<CHAPTER 13>
Adele Bernado was one of the famous figures in the capital.
Everyone knew her name.
From beggars begging on the streets, to ordinary commoners, to nobles, and even members of the imperial family, not to mention foreigners as well—her reputation had spread everywhere.
Anyone with money and status wanted to wear Adele’s clothes.
Bernado, the surname of the girl who had first come to the capital over twenty years ago, had now become a brand.
Since she ran the greatest dress shop in the Empire and even supplied garments to the imperial family, it was not easy to meet Adele.
Even famous nobles had to make a consultation reservation at least one or two months in advance.
However, there were always exceptions everywhere.
“Considering the minimum number of clothes the Young Lady will need, you should at least give us about two weeks if possible.
As soon as they are finished, I will have them sent to the Rodrigo residence.”
“Then, while waiting for the custom outfits, we should purchase around thirty sets of clothes to wear in the meantime.”
The moment Achero Rodrigo finished speaking, Vivia beside him made a shocked expression.
Her wide, round eyes like a startled rabbit made her look adorable.
Adele could easily read the thoughts forming in her mind.
The wealthy nobles of the capital change clothes three times a day even when they stay home… so it was true!
Because Adele had thought the same thing when she first arrived.
“It’s okay, Vivi.
That’s how it normally is, so you don’t have to feel burdened.”
Achero Rodrigo chuckled softly and lightly held Vivia’s hand before letting it go.
He’s a kind older brother.
To Adele, the Duke of Rodrigo had always been a gentle yet never easy man.
However, toward the youngest sister he had barely found again, his attitude was soft.
“Young Lady, please excuse us for a moment.”
The staff measured Vivia’s body.
Vivia cooperated with stiff movements.
“If you could wait while selecting the designs, our designers will finish the alterations.
They are the most skilled ones, so they will adjust everything perfectly to the Young Lady’s body.”
“That sounds excellent.
Then let’s begin with dresses for indoor wear, outings, tea parties, balls, and visits to the imperial palace.”
Achero Rodrigo spoke calmly.
That was the order in which Vivia would be presented to society.
For now Achero Rodrigo would guide her, but eventually it would be something she had to do alone.
Vivia likely understood that as well.
“Yes, please continue.
Does the Young Lady have any particular preferences?
A favorite color perhaps, or any special features you like?
Anything is fine.”
While listening to Achero Rodrigo, Adele sketched designs in her drawing book.
While working at the Pernolain viscount’s residence, Vivia had only ever dressed others.
She had never once thought about decorating herself.
Naturally, she had never thought about what suited her either.
“My sister is not yet familiar with these matters, so I will answer on her behalf.”
As Vivia fell into brief contemplation, Achero Rodrigo opened his mouth.
“Boss! The Duke of Rodrigo has arrived right now.
What should we do?”
“What?
Guide him to my office immediately!
No—never mind.
I’ll go out and greet him right away!”
Adele immediately sprang up from her office.
She grabbed the voluminous hem of her dress with both hands and ran down the hallway.
Why did the Duke of Rodrigo suddenly come?
He always informed us beforehand out of courtesy or made a reservation.
Did something urgent happen that prevented him from doing so?
Adele nervously bit the inside of her cheek.
I always think this, but it would be nice if the Rodrigo family had a lady.
The Rodrigo gentlemen are extremely handsome and have great figures, so it’s fun to dress them.
So how much more fun would a lady be?
Adele put on her professional smile and pushed open the door leading to the lobby.
Beneath the chandelier stood a handsome man with pure white hair glowing softly.
When he saw Adele, he smiled and greeted her with his eyes.
“Welcome, Duke Rodrigo!
It’s been a while!
What brings you here today—”
Adele suddenly stopped before she could finish speaking.
“—today?”
A woman she had never seen before stood beside Achero Rodrigo.
Even though she tried not to, Adele’s gaze turned toward her.
Who is she?
Her first impression was simple.
She was beautiful.
Once Adele’s gaze landed on her, she could not look away.
She had long, glossy blonde hair, and her skin was clear and translucent.
Among her delicately sculpted features, her eye color was the same as Achero Rodrigo’s.
She was the most beautiful noble Adele had ever seen in the capital.
Beyond that, she possessed a strange charm that naturally drew people’s attention.
A peculiar premonition crossed Adele’s mind.
That this lady would soon cause a great stir in the capital.
“In my haste I came without sending word.
Thank you for welcoming us nonetheless, Director Bernado.”
“Oh my, I don’t know about others, but a visit from such a handsome lord is always welcome.
Why have you come so late?
But goodness!
There’s a lady beside you whom I’ve never met before.
How can someone be so beautiful?
Your Grace, you will of course introduce her to me as well, won’t you?”
“Of course.
This is my sister, Vivia.”
Curious blue eyes looked toward Adele.
Vivia.
Suddenly a memory flashed through Adele’s mind.
It was from long ago when she worked doing miscellaneous tasks at the dress shop.
Back then, the capital had been thrown into chaos when the Duke and Duchess of Rodrigo died in an accident and their youngest daughter disappeared.
The name of the missing Rodrigo lady had been Vivia.
“Then…?”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Director Bernado.
Thank you for the warm welcome.
I am Vivia Rodrigo.”
“Ro… Rodrigo?”
Adele’s mouth opened and closed.
“Ro… Rodrigo?”
Even Adele, who had seen countless things, stammered again in shock.
Adele’s dress shop was one of the places where news spread the fastest in the capital.
Yet even she had not heard that the Rodrigo Young Lady had returned.
The missing Vivia!
Right now in her own dress shop!
What bigger event could there be?
“That’s right.
We found our lost sister.”
Achero Rodrigo smiled as if delivering the final confirmation.
Adele shook off her stunned state and quickly regained her composure.
