Spreading the Word
"Our clothing store's very first customer is going to be Her Majesty the Empress?" Franche tilted her head, her face a portrait of sheer bewilderment.
I explained the plan in detail: the ripple effect the dress we were debuting tomorrow would have on the party, how it would inevitably capture the Empress's attention, and how we would present it to her as a gift to win her favor.
"But will Her Majesty really show interest in our dress? She's worn every kind of luxury gown imaginable..."
She might have worn every gown under the sun, but she's never worn one of Andrea's.
"She absolutely will. Andrea's designs are uniquely striking and breathtakingly beautiful."
Besides, this particular dress was custom-made for Franche. No other designer could craft a piece that so perfectly accentuated the wearer's natural charms. It was only natural that the Empress would be captivated.
"And the fact that Andrea hand-stitched this dress adds immense value. While Andrea will oversee most of the garments produced for Franche's Clothing Store, they won't be crafting every single one personally, will they?"
"Ah, I see," Franche murmured, nodding slowly in realization.
"You're using Her Majesty to generate publicity."
"Exactly. That's why spreading the word today is absolutely crucial."
"Then we'd better move quickly. Come on, let's go."
Franche and I began weaving through the banquet hall, seeking out the noble matrons and young ladies. We targeted them intentionally. After all, there were no better vessels for gossip than these loose-lipped aristocrats.
As Franche approached, the matrons' faces visibly stiffened. Part of it was due to her notorious past behavior, but her naturally sharp, haughty features certainly didn't help ease their tension.
"A pleasure to see you all," Franche greeted them.
"L-Lady Franche..."
Snap! Franche unfurled her fan, gracefully concealing the lower half of her face—a textbook display of noble etiquette.
"I've come to share a bit of news that no one else knows yet."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
"A new boutique is about to open."
The matrons gasped in surprise at the unexpected news, and the young ladies reacted no differently.
"A new boutique? When we already have Frida?"
"Indeed. A rather unusual building has appeared in the Descartes Duchy."
Franche let out a soft chuckle and continued.
"The architecture is so unique that I doubt anyone in the Empire has ever seen anything like it. It's a stunning, elegant structure with a classic yet strikingly modern atmosphere."
Well, that's modern design for you. In my past life, it might have been a bit overdone and commonplace, but in this world, it was the most sophisticated and appealing aesthetic imaginable.
"Unseen in the entire Empire...? I can't even begin to picture it."
The noblewomen exchanged intrigued glances.
"You'll understand the moment you lay eyes on it. If you're curious, you need only visit District 13 of the Descartes Duchy," Franche said, her lips curving into a confident, leisurely smile.
"Ah, and this is a secret meant only for your ears..."
At the word 'secret,' the matrons leaned in closer. No doubt they were already itching to spread the gossip.
"The tailor crafting the garments at this boutique is no ordinary artisan."
"No ordinary artisan?"
"Yes. Out of curiosity, I commissioned a piece from them, and the craftsmanship was of an exceptionally high caliber."
"But surely they can't compare to Frida? There's a reason Frida is recognized as the finest brand in the Empire..."
Franche smirked, as if she had fully anticipated that response.
"In my estimation, they easily rival Frida. In fact, I would go so far as to say they surpass them."
The noblewomen's expressions faltered. It was a natural reaction. Frida's reputation was ironclad. How could they possibly believe that a newly opened, nameless boutique could surpass the Empire's undisputed champion?
From what I gathered during my information gathering...
Countless boutiques had cropped up over the years in an attempt to break Frida's monopoly. Yet, every single one of them had been utterly crushed. Their quality, variety, and designs couldn't even begin to hold a candle to Frida.
"That is... rather hard to believe."
"Indeed. We've seen so many boutiques try and fail."
"Won't the outcome be the same this time? There is no reason to abandon a proven brand like Frida for some unknown shop."
The response was overwhelmingly skeptical. In an instant, Franche's eyes turned ice-cold.
"Are you questioning my eye for fashion?"
"Pardon...?"
"You are saying you do not trust my judgment, are you not?"
"O-Oh, no! Not at all! That's not what we meant!"
They shook their heads in a panic, but it was already too late. Franche's villainess mode had been fully activated.
"I deigned to share exclusive news with you out of respect, only to be met with such insolence. Tell me, do you look down on me?" Her tone shifted entirely, dripping with venom.
"N-No, of course not! How could we ever...!"
"We weren't doubting you, Lady Franche, we were merely speaking of the boutique—"
But Franche had no intention of listening to their excuses.
"What a waste of my breath. Then again, what would people who blindly buy whatever trend Frida feeds them know about true haute couture?"
The matrons clenched their fists, trembling with suppressed indignation, while the young ladies quietly shrank back, trying to make themselves invisible.
There was a reason Franche could act so high-handedly. In this Empire, the power of the Descartes Ducal family was absolute. They were the very foundation of the nation, a house even the imperial family hesitated to cross. Other nobles stood no chance.
Though, her complete lack of manners is a separate issue entirely.
With a sharp spin, Franche turned her back on them. She glanced over her shoulder and muttered coldly:
"Insolent fools, daring to doubt my words. They have no idea of the consequences."
Click, clack. The sharp click of Franche's heels echoed as she swept away. I followed closely behind her.
So this is how she's been using her family's authority to suppress others all this time.
Duke Decartes and Eden had zero interest in high society, so they wouldn't care. But Line was the type to seize on any excuse to criticize her.
I suppose they can't afford to mistreat her in public.
It made perfect sense. The Descartes family valued their prestige above all else. If word got out that their only daughter was being abused and neglected within her own home, it would become prime gossip for rival nobles to tear them apart.
They're just keeping up appearances to prevent any unsavory rumors from spreading.
The more I thought about that family, the more absurd they seemed. They treated her like garbage behind closed doors, yet in high society, they acted with utmost caution to protect the family's honor.
Dwelling on them only soured my mood. I needed to focus on the task at hand.
"My Lady, we must keep spreading the word."
"I know. We need to target someone with real influence this time."
Franche and I tirelessly navigated the banquet hall, dropping hints and rumors. However, the responses we gathered were overwhelmingly negative, with most predicting the boutique would go bankrupt in no time.
"Frida has reigned supreme for far too long."
"Indeed. Though, I suppose I expected this to some extent."
Hmm. I didn't expect the resistance to a new boutique to be this strong. We had no choice but to pivot our strategy.
"My Lady."
"What is it?"
"Let's make use of the imperial family."
"...The imperial family?" Franche's brow furrowed instantly.
"Even I have to watch my step around them. They aren't mere nobles; they are royalty."
"You don't need to worry. We're only going to have a simple conversation."
"...Honestly, it sounds daunting, but if it's just a casual chat, I suppose it's fine. So, what's the plan?"
I explained how we would leverage the imperial family. We would stage a direct confrontation by targeting the Second Prince, Laja Fedelian, and the Third Princess, Leilia Fedelian, both of whom were notoriously obsessed with fashion. I coached her on exactly what to say.
"They are highly interested in fashion...?"
"Yes. They will undoubtedly show interest in our boutique."
Franche stared at me, her expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity.
"How do you even know that? I can understand you gathering general rumors, but knowing the personal, private interests of the imperial family is a bit strange, don't you think?"
The reason I knew this was, of course, due to the game's quests. Since Somire was heavily involved with the Crown Prince, the other imperial royals frequently handed out sub-quests, which had allowed me to learn all about their specific tastes and hobbies.
"As a prince of Barenberg, it was necessary for me to curry favor with them. Consequently, I made it my business to study the personal interests of the Empire's key figures."
The ultimate cheat code of an excuse. In moments like this, Jin's background was incredibly convenient. I could just chalk up any obscure knowledge to his past royal duties.
"Ah, that makes sense. A fallen kingdom always had to walk on eggshells around the Empire."
See? Works like a charm.
"Now, if you understand, let us go meet the royals."
Second Prince Laja Fedelian and Third Princess Leilia Fedelian. The two were practically joined at the hip. While their close age played a part, the biggest reason was their shared passion.
That passion was none other than clothing and jewelry. They were so obsessed with their appearance that they would actively set new trends or meticulously follow existing ones, all to ensure they remained the absolute center of attention at any gathering. Now, it was time to use that to our advantage.
"I greet the Second Prince and the Third Princess," Franche said, offering a flawless imperial salute.
True to their close bond, the siblings were conversing together in a corner of the hall.
"Lady Descartes?" Laja murmured.
"What brings you to us?" Leilia asked.
Their voices were laced with curiosity. They had no reason to expect a visit from Franche. Both sides were well aware that as rival figures in high society, they didn't exactly mix well.
"I have come to share a piece of information that I believe will interest Your Highnesses."
"Information? What kind of information?"
"It concerns a newly established clothing boutique."
The Prince and Princess widened their eyes, instantly intrigued. So far, so good.
"Do tell. A new boutique, you say?"
"Is there actually a noble foolish enough to challenge Frida's monopoly?"
Franche smirked as she answered.
"It is a boutique located in District 13 of the Descartes Duchy. The building itself boasts an architectural style never before seen in the Empire. And the quality of their gowns and suits is beyond compare."
If only we could show them a photograph, they'd understand instantly. It was a shame. I'd have to ask Kazar later if there was a spell or magic tool that could capture images.
"An architectural style unseen in the Empire..." Laja mused.
"If the Lady of Descartes speaks so highly of it, I cannot help but be curious," Leilia added.
As expected of the trendsetting royals, they caught on quickly. Franche had always been known for her unparalleled extravagance, which lent her words a great deal of credibility.
The Prince inquired further.
"Do you happen to know who owns this establishment?"
"Of course. I am also well acquainted with the designer."
"Oh? Who is it? To venture into the fashion industry, it must be a noble of considerable standing."
Now, it was time for the direct approach. Franche offered a perfectly pleasant, amiable smile.
"It is I."
"Pardon?"
"The owner of the building, and the one spearheading this fashion venture, is none other than myself."
The Prince and Princess froze, utterly dumbfounded.
"You... you are personally launching a clothing business?"
"Indeed."
"But why? Surely you, of all people, know the risks?"
This was where we delivered our rehearsed lines.
"As Your Highnesses well know, I have been one of Frida's most loyal patrons. But recently, a thought occurred to me: if I were to run my own business, could I not surpass Frida?"
At her seemingly baseless confidence, the royal siblings furrowed their brows.
"How many nobles do you think have harbored that exact same ambition over the years?"
"Lady Descartes, I admire your confidence, but defeating Frida is no simple feat," Leilia cautioned.
Franche grinned broadly.
"You will understand exactly why I speak with such certainty tomorrow. I shall be wearing a gown crafted by my boutique to the banquet. I assure you, it will take your breath away."
"Haha!" Laja burst into a hearty laugh.
"Very well, I shall place my faith in your confidence. I hope you do not disappoint our expectations."
"I am honored by your anticipation. Should my creation meet Your Highnesses' refined tastes, I would be delighted to present you both with custom gifts."
"How generous of you. We shall look forward to tomorrow, then."
We might have failed to sway the lesser nobles, but we had successfully captured the interest of the Second Prince and Third Princess—the true arbiters of high society. The mission was a success.
"Then, I shall take my leave. Please look forward to tomorrow."
Franche offered another polite royal bow and stepped back.
"Did that do it?" she asked once we were out of earshot.
"Yes. Now, all we have to do is wait for tomorrow."
"Whew. I'm actually quite nervous."
I could understand her anxiety. Business was, by nature, an unpredictable beast.
But I believed in Andrea. Even if my knowledge of their skill came from a game, the fact remained that they were an unparalleled genius of a designer.
And above all, Frida's success was living proof of Andrea's talent.
The die was cast. And it was a die that would inevitably roll in our favor.