Chapter 383 Bitter Defeat
"What do you mean by that?"
Sophia noticed that Jasmine's words were filled with irritation and anger, but she couldn't understand why Jasmine was so upset, so she tilted her head in confusion.
"This fabric is truly wonderful The dyeing is perfect. You can tell that both threads were dyed first, and they were woven with slightly lighter colors to create a natural gradient."
"Your insight is impressive."
"You probably have a close relationship with the designer. It seems this was woven to match the design of the dress."
"Yes. They live just a stone's throw away, so I believe they were working together during the process."
Sophia nodded at Jasmine's words. She completely agreed.
"However, the sewing is very disappointing. It seems there are issues with the cutting as well, which likely comes from problems in creating the pattern needed to turn a flat design into a 3-dimensional dress. They aren't making the most of the beautiful fabric and lovely design."
'In short, she's saying the pattern maker lacks skill, and the sewing is at an amateur level.'
Jasmine's point was very valid. It's true that Lucas designs beautiful dresses, but his skills in pattern making and sewing are at the level of a clumsy amateur.
"What you say is very true. The Sophia Merchant Guild is still a newly established merchant guild, and we are completely lacking in skilled personnel."
"They may be a designer with completely different goals and ideas, but I can clearly feel a strong intention in this dress design. I have to admit that it is an incredible talent. That's why we should have someone by our side who has the skills to express the greatness of the design."
Sophia realized she had lost to Jasmine. No matter how much she used her past knowledge, she couldn't compete with a skilled craftsman. As people praised the fabric and design, Sophia understood that she was being blamed for the poor preparation of the Sophia Merchant Guild, which was causing problems.
'I messed up. I should have taken the proper time to prepare. If I had acted more carefully, I might not have embarrassed Chloe and Lucas. I should have known if I had thought it through...'
While working as Sarasa, she was at a long-established trading company that mainly sold silk textiles. The textile department was very active. When she joined, she was placed in this department, where she learned a lot from strong bosses and seniors while traveling and exploring different materials.
Thanks to that knowledge, when she found a workshop in a craftsman village that dealt with weaving and dyeing, she jumped at the opportunity. Additionally, because she had started cultivating flax in a settlement that had the ergot fungus incident, she wanted a workshop that could weave linen fabric.
However, Sara had completely forgotten. The apparel industry, where she sold the purchased products, was filled with people even more outrageous than those in trading companies.
'I can't believe I conveniently forgot about that world filled with monsters and demons.'
Sophia felt ashamed of her arrogance. She had gotten carried away, thinking she knew everything, and now regretted casually saying she would start a fashion department. But since she had announced it in front of many people, she couldn't back out. Even with the Duke Arbal family, she couldn't admit that she couldn't make the dresses, even if it was just a verbal promise.
Jasmine smiled brightly at Sophia.
"If you can provide us with this fabric, we will create the dress for the Duke Arbal's daughter based on your design, and we will handle the sewing as well. Of course, I will assign the best seamstress from my shop."
Jasmine's words seemed to imply, "You amateurs can't make a decent dress," but from the perspective of avoiding immediate danger, it was an attractive offer. However, if she accepted that offer, it would no longer be a dress from the Sophia Merchant Guild.
"Thank you for your kind offer. I will just accept your feelings."
Sophia could only force a smile, trying hard not to let her face twitch. She had never been more grateful for Rebecca's strict training.
But seeing this situation, Patricia realized that the Sophia Merchant Guild was in a bad position.
"Oh dear, it seems there aren't any decent seamstresses in the Grandchester territory. Lady Chloe must be unfortunate. Although, I only make dresses in the capital."
"Does that mean the Evans territory doesn't have the technology to make dresses? As the daughter of Margrave Evans, shouldn't you be focusing on developing your own territory's industry?"
"What are you talking about, Lady Chloe? That's something my father and brother should worry about, not us girls!"
Then Chloe let out a small sigh.
"With all due respect, His Majesty the King cares for the country, and Her Majesty the Queen thinks of the people, right? When His Highness the Crown Prince takes on national policies, Her Highness the Crown Princess should support him. We nobles should support His Majesty the King to protect the country and its people, and we must contribute to the nation's development. Even if we are weak women, we cannot ignore our duties as nobles."
"And what does that have to do with dresses?!"
Chloe meant to make a sarcastic comment to trip her up, but for some reason, Chloe was looking at Patricia with pity. Normally, Chloe would have been fuming, but now she was quietly smiling.
"I've said this many times, but this fabric is made in the Grandchester territory. Even if there are still some rough parts since it's still in the prototype stage, making dresses in Grandchester means giving many craftsmen jobs. And to make sure they don't stay rough forever, the Grandchester family will help them as their lord. I learned from Sophia how important it is to revitalize the industry for the people."
With a dignified air, Chloe declared this to Patricia. At the same time, Sophia's refusal of Jasmine's offer became a clear statement of the Grandchester family's intention: 'We won't stay rough forever.'
'Oh my. Chloe is just too cool. Still, I wish we could keep things a bit vague for a while longer.'
The Sophia Merchant Guild is located in Grandchester territory, showing a close relationship with the Grandchester family. Many noble families were curious about how strong that connection was. When Chloe mentioned the Grandchester name, it seemed to suggest that the Grandchester family played a big role in starting the Sophia Merchant Guild's fashion division.
Then, Victoria, who had been watching nearby, spoke to Chloe.
"Ms. Chloe, you have such wonderful ideas. I'm really impressed by your concern for the people. I definitely want to tell Her Highness Crown Princess about this, but I wonder if you could come to the tea party that Her Highness Crown Princess is hosting."
"I'm very honored, but I can't answer that on my own."
Her Highness Crown Princess is Victoria's real sister. It would be easy to invite members of the Grandchester family to the tea party. Of course, for Chloe, who wants to become a princess, having tea with Her Highness Crown Princess, the prince's mother, is a dream opportunity. The earlier comment about His Majesty the King was probably aimed at that. However, since Chloe is a minor, she can't agree to participate without her parents' permission. Reluctantly, Sophia responds to Victoria.
"Then, I will convey this to the Mrs. Young Marquis."
"I would appreciate that. If you want, Sophia, you can come along too."
'Oh no. That's the main point, isn't it?'
"I'm very grateful, but I'm just a common merchant. It's too much for me to be in front of such noble people..."
"Oh ho ho. I've heard you were quite friendly with the Crown Prince of the neighboring country, though?"
"Th-that's..."
'Darn it, Gerhart made things complicated!'
But even after hearing Jasmine's words, Victoria did not withdraw her request for her daughter's dress and even invited her to a tea party with the royal family. She was clearly showing everyone that she was completely on the side of the Sophia Merchant Guild.
With the support of the Arbal family, the leading Duke family close to the royal family, it would be easier for the Sophia Merchant Guild to establish a base in the capital.
"Looks like even Lord Gerhart can't resist Sophia's charm."
"That's not true. I've heard that His Highness the Crown Prince Gerhart is looking for a proper wife in Avalon."
"Oh, right. I heard he wants to bring Ms. Sara back to the country."
'Is that becoming a rumor!?'
"His Highness just liked my performance. I think he wanted a child like an automaton that plays the piano or violin instead of a music box."
The golem Sara answered with a cheerful smile. Then, the noblewomen nearby also chimed in.
"Oh, that idea is lovely. A product that combines a doll and a music box sounds wonderful."
"I could introduce you to my favorite doll workshop."
"If it's a doll modeled after Ms. Sara, it would surely be beautiful."
"I can understand His Highness the Crown Prince Gerhart's feelings."
'I see, that direction could definitely work.'
The new product planning is very welcome, but right now, she has to find a clothing craftsman no matter what, so she decided to keep her ideas to herself for now.
At the same time, Sophia understood, almost instinctively, that she couldn't ignore Jasmine's strong gaze.
'I think it's a bit rude to look down on someone, but given her position, it's not surprising. Still, her obsession with the fabric feels scarier.'
"Ms. Jasmine, the dresses from the Sophia Merchant Guild will be made with care by the Sophia Merchant Guild. However, I might be able to give you some of the sample fabric. But please understand that the method of making it is a secret."
The Sophia Merchant Guild is working hard to develop new looms and knitting machines for creating new fabrics. Sara, who can picture the finished fabric, has been consulting with craftsmen introduced by Teresa. She has also signed an exclusive contract with two sisters who run a weaving and dyeing workshop near the women's village.
"It's natural that the method of making the fabric is a secret. I'm grateful just to be allowed to touch it, and if possible, I would love to use the precious fabric to make a dress of my own design."
"If you could share your thoughts and requests about the fabric, I think it would help us improve the product even more."
"Of course! I couldn't ask for anything better!"
'I knew it. Instead of fighting with Jasmine, I should collaborate with her. It's better to have her buy a lot of fabric than to make an enemy of such a well-supported dressmaker among the nobles.'
"By the way, I have a rather rude request for Miss Sara..."
"What is it?"
"Would it be possible for you to show me your pannier? I want to know the secret behind how you create so much volume in your skirt with just fabric."
At that, Sara's golem turned its face toward Sophia, looking troubled.
"Ms. Sara, you can decline that. The young Duke Arbal is nearby. It's not appropriate for a lady to show such things in front of gentlemen. I will send a sample pannier from the Sophia Merchant Guild to Ms. Jasmine later."
"Understood."
"I-I'm very sorry for that. I sometimes lose sight of my surroundings when I get too excited."
"Ms. Jasmine, please don't worry about it. Sophia can be a bit like that too."
Sara smiled softly, looking very cute and beautiful, but seeing that smile shocked Sophia a little.
'Wow, Magi has a more perfect fake smile than I do!'
"By the way, Ms. Sophia. Is the designer also in the Grandchester territory?"
"Yes, he is still a young designer."
"Since I haven't seen existing dresses in the royal capital, he must have his own unique sense. What a wonderful talent. This is not a sarcastic comment."
"However, I want him to learn about the trends in the royal capital as well."
"Oh, so the designer is a man. I see, it might be a dress that a man envisions for an ideal woman. Of course, I think it's good to be exposed to various designs. I also felt a lot of inspiration from this dress."
Lucas, in charge of design, still lives in the women's village. Surrounded by skilled sisters, he comes up with many dress design ideas. The sewing is likely done by the village women.
'I should have thought more carefully. Sewing a dress is not the same as making a drawstring bag, and I should have noticed that the pattern maker was missing. I knew haute couture needs high skills, even from my past life...'
Thus, the meaningful yet bitter tea party came to an end. Sophia engraved today's bitter defeat in her heart. Later, she would remember it many times and remind herself.
'Not everything can be solved with cheats.'
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