In the Lap of Luxury

"It's me," Hestia answered.

She took Grace's hand and comforted her. "Don't be angry. Look at the gift I brought you."

"Gift?"

They were at a bespoke tailor shop, and it wasn't very big.

There were a few old tailors inside, both male and female, and they were all focused intently on stitching the swathes of fabulous cloth in their hands.

Grace looked at the display case in surprise. "A Kidhnian gown?"

"I don't think I've ever seen you wear one. It's almost time for the New Year, so I wanted to make things more festive for you."

After all, they were Kidhnian. These things were important to them.

One of the tailors teased, "This was ordered two months ago. You're very lucky, young lady."

Grace's eyes widened. "I read a news article about you when I was studying fashion design!"

The tailors at this shop were protectors of cultural heritage, so they took every stitch seriously.

Their specialty was custom-made Kidhnian gowns for the elite. Even the ordinary rich couldn't even get one foot in the door.

Despite this, the waiting list was three years long.

Grace had thought about ordering one, but the wait was so long that she was afraid that her figure would change. After all, Kidhnian gowns were figure-hugging and had to fit just right. Hestia explained, "I know the owner of this place, which was why I got to cut the queue."

Grace was shocked. "This is too expensive."

"Don't be silly. As long as you like it, I can give you anything."

The tailor took out the gown that belonged to Grace. It was an ivory white gown with fur at the collar. Every intricate pattern had been embroidered on, and the material was soft and silky. It was much too extravagant for an ordinary person to wear.

"I like it," Grace blurted. "Aunt Hestia, I'm going to go and try it on!"

"Okay."

The effects were extraordinary. Grace had a gorgeous figure, with just the right curves and a tiny waist. Her skin was pale and creamy.

Since the gown had been made especially for her, it fit her perfectly. It made her seem every inch an heiress.

Her expression was gentle. "Does it look good?"

Hestia nodded vigorously. There were even tears in her eyes. "I wish your parents could see how much their little girl has grown."

Grace went up to her quickly and wiped her tears away.

Each move she made exuded elegance.

At that moment, there was the sound of a cup smashing in the next room.

A woman yelled in a shrill voice, "Why isn't it done yet? I've waited for a month!"

The tailor was at a loss. "Miss,

you've already cut the queue, and we needed to rush your gown for youn order to maintain the quality of our products, we can't just rush it. We already agreed that it would take two months."

"Why would it take two months to make this? I think you're just inflating the price. Do you know who I am? Can't you put in more hours to make this for me? I said that wanted it in a month, and meant it." Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

The woman sounded young, but she was arrogant and domineering.

The tailor spoke abruptly. "I'm sorry, then. We can return your deposit. Please leave."

"How dare you speak to me this way? Don't forget that this gown was ordered by Mr. Iverson!"

"It doesn't matter who it is. We have our bottom line."

The woman became even more agitated. Grace was about to go up to them and mediate, but Hestia pulled her back.

"Forget it. Everyone who works here is a professional. They'll take care of it. It's not good for you to make too many enemies in Frenda."

Grace frowned.

That was true. If the woman had had the means to cut the queue like Grace had, then she must also be from a wealthy background.

Their families probably moved in the

same circles, and it would createza

rift between them if Grace

BUT

intervened. That would make things awkward whenever they crossed

paths.

It was better to stay out of trouble.

Grace nodded. She went to the dressing room to change out of the gown. She had just turned when the woman happened to look up and see her.

The woman was enchanted at once. "Two months is fine. I want the exact same one that she has."