She learned how to prevent citizens from starving before learning the art of tea ceremony.

For someone like her, paying attention to appearances was a luxury.

She believed she would never have reason to visit such a place in her lifetime.

Yet there was only one reason she came to Black Velvet’s fashion show venue.

“Oh, sister, your hair is caught in your robe. Could you help me untangle it?”

“How careless.”

Despite her complaining words, a faint smile lingered on Estelia’s lips.

The woman sitting beside her also had the same golden hair and golden eyes. However, she was smaller than Estelia, with a more youthful appearance.

“Is that better, Pepe?”

“Sister… I mean, thank you, Your Highness.”

Penelope Ricardo.

She was Estelia’s younger sister and the youngest imperial princess of the Ricardo Empire.

Though she shared the same golden eyes and hair as Estelia, their auras were completely different.

People often said that if Estelia was like indifferent sunlight, Penelope resembled a fresh yellow tulip.

With her bubbly and lively charm, she was the imperial family’s darling.

Even Estelia, typically stoic in all matters, had a soft spot for her.

That was precisely why Estelia had come here today.

“Being at a fashion show with Your Highness feels like a dream.”

Penelope gazed at Estelia with loving eyes as she spoke.

“Is that so?”

Estelia responded with apparent embarrassment.

Penelope had been begging her to come here for days. Eventually, unable to resist her persistence, Estelia found herself here with Penelope.

“Yes. I’m so happy.”

While they were engaged in casual conversation, a sound interrupted them.

Boom, boom!

The majestic drum echoed in Estelia’s ears.

Soon after, gentle classical music filled the hall where the set was installed.

Then a male host in formal attire appeared at the front of the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Black Velvet’s fashion show.”

After briefly explaining the fashion show proceedings, the man stepped back, and simultaneously, curtains fell across the stage.

When the music changed to a trendier tune, the curtains parted, and models emerged one after another.

The fashion show had begun.

Estelia thought that coming here might have been a good choice after all.

The first part of the show, featuring Black Velvet’s spring collection, was nothing short of spectacular.

Fabrics in intense and varied colors quickly passed before her eyes.

Rather than being harsh on the eyes, the stage was better described as overwhelming.

The music selection and production made the runway feel like watching a diverse theatrical performance.

In contrast, the second part featured modest yet lovely clothes with young models, creating an overall cute atmosphere.

‘I should order something for Penelope before we leave.’

The thought occurred to her unconsciously.

But it wasn’t just the beautiful clothes—the production was excellent.

Occasional elements evoked fairy tales that anyone might have read in childhood.

Particularly moving was the scene where a red-dressed girl with pigtails reminiscent of roses parted from a blonde boy.

Perhaps that’s why after the curtain fell, Estelia found herself applauding without realizing it.

But then.

‘Isn’t it over?’

She naturally assumed the show had ended when the music stopped and the curtain fell.

Suddenly, a violin sound cut through the hall. It was an intense, piercing solo.

As the music gradually became more majestic, the curtains parted again, and a woman appeared between them.

A woman wearing a golden mask over her eyes.

‘Goddess.’

That was the first word that came to Estelia’s mind when she saw the woman.

At first glance, the dress the model wore seemed lovely.

It was a lace dress with coral hues, and the lace completely wrapped around her neck.

However, the sheath silhouette revealing her leg lines exuded pure maturity.

Moreover, the artificially puffed lace skirt created breathtaking wave-like lines that seemed ready to flow down at any moment.

Yet rather than being vulgar, it gave an impression of mystery.

The tiny jewels that emitted different lights with every movement made it impossible to look away from the dress.

Though no one said it aloud, everyone could sense that this was White Velvet’s main dress for the year.

The model walked confidently to the edge of the stage, then turned away without hesitation.

Everyone stared mesmerized as she disappeared toward the far end of the stage, showcasing the perfect curve of her back.

It was a flawless finale that no one could criticize.

Soon, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

While Estelia and Penelope gazed in admiration at the finale, there were others who did not share their sentiment.

More precisely, someone who couldn’t accept being overwhelmed.

That person was Ersia, the original owner of that main outfit.

‘This can’t be happening…!’

Just two weeks ago, sitting with other ladies at a café, she had been full of confidence.

She was certain Black Velvet would soon come looking for her. When that happened, she planned to graciously return to the show, but two weeks passed, and even on the day of the show, there was no contact from Black Velvet.

That’s when Ersia began to feel anxious.

She acted cool in front of the other ladies, but Black Velvet was a major player.

Too significant to terminate a contract just because they refused to adjust the bust line.

Yet she had played hard to get because she secretly enjoyed seeing such a powerful entity bow to her.

She was particularly skilled at calculating her moves.

This situation had seemed like one she could navigate smoothly.

After all, the dress was made to fit her body measurements.

Moreover, with only two weeks left until the fashion show, there wasn’t enough time to make a new dress, which reinforced her confidence.

However, somehow her certainty proved completely wrong.

The call never came, and finally, the day of the fashion show arrived.

Meanwhile, Ersia’s tactless friends suggested attending the fashion show to see how Black Velvet would manage without her.

This was the result.

“…Lady, how is this possible?”

At one lady’s question, other ladies sitting nearby also began to ask questions.

“Didn’t they say that dress would only fit your size?”

But Ersia knew. These were mockeries disguised as innocence.

Society was a ruthless world of survival of the fittest. Everyone wagged their tails before the strong, but the moment a weakness showed, it was over.

One would be trampled endlessly. Just like her current situation.

“……”

While Ersia sat with a reddened face, unable to respond, one of the most tactless ladies spoke as if entranced.

“That dress is so beautiful, by the way.”

Her gaze remained fixed on the stage. Though the show had ended and the stage was empty, she seemed unable to forget its impression.

“…Though the model’s face is hidden behind a mask, her body line is truly artistic. Each step and movement is so elegant, I’m so curious which family’s lady she might be.”

In an instant, that pure admiration transformed into mockery.

Another lady who loved to interject spoke up.

“Indeed. She looks sophisticated, unlike those who vulgarly flaunt their figures.”

This too appeared to be mere admiration, but everyone present, including Ersia, knew.

They were mocking Ersia’s terrible taste for failing to recognize such a beautiful dress.

Unable to bear it any longer, Ersia finally stood up from her seat.

“Lady? Where are you going?”

“……”

Though all eyes turned to her, Ersia didn’t respond.

She simply turned her head sharply and walked toward the exit with wide strides.

After the show ended, I walked backstage to the waiting room to rest.

Just as I was about to change into comfortable clothes, fearing damage to the dress,

Slam!

The door opened hastily, and an excited voice called my name through the gap.

“Madam Rose?”

“Baroness?”

“I suspected it might be you…!”

Her eyes sparkled excessively as she looked at me.

For a while, she said nothing and simply stared at me.

More precisely, she was slowly appreciating my body in the dress, almost scanning it.

Having worked hard for so long, I began to feel self-conscious, wondering if any excess fat was visible.

“Bravo!”

Baroness Dupont suddenly exclaimed and started clapping.

“…?”

When I looked at her with confused eyes, she chuckled and said:

“You brilliantly concluded today’s finale. I followed on a hunch, and I’m amazed it was really you…”

“……”

“Seeing it up close, it’s even more of a masterpiece. Incomparable to that Lady Ersia.”

It was a typical statement from Baroness Dupont, who was deeply attached to her work. But the oddly thorny remark made me sigh unconsciously.

“We nearly had a disaster. You’ve worked hard, Baroness.”

“You’re the one who worked hard, Madam Rose. Though one thing is regrettable… since your face wasn’t visible…”

Speaking as if she truly found it unfortunate, the Baroness quickly glanced at my reaction and changed the subject with a cough.

“Of course, I didn’t mean that was bad. It actually added to the mystery. Ahem.”

“……”

“By the way, I originally planned to make only three of that dress as a special quantity, but now I’ll need to make one more.”

“…Why?”

Baroness Dupont rarely made many clothes. She cited the reason as diminished exclusivity.

In reality, displaying each garment like an artwork at an absurd price rather than mass-producing dozens or hundreds yielded greater profits.

But profit wasn’t her primary goal. She was simply an artist who wanted to create special clothes.

It was rare for her to bend her principles, so I asked curiously.

The Baroness smiled at me.

“Because I need a proper dress for my new muse.”

“New muse?”

While I blinked in confusion at her incomprehensible words, the Baroness suddenly clicked her tongue.

“How can you be so oblivious?”

“…?”

“Congratulations on becoming my new muse. Hehe.”

“…Are you asking me to model?”

I felt strangely dazed but also increasingly anxious about being trapped. The Baroness shook her head.

“Not exactly. It’s more for my visual pleasure.”

That reason makes me want to run away even more…?

I started feeling somewhat frightened.

“Anyway, from now on, I’ll make all your casual clothes with these hands of Andrea Dupont.”

As if reading my inner thoughts, she hastily wrapped up her words. Later, while I was resting in the waiting room with her after changing,

Slam!

Without knocking, the door opened, and a familiar-faced woman appeared.

“…Ersia?”

It was the woman who had caused this entire situation.

But why?

The look in her eyes as she stared at me was unusual. Sure enough.

She approached me and spoke with an intensity as if she might slap my face.

“Why are you wearing that dress?”

Her first words were informal.

It wasn’t incomprehensible. Ersia had never formally met me, the head of Black Rose.

But when it came to the dress, things were different.

“That dress was made for me, don’t you know? Who are you to steal it like a thieving cat!”

For a moment, Ersia’s eyes gleamed with madness as she stared at me. She seemed ready to grab my collar if I didn’t respond.

Sure enough.

Slap!

A burning sensation bloomed on my cheek.

That’s when Baroness Dupont’s eyes widened.

“Do you have any idea who this person is…!”

I stopped the Baroness from intervening. She looked at me with puzzled eyes, and I whispered quietly in her ear.

“An agitated person tends to cross lines.”

“…?”

“And I’d prefer if those lines were crossed extensively.”

“What? What do you mean…”

The Baroness looked at me with uncomprehending eyes. But there was no time for further conversation, so I had no choice but to demonstrate through action.

I smiled at Ersia. Meeting my eyes, she furrowed her brow and glared at me murderously.

“Who are you?”

“……”

“I said, who are you!!!”

“……”

“Are you deaf? Or crazy?”

“……”

“Ha, are you completely ignoring me? You lowly thing!”

When I continued to give no response, she finally raised her hand.

At that very moment:

“Baroness Dupont! We’re here… My goodness! What are you doing?”

Surprised voices came from the distance. It wasn’t just one person’s voice.

“Who do you think you’re raising your hand against!”

There were three visitors in total.

All three were middle-aged women. They were dressed as elegantly as noble ladies. However, unlike the modest attire of typical capital noblewomen, their appearance had unconventional elements.

The three women’s outfits were distinctly individual, each showing strong personality.

Seeing them, I raised the corners of my mouth. But Ersia, still seemingly unaware of the situation, remained aggressive. She merely glared at the women, apparently angered by their interruption.

Noticing their attire, subtly different from that of noble ladies, she clearly recognized them as commoners and dismissed them.

“Mind your own business.”

“…What?”

“I’m simply punishing this impudent thieving cat.”

“My…”

“W-what did you say? This young lady really…”

All three seemed considerably shocked by Ersia’s behavior.

Ersia snorted at them.

“So stop meddling unnecessarily and be on your way.”

At her domineering words spoken through gritted teeth, all three widened their eyes in surprise. Seeing the three looking ready to jump up, I sensed it was time to step in.

However, that didn’t mean I would intervene directly.

“Rose, who is this insolent lady?”

One of the three women, standing in the middle, asked me, and I placed my hand on Baroness Dupont’s shoulder.

The Baroness turned and met my eyes, and I smiled at her.

‘I’m counting on you, Baroness.’

Seeming to understand the meaning of my smile, she turned around, and her gaze fell on the woman who had questioned me.

“I apologize, but Madam Rose, the head of Black Rose, has been supervising the event and her throat isn’t in good condition. She can’t speak well.”

Her voice was quite exaggerated compared to her usual calm tone. That was natural.

‘She’s deliberately speaking for others to hear.’

Sure enough, I could feel Ersia staring at me with wide eyes. When I smiled, her mouth fell open and her face turned pale.

“……!”

“……”

“Ro, Ro…!”

She seemed about to speak, but her attempt was cut short. Someone else interrupted first.

A cool voice cut through the room.

“From what Baroness Dupont says, it seems your condition is quite poor. Well, between supervising the event and appearing on stage, you must have been exhausted.”

Eyes as calm as the voice reflected me. The voice belonged to the woman standing on the left among the three.

“……”

“But was it really you on stage, Madam Rose?”

At this sharp question, Ersia, standing beside her, narrowed her brow.

“……!”

However, I deliberately ignored Ersia and nodded to Baroness Dupont, who was looking at me with surprise at the woman’s question.

Seeing this gesture, the woman’s gaze narrowed. That gaze was directed at Ersia.

“Then, is this child the one who missed her scheduled appearance?”

She too had clearly sensed the general situation. People in the fashion industry were typically perceptive.