Just a few weeks before the selection of the next Royal Designer.
But before fighting the war, there should be a celebration.
This season is the busiest for the nobles and businessmen. All houses would like to throw a party, and it would be bad not to give some face once you're invited.
"Big sister Yue, you definitely have to go. I miss you I miss you I miss you" the baby on the other side of the call is selling cuteness.
"Of course, I wouldn't miss the party thrown by my baby Kil" Yue can't help but pamper the baby.
"You said that it's a promise! I will not recognize big sister in the future if you will not come! Ouch!" Kil received a resounding smack.
"Sister, my brother is bullying me! Help me!"
Yue can't help but laugh even though she can't see them. Just imagining the face of the baby scrunching is priceless.
"No sister, why are you laughing" Kil is grieving.
"Alright sister won't. sister will definitely see the baby in a few days. Be good"
"I will big sister Yue. I know you're busy. Thank you for letting me disturb you"
The line was cut.
Yue had to finish a lot at this time, but small moments like that are what makes her day a bit lighter.
Since events are coming left and right, last minute orders for customized dresses are pouring.
Of course, things are being regulated.
The deadline for the dress collection for the second and third quarter are being finalized, since the catalogue for it should be published ahead of time.
Yue was glad that she was able to work with a big company like Alcane before opening her own shop, lest she be clueless for this kind of things. Although she can hire someone to help her manage, it's good that she also had a personal experience to avoid dependence because you'll never know up until when things are convenient.
"Excuse me, may I have a moment of Miss Yue?" someone peeked from the door.
"Sure, please come in" Yue had moved from the studio to a more office like room. Since she would be taking some administrative matters as well.
"Here is the proposal of the planning department for the spring collection catalogue. They will be starting the shooting by the second week of next year. The president would like to know your output regarding this matter so we can incorporate for the final execution"
"I understand, leave the files here for now. I'll review this before the day ends. Would there be anything else?"
"There are also these invitations requesting for your attendance. The president mentioned that you didn't have to go to every place, but at least consider one"
"I will, thank you"
Yue can only sigh deeply after the assistant left.
Although banquets are good for building up connections, but it's also exhausting. But she has to get used to it especially now that she will be formally introduced by next year.
Although she had been the Young Miss of the Crest Family, her brother didn't intend you place her in the front lines so he didn't require her such activities. But it would be different once she took back her own identity.
Speaking of which, after the day she met her mother and grandfather, Ashaina came back as if nothing happened. She still didn't know how they would handle her.
But once she assumed her position, the stability within the family would definitely break down.
Hopefully, it will not end up in a bloodshed.
Yue first checked the proposal sent and listed some of her suggestions, after that, she sorted the invitations. One invitation caught her eyes, it was sent by the House of Bijoux. She remembered the last time she went to their opening, ever since then they had seated prominently at the top of the market.
There's also the upcoming engagement ceremony of their youngest daughter. She heard the man came from a small house but is quite diligent and managed to gain some support from major noble families. He also gained some prestige in trading stones. There's still some gain in the family so there's only few resistances in this union. Yue was barely reminded that Kiro was supposed to have a blind date with their daughter, but it may be a different one.
Yue decided to attend this one since she wanted to coordinate the accessories for the dress collection. She had long informed Kiro of this matter. This is probably also the reason why he sent her the invitation.
Located at the heart of Melliuse Forest, the Bijoux Manor personally hosted the banquet since it will also serve as the platform to announce the engagement of their youngest daughter.
"How ironic" Yue can't help but mutter.
"It's not as if you even cared if I was present that day. You totally forgot right" although he was at fault, he can't help but also retaliate.
"Yes, thank goodness I didn't expect much from you" she smiled brightly.
"Naughty lady" if not for the occasion, he would like to pat the lady on the head.
"Thank you for the compliment Young Master" she really took it as is.
"Alright just keep your act" such an endearing two-faced brat. Now he knows why his baby brother likes her.
"Of course, I'm the most precious sister of Yyan Crest, how can I throw away my brother's face" she didn't notice but she slightly raised her chin when she said the words.
"Lucky him. Don't worry, this time I will keep my word" Kiro, was of course, threatened by Yyan. It would be his demise if he can't do his part this time.
"That's reassuring Young Master" after that small joke, but the last part was no doubt serious.
However, at this point, Yue had to keep a low-profile. Although she roamed around and made acquaintance, she didn't promote her identity as the daughter of the Crest Family. Her first social appearance back then was also too brief to make waves, people would hardly recognize her from back then.
Being presented as the Chief Designer would also overwhelm her other identity.
But having said that, Yue had been walking in pins and needles.
These ladies who didn't know the true face of Kiro are burning in jealousy.
"Oh my, it's been a long time since I last saw Young Master Fierro, I heard you have expanded your business once again. Your parents must be proud" Rad Obeli, Kiro's uncle from his mother side greeted him.
"If only they would say it that way, you know how they always nag me" Kiro is kind in this side of his family.
"That's their concern for the Young Master. And I believe this is the first time I met this lady" Rad was actually whispered to by his sister to look out for possible candidates to be Kiro's wife. Imagine his surprise by seeing his nephew bring a lady in this occasion, of course, he had to do a little investigation.
"This is Yue, the Chief Designer of Alcane. And my uncle Rad Obeli" Kiro introduced the two of them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Obeli" Yue put on a proper smile.
"Nice to meet you too Ms. Yue. It's admirable that at such a young age you already achieved such position. Young Master always has a knack for recognizing talents" despite that, Rad was a bit disappointed. He thought his nephew brought her because of interest, now it seems that it is all for business. But he can still see that the lady is a bit special so there's no harm in treating the junior kindly.
"Yes, it is fortunate that he offered to develop my potential in all aspects. And he is such a sincere person even asking the permission of my family to work for him" Yue can't help but put on a side comment which made Kiro a bit flustered.
"Is it? the Young Master must have really treasured Miss Yue's talent. I'm sure my family would be looking forward to the following year's collection line" now he remembered that recently, his wife and daughter are very fond of a designer of Alcane. It is Miss Yue that they're actually fussing about. His impression had leaped up a notch. His nephew seemed to provide an extra attention for the lady, maybe there's a chance for the two of them to develop.
Little did Rad Obeli knows that he is thinking in a dangerous direction. If the two young masters knew about it, the former might cut his tongue and the later would cut his head.
"I'm sure won't let them be disappointed" Yue had met the madam and daughter of Kiro's uncle and she had a good impression on them. They also placed in several orders for the upcoming year.
After that, Yue wittingly diverted the attention back to Kiro, who can only helplessly sigh as he remembered how Yue tried to jab him with words. The lady sure is vengeful.
Yue didn't really have to stick with Kiro since there are some businesses that he might want to discuss in private. She tried to find some acquaintance in the hall.
"Miss Yue?"
"Miss Adrien" Yue recognized the person who called her.
"I'm glad Miss Yue still remembers me"
"Of course, meeting a beautiful and talented woman like Miss Adrien is something unforgettable" Yue rarely see her in the company. She heard that Adrien often works at home and would only go the company to inspect the finished product.
"Miss Yue sounds like a womanizer; how could that be" Adrien commented with humor.
"I was only telling the truth" Yue affirmed.
"This is making me embarrassed somehow" Adrien believed Yue is sincere but didn't think it would make her shy.
"Miss Adrien knows the person of the house?" Yue diverted the topic seeing the situation.
"Yeah, back then the second daughter of the Bijoux Family and I are playmates. Together with Kiro, we attended elementary until they have to move to another place a year before we graduated" Adrien is of the same generation with Kiro and her brother, it's just that Yyan wasn't able to join them much in school since he was sent to train early in his years.
"I didn't expect for it to be a bit of a background" Yue was slightly amazed.
"Surprising, isn't it"
"You must have met the youngest daughter then"
"Quite a few times. She was not the social type. She was actually more interested in studying gems than seeing people. It was not a bad aspect though" however, Adrien's face suddenly became sad.
Before Yue can ask anything, the host of the banquet had arrived.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to the engagement of my dearest daughter Emilia and her fiancé Roller Heines" Count Bijoux introduced to the crowd.
Two people emerged from the top stairs.
The woman was obviously not used to this kind of occasion. But she was trying to keep her back straight, summoning all her courage just so she can step the stage with her beloved. Yue commends her courage.
She was a little beauty, not the glamorous type, but a face that makes you feel comfortable the longer you look at it. Yue just felt pity that the dress she's wearing doesn't match her temperament. It would've added to her confidence.
Her gown was adorned by countless gemstones that can almost blind one's eyes. It made her look tacky. Although the design is up to trend so no one really tried to criticize.
Yue turned her focus to the man then she suddenly felt an urge to pull her gun.