# 8
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'The first step is to understand DC flow.'
Know your enemy and know yourf, and you will win every battle.
In this era, dress stores were very important. It was not limited to decoration or fashion only.
The dress shops where high society congregated were the source and center of all rumours.
Every piece of news that circulates in the capital inevitably passes through a dress shop.
Naturally, the person who controlled the dress shops would be well informed about what was happening in the capital.
For this reason, prominent members of society often had a favorite dress shop to frequent.
‘High society is like a battlefield without weapons.’
The information I currently had was very limited. I couldn't rely on the maid's mouth for every rumor about me.
“Ma’am, this area is full of dress shops. “You can choose whichever you like.”
'How nice you are.'
“Any store you visit will serve you with the utmost care! That's where all the big dress stores are.”
Vivi was talking a lot without realizing my true intentions.
Unfortunately, big box dress stores weren't part of my thought process.
The reason was simple: such famous stores already had their own powerful patrons.
It would be nearly impossible for me to go into one of these stores and gain leverage.
“This is the place the Duchess of Aberdeen frequents, and this is the place controlled by the Marquis Mary’s family.”
I went through major dress stores that didn't even make the cut.
After walking for a while, I eventually left the main dress store area and entered a more secluded area.
Vivi, who had been following me silently, looked worried now.
“Ma’am, didn’t you say we were going to a dress store?”
“I said so.”
“But there aren't any dress shops around here anymore...”
“Follow me quietly.”
I understood her concerns, but my destination was set from the beginning.
‘It should be somewhere around here… Ah, I found it.’
At the end of the alley, I finally saw a dress shop and stopped.
“Ma’am, are you really going there?”
“Why, do you think this is a place I shouldn't be?”
“Not that, but...”
Vivi, who was about to say something, bit her lips and remained silent.
The place I found was, to be honest, a run-down dress shop. The columns supporting the building were cracked, and the paint on the sign was peeled in half, hanging on by a thread.
Zaid Dresses Store
I read the sign and nodded.
You've found the right place.
“Ma’am, if you want to order a dress, wouldn’t it be better to visit Veronica’s dress shop on Main Street instead? It is the largest store in the capital...”
“Vivi, I didn’t ask for your opinion.”
“Yes, ma'am!”
My gentle but firm words surprised her, and Vivi quickly closed her mouth.
Of course, this dress shop might look shabby and unimpressive now, but that was just for now.
‘Since I have been thrown into this book, I must make full use of the information I know.’
This was no ordinary dress shop.
I glanced around unconcernedly and shrugged.
“Let's go in.”
Ding
An old bell rang as I opened the door.
The floor creaked under my feet with every step, as if the building had not been maintained in ages.
'I'll have to renovate this place sometime.'
But fortunately, the areas where the dresses and fabrics were stored were clean, which is something to be thankful for.
'Just like in the original story, they take pride in their work.'
As I was wandering through the dilapidated dress shop, someone peered out from behind. It was a middle-aged woman with dark brown hair.
“Who do we have...”
“There you are, Mrs. Zed.”
The woman, who had been half asleep and looking at me with her eyes barely open, suddenly widened in surprise.
“D-Duchess?”
Mrs. Zed rushed forward, almost prostrating herf at my feet.
“Hail the Duchess!”
"Yes."
“What brings you to this humble place...”
Why would a noble lady visit a dress shop?
“I came to look at the dresses.”
"Sorry?"
Mrs. Zed looked at me in confusion, her face filled with the unspoken question “Why?”
“Well, what are you waiting for? Bring them.”
“Ah, yes, right away!”
At my command, Mrs. Zed, who had been standing there stunned, began to move hurriedly. The cramped, crowded store suddenly became very lively.
Soon, more than a dozen models and racks full of dresses stood in front of me. Mrs. Zed, still trying to process the situation, looked confused.
As I slowly examined the dresses, a satisfied smile crept onto my face.
'My hunch wasn't wrong.'
The dresses were unique and experimental in design. Some had boldly cut sleeves, others had deep backs, and others were made of contrasting fabrics to attract attention.
It was clearly out of sync with current trends in high society.
However, at the same time, it was clearly made of high-quality materials and painstaking craftsmanship.
‘These designs are ahead of their time.’
While I was deep in thought, Mrs. Zed, still unsure of what was going on, took a hesitant step back, carefully monitoring my reactions.
“Come in...feel free to look, Your Highness.”
Mrs. Zed stammered nervously.
"Good."
I nodded lightly and touched the hem of one of the dresses. The soft texture of the silk was palpable under my fingertips.
It was clear that Ms. Zed had a deep love for her creations.
Although the management of the store is on the verge of collapse, it never skimps on a single lace or bead that goes into its work.
Because of this, her small, nameless shop hidden in back alleys was shunned by customers, who found the prices unjustifiably high.
‘But according to the original story, within six months, this place will become a huge success.’
Six months from now, thanks to a chance visit from the Imperial Princess, Zed's dress shop will suddenly become a luxury fashion house in the capital.
This was the biggest reason I sought out this store. It has proven to be a huge help to Diana when she returns a year from now.
Diana, who majored in shoe design at the academy, would make Ms. Zed her greatest supporter and business partner.
'In the original story, Diana had to go to great lengths after her return to win Lady Zedd to her side...'
But if you take care of this store in advance and introduce it to Diana, it will save her a lot of trouble.
Not to mention that I might also be able to create my own information network.
Simply put, with this dress store, I planned to kill two birds with one stone.
Although it may seem insignificant now, with my help this store will not have to wait half a year to succeed, but may even shine in just a few months.
I could have it all: interest and leverage. This was a privilege for someone who knew the original plot, after all.
Feeling satisfied with my intelligence, I raised my shoulders proudly.
“Um… Your Highness?”
A warning voice interrupted my pleasant thoughts.
Mrs. Zed had been watching me anxiously for some time.
Oh, maybe I was too silent.
As she continued to look at me anxiously, she finally spoke again.
“These… these are all the dresses we have in the store. “I’m embarrassed to say that we don’t have much in terms of resources….”
“I see that.”
“If… if none of these suit your Highness’s taste, I will do whatever it takes to make a dress that suits you. If you give me the chance...”
Mrs. Zed's appearance looked extremely desperate. Understandably so – it must have been months since her last client.
I stared at her indifferently before turning my attention away.
“No, there is no need for that.”
“Ah…”
Frustration flooded Mrs. Zed's face.
But I was quicker to keep going.
“I will buy every dress in this store. Including accessories of course.”