Chapter 81

As soon as they finished eating, Roven broached the topic about the celebration for the victory of the war.

"When is that ball going to be held?" Celeste asked,

"Second week of November," Roven replied, "apart from that, I think it's time for Nash to make his social debut."

Ivelisse looked at her husband, frowning, "Our child was unconscious for 6 months and you're telling me what? Making her social début as soon as she awoke?"

"It's her choice, I already told her that you'll disagree, but she didn't listen."

All of them looked at Nash who was just silently munching at her sweet chocolate ice cream.

"Nash," Ivelisse called,

"Hmm?" She innocently answered,

"Are you paying attention to what we're saying?"

"Yes. Why? There's nothing wrong with debuting, right? Mother, you've always wanted to host my debutante ball, so throw one for me. Though I'm not exactly a debutante because my birthday has already passed, I'm very sure they already know about my existence, so I might as well be known."

"You've just woken up," Ivelisse sighed.

"There's still months and days to sleep. I already know how to dance, etiquettes and such,so you don't have to bother calling someone to teach me those things." Nash explained,

"What about the guests?" Celeste asked,

"It's a celebration of the victory of the war, you could invite whomever you want. Father will just announce my existence that day, it isn't that important."

"It is important," Vincenzo said, "The only people who know about you are the knights who aided you during the war, and you don't even know the majority of the aristocracy here."

"I do know some of them, especially those I have seen during my time as a squad knight. It's fine if they don't know who I am as long as I know who they are. I'm not even planning on greeting them."

"Why debut when you won't greet them anyway?" Celeste asked.

"They will come at you," Daniel said,

Nash smiled, "Then that's the time when I'll greet them."

"There are some who are greedy," Celeste said,

"I'm greedy as well. You don't have to worry about those issues. I have faith in my mouth."

"That is the issue, your mouth." Vincenzo said, "You are too straight forward sometimes."

"I'm just spitting facts." Nash pouted, "Is it bad?"

"Still, try to read the atmosphere."

"Alright alright... I understand." Nash looked back at her mother, "I'll write some names of the guests I want to invite, that's fine, right?"

"Of course. What about your dress? Should I invite Madam Jacqueline? She's the best fashion designer in the empire."

Nash smiled, "No. I already have someone who will work on my dress."

"Who?"

"Aunt Millicent, my friend Marais' mother. She owns a small boutique and I find her designs perfect for me. You remember Katherine's dress during the coming-of-age? That's a design made by Aunt Millicent."

'Ahh... Katherine...'

Nash shrugged off her thought.

Ivelisse smiled, "Right! Katherine's dress was magnificent that time. Then I'll send her a letter and invite her here to take your measurements and maybe mine as well."

"Me too!" Celeste exclaimed,

"Then for the whole family then," Ivelisse said.

Nash felt excited, 'Aunt Millicent would be ecstatic.'

...

2 weeks later...

"Your Majesty, the tailor has arrived." Ivelisse looked at Vernon with a bright face.

"Really?! Take her to Nash's room. Call for Celeste as well."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Vernon bowed and left Ivelisse's office.

Ivelisse and Celeste entered Nash's room and noticed her scribbling a few invitations.

"You've been writing for a week now," Celeste stated as she approached Nash. Ivelisse pet Dopey while she sat on the couch.

"I just started writing last night," Nash responded, continuing to write.

A knock was heard, "I have brought the couturier."

"Come in," Ivelisse said.

Vernon walked inside Nash's room, followed by Millicent, who walked stiffly. As she gazed at the Imperial Empress and Princesses, she became anxious.

"I greet Her Majesty, the Empress and her highnesses," Millicent curtsy.

"Thank you for coming here, Madam Millicent," Ivelisse holds onto Millicent's hands, "Vernon you may leave,"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Don't you bring samples and such?" Celeste asked. Typically, tailors that visited the Palace brought samples of various textiles.

"I have them all inside this bag, your highness." Millicent showed Celeste her suitcase.

"uhm... I'm sorry for asking this, but, why am I summoned here? I haven't yet worked for high nobles, therefore I'm not sure how confident I am in my work. I'm not doubting you, Your Majesty, it's just that I don't want to be the cause of your embarrassment."

Ivelisse chuckled, "Your works are just our type."

"But there's Madam Jacqueline, who's been working for you for years..."

"Aunt Millicent, remember how I said you'd work on my clothing in the future?" Nash completed all of the invites and rose to meet Millicent.

"My apologies, but who..?"

"Ah... so Marais didn't mention anything?" Nash altered her appearance. Millicent covered her mouth in surprise as she stared at Nash, her daughter's friend.

"Nash?!"

"I'm glad that you're doing well, Aunt Millicent."

"I'm confused..."

"As you can see, I'm one of the emperor's children. I changed my appearance and joined the squad knights, where I met you and your daughter." Nash explained as she changed back her appearance, "I was the one who asked mother for you to be the one who will design our dress, so please be the one to design the dress we will use for the upcoming celebration."

"Are you sure about that Na-- Your Highness?"

Nash pouted, "Please address me where you feel most comfortable,"

"I can't just do that, dear,"

"Then, only if there are no others then. You can address me as Nash here, mother and sister won't mind."

Ivelisse and Celeste smiled at Millicent.

Millicent hesitated for a bit, but eventually gave up with those pleading eyes of Nash, "Ha... then I'll call you Nash when there are no others."

"Then, let's get down to business, shall we? Madam Millicent?"

Millicent's face flushed, 'Her Majesty calls me Madam... Like a professional tailor...'

"Then, I'll start to take your measurements," Millicent put out her measuring tape and such, as well as her designs, "While I take your measurement, Your Majesty and her highness can look at a few designs. There are also various fabrics attached so you could pick which fabrics are comfortable for you."

"Don't you have any assistants?" Celeste asked, she was the first one to be measured.

"I usually work with my daughter, but she's busy these days."

"I see..."

As soon as Celeste was done, Ivelisse took her turn.

"Do you work with coats as well?"

"Yes, Your Majesty"

"Could you then do my husband's coat as well as my son's?"

"I'll be honored,"

"Thank you, I'll call for them later once we're through. You don't have to be afraid of my husband, he might release this menacing aura, but he's a good guy."

"Can I not wear a corset? I've never worn one before," Nash asked as Millicent took her measurement.

"You could, but you'll find the dress uncomfortable in your waist since the dress usually tightens around the waist. You hate ribbons, right? If you don't use a corset, the back of your dress will feature a ribbon to tighten around the waist to show off your body shape."

"Won't it hurt?"

"If it hurts while wearing it, then it means something is wrong."

"Okay, I'll wear one then."

As soon as they finished, Ivelisse called for the men in the family. They discussed the design while waiting for them.

"Should we have alike dresses?" Ivelisse asked her daughters, "By alike, I mean the colors of our clothes and coats complement each other, I didn't want it to be exactly alike."

"I love that, I want mine with flowers and jewels," Celeste suggested.

"Sure, we can have our own designs. I want mine simple yet elegant please, I'll see your designs, Madam Millicent."

"Aunt Millicent, you know the features I hate. If you want mine to be as shiny as possible, you could just add glitters. I heard they're in the markets, but not used because nobles prefer jewels to make their dresses bright. I hate jewels, it feels heavy, but if jewels make it better, then it's fine as long as the dress is comfortable."

As soon as the Princes and the Emperor arrived, Millicent introduced herself and took the measurements of the men.

"I'll be returning in 5 days after finishing your designs."

"That's fast," Daniel said in amazement.

"Even if Aunt Millicent works alone, she focuses more on designing dresses and coats and doesn't know the word procrastinate."

"And, since the Imperial Family is my only client, it won't take too much time."

"Oh... about that, Aunt Millicent, I have some favor to ask,"

"What is it?"

Nash went to her table and fetched Marais' invitation. "This is an invitation for the upcoming celebratory ball, I would be glad to see you and your daughter there. And, also, I will be asking you to make 5 children's clothes, 2 dresses and 3 suits, and suits for 6 men for the ball as well."

Millicent's eyes widened, "That many?"

"Yes, will that be fine?"

All of sudden, sparkles begin to form surrounding Millicent's head, "Yes! That would be exciting to work on."

"Will you be able to do it in a span of 2 months?"

Millicent smirked and showed her determination, "Leave those clothes to me, dear."

Nash chuckled, "I knew I could count on you, Aunt Millicent."

Nash provided Millicent a list of names of those who will be wearing the extra clothing she requested.