"The capital?" Olivia's words were barely audible as she posed her question,
"Ah, yes, the capital." Vela responded loudly and firmly for the coachman to hear,
The horses neighed in unison, their cries echoing throughout the carriage, intensifying with each hit of the whip.
The carriage rumbled and jostled as it made its way through the vast lands. The scenery stretching before them was seemingly endless, rolling hills of lush green grass and tall trees that seemed to stretch up into the sky.
As they rode further, they passed by streams and creeks, the light reflecting off them like tiny diamonds. Even though it was a bumpy ride, Olivia couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking landscape.
Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, the carriage came to a halt.
"This is Zestria's capital" Vela took a deep breath as the carriage door opened, her nostrils flooded with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods intermingling with the scent of nature. She was in awe of the grandeur before her eyes;
it was almost too idyllic to be true. Every building had its own unique features, giving off a Renaissance vibe.
The lieutenant extended his hands for Vela, and she gracefully stepped down the coach, Olivia following suit behind her.
"well, let's go!" She strutted through the capital streets with her head held high.
They took several left and right turns until Olivia noticed a shop they had already passed by.
"miss?" Olivia called out to Vela.
Vela sheepishly lowered her gaze and mumbled a timid "Y-yeah?"
"Are you perhaps lost?" Olivia asked, squinting her eyes in suspicion.
Without warning, Vela burst into tears and blurted out a quiet "Yes!" as she squatted to the ground.
"miss your gown would dirty" Olivia screamed in panic as she rushed to pull vela back up.
"we have been walking for hours" She groaned as added,
Vela rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue in an exaggerated pout.
"Leave me be" she scolded.
It seemed like Vela had no recollection of directions — it was almost like she'd never been to the capital by herself before.
As Vela was clouded by her own thoughts, Olivia walked out to explore the nearby markets in search of suitable dress shops.
"Miss," Olivia strained as she returned from her reconnoitre, having tried to fit in with the other handmaids that were accompanying their masters. Her words went unheard by Vela, who was still deeply immersed in her thoughts.
"MISSSS!" Olivia stepped directly into Vele's line of sight in order to grab her attention.
"Huh?" Vela raised her head and looked at her maid.
"I found stores," Olivia said smugly, for she had probably become exhausted from all the walking around.
Vela glanced at her skeptically – after all, both of them were aimlessly wandering around the capital city with no particular direction.
"I asked around," Olivia reiterated proudly - a clear indication that her efforts had finally borne fruit.
Olivia stepped forward, her footsteps echoing through the street. Behind her, Vela hesitantly followed.
As they moved through the bustling streets, she could feel eyes on them, judging their presence and scrutinizing their every move.
Finally, the duo stopped in front of a grand building. Vela's gaze was drawn to the extravagant lettering that read "Eleuxi" across its facade.
"This is it?" She questioned in awe.
"Yes, miss," Olivia replied, stepping aside to allow Vela to pass.
Vela pushed open the door, and it made a melodic sound, like wind chimes on a balmy evening.
"Welcome to------------," the receptionist crooned before his voice died away, eyes wide in disbelief at who had just entered his humble store front out of all the stores in the capital.
Vela von Kaylon was an infamous figure of status and wealth, her appearance even more dazzling than expected. It was no surprise money couldn't be an issue for this young woman.
"My legs are sore," she announced.
In response, the shop employees quickly guided her down a hallway to a private room located in the back.
Here were velvety chairs and hand-woven tapestries adorning the walls, a place fit for royalty.
The room was filled with the sound of a sewing machine buzzing in the corner. Colorful dress sketches featuring intricate designs and details were pinned to the cork board that lined one wall.
A delicate porcelain tea set was arranged on a vintage stool beside an oval-shaped window as half mannequins stood guard near the corner, draped in swatches of fabric and pins holding them together.
"Aren't there any other beverages like soda at least?" Vela slumped into the chair, trying her best to be as comfortable as possible. She was drained after all the walking she had done.
"Sit down." Vela looked towards Olivia, who still stood by her side, a little hesitant.
"Miss, I can't dare to experience such luxury…." Olivia retorted, standing her ground.
"Just sit down, will you?" Vela tried once again, a hint of exasperation in her voice.
The shopkeeper walked in cautiously as if he had been warned of the visitors. He heard a hushed and intense argument between two people as he made his entrance.
He cleared his throat to announce himself, and Olivia slowly lowered herself into a chair. At the same time, Vela adjusted her posture to a more dignified stance.
"My name is Eleuxi Rissfield, and I am the proprietor of this humble store, which you graciously chose to grace with your presence," he said with the utmost deference.
Vela studied him carefully, offering a simple reply: "It is an honor."
His long blonde hair fell over his shoulders, and his green eyes sparkled beneath the lens of his monocle.
Vela could not believe her luck in meeting him, a man so fine and handsome she'd rarely seen the likes of.
"We are indeed proud to have you here," Eleuxi said,
"but unfortunately, we don't have the materials or resources to make such high quality gowns as you always wear." he added
His words took her aback.
"High quality?"
Vela thought of it as just a bundle of stress that the old vela would call a dress. She couldn't help but smile at his naivety.
"I want your designs," she murmured to him, keeping her voice low. Vela had looked over his sketches on the corkboard, which were exactly to her taste.
Eleuxi's fingertips tickled with anticipation as he gingerly picked up the sketchpad off the shelf. His hands trembled with joy as it all began to sink in.
"Does the crown prince now take a liking to second grade dresses?" He wondered thoughtfully, despairing at what could be Vela's reason.
But that would mean mocking the status of the crown Prince himself. Bracing himself, he slowly adjusted his lens before speaking,
"What would you like then?".
Vela gracefully rose from the couch and made a slow spin for the designer's benefit, ensuring he could see the entirety of the gown she wore.
"Something elegant yet simple," she purred as she reclined into her seat.
"Gowns to match up to Vela's stunning beauty," Olivia added with eagerness.
"I understand your desires," Eleuxi mumbled while scribbling on his sketchpad, nodding his head in agreement.
"Can some be incredibly comfortable and simpler for lounging around indoors or outdoors within the palace? And then can the rest be more fitting for outings and events?" Vela notified him sternly.
Eleuxi slammed his book shut with a passionate vigor, lighting up his eyes. He was ready to make Vela proud and the Prince admire his creations.
Eleuxi already ached to see Vela in his very own designs, as it was sure to bring immense publicity to the store. He welcomed this chance with open arms, eager to make the most of it.
"The dresses will be sent over to the dukedom when they are completed and the invoice shall follow," he said as he exited the room, leaving the two alone within.
"Everyone, we have work!" he bellowed, summoning all of his devoted store workers.
Vela said her farewell to Eleuxi, exiting the store hand in hand with Olivia. The atmosphere was imbued with a multitude of people, and yet a gaping space remained between Vela and the congregation.
She thrived in this chasm of solitude – freed from having to battle her way through the horde. The sweeping divide indicated her less-than-favourable reputation, but ironically, it empowered her more than ever.
Vela felt a sudden jolt on her shoulders as if something had crashed into her. Startled, she looked up to find a hooded man hastily walking away from her.
Vela searched herself and noticed one thing was missing, her purse.
"Hey?!" She exclaimed, confused and filled with dread.
The hooded man stopped in his tracks, turning around slightly to give her just a glimpse of the highlighted bridge of his nose.
"Stop!" She commanded him, ready to chase the stranger down the alleyway. But before she could move, her vision began to scramble as if some force was stopping her from going any further.