The Greatest Showman #713 - Unveiling Ceremony

Kensington-Chelsea is a prestigious residential area on the west side of London, adjacent to Hyde Park and Green Park. It boasts easy access to transportation, serene surroundings, and top-tier amenities, including exclusive whisky clubs. Its peaceful, modern vibe attracts a mix of middle-class professionals, senior freelancers, renowned artists, designers, and young descendants of the aristocracy, forming a vibrant, youthful community.

The area is steadily gaining ground as an alternative to the more chaotic and expensive neighborhoods like Knightsbridge. However, it remains a tranquil, residential community with well-developed infrastructure, offering a strong sense of everyday life without being overwhelmed by commercialism. This creates a space where people can slow down and fully immerse themselves in their lives.

Turning off the main road and into a residential side street, the narrow two-lane road is occasionally lined with parked cars, forcing passing vehicles to slow down. A two-story white building stands in the distance. The temporary parking spaces are already filled. Bright lights and the soft sound of music spill out through the windows, signaling that this is Renly's destination for the evening.

Beyond famous locations like Savile Row and high-end couture boutiques, the trend of niche designer stores and private buyers is becoming more prevalent. These stores are often hidden within ordinary residential areas, accessible only through word of mouth or introductions from friends. Without such connections, it's difficult to break into the private circles of London's elite, even for the wealthiest individuals.

Renly couldn't help but recall Melvin Brides, the first stylist he met when he and Andy decided to collaborate. Melvin's office was also in a private residence, and their first encounter hadn't been pleasant. Yet this trend of private residences as business spaces has now spread from Europe to the major cities in North America.

"Master Renly, what time should I pick you up?" Richard Martin, one of the three drivers for the Hall family, asked from the car. At 35 years old, Richard was the youngest of the family's drivers and had inherited his father's position.

"Richard, go enjoy your Saturday night. I'll find my way back. If I can't, there will be taxis. It's the twenty-first century; life isn't that hard," Renly replied with a smile, already anticipating Richard's reaction. He patted Richard on the shoulder and exited the car.

Richard, caught off guard, didn't even have time to unbuckle his seatbelt, let alone get out to open the door for Renly. All he could do was shout after him, "Call me when the party's over!" Renly waved casually and disappeared into the lush shade of the trees.

Entering the first-floor door, Renly was immediately greeted by a warm atmosphere. A woman in her mid-twenties, dressed in a well-tailored lavender suit, greeted him at the door. Her dark brown hair was braided into a neat fishtail, exuding a playful maturity. She paused for a moment when she saw Renly's face, but quickly regained her composure and smiled warmly.

"Welcome, Your Excellency Renly," she said with a slight hesitation, still not used to addressing him so formally.

Renly paused before entering, surveying the space briefly. The two-story house, while modest in its exterior, had been transformed. The kitchen on the left had been turned into a lounge with fruit platters and snacks, while the living room had been converted into a reception area. Various clothes hung on racks in the corners, with people mingling in groups, sipping champagne and chatting quietly.

To the right, an aisle led to a staircase going upstairs. The entire space was dominated by beige and light blue hues, giving it a cozy, homey feel that contrasted with the typical atmosphere of a clothing store. It felt more like a designer's creative studio, a vision no doubt intended by Eaton.

"You can go to the left to grab something to eat, and then enjoy the music on the right. If you're interested, the second floor has a private custom space showcasing some designer works," the woman explained, clearly used to repeating this welcome.

Renly nodded and, without speaking, made his way toward the kitchen on the left.

The receptionist quickly excused herself, no doubt in search of Eaton. Renly could tell that news of his arrival would spread like wildfire through the room within minutes. It had been two years since he had last been part of London's social scene, and though he wasn't caught up on the latest gossip, he could sense the stir his return would cause.

Before he could take his first sip of champagne, a voice filled with excitement came from behind him. "Jesus Christ."

Without turning around, Renly already knew who it was. Edith, as enthusiastic as ever, had arrived. Turning to face her, Renly smiled. "Calm down. We're in London. You wouldn't want anyone to see you like this."

Edith rolled her eyes, but there was no anger in the gesture, just the playful rebellion that Renly had come to expect from her. Dressed in a sharp white suit with a black shirt, Edith looked effortlessly stylish, embodying her role as both a renowned photographer for the United Nations and the second daughter of the Hall family, committed to her philanthropic efforts.

She raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in her eye. "Did you do this on purpose? Show up now, right in front of George and Elizabeth?"

Renly didn't respond directly, his expression neutral but saying more than words ever could. Edith, thrilled at the possibility of drama, winked at him before turning away, clearly excited to witness whatever happened next.

It wasn't long before Eaton appeared, all smiles, and embraced Renly warmly. "I heard you were coming. I couldn't believe it! Last time I spoke with Matthew, he mentioned your latest projects."

Renly chuckled. "I only had thirty minutes to spare today."

Eaton took him in, grinning. "Five minutes is enough." Then, his tone turned slightly more serious. "George and Elizabeth are upstairs. Want me to take you up?"

Renly waved it off. "I'm not a guest, Eaton. I don't need a tour guide."

Eaton laughed. "Fair enough. But there's someone you should meet." He led Renly out of the kitchen and into the hall, where all eyes seemed to fixate on him, silently appraising him. Renly took it all in stride, offering a casual wave as he lifted his champagne glass.

He spotted Nicholas Hall, the youngest son of the Hall family, who had been away from the scene for a while but had recently resurfaced. Nicholas, much like Henry Dunlop, had a penchant for winter hunting, and Renly seized the opportunity to start a conversation, asking about the season's hunting conditions.

Time had passed, but some things in the noble circles of London remained unchanged: their interests, their hobbies, and their patterns of conversation. Renly wasn't about to waste the moment. Instead of revisiting the past, he effortlessly steered the conversation toward a neutral topic, allowing him to re-enter this world as though he had never left.