Chapter 006: A Classical Beauty

Seraphina had mentioned inviting both Finnian Foster and Zelda Zale, but in the end, only Zelda was available.

Finnian was the same age as Seraphina, but unlike her, he hadn't skipped grades or finished his studies early. He had followed a traditional academic path and had only graduated from university three months ago. It was currently October, and having just joined the Foster family business, he was in the midst of his busiest period.

Seraphina changed into a vintage-style long dress with a touch of Republican-era flair before heading out. Her long, ink-black hair cascaded down to her waist, held back by a headband that matched the lavender hue and style of her dress.

This attire, combined with her extraordinary features and the innate grace of a well-bred lady, made her a breathtaking sight as she walked down the street—a living landscape of elegance.

If Seraphina was the embodiment of quiet refinement, Zelda Zale was her polar opposite. This was immediately evident from Zelda's appearance.

As Seraphina approached the cafe, Zelda was already waiting for her at a window seat. Zelda wore a short halter dress, and her shoulder-length hair had been permed into voluminous waves and dyed a light chestnut brown. She wore large, circular earrings and an exquisite necklace.

Possessing a bold, striking beauty to begin with, Zelda had applied makeup that was vivid yet far from vulgar. Sitting there with her legs crossed, she drew the attention of nearly everyone in the cafe.

When she saw Seraphina enter, Zelda’s face lit up with joy, and she waved energetically. "Sera! Over here!"

The presence of one eye-catching beauty was enough, but with the arrival of another even more stunning woman, almost everyone in the establishment was now staring. Fortunately, it wasn't a peak hour, and most patrons were there for scheduled meetings; no one stepped forward to flirt. After a few moments of dazzled observation, they gradually looked away.

Having grown up under the envious gazes of others, Seraphina was long accustomed to the attention. Coupled with the experiences of her past life, she cared even less about the opinions of strangers. Without a sideways glance, she walked straight to Zelda’s table.

She took her seat opposite Zelda, placing her bag to the side, and said with a smile, "How did you get here so fast? My place is closer to here than yours, and I left as soon as I called you, yet you still beat me."

"Hah, I happened to be in the neighborhood."

Gesturing to the coffee in front of Seraphina, Zelda added, "Since you hadn't arrived, I went ahead and ordered one based on your usual taste."

Zelda Zale was a member of the Zale family in Seahaven, a cousin of Harvey Zale, and a childhood friend of Seraphina's. One might even say she was Seraphina’s best friend in the city. It wasn't surprising that she knew Seraphina's coffee preferences.

Seraphina glanced at the cup and paused for a moment.

This was her preference from a very long time ago. After the successive tragedies involving her family, and during her time by Solas’s side, she had only ever drank the bitterest black coffee.

Seeing her staring at the cup in silence, Zelda stopped stirring her own drink and asked in confusion, "What’s wrong? Is it not to your taste? That can't be right; whenever we came out for coffee before, this was the one you ordered most often."

"No," Seraphina said with a light laugh. "I just suddenly thought of something else. I was lost in thought for a second."

"Oh, I see! I thought I’d ordered something you didn't like and was about to get you a new one."

Zelda then looked at Seraphina with a hint of suspicion. "By the way, Sera, what brought on this sudden urge to invite me out? Aren't you usually a total homebody unless you have a performance?" Her tone turned teasing toward the end.

"I stayed home so much that my mother finally kicked me out."

In her previous life, Zelda had actually remained in contact with Seraphina until the very end. Although Zelda couldn't provide the level of protection Solas did, she had been by Seraphina’s side during her darkest hours—at least during those three years Seraphina remained in Seahaven. It was only after moving to the Capital with Solas that their contact gradually dwindled due to the sheer chaos of events. Regardless, in Seraphina’s heart, Zelda would always be a true friend.

"Sera, I swear, if your job didn't occasionally force you outside, you'd be a complete recluse," Zelda remarked, scanning her from head to toe. "But then again, it fits your vibe. Like a lady from ancient times kept in the inner chambers, rarely venturing past the gates."

Ignoring the teasing, Seraphina took a delicate sip of her coffee and asked, "What have you been busy with lately?"

"What else? Toying around with that pathetic studio of mine."

Zelda was a fashion designer, but she lacked fame, and her studio was struggling to gain traction. The Zale family didn't support her creative pursuit and wanted her to join the family business instead, but fashion was Zelda’s true passion. Because of this, she had frequent clashes with her parents.

"My dad gave me a final ultimatum: I have one month. If things are still the same by then, I have to follow his orders and enter the company. If I refuse, he’s cutting off my funds."

"Honestly, Sera, what is he thinking? I don't know the first thing about business—I only know how to design clothes. What could I possibly do at the company?"

Seraphina answered her with a deadpan expression: "There are plenty of things you could do. Sweeping floors, for instance. Or being an errand girl."

Zelda glared at her. "I’m already miserable, and you're making fun of me? You’re heartless!"

"I can help you," Seraphina said suddenly.

Zelda froze, thinking she had misheard. "Sera, what did you... just say?"

Seraphina looked at her with a faint, steady smile. "I said, I can help you."

Though she was smiling, the look in her eyes was one of absolute seriousness. Having known Seraphina since childhood, Zelda knew exactly what she looked like when she meant business.

"Are you serious?" Zelda’s voice was tinged with disbelief.

"Do I look like I’m joking?"

"No, but Sera... why the sudden interest in helping me? You've never been interested in business. I mean, sure, designing clothes is my dream, but to survive in this industry, it inevitably has to involve commercialism."

Seraphina gave a cryptic smile. "Maybe I just want to earn some pocket money. Is that a problem?"

Zelda’s lips twitched. "Do you really think I’ll buy that?"

Earn pocket money?

Aside from the fact that the eldest daughter of the Pierces could never lack for money, Seraphina’s own performance fees were astronomical. Not everyone could join the nation's premier folk orchestra at fifteen as a principal member—an event that had caused a sensation for months. And not everyone could be a national-level Konghou soloist and a member of the International Konghou Association by age twenty-two.

Was she the type of person who lacked cash?

"Fine, I won't press you on

why

you want to help for now. But you have to at least tell me

how

you're going to help."

"I heard your studio has more than one designer?" Seraphina asked.

The sudden question confused Zelda. She didn't see where this was going. "Yeah, there are a few others besides me."

Zelda added, a bit sheepishly, "Look, as much as I love design, I have a healthy amount of self-awareness. I know where my skill level is. Trying to keep the studio afloat on my talent alone... in a word: impossible." She gave a dry laugh. "So... you know how it is."

"I can invest in your studio," Seraphina stated.

Zelda’s eyes lit up, but then her expression dimmed as she thought of something. Just then, she heard Seraphina continue:

"But I have one requirement..."

"I want to become a designer for your studio."

Clink!

The spoon Zelda had been using to stir her coffee dropped against the saucer. She was utterly floored by Seraphina's words.

"...Sera, what did you just say? I didn't catch that. Say it one more time?"