Sleeping in was truly blissful. It is the single most important thing one could do in their lives, aside from eating. Today was the last day I would be able to sleep in as much as I pleased.

Instead of classes, I met with several designers Misa had vetted. In high society your clothes were your battle armor and it was important that I find someone soon. Since I had released the new requirements, fewer had been coming. Now, only the best names in the Empire dared enter my palace. They were men who had already risen to the top but had yet to be contracted privately to any royalty. Misa’s eyes twinkled at the chance to meet her idols.

Each designer was dressed in their richest fabrics and silks, donning rare patterns and colours to showcase both their talents and connections. To add to this, they wore copious amounts of jewelry to showcase their stock. They all looked like peacocks in my opinion. They had very auspicious ideas of the kinds of men style clothing I was looking for. Giant plumes of frills and lace and brightly coloured fabrics were paraded in font of me. So far, no one had met my standards, and none of their designs caught my eye.

“I think I understand what you might be missing Madam.” Misa sighed as we left the designer to pack his things.

“Oh? And what could that be?” While my style was very nuanced, I still respected Misa’s instincts and expertise when it came to fashion.

“Perhaps what you’re missing is the kinds of styles common in Tyrra. I’ve heard since the humans’ lives are so quick their fashion trends change every few years rather than here where it can take decades, if not centuries.” She had a point. The fashion I was used to in my world was a ‘humans’ sense of fashion. Since the Empire’s races were long lived, if not immortal, it could be the reason they were so resistant to change. On top of this, this was a world full of magic and strange beasts. Perhaps a Tyrran would help.

“How long did you say it would take for a Tyrran designer to come?”

“About three months since they’d need to travel by boat.” I let out a frustrated sigh as we walked towards the next designer. We could pay for an airship for each one, but I didn’t want to waste such expenses on someone I may or may not like.

“Let’s meet with this last designer. If I’m not satisfied, we’ll put a hold on this search until some Tyrrans arrive.”

The room set aside for the final designer was strangely empty and the man before me looked nothing like his predecessors. His suite was impeccably well tailored and accented his physique perfectly. It was elegant in its simplicity and reminded me of the tuxedo’s I was used to. What little jewelry he wore complimented his clothing without taking your attention away. The materials were richly made, but there was purpose in how he used them. I liked it. His brown hair was long, held up in a braid and his brown eyes were sharp. I couldn’t quite place what race he was though.

Misa was beaming beside him. It seemed she had noticed my look of approval. “This is Ethan Claire Madam.”

Ethan bowed low in the same style used in Tyrra. “It is a pleasure to meet you, your highness.” He had an ambitious look in his eyes, as if he were staring at the best opportunity he’d ever been presented. Claire… It wasn’t a name I was familiar with, neither mentioned n the novel nor in my classes.

“I’m curious about the man who would take such a strange request of mine.” I gave him a perfectly practiced smile. This world put a huge emphasis on the clothing you wore and the name of the designer behind it. For anyone to become my designer I needed to ensure they were trustworthy.

“As am I, curious about the nature of a princess who wishes to be so daring in her attire.” He smiled and I realized, unlike the other designers who flattered and attempted to butter me up, Ethan was refreshingly forward. “Why don’t we talk about it over tea?” It was an odd approach. Normally, they’d lead with their products and connections and brand. Was he not confident?

“Then let’s take our tea by the lake then.” Misa trailed behind us while Maybella rushed to prepare the gazebo by the lakeside. “I don’t recognize the name Claire.” Most would be offended to hear such a thing; if he was, he didn’t show it.

“Ah. Forgive me your highness. Unlike my peers my name has yet to be made in the capital.” Thus far all the designers who came were already well renown and established. It was considered an offence punishable with imprisonment to waste a noble’s time if you didn’t have a pedigree behind you. This was exactly the type of person I needed. Someone willing to risk it all.

“Unlike your peers, you are daring enough to consider my request.” Relief flickered in his eyes.

A beautiful white gazebo situated on top of a dock that reached into the lake was already prepared with fruits. Maybella was waiting for us and helped seat me. Ethan produced a beautiful small silver box and presented it to Misa. “I actually came prepared with some tea, if you would indulge me.” With a nod from me, Misa took the box from his hands before casting an array of spells on it. It passed all of them. She then produced an artifact hovering it over and under the box. The artifact was the same as the one used by the imperial family. It was able to detect the faintest traces of tampering, poisons, magic, and curses. It was incredibly expensive and rare.

“So, tell me Ethan. What made you say yes when dozens of your superiors said no?”

The way he spoke, it sounded like he had practiced this. “I don’t like how restrictive the market has become.” A wonderful aroma began to waft from the kettle.

“Is that so?”

“Yes.” He adjusted himself, sitting more upright and giving me a dead serious stare, “Have you noticed how similar every dress is?” I had, “And if you attempt to break away from the norm, no one is willing to wear it.” I could tell he was trying to hide how exasperated he really felt. “That is why I said yes. Anything different is a breath of fresh air.” He gave me a proud smile, “And you won’t be disappointed in anything I create your highness. While I have yet to make my name out in the capital, my designs are top notch.” He spoke confidently but I could sense how nervous he was.

“You haven’t made a name for yourself, yet you come here to be my private designer… What makes you think that I’d choose you as my designer when I have people like Therrence Cassian or Haus lei to choose from?” I didn’t care if he wasn’t famous yet. It didn’t matter his background or pedigree to me. What mattered was that he wasn’t a swindler, nor a spy.

He searched my face for something before he answered. “Before I answer, may I ask an impudent question your highness?” His face was still serious, and a hint of nervousness clung around him.

“I’ll allow it.” My curiosity was already piqued.

“Do you not fear the Ba’alings around you? I noticed they’re not glamoured while in your presence.” My eyebrow raised. What did my servants have to do with what we were discussing?

“No. I don’t.”

He considered me for a moment more. “It’s the matter of my lineage that prevents me from apprenticing and moving into society in a normal way.” One of the best ways to get answers out of others was to remain silent. People naturally wanted to talk to fill the gap, he was no different. “I… I’m a half elf… Half Human.” It was quite the secret to share here. He truly was risking it all for this. Half elves typically were only conceived in Tyrra, between a noble and his elven slave. If they ever made it back to the Empire they were heavily hated in society as they reminded everyone of the enslavement of their own peoples happening in Tyrra.

I watched as his resolve hardened in his eyes and he continued. “In Tyrra my father was owned by the Havenfields. Their family has been the imperial designer of the Etten kingdom for generations…” His eyes grew distant while he recanted his tale, “My mother is their second daughter, who made the mistake of loving my father. When she became with child, they sent her to the countryside to conceive me. It was under that family that I learned the skills I know now.” So, he was a former slave. He leveled his eyes back on me, “I am not telling my story to gain your sympathy. I am here because of the rumors already spreading about you. You want talent, isn’t that it? You’ve had countless names pass through your doors, yet you turn everyone away. You do not fear the Ba’alings and have even opened the opportunity to become your personal designer to any of all races with no requirement for referrals. Designing clothes is my only passion, it is what I live for and I am far more talented than those who do it for prestige or lineage. If its talent you want, I’ll give it all to you for this chance.”

Maybella poured the tea, first into my cup, then into Ethan’s. It was almost chocolaty in flavour and had a thick mouth feel. Even without sugar it was sweet. I was liking Ethan more and more.

“Alright Ethan. I’m intrigued; however, you haven’t shown me any of your work yet.” His eyes lit up.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I gave my approval and he stood taking position in front of the table, “I’ve already prepared some designs with the information your maid has provided.” From a pocket dimension he pulled two sets of clothing. He was using magic to move them as if they were worn by an invisible figure. Each outfit danced around the table before twirling in front of me. The clothing was designed for a women’s figure but both boasted pants. One set had a leather corset around a white shirt that fit loosely on the chest and arms, ending just below the elbow. The pants were made of a thick dark brown material with leather sewn in the knees. The other set looked like it was a feminized version of regular men’s clothing, equipped with an embroidered vest and dress pants. My face remained neutral, but I was impressed. On top of being a designer he was very capable in magic if he were able to open his own pocket dimension.

“Are you an enchanter?”

“Yes, your highness. Most would leave the enchanting to another, but I like to control every step of the process.” He sounded so proud.

“And what of your dresses?” He didn’t falter, producing three dresses that followed the same path. They were beautiful. Forgoing the overcomplicated laces, frills, and massive skirts; they looked elegant. One was form fitting with a flowing skirt that flared out at the bottom, the few details it had were tasteful, and it was something I could likely put on without two people helping me. Another was built in the style matching the trend in the Empire, though the way he placed the details was far closer to what I liked with a confident elegance that brought attention where you wanted it. Another was completely different from the previous two, boasting a bodice similar to that of a vest and skirt. The skirt was shorter, ending just below the knee. When it twirled it revealed leggings beneath. He noticed my eye catch on it.

“It is designed for combat.” I raised a brow. “Forgive me if I assumed incorrectly, but I thought you may be looking for men’s clothing to fight in.” A trickle of sweat beaded off of his face. One of the many skills a private designer must show is their ability to anticipate their clients needs or tastes. If I were guessing correctly, he was compensating for his lack of a background by showing off. Each set of clothing lined up in a row in front of our table while he took his seat back, gulping down his tea.

“And what is it you want Ethan, for your work?” He looked stunned realizing I were asking his price.

“This opportunity is all I desire your highness.” When I didn’t say anything, he continued, “If you wish for clothing on trend, or of a specific kingdom or race. All of it I can make for you.” Now he held his nerve.

“You know, you sell yourself short.” After a long moment of holding my serious expression, it finally cracked, and I smiled at him.

“I’m not sure what you mean your highness.”

“Going forward, when someone asks you for a price, tell them what you’re worth.” He flinched, “Match the prices of Therrence or Haus. Your talent already does after all.”

“You think so?”

“Yep. For now, think on my words and give me a price later.” I held out my hand, “Welcome to my palace.” His eyes widened, he quickly grabbed my hand shaking it vigorously.

“I will not disappoint you.”