The sun climbed high in the sky, and the warmth of the day settled gently over the annex. Inside the drawing room, Serena sat across from a man and a woman, both appearing to be in their late twenties.
The woman had an enigmatic grace, her posture poised and unreadable. The man beside her was even more difficult to decipher—his presence felt heavy, cloaked in quiet confidence.
"It's an honor to meet you, Duchess," the woman began, her voice smooth. "I'm Anna. I was sent by the Guildmaster to escort the merchant. He's skilled in negotiation and will serve your interests well."
The man offered a slight nod, his expression unreadable.
Serena's gaze shifted between the two. "And what is his name?"
The man leaned forward just enough to let his voice, low and hoarse, break the quiet. "Claude," he said. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Pleased to meet you."
For a moment, Serena felt a strange sensation—not fear, but a faint shiver. There was something unsettling about him.
"I thought the Guildmaster would be arriving himself," she said calmly, watching Anna.
Anna cleared her throat lightly. "Forgive us, Your Grace. The Guildmaster rarely meets with outsiders. It is an old tradition of our guild—one he upholds strictly."
"I see," Serena murmured.
Then she leaned back slightly, her gaze soft and composed. "Claude, before any transaction takes place, we must first establish a contract."
Claude gave a slow smirk. "As expected of the Dowager Duchess. I came prepared."
He took out a rolled parchment, sealed with the crimson insignia of the Crimson Bolt Guild, and gently placed it on the table before her. Anna remained silent beside him, her fingers twitching slightly in anticipation.
Serena didn't reach for it right away. "Tell me, what are you offering me?"
Claude spoke smoothly, "Only the finest materials sourced from the East and South coasts—silks, brocades, and seasonal fabrics. Exclusive rights, should you desire. All deliveries will be punctual."
Serena raised a brow. "And in return?"
Claude's smirk widened. "Your boutique will list me as your exclusive supplier. And a small commission of 5% from each sale of your products, to acknowledge the value of our partnership. As one of the most reputable guilds, we need our clients to offer something in return."
Serena's eyes narrowed. "5% commission?"
Claude nodded slightly. "A fair trade, considering the reputation of the Crimson Bolt Guild. Our name ensures the best materials, and your endorsement strengthens both our positions in the market."
She finally unsealed the parchment and scanned the contract quickly. Her finger stopped midway. "Clause 7—quality control. This states I must accept at least 80% of your shipments regardless of defects?"
Claude said nothing at first, then after a while, "A merchant must hedge his losses. But if it's not to your liking, I am open to negotiation."
Serena crossed out the clause with her pen. "I do not tolerate carelessness. Any product that fails my inspection will be returned. And this—" she circled another line, "—you will provide a report of all materials and sources every month."
Claude nodded once. "Done."
Anna looked between them, surprised at how easily Claude gave in.
Serena added quietly, "And one more thing. If you or your guild betray this trust—leak designs, delay shipments, or withhold fabric—you will not only lose this deal. You will lose your standing in this city."
The room fell silent.
Then Claude stood slowly and bowed. "You drive a sharp bargain, Duchess. I look forward to this partnership."
Serena, satisfied, handed the marked contract to Aiden. "Make a copy. We'll sign once it's finalized."
Later that day, Serena gathered with her newly assembled team in the main room of the boutique. The store was nearly ready for opening. Now, it was time to prepare for the work ahead.
Aiden, Robert, and the team of seamstresses, tailors, and designers were present, each with their respective duties clearly outlined. The air buzzed with anticipation as the staff took their places, ready to dive into the heavy workload that lay before them.
Serena stood at the front, her gaze sweeping over her team. They were all skilled individuals, but it was up to her to ensure they worked cohesively to bring her vision to life.
"Everyone," Serena began, her voice clear and commanding. "Each of you has been chosen because I believe in your abilities. But I also know this will not be easy. I expect you to put in your best efforts, and in return, I will make sure this boutique thrives."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in. The team members stood attentively, awaiting the next part of her plan.
"I've already made arrangements for the finest materials to be delivered regularly. Claude of the Crimson Bolt Guild will ensure that only the best reaches us. Our designs will be a fusion of tradition and innovation—tailored for both men and women, as well as children. There will be no limits."
Serena's eyes sparkled with determination as she continued. "Our first step is to begin working on a collection that represents who we are and what we stand for. From this day forward, we will move quickly. We will aim to complete the first batch of clothing in two weeks. I want each of you to dedicate yourselves to excellence. I'll be overseeing every detail, from stitching to fabric to design."
A sense of excitement filled the room. The seamstresses and tailors exchanged looks, their enthusiasm growing as Serena outlined the next steps.
"I'll leave the specifics of the designs to our talented designers," Serena said, gesturing to the woman and man who had been chosen for their roles. "But I want your creative freedom, as long as you maintain quality and craftsmanship. Everything must be impeccable."
She turned her gaze back to Aiden and Robert. "As for the business side, Robert, you will manage the store's day-to-day operations. Any issues, you bring them to me. Aiden, I need you to monitor the shipment arrivals and ensure that we never run low on materials."
The team nodded in unison, ready to fulfill their roles.
Serena finished with a final statement: "We will hold our opening event in one month. By then, I expect this boutique to be the talk of the city. We will be known not only for the finest clothing but for the trust we build with our clients."