In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

"It's me," Hestia answered.

She took Grace's hand and comforted her. "Don't be angry. Look at the gift I brought you."

"Gift?"

They were at a bespoke tailor shop, and it wasn't very big.

There were a few old tailors inside, both male and female, and they were all focused intently on stitching the swathes of fabulous cloth in their hands.

Grace looked at the display case in surprise. "A Kidhnian gown?"

"I don't think I've ever seen you wear one. It's almost time for the New Year, so I wanted to make things more festive for you."

After all, they were Kidhnian. These things were important to them.

One of the tailors teased, "This was ordered two months ago. You're very lucky, young lady."

Grace's eyes widened. "I read a news article about you when I was studying fashion design!"

The tailors at this shop were protectors of cultural heritage, so they took every stitch seriously.

Their specialty was custom-made Kidhnian gowns for the elite. Even the ordinary rich couldn't even get one foot in the door.

Despite this, the waiting list was three years long.

all, Kidhnian gowns were figure-hugging

shocked. "This is too

long as you like it, I can

that belonged to Grace. It was an ivory white gown with fur at the collar. Every intricate pattern had been embroidered

like it," Grace blurted. "Aunt Hestia, I'm

"Okay."

a gorgeous figure, with just the right curves and a

it fit her perfectly. It made her seem

gentle.

tears in her eyes. "I wish your parents could see

up to her quickly and wiped her tears

she

moment, there was the sound of

isn't it done yet? I've

at

already cut the queue, and we needed to rush your gown for youn order to maintain the quality of our products,

months to make this? I think you're just inflating the price. Do you know who I am? Can't you put in more hours to make this for me? I said that wanted it in

but she

abruptly. "I'm sorry, then. We can return your deposit. Please

me this way? Don't forget that this

it is. We have