Cecilia gazed at Becky’s reflection in the mirror beyond her own and then spoke.

“It looks similar to the coat I gave you to take apart, but it’s different. You didn’t just copy it. That’s impressive craftsmanship.”

Becky felt a surge of pride at having her efforts recognized.

“Madam, I also made headwear to go with it.”

“Headwear?”

“If you go outside in winter, you’ll be caught in the snow. You must wear something atop your head. So, I made one to match the coat. It can be attached and detached using buttons on the coat’s shoulders. I wasn’t sure if you’d like it, so I left it unattached for now.”

“Bring it here.”

Becky retrieved the headwear from the leather wrapping that had held the coat. She fastened the ends of the hat to the buttons on Cecilia’s coat shoulders.

Cecilia tried it on.

It was wide like a hood attached to a cloak.

She liked it as well.

Smiling at her reflection in the mirror, she said,

“You did an excellent job. There’s nothing I would add or take away.”

“Um… Madam. If you like it, may I ask a favor?”

Cecilia let out a small laugh.

Having received such a wonderful item, she wasn’t about to simply accept it without giving anything in return. However, there was a vast difference between Cecilia herself asking, ‘What reward should I give you?’ and a subordinate speaking up first with a request.

In the grand duchy, a servant who behaved this way would be scolded harshly for their arrogance.

Cecilia realized that she had grown somewhat accustomed to the people of Lagos. She didn’t find this unpleasant at all.

“Go on.”

“In the wardrobe room you took me to last time, there was one I wasn’t able to enter. Would it be possible for me to take a look inside, just once?”

Cecilia now understood why Becky had been able to create such a coat.

Becky loved clothing.

In her past life, Cecilia had built close relationships with famous designers in Iria. She had been a generous patron, sparing no expense on clothing, setting trends rather than following them. Renowned designers had lined up, hoping to make her their muse.

One day, she had spoken at length with a designer, more than usual. That designer had over thirty years of experience.

When Cecilia asked how she had managed to stay in the industry for so long, she had replied,

 

⌜ Some say talent is most important. Others say effort matters more. But from what I’ve seen, the ones who last are those who truly love clothing. Even now, my heart races whenever I see a beautiful dress. ⌟

 

At the time, Cecilia had found the remark fascinating. She envied those who could pour such love into something.

“Just once?”

Becky hesitated, rolling her eyes in thought.

“Ah… then, maybe twice?”

Cecilia let out a quiet chuckle.

“I’ll give you free access to my wardrobe room. You can go in and out whenever you like, as many times as you want.”

Becky’s face brightened with a beaming smile, and she bowed her head.

“Thank you, Madam.”

Cecilia turned to the maids.

“Tell Matilda what I just said.”

Matilda was a servant from the grand duchy and the oldest among the four maids managing Cecilia’s wardrobe. She had handled Cecilia’s clothing even back at the grand duchy.

“There should be clothes that I’ve worn at least three times and set aside. Tell her to show them to Becky.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Cecilia then spoke to Becky.

“If there’s anything among them that you’d like to examine more closely or take apart, you may take it.”

“Pardon? Ah, yes, Madam. Thank you, Madam.”

Becky bowed repeatedly.

Cecilia glanced at her reflection in the mirror once more.

Wearing such a fine coat made her eager to go outside again.

She turned her gaze toward the window—and was startled.

“The snow stopped. Isn’t it supposed to keep snowing throughout the winter?”

Someone answered.

“There are occasional days when the snow stops in the morning or afternoon.”

“So it’s rare?”

“Yes, Madam. About three or four days throughout the winter.”

The snow stopped on the very day her coat was completed.

Perfect.

It was as if the outside was beckoning her to step out.