Chapter 13

“This is called a mermaid silhouette… See, this way it doesn’t make the body look bulky, and it accentuates a sleek figure. And if we cut it like this, exposing the collarbones down to here—”

“Wouldn’t that be too revealing?”

“That’s why we’ll add a lace bolero over it. Since it’s an off-shoulder dress, it’d be a waste to just cover it up completely. So, we’ll make the bolero detachable—showcasing two styles in one.”

It was a design Silona had never even considered.

But…

Her mind was racing, and the flat sketch on the page began taking shape in her imagination.

This really is a design suited for a tall young lady with broad shoulders.

And at the same time, something stirred inside her—ambition.

Being the imperial tailor was certainly an honorable title, but the work itself—endlessly fulfilling the safe and uncreative orders of high-ranking clients—had dulled her fire. Most noblewomen wanted to blend in, not stand out. They played it safe to avoid scrutiny.

This should be made from silk—just slightly clinging to the skin… no unnecessary lace or frills… Or maybe… embed small diamonds into the flared hem so they sparkle only when she moves…

Scratch, scratch, scratch—

Silona’s hand moved faster than it had in years.

Her gaze bore into the paper like it could split it in two, so intense that Laura, watching from the side, began to grow nervous.

But Silona didn’t even notice. She was wholly immersed in the flood of inspiration that had burst through after years of silence.

Once the dam had broken, creativity came rushing in like a tide, singing through her mind.

Her hand, which she thought had grown slow with age, sketched more quickly than it had in her youth. Lines and flourishes flowed with vibrant energy.

I’m glad I came here.

Silona could feel her earlier resentment toward Laura melting away. No—in fact, she was starting to reflect on her own failures.

I’ve been living such a narrow life.

She’d been arrogant, certain that she was the best, and complacent in her position serving the imperial family. She hadn’t even realized how rusty she’d become.

She hadn’t known… until Laura reminded her.

What an incredible opportunity this is. To meet this woman.

“Lady Laura.”

Silona finally lifted her head, her thoughts now sorted. Surprised by the heat in her voice, Laura instinctively responded.

“Yes?”

“Thank you for trusting me enough to share your design. I’ll put everything I have into making it.”

Laura had only been standing nearby, unaware of what had been going on in Silona’s heart.

All she had to go on were the subtle system messages that only she could see:

• You have successfully inspired and awakened Silona Lucille’s dormant creativity.

• You have successfully led a new fashion trend in the Empire.

• You have successfully created a turning point in history.

• Calculating curse alleviation based on contribution achievement.

• The Curse of Oblivion has been alleviated by 14%.

Wait, this counts?

When she had signed the contract with Alex, no messages had appeared.

Because that had been a private matter—something with no direct influence on the world.

She hadn’t expected anything this time either. And yet her contribution level had risen.

It was only a 1% increase, and no memories had returned to anyone yet.

Still… it feels good.

Because she had done something that mattered in this world.

---

For months, the imperial palace had hosted no balls.

The Empress’s deposition and the death of Marquis Rueize had cast a heavy gloom.

So when a ball was finally announced, interest exploded.

Even if it was framed as a welcoming event for the small kingdom of Arietta’s delegation—it didn’t matter.

The nobles had their own reasons to be excited.

—The downfall of Laura Rueize.

Why had Laura once reigned over the social scene like a tyrant?

Because of her powerful Rueize lineage—and her status as the Crown Prince’s fiancée.

But now the Rueize family was falling, and the odds of Alex keeping the engagement looked slim.

In other words, Laura’s collapse was only a matter of time.

And to make things worse, Princess Marienne of Arietta had arrived.

“I heard from her maids that she’s exceptionally beautiful.”

“They say she didn’t come just for trade negotiations, but for something more… personal.”

“The fact that His Highness is hosting the ball himself—maybe it means something beyond diplomacy?”

None of them seriously thought Marienne would become Empress. There were dozens of noble daughters more qualified than Laura.

But now that Laura was weakened, it was the perfect time to widen the cracks.

Let Laura and Marienne tear each other apart—until both were ruined.

After that, they’d push their own daughters and nieces into the now-vacant role.

First, we need to figure out what kind of girl she is.

And so, the nobles began making their preparations.

But there was someone even more anxious about preparing for the ball.

“That’s enough powder. Don’t apply it too thick—I don’t want to look sickly.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Princess Marienne.

She knew full well that tonight’s ball would be her first impression on the Empire’s elite.

So she poured everything she had into her appearance.

“I’ll wear the dress I prepared beforehand. Bring the one hanging in the wardrobe.”

It was a bell-line dress—currently in vogue even among the Empire’s upper crust.

The tight waist and full skirt complemented Marienne’s petite figure, giving her the look of a sweet, porcelain doll.

Perfect.

She was aiming for the image of a pure and innocent girl—a little naïve, but utterly lovable.

Mother always said people trust their eyes more than their hearts.

Her mother had once been a mere palace maid, who rose to become a favored concubine by catching the king’s eye. Through beauty and strategy, she became one of the most influential women in the harem.

Not that any of it had helped her daughter avoid being treated like a pawn—shipped off to a foreign empire under the pretext of diplomacy.

[Remember this well. I only treat you as my daughter while you’re in the Empire.]

The king’s cold words left no room for doubt.

If she failed to secure a political marriage with Crown Prince Alex, she might as well be dead.

Fortunately, the Empire was a land of opportunity.

“A… gift? For me?”

“Yes, this one is from Madam Warrington, and this one is from—”

Nobles, eager to get a read on Princess Marienne, had sent all kinds of lavish gifts.

Goodness…

Each item was of exquisite quality.

I never experienced this even once back in my kingdom…

All the special treatment had gone to her mother. As the daughter of a concubine, Marienne had always been just one of many minor princesses.

But here in the Empire—just because she might become the Crown Princess—she was receiving this much attention.

Don’t get carried away.

She couldn’t afford to let anyone see that she had once been nothing more than an overlooked princess. If she showed weakness, they would devour her.

Marienne sat gracefully in her cushioned chair.

Just like her mother had once done—posing in front of a mirror, giving orders with the flick of a foot.

“What should we do with these?”

“Since they were sent by distinguished guests, we should at least acknowledge the gesture.”

She had the gifts laid out in a row and carefully chose what pleased her.

“I’ll wear the pink ribbon choker. That one seems decent enough.”

She even pretended to be used to it.

“For shoes—bring the ones with the ribbon at the toe.”

Then, a maid cautiously asked from behind her.

“What about these lace ones? I noticed your gaze lingered on them.”

Marienne had indeed looked at them a bit too long.

“Hmm, those aren’t really to my kingdom’s taste. If you like them, you can have them.”

“As someone who serves royalty, I cannot accept what was meant for nobility. Please retract that offer.”

“Well then, suit yourself.”

Marienne had the lace shoes moved aside.

She dismissed them as unworthy and moved on to appraising the next gift.

The maids exchanged subtle glances.

Marienne had no idea.

What it meant to evaluate nobles’ gifts like this.

Nor what her maids were truly thinking as they silently watched her.