Ilana’s movements were gentle yet professional, the soft measuring tape gliding over Tulia as she spoke in a constant stream of admiration, “My goodness, this waistline… these collarbones… such perfect lines, as if your very bones were made for evening gowns!”
When it was Lisbeth’s turn, Ilana was just as effusive, “And you, miss, with such a tall and poised figure, any coat you put on would instantly have a soul of its own!”
Measuring the bust, a sly glint flashed in Ilana’s eyes. She leaned toward Lisbeth’s ear and, half-joking, half-reassuring, whispered as if sharing a secret, “Well now, you still don’t quite match your mother’s assets yet.” She tilted her chin playfully in Tulia’s direction, “But don’t worry, kids grow fast. Eat more sweets, and you’ll catch up to your mother in no time!”
Hearing this, Tulia couldn’t help but facepalm, feeling helpless inside. Lisbeth, on the other hand, nodded as if she really understood, taking “eating sweets” as an important mission for her growth. Kids? She’s nearly a head taller than me already!
Once the measurements were done, Tulia pointed at a few simple long dresses, intending to get things over with quickly, “These two sets will do. We’ll—”
“No.”
A crisp yet resolute voice interrupted her.
Both Tulia and Ilana turned in surprise, only to see Lisbeth standing by a row of clothing racks, her eyes firmly fixed on one particular outfit.
It wasn’t a dress, but a sharply tailored, gender-neutral fitted suit.
This was Lisbeth’s first time expressing her preferences so clearly.
Tulia was momentarily stunned, then a smile of relief—one she didn’t even notice herself—appeared in her eyes.
She nodded, “Alright, we’ll do as you wish.”
A moment later, the mother and daughter stepped out of the fitting room, transformed.
Tulia wore a blue and white knee-length dress. The overall design seemed plain at first glance, but a closer look revealed countless fine patterns like ocean waves woven into the fabric. The delicate, smooth material highlighted her gentle and graceful temperament perfectly.
Lisbeth, on the other hand, was a different sight altogether. Black tailored trousers hugged her long, straight legs, and she wore a bright red shirt under a sharply cut black coat. The stark color contrast set off her strikingly handsome features, making her look like a handsome, beautiful young knight who’d just stepped out of an ancient painting.
“Perfect! Absolutely perfect!” Ilana clapped her hands excitedly.
Tulia took out a few gold coins from her pouch, ready to pay.
“Madam, you insult me!” Ilana suddenly pressed down on her hand, her expression dead serious, “I cannot take your money!”
“Why not?”
“To have you and your daughter walk out in my shop’s clothes is the best advertisement I could ever ask for! In fact, I should be paying you for the publicity!” Ilana’s eyes sparkled, sharp with business acumen and the passion of a designer, “However, I have a small request.”
She pulled out a smooth crystal tablet from beneath the counter, faint magical light glimmering on its surface.
“Could I ask you both… to leave me a magic portrait? I promise, it’ll be the most dazzling signboard my little shop has ever had!”
At Ilana’s enthusiastic urging and nearly ‘director-like’ instructions, a unique scene was frozen in front of the crystal tablet.
The taller Lisbeth now played the part of the “handsome knight.” She bent forward slightly, reached out, and gently pinched her mother’s petite chin between her fingertips, slowly drawing near as if to plant a tender kiss.
Meanwhile, Tulia was forced to play the “captured, bashful beauty.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, cheeks blazing red, head turned slightly to the side, the picture of both resistance and helplessness—telling a story with every gesture.
Click. A faint sound rang out as magical light flashed.
A dynamic magic portrait, like a dashing couple whispering intimately, was captured forever.
“Wonderful! This is hands-down my proudest piece this year!” Ilana, satisfied, put away the crystal tablet, excitement overflowing on her face. She could already imagine a line out the door of her shop.
She immediately produced a finely bound notebook and a quill pen from behind the counter, almost like performing a magic trick.
“Now then, my lovely ladies,” she opened the book, smiling professionally yet warmly, “Could I have your names and address? For the custom clothes I promised—when I’m done designing and making them, I’ll deliver them to you personally.”
Tulia glanced at Lisbeth, who was still curiously examining her new outfit, and decided to leave only her own information.
“Mine will suffice,” she said softly. “My name is Tulia.”
“Tulia…” Ilana repeated as she wrote in the notebook, “Oh, got it, got it. What a rare and poetic name. And… your surname?”
Surname?
This question gave Tulia pause.
To a soul from another world, “Tu” was her surname.
But here, “Tulia” clearly sounded like a complete name. She needed a surname that fit local conventions and… perhaps conveyed a certain message.
Unbidden, an exquisite face—always with an air of dominance, sometimes showing a hint of vulnerability—floated up in her mind.
A thought, with a trace of mischievous, vengeful satisfaction she herself didn’t notice, quietly rose in her heart.
She looked up at Ilana, and in a calm, almost matter-of-fact tone, spoke slowly and clearly:
“Tulia Von Nolstein.”
“…Von Nolstein?”
Ilana’s pen froze mid-air. She looked up, eyes wide in disbelief.
That surname, in Aiden City and throughout the Kingdom, stood for unrivaled power and wealth.
She quickly regained her composure, merely marveling in her heart: No wonder! No wonder she has such stunning beauty and presence—so she’s from that legendary family!
“Alright, I’ve written it down.” She didn’t ask further, instead solemnly recording the illustrious name.
“As for your address…” A hint of distress crept into Tulia’s tone, “We’re currently staying at the Gingko Inn, and still troubled over finding a place to live.”
“Oh? Are you looking to buy or rent?” Ilana’s interest was piqued.
In this world of relatively fixed populations—especially in the Imperial Capital—renting wasn’t as common as buying.
“We plan to buy,” Tulia replied firmly.
“That’s a real coincidence!” Ilana’s eyes sparkled instantly. She said warmly, “I just happen to know a very reliable real estate agent with only the best properties! Tell him my name when you go, and you’ll get a big, big discount!”
“That’s really a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much.” Tulia hadn’t expected such luck and thanked her sincerely.
Ilana tore off a slip of paper, writing a name and address in elegant script before solemnly handing it to Tulia.
“Take this and go find him,” she winked as if sharing a secret, “I guarantee he’ll help you save a fortune.”
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