The next day, as the sun began to climb, a flood of formal invitations and visiting cards were delivered to the castle, all seeking an audience with Lucas.
The response was unanimous: No visitors today. All meetings would be collectively arranged for tomorrow. This left many nobles frustrated and anxious, yet none dared to voice their complaints aloud.
"It seems that just because we want to see him doesn't mean we actually can," Viscount Gini sighed. He looked toward the castle gates, where a crowd had gathered, but not a single soul was permitted entry.
"I have a feeling tomorrow might not be entirely good news," Viscount Isaac noted, looking worried.
"You mean? Lucas intends to unify the Western Lands?" Gini's pupils contracted.
"Isn't it obvious?" Isaac looked up at the rising sun and whispered, "Otherwise, where would Lucas get the courage to lay a hand on the Fourth Prince?"
"You're saying he was afraid the Prince would compete with him for control? That the rebellion was just an excuse to remove him?" Gini asked, shocked.
"What else could it be?" Isaac replied indifferently. "Anyone with eyes can see that Lucas is not a man content with hiding away in a single small city."
"This city isn't small," Gini muttered.
Isaac remained silent. Indeed, Sedona City was a miracle beyond imagination for most. But for a creator like Lucas, this was likely just a starting point—the spark of a young genius's ambition. Isaac believed Lucas was too young to be content with the status quo.
"Everyone! My Lord is exhausted and will not be receiving guests today!"
At the castle gates, Ben's voice boomed over the crowd. "As a gesture of apology, the Lord has arranged a performance for everyone. Every noble may come forward to receive an invitation."
"A performance?" Gini turned and saw people scrambling for the cards.
"Let's go. We should get one too," Isaac said, stepping forward. Under the protection of his knights, he secured an invitation.
"What kind of performance is this?" Gini opened his card and read it. After a moment, he gasped in surprise. "Summer and Autumn Fashion Show? What in the world is that?"
"It seems to be about clothing. Let's go see," Isaac said, his interest piqued. He was fascinated by everything Lucas produced. Over the past few days, he had already taken notes on the Security Bureau and the rental carriage system, hoping to trial them in Michelle City—provided he could stay on Lucas's good side.
"The invitation says to go to Sedona Park. Where is that?" Gini asked, confused. He had been in the city for days but had never heard of a park.
"Likely a restricted area," Isaac replied. He had noticed several closed zones in the city, such as the massive construction site for the Tallest Building.
"We don't know the way. How do we get there?" Gini rolled his eyes.
"We have time," Isaac said calmly. "We'll just follow the people from the castle when they leave."
*
The invitations quickly became the hottest commodity in the city. To maximize his influence, Lucas hadn't set a limit; every noble and several prominent merchants received one.
At around 1:00 PM, Nicole, Annie, Helen, and the others departed from the castle toward Sedona Park. The park was a scenic leisure area featuring artificial hills and massive decorative stones—some of which had been transported by hot air balloon at night. It was lush with trees and exotic flowers.
Since the summer sun was fierce, a large wooden pavilion had been erected for the fashion show.
Tramp, tramp, tramp...
Several carriages arrived at the wooden structure. Nicole and the others hurried into the backstage area.
"Alright everyone, let's get to work!" Nicole called out.
"Wow! This garment is so strange! It has no sleeves?" Catherine cried out, staring at a piece on the rack.
"That's a Short-Sleeved Shirt designed by the Master. It's for the summer heat," Annie explained. She turned to the waiting models. "Number Seven, come put this on."
"Yes, Ma'am." A tall woman took the shirt and went to change.
"Number Six, over here!" Dahlia shouted.
"Number Twelve!" Florence's crisp voice rang out. A burly beastkin walked over.
"Everyone! Once they're dressed, have them walk a loop on the stage, then immediately get them into the next outfit," Helen reminded the group.
"Got it!" Dahlia and Catherine replied. They each had a list of models and outfits, organized into small coordination teams. This was Lucas's way of ensuring everyone was involved and learning, rather than just standing around. Meanwhile, Elisa, Freya, and the others patrolled the perimeter.
"The audience is starting to arrive. We don't have much time. Start the makeup!" Nicole urged.
"Leave it to us!" Dahlia said, pulling a box from her bag containing lip paper, eyebrow cream, and rouge.
"Count me out for the application," Annie pouted, waving her hand. She had no talent for makeup, especially rouge; she always ended up looking like a mess.
"I'll handle Annie's group," Helen said, her long legs carrying her over to help the models. The male models didn't need makeup; they just needed to change.
"Remember, don't panic. Ignore whatever the crowd says. Your job is to walk out, then walk back," Nicole emphasized, checking a small note in her palm. It was a cheat sheet Lucas had written for her; as it was her first time hosting a show, she was incredibly nervous.
.
.
.
.
You can read advance chapters and view R-18 images of the characters on pat reon page.
pat reon.com/GreenBlue17
200 power stones.
Top 100. All time.