Volume 1 Chapter 93

Volume 1 + Chapter 93: Buy A Dress

“Hiss.”

In the most prosperous clothing store on the commercial street, Roland had already lost count of how many times her fingers had been pricked by the needle and thread.

She looked at the jade-like pad of her finger, now bleeding tiny drops of red, and felt annoyed at her own carelessness.

“Miss Roland, you don’t seem to be in much of a state lately.”

The young shop girl assisting Roland had noticed something was off.

Over the past few days, Roland’s speed at making dresses had slowed considerably. Because of the deadlines, it had even caused the shop quite a bit of trouble.

But Roland’s craftsmanship was simply too astonishing. Even if those nobles who had ordered clothing were dissatisfied, they couldn’t really voice their displeasure.

After all, in the upper circles of nobility, it was still Miss Roland’s dress designs that set the trend.

One could say that her name was known throughout the imperial capital—everyone knew her… except Eve.

“Maybe I haven’t been resting well.”

Roland let out a faint sigh, put down the needle and thread in her hand, and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window.

Standing on the second floor and gazing at the bustling commercial street outside, people coming and going, countless faces passed before her eyes—but none of them was that delicate face, tinged with a trace of melancholy, she longed for.

That beautiful, snowy-white long hair, like the first snow of early winter.

And those simple clothes that nevertheless accentuated her figure so perfectly. Clearly it was just an ordinary white sweater, but on her proud figure, it had somehow been worn with a breathtaking sense of design.

Not to mention that daring, fashionable, and tantalizing black silk pencil skirt.

For Roland, a fashion designer, it was unforgettable at first glance.

Such a pity…

That previous encounter had been as fleeting as a flower in bloom. In all these days since, Roland had never again seen that peerlessly beautiful white-haired lady who haunted her heart.

“Miss Roland, it looks like there’s a customer.”

“What kind of customer? Didn’t we already agree, no customers for the time being?”

Roland replied languidly, her gaze and tone filled with weariness.

“It seems to be the white-haired lady you’ve been waiting for.”

The shop girl hadn’t even finished speaking when Roland had already disappeared from the second floor.

While the shop girl was still wondering where Roland had gone, she saw Roland appear downstairs at the entrance. She pushed aside the clerk who was trying to explain to Eve why the shop wasn’t open today, and, with a smile, went forward to greet her.

That enthusiasm—where was the listless woman from just a moment ago?

“Oh my, isn’t this Miss Eve? Long time no see. How were those fabrics from before? Do you perhaps want to purchase another batch?”

“I just happen to have some fine ones here, set aside especially for Miss Eve.”

Roland smiled obsequiously. Her demeanor shocked every single clerk nearby.

After all, Miss Roland was the famed fashion designer of the imperial capital, always lofty and aloof. Even if a countess came, she wouldn’t show such enthusiasm.

“No, I didn’t come to buy fabric today. I’d like to buy two ready-to-wear outfits… though, I heard you weren’t open recently?”

Eve knew about this kind of high-end clothing store. Normal business hours were just for show.

Their main income came from bespoke orders for high society. Occasionally, a ready-to-wear piece would be sold if the designer was in the mood, releasing a practice sample for sale.

Right now the shop was technically open but not serving customers—clearly, they were rushing to meet deadlines.

So finding a ready-made piece of clothing here would likely be difficult.

“What are you saying? Of course we’re open… maybe the staff misunderstood me. We’re open, we’re certainly open.”

As she spoke, Roland enthusiastically invited Eve inside.

For some reason, though, when she said the word “open,” her voice was distinctly lower, and her tone lacked conviction.

As if she were whispering to Eve, afraid that any passersby might overhear.

“I wonder what kind of ready-to-wear Miss Eve is looking for?”

Roland led Eve into the shop, where many finished and half-finished dresses were on display.

“For this child to wear. Something simple is fine.”

“Oh my, whose child is this?”

Only now did Roland, who had been fixated on Eve the whole time, notice the timid little girl standing by her side.

Although the girl looked rather dirty, her features were truly delicate—definitely a budding beauty.

With proper care, once she grew up, she would most likely turn out to be a striking young beauty.

“Sorry, I spoke out of turn. Clothes for her, is that right? No problem…”

Roland thought for a moment, then beckoned the shop girl over and lowered her voice: “Bring me the white dress made for Princess Luojia.”

“Miss Roland… that dress is due in two days. It’s the princess’s order!”

“Less talk. I told you to bring it, so bring it.”

Roland scolded her in a low voice.

At the same time, she managed a faint smile at Eve to cover the awkwardness of their whispering.

For Roland, Miss Eve was far more important than any princess.

“Yes, I understand. But that dress is made of velvet, very costly. Are we… going to sell it at the price of ready-to-wear?”

The shop girl’s eyes still showed some worry.

“You won’t be at a loss. Keep talking, and at the next event day I’ll make you wear a maid outfit outside to attract customers.”

“Eek!”

Hearing Roland’s threat, the shop girl dared not say another word.

She hurried upstairs and soon returned with a pure white, exquisite dress.

As expected of the designer famed throughout the imperial capital—even though it was only plain white, the dress’s design and details were remarkably refined.

Even Pipim, who was hiding behind Eve, couldn’t help her eyes shining when she saw the dress.

One could say that this pure white dress was the perfect vision every girl dreamed of.

“How beautiful…”

Pipim couldn’t help but exclaim, but immediately, as if realizing something, she hastily covered her mouth.

“Well? This is our last piece of ready-to-wear. I think it should suit this young lady quite well.”

“Why not try it on first, see if it fits? After all, ready-to-wear can’t compare to custom in the details.”

As she spoke, Roland warmly moved to take Pipim to try the dress.

But Pipim was clearly uncomfortable. She clung tightly to Eve’s hand, as though holding on to a lifeline.