CHAPTER 32
At those words, Idris’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, then he let out a soft chuckle and replied.
“That’s a pretty name. I’m a prince.”
“A prince?”
“Yeah. You know, like the princes in fairy tales?”
I stared at him in disbelief as I listened silently to their conversation.
‘Well, judging by his status and looks, he is a real prince…’
But why does he sound so annoyingly smug?
Idris, as always, just gave me one of his sly, carefree smiles in response to my gaze.
And the little girl seemed to believe every word he said.
“Then are you a princess, unnie?”
“Since I’m the prince’s lover, I guess you could say that.”
Before I could even explain otherwise, Idris jumped in first.
Flustered, I leaned in and whispered a protest in his ear.
“How could you lie to a child like that?”
“And you would rather crush her innocent dreams?”
“Well…”
Facing the child’s sparkling eyes, I couldn’t bring myself to say no.
‘But still, being called a princess feels way too overwhelming!’
I was worried that I’d end up disappointing the little girl’s expectations of what a princess should be.
So, without confirming or denying the title, I simply gave a nervous smile and changed the subject with a cough.
“By the way, did your mom make your clothes, Aria?”
“Nope. My dad made them.”
“Your dad?”
“Yeah! He made Mom’s clothes, mine, and all the clothes here too! My dad made them all!”
I was honestly surprised by her answer.
‘A male fashion designer?’
Unlike modern society before I was reincarnated, this world still clung to the idea that clothing and cosmetics were strictly women’s work.
“Men don’t fuss over appearances like women,” “Men don’t design clothes”—those kinds of stereotypes were everywhere.
‘Especially since this shop mainly sells women’s and girls’ clothes, I just assumed the designer was a woman.’
Even more so given the thoughtful design touches—like covering the zipper on the back so hair wouldn’t get caught, or including skorts for young girls.
I felt a bit ashamed for having naturally assumed that “a male designer couldn’t make women’s clothing.”
“You and your mom are lucky. Your dad makes such beautiful clothes.”
“Mmhm, Mommy loved it too!”
‘Loved’?
Just as I was questioning the use of past tense, a man came down from the second floor.
“It’s not a high-quality tea, so I’m not sure if it’ll suit your refined tastes.”
“But the aroma is lovely. Thank you.”
Despite his concern, the tea was quite pleasant.
As I sipped and looked around the shop, I casually asked,
“The clothes are all beautiful and they seem popular. How did you end up in debt?”
The man hesitated for a moment as he held his teacup, then cautiously began.
“…Last winter, my wife fell ill, and we needed a large sum of money. I ended up borrowing around 300,000 gold.”
“Then your wife…”
He said nothing and only lowered his head with a dark expression.
Just as I was searching for something comforting to say, Idris spoke sharply.
“But earlier, you said the debt was 500,000 gold.”
“That’s right… The interest has brought it up to 500,000 now.”
“…In just half a year, the debt nearly doubled?”
“They said I could repay it slowly over three years, but when my situation worsened, they suddenly demanded higher monthly payments.”
Idris and I frowned simultaneously at his words.
Just as expected.
After a moment of thought, I decided to speak up about the idea that had come to mind.
“If that’s the case, I might be able to help.”
The man looked at me with puzzled eyes, as if unsure what I meant.
“You… Sorry, what’s your name?”
“Amon.”
“Alright, Mr. Amon. I really like your clothes. Would you consider working with me?”
“Working with you… how exactly?”
I gave a confident smile.
“You do what you’re good at—making clothes. I just so happen to be looking for a talented fashion designer.”
Amon’s clothes showed a deep level of care and affection for the wearer.
They weren’t just beautiful outfits—they were made with thought for comfort and practicality.
I felt certain that he was the right partner for my business.
‘And right now, he has a powerful reason to hold onto this opportunity—’
His young daughter, and the debt looming over them.
I fully expected him to accept my offer.
But…
“I’m grateful for your generous offer and the kind words about my clothes, but… I’m afraid I must decline.”
Amon’s refusal shattered my expectations.
Stunned, I stood up from my seat.
“W-Why?”
“If I join an organization, there will be times when I have to create clothes I don’t want to make, or let others alter my designs.”
“So… You’re turning me down because of perfectionism? Even though this could solve all your problems?”
“If someone else makes what I designed, design gaps and quality compromises are inevitable.”
“True, that can’t be helped.”
“And that’s exactly why I must decline. My personal circumstances don’t justify handing over subpar work to my customers.”
His eyes held a firm, unyielding resolve.
‘Well… I have nothing to lose.’
Even if Peidan was interfering behind the scenes, I could find plenty of designers if I just threw money around.
But I had no intention of letting this man go.
“I’m not saying this because you turned me down, but let me be blunt.”
“…”
“You’re a wonderful artisan who puts heart into your work. But as a father, putting your child’s future on the line for your craftsmanship makes you a selfish one. You know that, don’t you?”
At my stark words, Amon’s resolute eyes wavered ever so slightly.
But it still didn’t look like he would accept my offer.
However…
‘That unwavering conviction is exactly what I was hoping for.’
With a triumphant smile, I continued.
“And as it happens, I’ve been looking for someone with exactly that kind of unwavering craftsmanship.”
“…Pardon?”
“You just need to make the clothes you want to make. You won’t have to hand your designs over to any assistant.”
Amon still seemed unsure of what I was getting at.
I smiled and added,
“Each piece crafted entirely by your hands, just a few garments, bags, or shoes a month.”
“…”
“Not just expensive clothes, but ones that make the wearer feel honored by the care that went into them.”
“…”
“That’s the kind of product I want to create.”
What I was aiming to build wasn’t just a clothing business.
It was a luxury brand.
A brand that could fully harness the awe and aspiration surrounding Idris—and me, as his lover.
“I think you’re the perfect person for my business, Mr. Amon.”
“…”
“Will you work with me?”
Amon’s gaze began to shift.
No longer the firm, unshakable look from before—but one tinged with hope.
As if he’d found light in the darkness.
Yorushku Amon