Chapter – 13
“This is called a mermaid line… If you do it like this, it won’t make the body look bulky and instead will emphasize a sleek body silhouette. And if you cut the neckline down to the shoulders like this to reveal the collarbones…”
“Wouldn’t that be too revealing?”
“That’s why you’ll wear a lace bolero over it. It would be a waste to cover up an off-shoulder dress after going through the trouble of designing it that way, so we’ll make it detachable so you can show two different styles depending on the situation.”
These were designs she had never considered before.
However…
Silona’s mind began spinning rapidly as she started visualizing the flat sketches on paper as three-dimensional garments.
‘This would definitely suit a young lady who is tall with broad shoulders.’
At the same time, ambition began to stir within her.
Being an imperial tailor was certainly an honorable position. However, since she had always been making clothes according to the orders of high nobles, she had rarely had the chance to indulge her creative desires. The people she had served so far valued safe clothing that wouldn’t attract criticism rather than fashion that led trends.
‘Silk would be best for the material so it lightly clings to the skin. No extra lace or decorations—keep it clean… Ah, or maybe embedding diamonds into the lower flare of the dress so they subtly reveal themselves with each step wouldn’t be bad either.’
Scratch scratch scratch—
At the same time, Silona’s hands began moving at an unprecedented speed.
Her intense gaze pierced the paper so fiercely that Laura, watching from the side, began to feel tense herself.
But Silona was too absorbed in developing new designs and ideas to even notice that gaze.
Once her thoughts began flowing, they surged endlessly through her mind like a bursting dam, singing songs of joy.
The hands she had thought had grown dull with age were now drawing lines and dots with more vitality than in her youth.
‘I’m glad I came here.’
Silona felt her anger toward Laura fading. No—she was actually beginning to reflect on herself.
‘How narrow-minded I’ve been all this time.’
She had been buried in her own pride and the security of her imperial position without realizing she was slowly growing rusty.
She hadn’t realized it before, but this had awakened her.
‘What an incredible opportunity this is.’
Meeting that person.
“My lady.”
After organizing her thoughts, Silona raised her head. Startled by her intensity, Laura answered reflexively.
“Yes?”
“Thank you for trusting me enough to share your design. I will do my best to create it.”
Laura had only been watching from the side, so she had no way of knowing what had been happening inside Silona’s mind.
She could only guess the situation through the messages that only she could see.
You have successfully removed Silona Lucille’s lethargy and inspired her.
You have succeeded in leading a new trend in the Empire.
You have succeeded in leaving a turning point in history.
Calculating curse mitigation based on achievement contribution.
The Curse of Oblivion has been reduced by 14%.
‘This works too?’
When she had signed the contract with Asil, no message had appeared.
‘They said it was just a personal achievement unrelated to the world.’
So she hadn’t expected anything to change.
Of course, it had only increased by a small amount, and there was no indication that anyone’s memories had returned.
‘Still, it feels nice.’
After all, it said she had contributed to the world.
For several months, there had been no imperial balls hosted by the royal family.
This was due to various unfortunate events, including the deposition of the Empress and the death of Marquis Leweiz.
Because of that, people became very interested in the upcoming ball, which would be held after several months.
Although it was officially being held to welcome the delegation from the distant small kingdom of Arietta.
The nobles, however, had other expectations.
—The downfall of Laura Leweiz.
Why had Laura been able to reign like a tyrant of high society?
Because of the powerful backing of the Leweiz family and her position as the Crown Prince’s fiancée.
But now that the Leweiz family was faltering, the chances of Asel maintaining the engagement were slim.
In other words, Laura’s fall seemed inevitable.
And now, on top of that, Princess Marien of Arietta had appeared.
“I heard from the maids that she’s exceptionally beautiful.”
“And they say her reason for visiting the Empire isn’t just about tariff agreements.”
“If His Highness is personally hosting a banquet for her, perhaps there’s something more than just diplomatic reasons?”
They didn’t seriously believe that Princess Marien would actually become the next Empress. There were plenty of other noble ladies besides Laura.
Still, they thought she could at least widen the cracks while Laura lost her influence in society.
And after Laura and Marien fought and dragged each other into the mud?
They could simply push their own relatives forward as candidates for Empress in the now-cleared social scene.
‘What kind of lady is she?’
First, they needed to understand their opponent.
The nobles hurried their preparations.
But there was someone even more nervous about preparing for the ball.
“Stop the makeup there. Don’t apply too much powder. I want to avoid looking sickly.”
“Yes, Princess.”
It was Princess Marien.
It was only natural to put effort into her appearance at the event where she would make her first impression on the imperial nobility.
Marien paid careful attention to her grooming.
“I’ll wear the dress I prepared in advance. Bring the one hanging in that wardrobe.”
What Marien chose was a bell-line dress popular in imperial high society.
The full skirt spreading out beneath the slim waistline complemented her short stature while giving her a lovely appearance.
‘Good.’
The image Marien chose was that of a youthful, innocent, and slightly immature girl.
‘Mother said people rely more on what they see than they think.’
Her mother, who had once been a court maid before catching the king’s eye and becoming a favored concubine, had never neglected her appearance. Thanks to that, she had gained influence among the many concubines.
Though she still couldn’t prevent her own daughter from being sent off to another country under the pretext of joining a diplomatic delegation.
[Remember this well. I only treat you as my child as long as you remain in the Empire.]
Her father’s cold words meant only one thing.
If she failed to marry Crown Prince Asel, she might as well die in the Empire.
Fortunately, the Empire was a land of opportunity.
“Gifts… for me?”
“Yes. This one is from Lady Warrington, and this one is…”
Nobles who wanted to assess Marien had sent her various gifts.
‘My goodness…’
Even the individual items were of high quality.
‘This never happened in the kingdom.’
Only Marien’s mother had ever received special treatment. Marien herself had been just one of many princesses born to different concubines.
Yet simply because she had come to the Empire, and because she might become the Crown Princess, she was receiving this much attention.
‘Don’t get carried away.’
There was nothing to gain from revealing that she was a princess in name only. Showing weakness would only invite contempt.
Marien sat down in a cushioned chair.
Just like her mother had done long ago while dressing before a mirror, she crossed her legs slightly and gave instructions to the maids.
“What would you like to do?”
“Since such distinguished people have sent these, I should accept them out of respect for their sincerity.”
Marien had the gifts lined up and selected the ones she found useful.
“For the necklace, give me that pink ribbon choker. It looks somewhat usable.”
Pretending she was used to such gifts, even showing composure.
“For the shoes, the ones with the ribbon decoration on the toe.”
Then a maid behind her cautiously asked:
“What about these lace shoes?”
She had noticed Marien’s gaze lingering on them.
“Well, they’re not really our kingdom’s style. If you like them, you may take them.”
“As someone who serves a superior, I cannot covet a guest’s belongings. Please withdraw those words.”
“In that case, fine.”
Marien told them to move the shoes aside.
Though she claimed she didn’t like them, she carefully examined each of the nobles’ gifts as she evaluated them.
The maids silently exchanged glances, communicating without words.
Marien did not know.
What it meant to evaluate the nobles’ gifts.
Nor what the maids were thinking as they watched her.
