That day, Estella arrived quietly at the Asterian estate.
Per her own requestâand Ianâs strict instructionsâthe estate had kept her visit entirely under wraps.
As a result, an unusually large number of maids were loitering around the hallways, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive designer.
"What are you all doing here? Go back to work."
Of course, they were swiftly scattered by Head Maid Sophia.
Estella arrived alone.
It was an unusual sight. Typically, dressmakers who visited noble households brought at least five attendants to assist them.
But Estella was already an exceptional person in many ways, so no one found it particularly strange that she had come alone.
"Greetings, my lady. My name is Estella, and I will be making your dress."
The elderly woman bowed respectfully. Tiel, without hesitation, bowed in return.
"Hello, Estella. I'm Tiel."
Tiel greeted her with a bright smile.
Estellaâs kind and gentle demeanor, coupled with the fact that she was Ianâs guest, quickly melted away any lingering tension in Tielâs expression.
The woman nodded.
"I have been informed of the details, young lady. Do you have a particular dress in mind?"
Estellaâs voice was clear and deliberate, her tone unrushed.
Tiel hesitated.
A dress I want?
She had never thought about such a thing before.
In high society, there was no noblewomanâregardless of ageâwho didn't know Estella's name. But Tiel was the exception.
She had lived a life far removed from dresses.
So instead of answering immediately, Tiel carefully observed Estellaâs expression.
This woman had come all this way because of Ianâs request. Would it seem too ungrateful to say she had no preference at all?
At that momentâ
"My little sister is still too young to know much about these things. It would be best if you decided for her."
Ferdy stepped in. A familiar hand landed gently on her shoulder, its warmth softening the tension she hadn't even realized she was holding.
"Tiel, don't be afraid. Sheâs your guest."
His voice dropped slightly as he whispered reassuringly to her.
Only then did Tiel nod.
"Um, I donât have a specific design in mind, but⦠I do have a favorite color. May I share that instead?"
"Of course, my lady. Please, tell me freely."
Estella responded warmly.
Tiel hesitated for a brief moment before speaking. Her voice was so small it almost slipped through the cracks of the airâ
"I like yellow."
âBut her words were clear and unwavering.
When she had first arrived at the Asterian estate, the maids had asked her what her favorite color was.
But she hadnât been able to answer.
She had never once considered such a thing.
Ria had reassured her, saying it was okay to take her time thinking about it.
But now, I can think about it.
She had the luxury of considering her favorite foods, her favorite colors.
All of it was something the Asterian family had given her.
"Yellow?"@@novelbin@@
Ludian and Olivier, who had been lounging on the sofa, suddenly shot upright.
Their eyes sparkled with intrigue.
"Why do you like yellow?"
"Yellow is the color of gold! Tiel, you'll never have money troubles!"
Ludian and Olivierâs eyes gleamed with excitement.
Tiel let out an awkward chuckle.
What does yellow being the color of gold have to do with money�
Fortunately, she didn't have to dwell on the strangeness of their logic for long.
Ferdy, the eldest brother, swiftly shut them down with his signature bluntness.
"Olivier, what nonsense are you spouting to a child? If you donât shut up, Iâll throw you out."
A bit extremeâbut effective.
Tiel squinted slightly at Ferdy.
For some reason, his way of speaking felt a little different from usual.
He hadn't been this sharp before Olivier arrivedâ¦
What changed him?
It was a child's simple curiosity.
Had she voiced the thought aloud, however, it would have likely left Ferdy deeply wounded.
Luckily, she kept it to herself.
"So, Tiel," Ferdy said, pushing aside unnecessary distractions, his voice gentle once more. "Why do you like yellow?"
Tiel hesitated, glancing past his shoulder.
Estella had stepped back, signaling that it was fine for them to continue their conversation.
Receiving her silent approval, Tiel carefully answered.
"Yellow isâ¦"
"Yellow is?"
"The color of Asterianâ¦"
"But Asterianâs color is gold."
Ludian interjected thoughtlessly.
Olivier immediately kicked him off the sofa.
"From today onward, itâs yellow."
She declared boldly.
"Hey! Youâre not even an Asterian!"
"What? I do have Asterian blood in me, you know?"
Ludian and Olivier bickered.
Tiel listened to them and quietly pondered.
Oh⦠is that true?
Now that she thought about it, maybe Asterianâs color was gold.
The emblematic color of the Asterian family, when not directly touched by sunlight, shimmered in a deep, radiant yellow.
That was why Tiel liked yellow.
Andâ¦
"Yellow is the color of warm light."
The very first color she had ever illuminated.
That was why she liked yellow. It was warm, kind, and embraced everyone equally.
From behind, Estella, who had been silently observing, stepped forward.
"Yellow, is it? Donât worry, my lady. Iâll remember it well."
She spoke gently, then hesitated before continuing.
"Would it be alright if I measured you again? I did receive your measurements beforehand, but itâs best to be precise."
"Oh, yes!"
Tiel shot up from her seat.
At that moment, Estellaâs gaze landed on the brooch fastened to Tielâs chest.
"Th-this is�"
She murmured.
Ferdy, Ludian, and Olivier all snapped their heads toward her in unison.
Tiel, unfazed, pointed at her chest.
"This?"
"Itâs such⦠such a beautiful broochâ¦"
Estellaâs face drew closer.
Tiel wasnât frightened, but she did feel that the woman was coming a little too close.
"Umâ¦"
Thenâ
"I just thought of it! The perfect dress for you, my lady! I must take your measurements immediately and return at once. The dress will be completed and delivered to the estate!"
Estellaâs eyes sparkled as she spoke, more animated than even the young people around her.
"Wait⦠donât you need anything else? A jeweler, an assistantâ¦?"
Ferdy asked cautiously, ready to provide whatever was necessary on behalf of the Asterian household.
"The Crown Prince has already arranged for a jeweler. His Highness has also provided other necessary materials."
Estella replied firmly.
"Now then, young lady!"
With astonishing speed, the elderly woman meticulously took Tielâs measurements and, without giving anyone the chance to object, rushed out of the estate.
She had to return before the inspiration left her.
"Couldnât she just write it down?"
The thought hovered at the tip of everyoneâs tongues, but Estella was already in a state beyond reason.
"Two dresses for the festival, three indoor dresses, and three spring outing dressesâcorrect?"
Of course, she still made sure to double-check the order before leaving.
Watching her retreating figure, Ludian murmured under his breath.
"Thereâs a thin line between genius and madnessâ¦"
Everyone silently agreed.
***
Asterian Training Grounds.
"Tiel! Want to see something cool?"
Ludian approached Tiel with a mischievous grin.
Immediately, Olivier and Ferdy stepped between them, shielding their sister as if protecting her from some villain.
"Oh, come on! I really do have something fun to show her!"
"Every time you say that, you always cause trouble. Idiotic Ludian. I wish youâd go play by yourself instead of bothering Tiel."
Ferdyâs words were soft-spoken, but the underlying threat was unmistakable.
Even Olivier, for once, nodded in agreement.
"No, really! This time itâs different!"
Ludianâs voice carried a hint of injustice.
Curious, Tiel peeked between Olivierâs arm and side.
"What is it, brother?"
"Watch closely, Tiel. I worked really hard on this just for youâ¦"
Ludian chuckled mischievously. Ferdy and Olivier still looked deeply uneasy.
Then, something flickered in Ludianâs hands.
A flameâ
But it was different from his usual fire.
"â¦!!"
Tielâs eyes widened in shock.
The flames taking shape in Ludianâs handsâ
Looked exactly like her fish.
Except, of course, it was burning.
"Well? Pretty cool, right?"
Ludian grinned triumphantly.