Even after bringing in Madam Corcos, he showed no sign of taking credit for it. If it were Aaron, he would have at least spent a month boasting about it.
“And I also wanted to see Lady Ariella.”
“Me?”
“Yes. I heard that my atelier staff may have been rude to the princess. I wanted to meet you properly and apologize. I’m sorry, Lady Ariella.”
She seemed to be referring to the refusal of the reservation.
Ariella shook her head slightly.
“You have nothing to apologize for, Madam. It would have happened regardless of whether it was Corcos or anyone else.”
“I won’t call you ‘madam.’ The reality is that if I want to continue my business based in Bingham, I have to be mindful of the imperial family.”
It was obvious how much Aaron and David had pressured her; she didn’t need to hear it. For a businessman affected by imperial policies, it was an unavoidable choice.
“However, I can’t live with debts hanging over me. It seems I have a chance to repay two debts at once, so I rushed over, putting aside important appointments.”
Madam Corcos smiled brightly at Ariella.
Clap, clap! As she clapped her hands, maids began bringing in all sorts of dresses and fabrics into the pAaronr. The sheer amount was so impressive that the townhouse’s pAaronr transformed into something resembling a famous atelier in an instant.
“I heard you need a dress within two weeks. I will make that dress for you.”
Ah. Amira, who was standing behind Ariella, let out a groan. She looked as if she might burst into tears of joy at any moment.
The longed-for dream, no, something even more wonderful had become a reality, and it couldn’t be better than this.
“Madam. Please reconsider. If it becomes known that the dress I wear is from Corcos, it will be a huge loss for you.”
Unlike Amira, Ariella couldn’t simply be happy. She was worried that Corcos might face some disadvantage after she left.
However, Madam Corcos seemed unconcerned.
“Well, that can be done without anyone knowing.”
“Even if I don’t speak of it, it will be hard not to recognize your skill. You are truly unparalleled.”
“Hohoho, thank you for the compliment. It makes me even happier to hear it from you with such a serious expression. But there’s no need for you to worry. Lady Ariella, I don’t engage in business that results in losses.”
It was an incomprehensible statement. Instead of a detailed explanation, she looked at Nobert with a playful smile.
Was she implying that he would cover the expensive costs? Even if Nobert paid a hefty price for the dress, the risk was still too great. It wasn’t something that could be brushed off with just a few coins.
As if reading Ariella’s thoughts, Madam Corcos added,
“For a businessman, there are times when one must take risks, even knowing they are risky. For me, this is that moment. This is a kind of investment. It’s something I’ve judged and decided on, so you don’t need to worry about it, Princess.”
“If you say so… I understand.”
After a long moment of contemplation, Ariella slowly nodded. At the same time, Amira couldn’t contain her excitement and let out a cheer.
“Yay!”
“Amira!”
“I’m sorry, Miss! But I’m just so happy!”
Ariella was taken aback and stopped her, but if she hadn’t, Amira would have been ready to dance right there.
“Hohoho, it’s nice to see such energy! Now, shall we get started? Gracie! Bring me those fabric samples!”
“Ah, Madam. Could you wait a moment? I have something to discuss with His Grace the Duke separately.”
“Yes, I’ll be preparing in the meantime.”
After finishing the conversation, Ariella turned her head and met Nobert’s gaze.
They were close enough to hear each other’s conversation, but Ariella moved closer to him. It wasn’t something that others needed to overhear.
As the distance between them narrowed, Nobert’s expression grew increasingly stern.
‘He says he doesn’t dislike me while acting like this.’
Ariella swallowed a scoff and stopped at a suitable distance.
“Your Grace the Duke. I have a favor to ask.”
“…Please, go ahead.”
“Can I spend a bit more money? About double what you expected.”
It was a request that couldn’t be more straightforward. If someone else had heard it, they would have called her shameless, yet Ariella fluttered her eyelashes calmly.
‘Since I’m already in his debt, I should use him as much as I can.’
Hadn’t she said it herself? Not to refuse her help and to feel free to use what she had.
Though she wasn’t particularly thrilled, Ariella was determined to have that request fulfilled.
“Of course. But may I ask one thing in return?”
“Yes, gladly.”
That was truly a welcome sound for her. It was more comfortable to have a relationship where there was give and take rather than just receiving.
