Chapter 36 – Looking for the Perfect Dress

“Yes, but it’s so beautiful and modern… Nowadays it’s a fashionable look.”

“You may be right that it is fashionable, pretty, and in-style but if it will not make the persons wearing it look their best, then it is pointless. I do admit that it is a trendy style these days, but it’s too ostentatious for my taste.”

“Is that so? Oh, it certainly does look a little distracting…”

“I’m afraid that it’s not the right style that matches my husband and I. The important thing is for the design to make a statement of who we are. It has to be our style.”

Tiana and Lucius decided to have a quieter and relaxed mood during the wedding ceremony instead of the usual fancy and splendid event filled with ribbons and lace decorations.

Tiana needed something perfect for Lucius, unique to both their image, style, and mood. This way, Lucius’ strengths, and not his weaknesses, are highlighted to his advantage. They decided for something modern yet relaxing to create an atmosphere of ultimate beauty, that she wanted, without being too flashy.

Amidst the stacks of unsuitable styles and designs that Tiana rejected, she finally found the perfect one at the very last file she’s looking at.

“…Found it.”

The design is unlike any other that Tiana has seen. The silhouette was drawn and shaped perfectly in the combination of fine and thick lines. The shining silver dress and a golden robe suitably express the perfect image that Tiana is looking for. Mesmerized by the excellent color design and pallet combination, she traces the work of art with her fingers.

She can see her and Lucius donning the garments and can feel her figure being one with such dress. She never expected such sophisticated design. Who in the world drew this?

She excitedly checked where the design came from. Drieta Salon, head designer… she read written at the bottom of the design.

“Alexandra Louisa?”

‘Wait, why is this name here?’

Alexandra Louisa. Alexandra Louisa Hartmann, to be exact. She is Rael and Lucius’s younger sister and the only imperial princess.

Why did she send a design?

“Ma’am, is there a problem?” Inabel asked, obviously concerned as she noticed Tiana’s serious expression while looking at one particular design. Alfred felt that something is also amiss, so he came closer to assist.

“Is everything alright?”

“…Alfred. By any chance did Lucius’ younger sister put in a request?”

“Excuse me? You mean the imperial princess?”

Alfred started fidgeting, unable to look at Tiana’s curious eyes. Tiana nodded and handed the design over to Alfred so he could take a closer look. Alfred’s face contorted, obviously in discomfort.

“Oh…”

“I think she sent this. Did she put in a separate request?”

“No. We haven’t received any request from her, so she couldn’t have.”

“…So does that mean she sent it herself?”

“I’m afraid so… It looks like she put it among the designs sent from different dress shops. I’m sure most of the shops in the capital have been commissioned, so the talk has spread. If it got around to you…”

Tiana knew from the original story that the imperial princess was running a shop known as Drieta Salon. It was operating in secret for it was a place containing Alexandra’s dreams. Only few and carefully selected nobles of the highest ranks knew of it and could request for its services.

Alexandra was very particular in catering important requests. Everything depends on her mood and the people she wanted to design for. The number of nobles requesting her services are multiplying each day but for those lucky enough to be indulged are personally handpicked by the princess herself.

It is known that Rael and Lucius’ clothes are Alexandra’s favorite designs to make, especially when she’s in the mood. Likewise, only Angelica, the heroine of the original story, passed her strict standards among the female nobles. That’s why in the original story, she made Angelica and Rael’s wedding dress and tuxedo.

Then does that mean she will also design Tiana and Lucius’ wedding dress and tuxedo?

Tiana knew that Lucius has an amicable relationship with his sister but she didn’t think that the imperial princess was going to make an appearance for him. Besides, Tiana doesn’t see any point for them to get in touch with the imperial princess soon. Is there something I don’t know?