Chapter 029
A week before the much-anticipated second fashion show, Viviana returned.
Just as I was starting to worry whether she would ever come back, Viviana returned with a fresh and unblemished face, looking even better than before.
“Viviana!”
Rebecca greeted Viviana enthusiastically.
When Viviana was late, Rebecca had doubts. She questioned whether the contract had been properly executed. She had gone through the contract documents with Viviana several times and sighed in relief.
She had worried she might actually be a no-show.
“I’m sorry for being late.”
Viviana smiled brightly. Her fingers, scratching her cheek, were delicate.
“My hometown was severely flooded. I had to help repair my house, so it took longer than expected.”
“It’s okay, Viviana! You arrived just in time!”
Fortunately, the main model arrived as scheduled, so now we only needed to do the fitting. The theme of this fashion show had already been set according to Viviana’s style.
Viviana is a beauty with a fresh and elegant charm rather than a flashy one. Dressing her in overly flashy attire could overshadow her natural grace.
Thus, the concept for this fashion show was ‘elegant fabrics and patterns.’
The fabrics used in dresses vary greatly, but using expensive fabric with a simple design significantly increases its value.
Fortunately, since it’s summer, the strong sunlight made the embroidery and sheen on the dress fabric stand out more.
The main design chosen was from the dress shop that submitted the most beautiful fabric among those who expressed their participation.
“Come on, Viviana. The dress shop has been waiting for you with bated breath!”
She pushed Viviana’s back. Rebecca, with a face full of excitement, gathered her things and quickly stood up.
“Oh, by the way, have the fittings for the other dresses been completed?”
She nodded.
“Yes, Viviana, you’re the last one.”
The other models had completed their fittings as soon as their contracts were signed. Among them were an opera singer and a stage actress—people who had likely heard compliments about their looks from everywhere. Although not as striking as Viviana.
Viviana would now shine as the exclusive model on the red carpet.
“We need to take photos and get the magazine printed! Move quickly!”
Viviana was hurriedly led away.
* * *
“Oh my! I thought there would be a model change. Fortunately, it looks like you made it in time!”
The dress shop’s madame clapped her hands.
“Fortunately indeed. Bring out the dresses quickly.”
“Yes, Lady Regnis.”
The staff, having received the madame’s orders, quickly brought out the dresses. Viviana watched the unfolding scene with dazed expression.
Being dragged in immediately upon arriving, she struggled to grasp the situation. In fact, she had signed the contract without properly reviewing it that day.
The contract had value simply because it saved Viviana from that hell. If not for Evelina, she would have been sold to a scoundrel that day.
Viviana shuddered at the memory.
“Mmm, mmm! As the lady mentioned, this fresh blue fabric will really suit her!”
The madame spread out the dress. The embroidered patterns danced like waves as the fabric moved. It was a breathtakingly beautiful dress.
It was a dress that she wouldn’t have even touched with her fingertips in the past.
“Am I really, really going to wear this?”
“Of course!”
The madame smiled widely.
“Try it on quickly, Viviana. We don’t have time to waste. Madame, how long will it take to adjust the dress size?”
“Just give me a day, milady.”
“That should be enough.”
Evelina’s eyes sparkled. Viviana was quickly ushered behind the curtain again. With the staff’s help, she changed into the dress and asked,
“… Is this really worth it?”
“Oh.”
The madame gave a small laugh.
“The sales of men’s clothing from the clothing stores that submitted clothes to the fashion show last time have doubled this time.”
“Really?”
Viviana’s eyes widened.
“Was it that significant?”
“Yes! The designs that were featured that day sold dozens of pieces each. That’s why the clothing stores were so excited to submit their designs this time.”
During the week of the judging, they were all so anxious. They want to participate in the next show but don’t know if they can.
The madame sighed deeply.
“Why? What’s the problem?”
Viviana asked, bewildered.
“There are so many shops wanting to participate… and we don’t even know what the next theme will be. No matter how much we ask, they never tell us.”
The madame murmured with a hint of regret.
The madame checked Viviana’s body shape and examined the dress from various angles.
“Fortunately, the upper body fits perfectly. We just need to make a few adjustments to the dress length. Hmm, I think tying your hair back would be better than letting it loose. Ella.”
“Yes, madame.”
“Please take care of her hair.”
Viviana was once again guided away. As she entrusted her hair to their care, she prepared for the final touches.
And when Viviana saw herself, she couldn’t help but acknowledge the brilliance of Evelina’s taste.
* * *
Two days before the event.
Evelina had changed her strategy this time. She had the magazine published two days before the event, making everyone impatient with anticipation.
“Oh my goodness!”
The fluttering of the fans among the noble ladies grew faster. Casper listened intently. The excitement among the noblewomen gathered at Dear Elizabeth was increasing.
“Isn’t this Viviana?”
“The dress is truly beautiful… I think if my daughter wears this, she might get married this time.”
“It looks calm and pure, yet sophisticated.”
“I heard they’re giving the attendees first dibs on purchasing.”
“Oh, dear! I asked my husband, but he couldn’t get the tickets!”
The noble ladies expressed their frustration.
“Well, I’m attending…”
“Then, could you get me just one dress?”
“Me too! I’d do anything if it meant getting my daughter a spot!”
The noble ladies all raised their hands eagerly. Casper gave a slight smile. Evelina’s status was rising rapidly. It had been less than two months since Evelina started this venture.
Evelina had created a sensation in the empire and was now one of the most popular figures.
Casper clicked his tongue.
‘Where did this come from?’
The sound of the noblewomen quickly flipping through the magazine filled Dear Elizabeth.
“Lady Regnis truly has an eye for these things.”
“That’s why she can confidently run such a business, isn’t it? Oh my goodness! Even the high-and-mighty Clara Jewels made it into the lineup? Look at this picture!”
“Viviana is really making a big impact. I really want this ring. Hmm, I think I’ll stop by on the way back.”
“Me too…”
The noblewomen excitedly flipped through the magazine, resolved to attend the next fashion show. It was becoming essential to be up-to-date on fashion shows to keep up with social conversations.
Owning at least one item featured in a fashion show was a mark of social recognition. Nowadays, men are wearing outfits from past fashion shows to every social event.
When they reached the last page, there was a collective gasp.
“Indeed, the top spot goes to…”
“Lady Millane.”
This season’s Top Bride Candidate position went to Lady Millane. Her wealth, beauty, intelligence, and character made her the perfect lady in every regard.
It was a result that no one could criticize.
What was unexpected was:
“…Evelina Regnis is in 5th place.”
“…Oh my.”
This was truly surprising. Given Regnis’s status in the business world and aristocratic hierarchy, Evelina shouldn’t have even made it onto this list.
Yet Evelina had risen to this position with her own business venture.
“Truly… we can’t deny this.”
“She’s an impressive young lady. It would be great if we could establish a connection with Lady Regnis.”
“I heard she’s currently under the patronage of the Crown Prince… Is there any talk of her being a potential Crown Princess?”
“There’s a small chance.”
Casper smiled wryly.
Indeed. I’ve really made a remarkable friend.
