32nd Dawn - The Director's Offer

Lewis and I wait for less than half an hour until the company's director finally came.

I wasn't nervous before since I thought that I'm only here to keep Lewis company. However, I suddenly remember that he brought me along for a certain purpose, which is for me to decide on an apprenticeship. With that in mind, I find myself shaking a little as soon as I lay eyes on the director.

He's a middle-aged man with platinum blonde hair and sea green pupils, currently dressed in an opulent green tailcoat over a tawny brown vest and a pair of umber pants. When he joins us and takes his seat, I sense the domineering air of a conglomerate's owner around him.

"Greetings, my guests. I am Baron Pierre, the director of Freya fashion line. I thank you for coming all this way to meet me," he started with a magnanimous smile.

"Good day, Baron. I'm the portraitist to whom you gave the business card, Lewis, and this is my muse. Her name's Lillian," Lewis greeted back, mirroring the older man's expression.

I regret not preparing for this. Lewis is right about me needing to spare some time to learn etiquettes. Too nervous, all I managed to muster is a faint grin since it might appear wobbly if I copy their ear-splitting smiles. I'm also grateful to my friend for doing me the favor of introducing me since I don't know how to properly greet a noble.

For a moment, Baron Pierre doesn't talk. He just silently scrutinizes both of us, which doesn't really make my situation any better.

"I commend you for that spectacular painting... Sir Lewis..." Baron Pierre trailed off.

He appeared to have contemplated for a second there.

"As for you, Miss Lillian, you really make a spellbinding muse."

Taken aback, I blush at the compliment. Knowing that I stand out with my striking features is one thing, but being praised for them is certainly another.

"You're an apprentice, right? May I ask what course you're currently taking?" he suddenly inquired, much to my surprise.

"I still haven't found one, unfortunately," I answered, a bit deflated.

"That's unexpected. I was so sure you're either a merchant or a tailor."

I blink at that in bafflement. For unknown reasons, he came up with such guesses just by looking at that portrait. I then wonder what exactly made him think that way.

"As a host, I would love to welcome you more, but is it alright for me to get straight to the point for now? I'll let you tour around my salon after this," Baron Pierre questioned to which I just silently nodded.

"I'm sure you already know that Sir Lewis's drawing of you has become sensational. This happened for reasons, you see. For one, you're exceptionally good-looking, young lady. If dressed in a more exquisite apparel, you're certainly to captivate many..."

Though I'm grateful for the compliments, I'm still not really used to them. I can feel my cheeks heat up as he continues to flatter me. Despite this, however, I know that Lewis's painting is just really that magnificent. This is all becasue he managed to bring out my stupendous facets with how skilled he is.

"...Secondly, it's about the pieces of cloths wrapped around your wrist and head. The flats... also stand out somehow... but those two in particular have caught my eyes."

My ears slightly perk up at the mention of my flats. Going by how his tone rises and falls, he probably favors the scrunchie and headband a lot more than the fact I wear flats, which is understandable.

"I'm glad you're wearing them today as well. May I take a closer look?" Baron Pierre suddenly asked.

With that, I just silently comply and hand my scrunchie and headband to him. He peers at them for a while, a spark of interest glazing his eyes. Seeing him now, I'm able to confirm that these hair accessories hadn't really existed before, considering how even the director of a distinguished fashion company like the Baron reacted to it like a child seeing a toy for the first time.

"Miss Lillian, I have no doubt that these will certainly sell. Have you done that before?"

"I only sold the scrunchies to my neigbors from downtown since I was short in money back then. As for the headband, it's my first prototype."

"Scrunchie? Headband? Are these what they're called?"

"Yes, Baron."

The smile on his face never leaves. When he peels his eyes off the accessories and stares at me, I almost shrink at how intense his gaze is. He has the look of someone seeing a diamond in a rough, which makes my chest swells at how overwhelming it is. All I can do at this point is gulp silently as I try to anchor myself in reality. I can't afford to tremble at what seems like a decisive moment.

"They're groundbreaking, Miss Lillian..." he commended all of the sudden, much to my flummox.

"Now then, may I ask to buy the exclusive rights to sell the scrunchie and headband? I promise to pay you the amount you deserve and make a contract for it. If you're able to produce more products similar to these, I'd be glad to offer you an apprenticeship."

I feel like fainting at this very minute.

Eyes bulging in mixed surprise and disbelief, I find myself speechless at the sudden offer. Still bewildered, I just glance at Lewis's direction. He's smiling proudly at me, which eventually makes me return an exultant one of my own. I can't believe I'll finally have an apprenticeship. What's more, I'll also be able to have a steady source of income if I I let the Baron buy over my design.

"What do you say, Miss Lillian? Do we have a deal?" he asked, offering his hand for me to shake.

I was just brooding over my losses the other day. I really thought I'd have to go back to square one again - when I still haven't accomplished anything yet. However, today's incident proves me wrong. Nothing in my past is ever wasted, after all.

Then, with an ecstatic grin, I take the Baron's hand and give him an eager nod.