Chapter 35
Without Lady Ellie's ideas, Mirrors would have collapsed due to poor management. Mirrors, stuck in an awkward position between targeting commoners and nobles, was something I couldn't revive on my own.
Joe's panic was something else.
If I hadn't stopped him, he would've dashed straight to the Golden family.
Fortunately, Lady Ellie wasn't seriously injured. Instead, she said she'd focus on self-defense training and stopped visiting the shop. Worried and a little lonely without her, I threw more work at Joe, telling him to level up too.
The fitting session for Lady Amy's exclusive outfits was postponed until Lady Ellie settled down. Meanwhile, tasks piled up—pricing new clothes, making knockoffs, supply routes, revising prototypes. After a while, my personal outfit was finished.
When I tried it on, I teared up from sheer emotion.
Is this really me?
The reflection showed a refined yet intelligent woman exuding charm. My bare arms stretched freely from a pure white sleeveless shirt, paired with khaki gaucho pants and custom high-heeled sandals for maturity. The boater hat added a summery, refreshing touch.
The thin golden bracelet I'd been scolded for by the blacksmith made an indescribable accent.
It matched my bob cut perfectly.
Even the hairstyle must've been calculated. And... my legs look longer. What is this? Amazing!
When Lady Ellie contacted me to visit today before her training camp, I eagerly boarded a carriage with Joe, carrying Lady Amy's new outfits. Joe stuffed his bag with rough sketches, hoping for feedback. Of course, I wore the outfit Lady Ellie designed.
The first amusing reaction was from the burly guard.
He gaped, scrutinized me head to toe, then blushed. Heh, of course—this outfit's adorable.
Next, Clarice, Lady Ellie's personal maid, shed tears upon seeing me, declaring, "Lady Ellie truly is a genius."
Then Lady Ellie came running down the entrance.
Her face lit up the moment she saw me.
"Misa! It suits you perfectly! Your charm shines at 120%! It's the best!"
"My lady."
I instinctively knelt.
"I'm so moved by this outfit, words fail me... I'm in awe of this revolutionary design."
"Stop it, Misa. Look up."
"Ellie, me too."
"Joe, don't kneel either. You're ruining the mood."
After some chatter, Lady Amy's fitting began.
My heart raced like never before. The wait felt like hours.
The Golden family's salon was packed—family, servants, everyone.
Howard Golden, the family's pillar and Lady Ellie's father, was a dandy with kind droopy eyes.
His wife, Amelia, famed for her advanced fire magic, was dignified and beautiful.
Eldest daughter Edwina was a stunning beauty oozing charm; second daughter Elizabeth, sharp like her mother, had a different allure.
The Golden family, famous for their looks, was overwhelmingly radiant. Surrounded by such people, it's a wonder Lady Ellie didn't grow up insecure. She's no ordinary girl.
When shy Lady Amy entered, sighs of awe filled the room.
"How... is it?"
Unbelievably cute!
Stop blushing—it's lethal!
This is cheating!
A thin striped dress highlighted Amy's slender frame, while leather-strapped sandals streamlined her feet. A pale yellow cardigan draped over her shoulders softened her bust, and her golden hair amplified her ladylike aura.
"Sister, you're super cute!"
Lady Ellie sputtered incoherently from excitement.
"This... is an exceptional design."
Lord Howard was deeply moved.
His wife and Edwina eagerly asked where to buy it. Even the young maids leaned in, fascinated. Only Elizabeth tilted her head—not everyone loves bold designs.
"Misa, lend me your boater hat."
Lady Ellie took my hat and placed it on Amy.
A refreshing aura swept the salon. Amy twirled, lifting her hem—even I couldn't help grinning. True cuteness loosens smiles.
"Joe, the pink cardigan I asked for."
"Okay."
Lady Ellie swapped Amy's cardigan for the pink one.
"This works too."
Ugh—too cute!
Criminally adorable!!
The pink cardigan made her look her age (17), matching her almond-shaped eyes.
An S-class beauty monster is born...
The women squealed around Amy; the men just grinned and blushed.
"Ellie made this...?"
Lord Howard asked.
"Wonderful, isn't it, Father?"
"Truly. I almost regret you're my daughter."
"Heh, I understand."
"Still... you've grown splendidly. I never imagined you'd design and order clothes alone."
He patted her head gently.
"I've been strict, wanting you to act noble. But now, I'll treat you as a proper lady."
Smiling brightly, he flashed white teeth.
Lady Ellie bowed, delighted.
"Ellie."
Lady Amelia hugged her.
The usually stern woman beamed.
"You're a genius. Excelling in training, pursuing hobbies—I'm proud. Well done."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Speaking of... could you design for me too?"
Amy cut in when Lady Amelia whispered her request.
"No fair, Mother! I'm next!"
"Oh, Amy. *I'm* next."
Edwina joined the fray, sparking a lively tug-of-war over Lady Ellie. The scene was like a storybook. Meanwhile, Joe showed her his new designs.
Lord Howard glared ("She won't, kid"), but they ignored him, absorbed in sketches.
I felt like a stage actor.
A fashion revolution was coming to Greifner.
Being at its core filled me with pride and hope.
Tears fell as I recalled my bedridden father, my mother holding our home, convincing my family to switch from butchery to fashion, Mirrors' struggles, the anguish of no profits, the clash of ideals and reality. Pressing hands to my chest, I gazed at the salon.
"Misa, what's wrong?"
Lady Ellie noticed my distress.
I adore how she's always perceptive and kind, no matter how busy.
Forcing a smile, I answered, "It's nothing," face wet with tears.
Understanding, she grinned fearlessly. "The hard part starts now."
Had she been a man, I'd have fallen for her. Mimicking Joe's thumbs-up, I agreed—yes, the real challenge begins. Our fashion tale is just starting.