With the contract finalized, Serena turned her attention to the grand opening of her boutique. The store was nearly ready—its elegant interior, the carefully arranged mannequins, and the meticulously chosen fabrics that awaited their moment of debut. But there was still much to be done.
Serena sat in her office, the weight of decisions pressing on her. She called in her staff—Robert, the manager; the tailors, seamstresses, and designers—along with Aiden and Rika.
The first meeting focused on the opening event. Serena's vision was clear. She wanted it to be a grand occasion, one that would signal her entry into the elite fashion world.
"We will invite only the most influential members of society—noble families and potential high-profile clients," Serena instructed. "They must understand that this boutique is not just a store, but a fashion statement. We will showcase our finest works, and every detail of this evening must reflect that."
Robert, the manager, stepped forward, "Shall we arrange for entertainment, Your Grace? A performance, perhaps, to add prestige?"
Serena nodded thoughtfully. "A performance would be fitting. Something subtle yet grand—perhaps a small orchestra or a poet who can weave stories of the finest clothes and beauty. The performance should serve as a backdrop, enhancing the overall experience of the boutique."
Next, she turned to Aiden. "Aiden, prepare invitations for the event. Make sure the most influential figures receive them personally."
Aiden nodded, making a note. "I'll ensure the invitations are sent immediately, Your Grace."
Dyanne, who had been quiet so far, spoke up. "And what about the staff, Your Grace? Do we need additional help for the opening night?"
Serena glanced over the staff roster and then nodded. "Yes, we will need extra hands. A team to help with guests, to explain the clothing on display, and to manage any needs during the event. Robert, you will coordinate with the staff to ensure everything runs smoothly."
"Understood, Your Grace," Robert said.
"The opening night will set the tone for the future of this boutique. I want every guest to leave feeling as though they have witnessed the future of fashion. I want them to remember this evening as the moment when they first laid eyes on something truly remarkable." Serena stood, her expression calm.
With that, the preparations began in earnest. Robert oversaw the team, ensuring that every detail was attended to. The seamstresses and tailors worked tirelessly to perfect the clothing, ensuring that each piece was impeccable. Designers helped select the finest garments to display in prominent positions. The staff was instructed on how to engage with guests, providing a personal and luxurious experience.
As the days passed, the excitement around the boutique's opening grew. Invitations were delivered, and whispers of Serena's ambitious new venture began to spread through the city.
The final touches were made to the boutique—the lighting adjusted, the scent of lavender and rosewater filling the air, and the furniture arranged in perfect symmetry to create an atmosphere of opulence and sophistication. Serena stood in the boutique one last time before the opening, her gaze sweeping over the space. She was satisfied. Everything was as it should be.
Tomorrow, the world would see what she had created.
The sun had not yet fully risen when the first staff arrived. The boutique shimmered in the soft morning light, its sign newly gilded: Aurelia Atelier. Inside, a low hum of excitement ran through the air.
Serena arrived just before noon, dressed in a custom gown of midnight blue brocade, her hair twisted elegantly with silver pins. She took a moment at the entrance, eyes scanning every corner with the precision of a ruler inspecting her kingdom.
"Aiden," she said calmly, "are the guest lists confirmed?"
Aiden stepped forward with a clipboard. "Yes, Duchess. Lords and Ladies from Houses Elmont, Varnen, and Calloway have confirmed. The Guild Council has sent a representative, and Claude will arrive shortly."
Serena gave a nod, her eyes settling on the centerpiece: a glass pedestal displaying a gown of gold-threaded silk embroidered with patterns inspired by the capital's skyline.
Guests began to arrive one by one, ushered in by Robert and the support staff. Music floated gently in the background from a small quartet stationed in the gallery corner, their sound elegant but unobtrusive.
Whispers filled the boutique.
"She truly did it—look at that stitching!"
"Is that fabric from the South Sea traders?"
"Her taste is impeccable... and her supplier? Crimson Bolt, I heard."
Claude arrived fashionably late, dressed not extravagantly, but with sharp precision—a merchant who knew how to command attention through subtlety. He offered Serena a curt nod, then presented a single bolt of emerald silk, placing it on a side table.
"A gift," he said with a small smirk. "For your first collection. Limited dye. South coast tidewater blend. No one else in the empire has it."
Serena glanced at the silk, then met his gaze. "Then we must create something worthy of it."
As the evening unfolded, drinks were served, orders placed, and compliments exchanged. Even those who had once scoffed at the idea of a noblewoman running a boutique found themselves captivated.
By the time, the final guests departed and the musicians packed their instruments, Serena stood at the heart of her boutique, satisfied.
Aiden returned with the final tally. "Over thirty pre-orders, a waiting list for three gowns, and three offers to invest in your brand."
She took the paper, scanned it briefly, then folded it away. "This is only the beginning."