“Look at this. This batch of fabric came from your shop, didn’t it? The quality is abysmal and it’s practically falling apart. I wouldn’t even use this as a tablecloth.”
Ignoring the noblewoman’s disdainful complaints, Laura picked up the damaged fabric and examined it closely.
Although the woman’s eyes betrayed a hint of guilt, Laura’s expression gradually darkened.
This woman had never actually visited the shop to purchase any fabric or clothing before.
Laura had only crossed paths with her occasionally while working for other nobles.
For a “big figure” like her to personally come and demand an explanation was somewhat beneath her status… unless she had come to this small shop specifically to cause trouble.
“I am sorry, Ma’am. It seems this is indeed a product that leaked out from our shop at some point. As an apology, I can replace it for you free of charge—”
“Do you think I’m someone who lacks that little bit of money?! If you cannot satisfy me, don’t even think about opening your shop today.”
The woman had no intention of entertaining Laura’s polite gestures.
She had come here specifically to make things difficult for her, so how could she compromise so easily?
With a wave of her hand, several servants walked into the shop from outside. They glared menacingly at Laura and the other employees.
The already cramped shop suddenly felt extremely oppressive and tense.
Fortunately, it was still early, and the street had not yet reached its busy opening hour.
Otherwise, this would surely cause quite a scene. But then again, how could someone just happen to come looking for trouble at this exact time?
“What are they doing? Mph—don’t just cover my mouth! I can be quiet on my own…”
At this moment, the sounds of playfulness in the changing room suddenly went quiet.
Through the curtain, Hailey and Idledra cautiously observed the stalemate in the shop.
Upon hearing the noblewoman mention that she was recommended by a prince, Idledra understood why the woman had come.
It seemed yesterday’s show of power had indeed provoked someone, and now they were already starting to make their move.
‘Thinking about the Second Prince’s expression yesterday… looking like he wanted to kill me but having to force a smile because of the imperial order… I feel a strange sense of satisfaction for some reason.’
“Hey, stop dazing off. The shopkeeper is in trouble. Use that all-powerful head of yours to think of something.”
Hailey flusteredly poked Idledra’s cheek, only to be met with a gentle pat on the head. Idledra nonchalantly began to play with Hailey’s hair.
Because she had been having too much fun just now, she had completely forgotten Hailey’s measurements.
She only remembered how soft and nice Hailey’s skin felt to the touch… and currently, Hailey was still hiding in her arms, completely naked.
“That was right.”
The reason Hailey hadn’t made a sound was that this villain had hidden her clothes, leaving her with no choice but to curl up in her arms with a look of humiliation, unable to move.
Back at the shop entrance, even though some familiar vendors curiously wanted to come over and help, they were driven back by the fierce glares of the noble’s servants.
Laura looked at the woman’s triumphant expression and then toward the two people hiding in the changing room.
It seemed this woman was coming for those two young ladies and would not rest until she saw them.
“Fine. Since you insist, I shall set aside the Royal Order for a moment… I hope they aren’t in a hurry.”
Laura’s voice was very soft, almost as if she were talking to herself, but it caused the woman’s expression to change instantly.
Mrs. Somas looked at her in disbelief, as if needing to confirm what she heard.
“Wait, a Royal Order… Shouldn’t this belong to someone else—”
“What someone else? Are your eyes playing tricks on you, Ma’am? I haven’t even opened my doors at this hour—oh, it seems they are open, but you are blocking them.”
Laura feigned ignorance, looking quite troubled. Opposite her, Mrs. Somas’s face had already turned pale.
She never expected it to be like this.
The Second Prince had clearly instructed that this was just a commoner’s shop on this street…
Why would a tiny shop like this receive a Royal Order?
“It was impossible, absolutely impossible!”
Her husband had always wanted to build a connection with the Imperial Family.
This was supposed to be a rare opportunity to show their sincerity, but they had ended up running into such a massive obstacle.
Mrs. Somas’s husband, Baron Somas, was a marginal figure among the nobles.
The only reason they were able to get close to an Imperial Prince—even if it was the Second Prince, who was rumored to be illegitimate—was because their servant had somehow obtained a batch of third-hand scraps.
For some reason, the Second Prince had taken an interest in them, and her husband had been eager to show his loyalty.
“It is a pity. This Royal Order was supposed to be completed soon, but it looks like today’s plans are ruined…”
Laura’s troubled appearance only deepened the noblewoman’s doubts. She even began to wonder if her husband had identified the wrong shop.
She couldn’t help but feel resentful.
She thought she only needed to make things difficult for this little proprietress and delay her from opening for the day to complete the Second Prince’s task.
She never expected that she would instead offend the Imperial Family.
However, when Laura pulled out a shimmering piece of Royal Parchment bearing a crimson-gold seal from beneath the counter, all of the woman’s lingering hopes and doubts vanished in an instant, replaced by deep terror.
Though the parchment looked a bit yellowed, she would never mistake that crimson-gold seal.
That was the seal of the Imperial Family—evidence that no one could question sat right before her eyes!
“Tch… Consider yourself lucky this time. We’re leaving.”
Mrs. Somas led her servants out of the shop in a fit of rage.
Seeing the shop become quiet again, Laura comforted her startled employees and finally let out a long sigh of relief.
“So, is that Royal Parchment real? Forging an imperial decree is an offense that would get all of our heads chopped off.”
With the crisis temporarily averted, Idledra began to joke. Laura didn’t mind, picking up the parchment to look at it again.
The crimson-gold seal seemed to prove its former prestige.
“My father was once an Imperial Designer, so naturally, it is authentic…”
After saying that, Laura suddenly put down the parchment and locked eyes with Idledra.
The two of them stared hungrily at Hailey, who had been watching the scene unfold from the side.
“Now then, Saintess, please prepare yourself. Today, I am your Private Designer.”
“That’s right, Saintess, don’t you dare resist.”
Since the unexpected incident was over, it was time to continue with their task for today.
Looking at the two of them, Hailey felt an ominous premonition.
“Why are you two looking at me like that? It’s a bit scary… Wait, this isn’t aimed at me, is it?”