Jennifer was on the ground, her eyes red with frustration, while Darkness stood nearby, her face calm but betraying a storm beneath the surface. The tension in the air was palpable.
Jennifer wasn't just a subordinate. She was the public face of Seratus Boutique—a friend Darkness had once taught how to knit, how to tailor, and eventually, how to dominate the fashion world. Jennifer dazzled on the stage, while Darkness ruled silently from the shadows, watching her empire flourish.
Taking a deep breath, Darkness said firmly, "Stand up."
Jennifer obeyed, rising slowly, her head lowered like a child expecting harsh words.
But none came.
"It's not your fault, Jennifer," Darkness said, gently patting her head. "No sane person would challenge a brand like ours without careful preparation." Her voice was calm, yet unshakably firm.
Tears welled in Jennifer's eyes. "Master…"
"I won't give you a hug—I don't like it. And you don't need to worry. I'll handle this." Darkness's words were sharp, cutting away Jennifer's guilt like a blade through silk.
"Yes." Jennifer composed herself, wiping her tears. By the time she looked up, she was once again the poised designer the world admired.
Darkness sat, her posture regal, exuding an aura of absolute command. She looked less like a seamstress and more like a sovereign on her throne.
A knock at the door broke the silence.
"Come in," Jennifer called.
An elderly maid, Amelia, entered carrying a box wrapped in enchantments designed to preserve the dress inside. Without unnecessary words, she placed it on the table and bowed.
"Amelia, once you're done, attend to the special orders," Jennifer instructed. Amelia bowed silently and left, careful not to disturb the tension.
Rumors had already begun swirling—that Lady Rubina's careless insults towards Seratus Boutique had strained relations with House Elfred. Staff treaded carefully, unwilling to be caught in political crossfire.
Darkness unwrapped the dress, inspecting its craftsmanship. Flawless. Yet she felt Jennifer's uneasy gaze.
"If you need something, speak up. Don't hesitate," Darkness said without looking up.
Jennifer hesitated, then fell to her knees. "Master… I need your help."
"Speak clearly."
"I designed a special magic dress for a prince. It changes appearance, but now they want more illusions, transformations, and effects beyond my abilities."
A sharp glint appeared in Darkness's eyes. "They're testing us. Fine. I'll handle it. But quadruple the price."
"Yes, my lady," Jennifer said, retrieving a dress from a hidden compartment.
'So, she prepared it beforehand,' Darkness mused, lips curling slightly. 'She hasn't changed.'
Darkness drew a needle crafted from Mithril, coated in Adamantite, etched with her own runes. In the hands of others, it could spin mana into thread; for her, it was an extension of her will.
Jennifer presented a double-layered golden tunic, woven with Golden Spider Silk and lined with Life-Eating Purple Tree fibers—materials renowned for their defensive enchantments and curse resistance.
"They want complete appearance shifts, shimmering effects, a sweet scent, and an aura of charm," Jennifer explained.
Darkness's hand stilled.
"That's impossible without royal sanction. Did they send a formal request?"
"No, just verbal orders through a servant," Jennifer admitted.
The thread snapped. Darkness's expression darkened.
"Return it. Unless they provide a written request sealed by the Royal Crest, we will not comply." She tossed the dress back, its protective enchantments preventing damage.
"Yes, Master," Jennifer replied, bowing deeply.
Later, Darkness sat in her carriage, the rejected dress beside her. Rage simmered beneath her composed exterior.
'How dare they attempt to tarnish Seratus Boutique with such cheap tactics?'
Arriving at Elfred Mansion, she composed herself. Afternoon tea parties were starting—prime time for noble gossip. She had no time for idle whispers today.
She entered Lady Rubina's room—as expected, it was empty. 'She forgot to activate the security spells again,' Darkness thought, placing the dress on the desk.
Next, she made her way to the training grounds. The vast field, separated from the main estate, featured tracks, combat dummies, and dormitories. It was rest time; the grounds were empty.
"Hmph… I'll train to clear my head," Darkness muttered.
She picked up a 6-foot iron pole, 15 centimeters thick, weighing several hundred kilograms, and began jogging the 300-meter track.
"One hundred laps should suffice."
Kilometer after kilometer, she ran. Sweat glistened on her face, her breath steady despite the grueling pace. Even with her immense strength, exhaustion gnawed at her—but she welcomed it.
As she neared completion, a group of new recruits entered the grounds.
They froze, watching the dark cloth figure wield a colossal iron pole with effortless grace. Darkness had changed into a loose black training shirt and pants, her hair tied back, sweat dripping down her chin.
"Who is that…?"
"She's stunning… but is she lifting that like a twig?"
"She's not our instructor… is she?"
Their murmurs ceased when Darkness approached them, placing the iron pole down with a solid thud.
She see the new recruits are children, 12 or 13 year old, this let her understand.
'So they are talents and Nobel children came to train, not just some recruits' she smile.
"So, you're the new recruits. Not bad, at least you can hold a sword," she said, her tone neutral.
One bold boy with orange hair and black eyes stepped forward.
"Listen, girl. Maybe you're strong, but we're trained in weapons. You shouldn't look down on us." His pride was palpable.
Darkness's eyes narrowed. "Are you from House Carnelle?"
"Yes, I'm Marcus, heir to House Carnelle. You've offended me. Prepare to be punished!" He drew his blunt training sword and lunged, attempting a heavy strike using his body weight.
Before anyone could react, Marcus was on the ground, face-first, disarmed.
The recruits were stunned.
Marcus scrambled up, refusing to accept the humiliation. "Damn you! {Strength}, {Agility}, {Double Strike}!" He unleashed his Martial Arts techniques, amplifying his speed and power.
Darkness evaded effortlessly, stepped into his space, and twisted his wrist, immobilizing him.
"Using Aura and Martial Arts for personal grudges? I'll have to discuss this with your father."
"Agh—let me go!" Marcus shouted.
At that moment, Instructor Chris arrived, bowing hurriedly. "Lady Darkness, thank you for accepting my request."
Understanding the implication, Darkness released Marcus.
Her name rippled through the recruits like a shockwave.
"She really is… Darkness."
"I heard stories about her… That's Darkness—the Head Butler of House Elfred."
"She's the one who commands House Elfred from the shadows…"
"No way! You mean the prodigy who mastered Aura and Magic at a young age?"
"The one who stood against the War Lord of Fort Narvis?"
"Silence" Chris said silencing everyone present.
"Today, Lady Darkness will taught you lesson of growth" He said knowing the purpose of summoning her is complete.
"Sure, i will give you all a lesson " she said.
Among the onlookers, a group of noble ladies watched secretly from afar, their cheeks flushed as they whispered like enamored maidens.
All except Lady Rubina, whose face twisted with jealousy and disdain.
Darkness, oblivious to it all, simply adjusted her shirt, now ready to taught a lesson.