CONTEMPT AND GREED

Another day has passed by, and tomorrow is the awaited event for many. The engagement party will also serve as a matchmaking process where young ladies meet with young lords and tie each other for mutual or love purposes. 

Everyone has been talking about the engagement party, the social circle has been very loud, and even the capital is very lively at the upcoming event. However, despite the engagement being the talk of the town, the capital is rather invested in the red-haired saviour who protected everyone from that vicious criminal. 

It was circulating fast as common people spread the good words about the person in question. The only clue that everyone has is that the person has red hair, resembling a burning fire. 

It reaches the nobles' ears however they assume that it is something that they shouldn't care about. What's so great with the person anyway?

"Viscountess Yulie Rajeh has requested to meet you, Mistress," Olivia announced as she entered the room. She saw Felicia at her study table, seemingly doing her assignments rather than going out of the manor to explore the garden and stay somewhere else. 

She was hiding in her room, dealing with her academic distress rather than going out. It seems that she's really not that happy about this... Endeavour.

"Tell her to meet me here. Then prepare some refreshments for us." Felicia said without turning her head towards Olivia, her focus concentrated on the paper in front of her rather than what was behind her. 

"I understand," Olivia replied and sighed, turning her back against Felicia while looking at Noctua who was sleeping during the sun's time to shine. Poor Mistress of hers, trapped in this golden cage. 

As soon as the door closed, Felicia finally took a breath in and yawned. Yesterday when she arrived home, it was almost one morning. She was then woken up by Alexander at four, and continued her training, taking classes, without even any inch of sleep. 

She could feel her head throbbing through her skull. It hurts so bad without getting any proper sleep. Yet it was still a pleasant memory though, she gets to hear everyone's positive praises towards her. 

She heard the door open and thought that it was Olivia arriving once again. "Olivia? Can you break my arm so that I don't have to go to the palace tomorrow? I really don't want to join." She groaned, throwing a light tantrum while sitting on the chair facing her table. 

With a chuckle, Yulie answered Felicia which shocked her to the core. "That can't be done, my Lady. I have already made your dress completed. I assure you, you look beautiful in it without disarming your arm." She issued, making Felicia turn her head towards Yulie's direction, in complete shock. 

"It's been a while, my Lady. How have you been?" Yulie asked, smiling at her with a grin as she bowed her head in a sign of respect. Despite being a noble due to Felicia, Felicia is still a princess in terms of power and influence. 

"Yulie! Oh my, look at you, so vibrant! Seems like you're slowly getting customers huh?" Felicia asked, couldn't contain the surprise as she stood from where she was and went in her direction, clasping both of Yulie's hands while grinning. 

"You successfully managed to woo the nobility with your talent. I'm impressed." She added, showering her with praises. It seems that one of her plans has come with fruits to offer. 

"Oh no, Milady. I was just really lucky that I attracted some of the nobles and mostly commoners, especially merchant daughters to my shop. My influence is still at stake. However, with you taking steps at the ball, I will surely gain more recognition." She replied, still couldn't wipe off the smile on her lips.

"Hm... So where is the dress?" She asked, curious as to what she had made for her to wear. Although she is still at the phase where she hates going and being partially tied to that bastard, with her showcasing Yulie's talent then she would earn more.

Meaning, Felicia's investment in Yulie will grow more. Her pocket money will be filled. Such a good investment except for the wrong event. 

"Ah, my men will shortly deliver them to you. Don't worry. I also created another dress. Do you want me to deliver it today?" She asked Felicia with excitement. Her passion for fashion is really admirable. 

"No, just keep it there. Deliver it tomorrow." Felicia rejected. If Helena were to see the two dresses, she would definitely destroy them. The dress was being delivered today, she must have seen it coming. 

Who knew if that dress would sacrifice itself from Helena's viciousness? That's just an assumption though. Her dear sister wouldn't be so vile to tear up such a special dress made for her. Or would she?

"If that's what you want then it's fine with me, Milady." She said while being pulled by Felicia towards her small living room set up in her room adorned with thousands of jewels in each part. 

She really is a Princess living extravagantly. 

"So, what does being a Viscountess feel like?" Felicia asked as she guided her towards the couch, letting her sit then she followed, sitting right in front of her while waiting for the refreshments. 

"Well, shortly after becoming a Viscountess, I was able to secure a good spot and even landed in many social gatherings. I made sure to express my kindness towards you and didn't tell them about my background as a commoner. You know how those women hate commoners." Yulie answered her question while chuckling. 

"Right, how embarrassing it is actually. It's great to hear that you are doing well. I'm sure you are doing great. Do not worry, I will surely spread your name during the engagement party. Everyone needs to recognise your talent." Felicia answered.

It was then at that time that Olivia finally entered the space, together with men carrying a large package, making Felicia frown. What's with the package? 

"Oh, the dress is here," Yulie said as she stood up and assisted her men by slowly removing the package, hiding the dress inside it. She was excited to show Felicia how the dress turned out as she poured all of her heart and energy into it. 

"The refreshments are here. please, help yourself first." Felicia tried to step in, inviting Yulie first for a couple of refreshments. The dress won't go away obviously and there are plenty of times to see the dress. 

"After this, Milady. I am very excited to show you what I did for your dress." She said, uncovering the big plastic that was wrapped to hide the dress after they had removed the package. 

As soon as the dress was revealed, everyone gasped at how refined, majestic, and beautiful the dress was. Even Felicia's mouth was gaping at the design that seemed to look simple yet complicated. 

It was a combination of a halter top and a v-neck lining on her torso, hugging the curve of the mannequin while outlining its cleavage. Some sort of fishnet was covered behind her back with such a strange pattern. It's as if the dress wanted to show the other side of modesty yet remained respectful.

The skirt was cascaded with multiple layers, traced with silver linings and what seemed like white lilies and greeneries as the chosen pattern. Beads were used to outline each layer, making the dress stand up even better. 

The headpiece has a little hat, a pillbox signature where it has feathers, mesh with polka dots, and a tiny hat included. Everything was coloured either green or white, suiting her taste really well. 

The combination is just something else. And Felicia is amazed because of it. 

"This is one of my finest pieces being created, aside from the dress that I left back in the shop. I also created a small headpiece for you, Madame to really highlight your green eyes. That's why I made it green." She explained, giving the mannequin wearing the dress a twirl for Felicia to look at it further. 

"Holy Goddess... It looks so amazing! I can't believe that you did this, Viscountess!" Olivia gasped, in awe as she stared at it even more, considering how it would surely gain popularity towards the younger generation of the nobility. Especially that the one wearing it is her mistress.

"Right? It's quite provocative yet with caution. Look at that... The fabric you used is quite smooth and soft to wear, not too hot at the same time. The dress itself is magnificent already... Wow... I'm still speechless." Felicia sang praises as her eyes still couldn't look away from the dress.

The only thing that is wrong here is that the dress is right for her but in the wrong event. Goddess, why does she have to wear this for her damn engagement party? 

"Right? It will fit you right, Milady! Because I especially made it for you!" Yulie squealed, proud of her creation of the dress that made everyone laugh at her behaviour. Even the two, Olivia and Felicia are proud of her for her excellent mastery of creating a masterpiece. 

However, from the corner of the open door, peeping through the gap, a jealous pair of eyes stared with contempt, gritting its teeth as it watched everyone having fun with the dress for Felicia.

The person wasn't feeling the same excitement, amusement, and thrill that those three people inside the room felt. But rather, its eyes are filled with despise, loathe, and greed, contempt towards them. 

'Just you wait, I will wipe off that smile of yours.'