42nd Dawn - A Fruitful Apprenticeship At Last

I feel relieved upon meeting Baron Pierre on the next day, which means that Alessandra will not be dealing with me anymore.

"You may move into this headquarter tomorrow, Miss Lillian," the Baron started before taking a sip from his cup of coffee.

Earlier, he has invited me to converse for a while in his office. It's as opulent as Alessandra's room, but a bit huger. A tray of tea and coffee was also served on the table between us.

"Thank you, Baron Pierre. However, I would like to ask to stay in the inn for another week. The truth is, I already made a deposit for the rent the other day, but they told me it's non-refundable. I don't want to waste the money so I just decided to make use of it until then," I explained, earning a smile from him.

"I find it interesting that you're so thrifty and careful with money, Miss Lillian. Your mother taught you well."

I'm glad that the Baron is a principled man.

For the rest of the morning, Baron Pierre elaborates the scope of my apprenticeship. According to him, a schedule is lined up for the apprentices in each department. For instance, this week is for lessons and classes only while the next is all about practical application. Extracurricular activities also take place from time to time, such as district competitions and formal exhibitions.

Designers like me often collaborate with all the other departments since we're the sources of ideas. Our instructors and those from the merchant department give inputs while we provide outputs, which are then created and made into reality by the other courses. As the most important work force in this industry, we're required to have adequate skills in sketching and sewing, and be knowledgeable about the market and current trends.

In other words, fashion designers can also be called the amalgamation of all the departments.

"For now, however, you won't be going to the studio," Baron Pierre blurted out all of the sudden, much to my surprise.

"You'll be going with me to the office. We'll talk about the headband and scrunchie."

At this, I only nod and hum in understanding. But then, I remember how overwhelming it was inside the studio yesterday. I grimace at the thought that the office will be worse.

A moment later, I prove my assumption completely wrong as I find myself actually enjoying the employees' company.

Baron Pierre took me to a sewing room where I teach a few of his workers on how to make the headband and scrunchie. I show them an assortment of designs as well, just like what we agreed on. It turns out that they're more amicable than the apprentices, but it could only just be because the Baron is with me. Even if that's the case, however, I decided to just push these things aside and focus on the work before me.

Upon seeing the employees' awe-stricken faces upon laying eyes on my designs, I can't help but feel embarassed and overjoyed. They all just look fascinated even though some of them aren't necessarily showing it through a smile. A few only scrutinize my drawing in silence while the others are clearly pleased.

"Baron Pierre, may I add something to the contract?" I suddenly chimed in after a realization dawned on me.

"I'm afraid it's sealed already, but we can make another one if you want," he answered, which made me ponder for a moment before eventually shaking my head.

"No, it's probably not needed. It isn't a condition, Baron. I just want to say that everybody here can make their own designs of the headband and scrunchie if they want. Fashion is for everyone, after all, and people have their own tastes and sense of creativity. They should try it out and have fun."

At this, everybody seems taken aback. I only blink at them in puzzlement. That's until they start looking at me like some sort of a celebrity, eyes sparkling with zest, flummoxing me even more.

"Y-Yes...?" I stammered out, smile strained and wobbly.

"They're just happy, Miss Lillian, since you just allowed your original creation to be used for their own leisure. These people are very passionate about their jobs, you see. The reason they look eager is probably because tons of ideas are already popping in their heads the moment they see your designs. It's possible that they'd still try making their own even if you didn't say so, anyway," Baron Pierre explained with a wide grin, enlightening me.

Headband and scrunchie could probably change the world.

After the endeavour at the office, Baron Pierre and I walk to the studio. He asks me about the history of how headbands and scrunchies came to be and what's the reason why I made them. At this, I instantly recall those odd memories that rushed through my head when I first thought of them.

If I tell them to the Baron, I might appear strange since it won't really make sense. In the end, I just decided to cut off the real history and tell him how I gifted a friend of mine with a scrunchie and how a certain artist admired my scribble of a headband.

"So, the people around you were the reason why you made them?" the Baron questioned to which I happily nodded.

"Yes! Making people happy is the best feeling in the world, after all," I replied with a smile which he only mirrored.

All the while, I almost fail to realize the burning gazes around us while we stride through the hall. I'm just so caught up with our conversation that I overlooked the intent stares of some of the apprentices in the departments we happened to pass by. Now that I notice them, I can't help but get the cold feet all of the sudden.

And now that I think about it, what the Baron is doing to me right now may appear like some kind of special treatment to others.