Lady Felice’s Secret Class - Chapter 49

“Felice!”

The moment she stepped into the entrance of the atelier, Madame Rose’s bright voice called out. Felice immediately embraced her warmly and exchanged a brief greeting.

“How have you been, Rose?”

“Of course! The thought of creating a dress for you had me floating on clouds for a while! Finally, the moment has come to make it real!”

Excited, Rose bounced in joy, just like she used to when working on Felice’s dresses. Felice couldn’t help but laugh at the sight, feeling as if she had been transported back ten years.

Back then, Felice and Rose had been inseparable friends. Though Felice had asked Rose to speak casually, Rose had always addressed her formally as a noble lady. Her use of polite language created a slightly odd dynamic, but their friendship was genuine.

Those happy days had been short-lived, of course, as much changed after her grandfather passed away. But today, Felice felt as though she had returned to that time.

Over the past five years, she had met Rose occasionally, but this was the first time she had seen her laugh so freely. And if there was any fault… it was likely her own.

Every time Felice met Rose, the situation seemed to worsen. Her grandfather had passed, her father’s business had collapsed, and he had eventually fallen into gambling…

At some point, her noble friends drifted away, and Rose had established herself as a respectable Madame. In the past, Felice had introduced noblewomen to Rose, but now it was Rose introducing noble clients to her.

It stung a little, but Rose remained one of Felice’s most precious people.

“Come on inside.”

Rose guided Felice in.

“The lady you invited is waiting inside.”

* * *

Claude was drafting a reply to the invitation from Elise. His eyes were lifeless, like a dead fish.

A knock came at the door, followed by the butler’s voice.

“Master, it’s the butler. May I come in?”

“Enter.”

Claude replied briefly and continued his letter.

The butler bowed, then got straight to the point.

“A few days ago, as instructed, I inquired about the matter. Today, Duchess Vanessa went to Madame Rose’s atelier.”

“Is that so?”

Claude replied indifferently, finished the final lines of the letter, folded it roughly, and handed it to the butler.

“Send it to Lady Elise.”

Having given the short instruction, Claude got up to leave. The butler looked at the letter, inhaled deeply, and spoke.

“…Master, will you be attending the charity event Lady Elise mentioned? Shall we adjust next month’s schedule?”

“…No. That won’t be necessary.”

Claude placed his hat on his head and smiled faintly.

“I’ll be visiting the Justice newspaper today.”

The butler smiled and bowed.

“Yes. I understand.”

Claude chuckled softly as he exited the room.

* * *

“Miss Felice.”

The noblewoman seated in Rose’s atelier at Felice’s request was none other than Duchess Vanessa herself. She had responded positively to a letter Felice had sent four days earlier, showing how sincerely she was committed to this matter.

“Duchess! You came early. I’m sorry for always giving you such rushed requests.”

“No, it couldn’t be helped. Besides, thanks to your letter, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep!”

“Ha ha, then I suppose I should get right to it.”

Felice smiled and replied, while Rose quietly joined in with a small grin.

“Pardon my interruption, but may we start your private discussion by taking Miss Felice’s measurements first?”

Rose asked Duchess Vanessa, hands clasped and eyes earnest.

“Oh, of course! I understand how important it is. Today’s schedule is entirely clear, so don’t worry—measure away.”

With Duchess Vanessa’s permission, Rose snapped her fingers. A few of Rose’s assistants entered and bowed politely.

“This way, Lady.”

The assistants guided Felice forward. They placed her on a small platform inside, quickly surrounded her with velvet curtains, and helped her in removing her outer layers.