Kaiden looked at her out of the corner of his eye and leaned in to whisper softly, his voice just loud enough for her to hear.

“Straighten your shoulders and smile.”

“Understood.”

Violet followed his instructions, adjusting her posture and offering a small smile. Just then, the owner of the salon, Madame Bianca, greeted her warmly.

“Welcome, Your Grace. It’s been a long time since your last visit. I will escort you directly to the third floor.”

The third floor was an exclusive area reserved for esteemed guests. Once there, Madame Bianca began to ask questions as she attended to them.

“What brings you here today? Hunting clothes? Formal party wear?”

“That is not for me today. I’m here to see a dress for this young lady.”

Kaiden replied. Madame Bianca, who had been sneaking curious glances at Violet, perked up, her eyes sparkling with interest.

“Really? I’ll show you the latest trendy dresses right now.”

With a light clap of her hands, the assistants waiting in the corner sprang into action. Madame Bianca, receiving a thick catalog from one of the assistants, inquired cautiously.

“If I may ask, who might this lady be?”

“She is someone I have decided to sponsor. She’s like family to me. Her name is Violet Amber.”

“Oh my, I see.”

Madame Bianca’s interest shifted to another light.

“Where did Your Grace find such a lovely young lady? I must confess, I’ve never heard of the Amber family.”

This time Violet replied with a bright smile.

“That is only natural. The Amber family is now a noble house in name only, with no lands to call its own.”

“Ah, I see.”

Madame Bianca nodded, now seeming to understand.

Kaiden added.

“I owe a debt to the Amber family, so I decided to take responsibility for this child’s debutante.”

“Does that mean you are giving me the honor of designing the lady’s debutante gown?”

“Indeed. Aren’t you the best tailor in all of Iod?”

“I am humbled by Your Grace’s words.”

“Make sure Violet shines brightest at her debut.”

“Understood.”

“Before that, we need a dress she can wear immediately. I brought her to the capital on short notice and she doesn’t have any suitable clothes.”

“Leave that to me. Lady, shall we begin by taking your measurements?”

Violet followed Madame Bianca behind a partition. She had expected an assistant to take her measurements, but to her surprise, Madame Bianca herself took out a tape measure and stepped forward.

“You have a delicate figure.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Your proportions are excellent, and your arms and legs are surprisingly firm.”

That was probably due to the work Sarah had done during her time at the orphanage.

“With such a beautiful neckline and shoulder line, dresses that reveal the shoulders would suit you very well.”

Madame Bianca remarked after finishing the measurements. She then led Violet back to her seat and began to show her various gown designs.

“Until last year, this style of dress was popular, but I believe this design will be the trend this year.”

Madame Bianca said with a playful wink.

“I’m showing you this especially, just for you, lady.”

Madame Bianca was known as the finest dressmaker in the Empire, and it was only natural that she would lead the fashion trends each year.

The design Madame Bianca presented was a slightly modified version of the dresses that had been in fashion the previous year. It was undoubtedly stunning on its own.

However, the person currently residing in Violet’s body was Olivia Grosvenor – a trendsetter who had personally worn and popularized new dress designs.

With a discerning eye, Violet carefully pointed out areas for improvement, tracing her finger along the design.

“The waist should be more defined.”

“An excellent idea. I was thinking of that myself.”

“You have quite an eye for design, my lady.”

“And here, perhaps it could be adjusted like this…”

Violet continued, offering her thoughtful suggestions.

As Violet traced her finger across the paper, Madame Bianca immediately modified the design with charcoal on the spot.

After carefully incorporating Violet’s suggestions, Madame Bianca carefully asked, as Violet finally withdrew her hand.

“Is there anything else?”

“I think that’s enough.”

Violet replied, then glanced belatedly at Madame Bianca to gauge her reaction. “I’m sorry if I overstepped.”

“Not at all, not at all. Opinions from someone with as discerning an eye as yours are always welcome.”

Madame Bianca’s cheeks flushed with excitement.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this – like I’ve been reborn. I haven’t felt that since I met Lady Grosvenor. After what happened to her, I never thought I’d meet my muse again.”

“Ah…”

Violet’s expression stiffened slightly, causing Madame Bianca to quickly change the subject.

“My apologies. That wasn’t a happy subject. Now, I’ll create the dress based on this design. By the way, Lady, it seems you need a dress to wear immediately.”

Madame Bianca scrutinized Violet’s appearance once more.

“Considering the lady’s refined taste, the dress you are wearing does not seem to be of your choice. The design is dated, and the sleeves and fit are far too loose.”

“That’s right, I came to the capital in a hurry and couldn’t pack much, so I’m wearing the guest clothes provided at the mansion. I also need some casual clothes. Would it be possible to have them prepared quickly?”

“I have prepared some ready-made clothes. I’ll tailor them to your measurements and send them to the Arent Mansion. Is there anything else you need?”

It was Kaiden, who had silently observed the exchange, who answered her question.

“Accessories for the dress are also needed.”

“Understood. I’ll make sure they’re sent to the mansion along with the other items.”

Kaiden then remarked.

“We’re going to say goodbye for today. Would it be possible for you to visit the mansion next time?”

While Madame Bianca was known for her extraordinary skills, she was also known for her pride. She famously refused to make house calls, even at the request of the nobility, insisting that clients visit her salon instead. Even high-ranking nobles were no exception to this rule.

There was, however, one instance in which Madame Bianca would make an exception: when she encountered someone who met her exacting aesthetic standards.

Olivia Grosvenor had gotten on so well with Madame Bianca that the dressmaker had even made personal visits to the Grosvenor estate.

Madame Bianca replied with a warm smile.

“Of course. From now on, I’ll take full responsibility for the lady’s clothes. You mustn’t entrust them to any other tailor.”

“Very well. Then I’ll see you next time.”

“Thank you for today. I look forward to seeing you again.”

Following Kaiden, Violet quickly left the salon. After escorting her back to the carriage, Kaiden crossed his legs and fixed his gaze on Violet, his expression tinged with subtle intrigue.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“What were you doing at the orphanage?”

“At the orphanage?”

Violet hesitated, unable to give a proper answer. She wasn’t quite sure how Sarah, who had occupied her body before, had spent her time there.

Kaiden didn’t seem to press her for an answer as he continued.

“You seem to have quite an eye for judging clothes.”

Violet realized her slip but decided to answer confidently. Imitating Kaiden’s stance, she crossed her legs arrogantly and said.

“I’ve always had a good eye. That kind of discernment isn’t something you can develop – it’s something you’re born with, isn’t it?”

Kaiden looked her up and down without a word, making her feel unreasonably anxious. Hastily she added.

“What? Is there a problem? I was just expressing what I wanted to wear.”

“No, you did good.”

Startled by the unexpected compliment, Violet momentarily forgot what she was saying and widened her eyes in surprise.

Violet was caught off guard by Kaiden’s unexpected comment. As she considered his words, he tapped the tip of her shoe lightly with his cane.

“And don’t cross your legs – unless you’re trying to tease me.”

“Understood.”

Violet replied. She crossed her legs, brought them together neatly, and lifted her chin in silent defiance, as if to ask, “Is that better?”

“Yes, like that.”

Relieved, Violet watched as Kaiden shifted his gaze to the window, allowing her to exhale a small sigh of relief.

Determined to be more careful in the future, Violet decided to tread carefully.