[Portia's POV]
It is true what they say that some women are like a fine red wine—the more it ages, the better its taste. It has only been ten minutes since I sit beside Raeliana, and I can not count how much I peek at her face.
She is such a rare beauty. I know she can not be compared to Adeline, who is like the incarnation of a goddess and was born in a noble household. But, even though she is come from low noble status and has no one to rely on, she overcomes it with her hard work and proves to society with her success.
She was my idol for a long time. In my past life, I adored her and wanted to meet her even once. Still, whenever I saw her in the street or at a social event, my courage disappeared, and I could not move an inch from where I stood before.
I was afraid at that time.
I was afraid that she would see me as a loser, as everyone did.
But now I know if that was a big mistake. I thought she hated me, and I restricted myself from approaching her without asking her real opinion of me. How selfish is that, right?
The fact alone that I am still alive and have well-being now is a testament that I need to be brave to overcome the fear of failure inside me.
"So, Young Lady, what brings you today?"
"My name is Portia."
Raeliana nods with half confusion and half curious. "Alright … what can I do for you, Lady Portia?"
I take a deep breath before I continue to speak with a confident expression.
"You may have already heard that a night banquet will soon be held at Darwin's. I want you to make me a dress for that banquet. Not just a common dress, but make me your own original design. Please don't mind about the payment. Our house is quite rich to pay you properly."
Palmerston house crest—sun with gilded rose—pinned on my dress and makes Raeliana realize if she is now talking with one of most powerful houses in Tamerlaine. If it goes well, she could use this rare opportunity to gain more popularity for her fashion business.
I can also build a good relationship with her, which is important for me in the future to have backed up by someone who has a big influence in this empire.
Raeliana seems to think hard right now. I can see the frowns on her forehead. 'Thinking that my original design will be used in a formal banquet by a well-known noble means I can make my debut as a designer! That will be a great move to achieve my dream and become more popular in the future. But I can't tell if she just wants to toy with me or not.'
"Young Lady, wouldn't mind if I ask you a question?"
"Yes, go ahead."
"Why me, out of all people? I can't guess the reason. High nobles usually refused to use dresses from a low and non-famous designer like me."
Of course, that will be her biggest concern. She must think that I am just trying to mess with her as other high-ranking nobles do to unpopular designers to embarrass them on a formal occasion so their business will fail.
"Manteau."
"What?"
I point at her plain red mantle that hangs down on the chair. "The manteau. You know, winter is coming, and people need warmer clothes to keep themselves in good heat. But, usual winter clothes are hard to use, difficult to rinse out and make people unable to move as they wish. So, I think a manteau can be a good answer for that problem because—"
Raeliana cuts my words unconsciously, "Because they are separated from the main garment and can be decorated as they want. If I can make an original design for this manteau for the banquet and get high attention from the guests, that would be a great shock in the fashion industry. Manteau, new fashion era in Tamerlaine! Wonderful! You're such a genius, Young Lady. How could you think of such a brilliant idea like that?"
Honestly, I do not know how to answer her question because I am simply using her own manteau concept a little early. She found this concept later when she was at her lowest, and that idea brought a big turnover in her life. I feel like a criminal now, but I will not regret it as I need it to survive, even though I must become a villain.
"Oh, it is coming when I see your red mantle, and somehow I think you can make this manteau concept into a piece of real artwork. However, I am not asking you to trust me fully. This is a business contract; people in business are not working with trust but with black-over-white paper. If this manteau concept gets booming, I will demand some reciprocals."
Raeliana blinks fast as she takes out a paper from her purse and a portable magic pen. "Please tell me what kind of reciprocal you want, Lady Portia."
'What an interesting young lady. I never meet such a bright kid like her. People her age aren't accustomed to adult things like this. I think it's not a bad deal to build a relationship with her.'
I smile gently. "Hmmm, how about I own a portion of stock in your fashion company?"
"Only that?" She asks me as if it is an invaluable item.
Raeshion—her company's name—is one of the biggest fashion companies in Tamerlaine. All people in this empire dream of owning a small portion of the stocks.
Just imagine how rich I am going to be!
I let out a wicked grin without noticing when thinking about that.
"And, I am thinking about making you become our personal designer from now on, but I will talk it to Father first. He is the Duke, after all."
When I turn to her, Raeliana's face is bright and looks oddly … happy. I can even see a single tear drop from the corner of her eye.
Wait, is she happy or sad now?
"Alright … I will wait patiently for your letter, Lady Portia. If this manteau business becomes a success, I will give you 20 percent of my company's stocks, or do you want more than that? I wouldn't mind giving you more, maybe 25 or 30 percent—"
"20 percent is enough. That will be enough for me." I cut her words immediately. What is wrong with her? Giving me 20 percent of her company's stocks is like the big jackpot I ever won.
She smiles wide as she writes down the agreement and pushes the letter to me. "It's for the contract agreement. Please sign it, Lady Portia. I will send the formal one after getting home."
"Good." I take the magic pen and sign the letter with a satisfied expression. Who would have thought I would sign an agreement letter with one of the future prominent figures in this soon-to-be mini battlefield place?
Wait, do I say something about the mini-battlefield?
All of a sudden, a loud scream come from the crowd. After that, 10-11 people in black clothes simultaneously show up from various directions. It startled all the guests and caused a huge wave of a panic attacks.
Crap, I forget about this assault incident.