Watching her lady deliberately plan and even use her own scandal, Sarah couldn’t help but be amazed. Today, her lady seemed more impressive than ever—yet the admiration didn’t last long. The fact that her lady had been chosen as the leading gossip of this year’s social season cast a shadow over her face.

Before long, they arrived at Fifth Street, which felt deserted even in broad daylight despite the peak of the season. The car stopped in front of a white shop tucked away in a corner of the avenue.

Stepping out, Maude surveyed the bare entrance with not even a proper signboard in sight. Not a single person around… who would even know this was a dress shop! Maude thought the location needed to be changed immediately and marched forward with determination. As she turned the doorknob, a little bell chimed brightly overhead.

It was a sparkling early summer afternoon. Sunlight streamed in through the wide windows, scattering across the room. The shop’s interior was decorated in a combination of deep wood tones with touches of white.

“Welcome.”

From a door across from the fireplace emerged a neatly dressed woman with reddish-golden hair and a clean, composed impression.

“Hello.”

“Yes! Is this your first time at our shop?”

She was Brisa Longton, the owner here, and a promising young designer.

“This is my first time coming in person.”

“Please, feel free to look around!”

“Thank you.”

Even to Brisa’s eyes, Maude was clearly no ordinary young lady. She seemed as if she’d been crafted from the most beautiful and precious things. As she gazed at the picture-perfect young woman, Brisa couldn’t help but wonder: 

‘What would it be like if someone like her wore my clothes?’

Her endless daydreaming snapped when she gathered herself and stepped closer.

“I’ll bring you some tea. Would milk tea be all right?”

“That would be lovely.”

With a smile, Brisa disappeared behind the inner door. Maude, meanwhile, walked briskly about, inspecting the clothes. She knew these practical, mass-producible designs would divide the present age from the next.

Brisa could very well make a great name for herself.

‘And I’ll make a fortune.’

The thought of her bank account overflowing with money made Maude grin brightly as she looked over the clothes.

Among the mannequins, a pair of trousers caught her eye. They were rare enough for women, but the design was completely different from the few that existed. Unlike the voluminous, balloon-like bottoms usually seen, these were straight-cut like men’s trousers, far more practical and easy to wear. Maude pointed at them immediately and asked Sarah,

“What do you think?”

“They’re trousers? They look like men’s clothes, but they seem comfortable. The material’s nice, too.”

Sarah praised the fabric as being very sturdy, and Maude nodded firmly. Sarah then guided her to the sofa, and Maude rewarded her with unreserved praise.

“As I always say, Sarah, you have such a good eye.”

At that moment, two cups of milk tea were set down on the table. Maude’s gaze shifted to Brisa.

“Miss Brisa. Are you ready to make a lot of money?”

Her face was full of confidence, but the sudden question left Brisa looking visibly startled. After a moment of hesitation, she lifted her gaze to meet Maude’s face. The beauty, boldness, and composure reflected there—she was truly unlike any ordinary young lady.

The realization made tension rush over her, and she swallowed nervously.

“Let’s sit and talk.”

“Ah… yes!”

Maude smiled and gestured toward the armchair opposite. Once Brisa had taken a seat, Maude beamed radiantly.

“I want to invest in you.”

For a moment, Brisa wondered if she had heard correctly. Her eyes widened, but then she quickly lowered her head.

“Your kindness is truly appreciated… but I’m not sure I could satisfy you.”

It was an unexpected response—one Maude hadn’t anticipated. But she didn’t let it show. Quietly setting down her cup, she asked, quite directly,

“Is it because you’re afraid I won’t get my investment back?”

“Embarrassing as it is… yes, a little.”

Brisa’s posture, with her head bowed and hands fidgeting, wasn’t very impressive, but it wasn’t incomprehensible either. Just the absence of a proper signboard hinted at the struggles she’d endured. Simply paying the shop’s rent must have been a burden.

“If that’s all, then don’t worry. I happen to have something going into the papers soon.”

Maude winked playfully, and Sarah, overwhelmed, shut her eyes tightly and prayed silently. 

‘Dear Lord.’

“Even when you become rich, don’t forget me—Maude Hablein.”

“!!”

Brisa, staring blankly at Maude for a moment, suddenly slapped a hand over her own mouth and shot to her feet.

‘Maude Hablein?!’

Whatever she wore would soon be copied and displayed in shop windows of countless dressmakers. There were many designers whose lifelong wish was simply to dress her once. Brisa couldn’t help but think that perhaps this was all just a dream.

“Being rejected would be far too sad.”

Maude’s teasing words, spoken as Brisa hesitated, not knowing how to respond, made Brisa’s heart lurch. As she dabbed at her eyes as though wiping away tears, even knowing it was a joke, her knees nearly gave out.

“M-me? Absolutely not! Never, never!”

Brisa waved her hands frantically, her face turning bright red. The rosy blush was so endearing that Maude smiled softly.

“From now on, tell me if you ever need anything.”

“Truly… thank you. Thank you so much for giving me this chance…”

Overcome, Brisa could hardly speak. Maude stepped forward and gently brushed her hand along Brisa’s back. Her touch was so very warm.

“I believe in you, Miss Brisa. I’ll be going now—get some rest.”

“Thank you… truly…”

Just as she was about to leave, Maude stopped in her tracks and turned back.

“By the way, can you also make men’s clothing? Something like a tailcoat…”

“I could make dozens—no, hundreds!”

Brisa’s face lit up with fervent determination.

“What an honor.”

Satisfied, Maude gave her a bright smile and left the atelier.

Trailing behind her, Sarah squinted, deep in thought. She was beginning to think that what her lady and His Grace were planning might not be an ordinary business after all.

***

Milton’s smile stretched as though it might reach his ears. It all began with the message Kyle had left before leaving for Wharton on holiday:

“I’ll be attending the Founding Festival, so make the necessary preparations.”

His heart pounded with joy.

He had to fight back tears. Not once since leaving the imperial palace at the age of six had Kyle ever set foot there again. And now, to go of his own will!

If only Lady Maude and His Grace truly came together…

If that were to happen, Milton felt he could go the rest of his life wanting nothing more. He firmly believed that between a man and a woman, anything was possible. The fresh summer breeze, brushing through lush greenery, mirrored his buoyant mood.

Meanwhile, Kyle stepped out of his house, enduring Milton’s overly devoted gaze.

The moment he stepped outside, sunlight poured down from the blue sky, brightening his handsome face all the more.

Since he was headed straight for the train, his retainer drove him. After about ten minutes by car, they arrived at Ness Station, teeming as always with a sea of people. Amid the bustling crowd, Kyle boarded the train bound for Wharton.

Wharton lay close to the capital, a city recently transformed through large-scale development and renovation. Though much improved, it still clearly had areas in need of order.

It was a beautiful place, with the Aile River flowing toward the sea. Rail lines stretched across bridges along the river, and passengers aboard the trains crossing them often smiled at the sight of the setting sun spilling golden light across the water.

That was Wharton.

Kyle opened the window, and a cool river breeze swept in. His gaze lingered on the rippling waters, now painted marigold by the sinking sun.