in the Empire. Did you design them yourself?”
“Yes. Every piece is my design. I came to Sorbeille to propose a business collaboration.”
“A collaboration? Ah, so that explains the determined look in your eyes.”
Ariènne focused on me seriously, like a professional evaluating a proposal.
“Sorbeille has a strong reputation, and no other clothing house in the Empire can compare.”
“You flatter me.”
“However, I also know that while your regular clients are loyal, attracting new customers is challenging—especially newly risen nobles or wealthy middle-class clients.”
Ariènne raised and lowered her eyebrows, sipping her tea.
My research had been accurate. High-ranking nobles often visited Sorbeille, while newly risen nobles and middle-class clients hesitated.
“Though Sorbeille is famous, have you heard the story of the Kanz Baron’s daughter and her carriage driver?”
“Of course. Lately, the capital is full of that story. Are you saying that the designer of the blue pearl ring at Serenade is Miss Troid?”
“It’s true. They were my clients.”
“Wow.”
Seeing Ariènne’s surprised expression, pride surged within me. To be recognized by the top clothing house in the Empire felt incredible.
“So, here’s my proposal.”
A subtle tension hung in the air. Ariènne’s eyes gleamed with curiosity, and Lady Roévi eagerly awaited my words.
“How about a collaboration show between Sorbeille and Serenade?”
“A collaboration show?”
“Yes. In the square with the central fountain. Fashion from Sorbeille, jewelry from Serenade. We could hold a show.”
The idea came to me from a memory of fashion shows in my previous life. There was no concept of fashion shows in the Ether Empire, so it would be fresh marketing.
The key challenge would be making the jewelry shine enough not to be overshadowed by Sorbeille’s clothing.
“Is this your idea, Miss Troid? A show… I’ve never thought of it myself. You’re amazing.”
“Yes, well, it’s my idea… indeed.”
“Great!”
It wasn’t Ariènne who spoke this time—it was Lady Roévi. She looked between me and the jewelry, clapping happily.
“That sounds so fun! The jewelry is beautiful, and Ariènne’s clothing too. It’s the first time in the Empire! I want to help!”
“I agree with Lady Roévi. We have nothing to lose, and I trust Miss Troid. If you say so, it’ll work.”
It was a success. Maybe I really had a knack for business. Smiling brightly, I extended my hand to Ariènne.
This was my second official client since Duke Valoran. Despite my poor reputation in society, both Ariènne and Lady Roévi were free of prejudice, making the deal smooth.
Now, I could show off Sorbeille’s most beautiful clothing in the Empire, enhanced by Serenade’s jewelry.
“Looking forward to working with you.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
