"...You're the first person to ever describe my appearance like that."
The silver-haired girl shrank back, looking puzzled.
"Doesn't everyone usually think I look scary?"
"Scary? Why?"
"Because my skin tone and eye color are different from everyone else's, and I can't walk in the sun like other people..."
"In my eyes, although this skin and eye color have brought you many inconveniences, they have also bestowed upon you a unique beauty. As for being 'different from everyone else,' that's hardly a pejorative term for a designer, wouldn't you agree?"
"..."
After hearing Tetsuya's words, the silver-haired girl fell silent for a moment before speaking.
"...I am the master of [Sakura Mansion], Sakurakouji Luna. I apologize for letting you see me in such an undignified state."
"It's an honor to meet you, Sakurakouji-sama. My name is Chihaya Tetsuya, and this is my apprentice and assistant, Togawa Sakiko."
Tetsuya smiled, finally giving his long-overdue self-introduction.
"Now then... I shall begin to admire your design."
With that, Tetsuya very carefully picked up the design sketch from the coffee table. Sakiko and the head maid Yamabuki also gathered around to look.
What Sakurakouji Luna had designed was a women's overcoat, with a style leaning towards British fashion. Although it was a conservative, long design, the use of a cinched waist and reinforcing straps still ensured the presence of curves. The use of ruffles and pleats was also just right, adding a touch of aristocratic splendor to the overall casual feel.
What was more interesting was that the design sketch even specifically drew the Scottish tartan pattern of the coat's inner lining, which not only ensured a unified element but also made the garment visually appealing even when worn open.
It was an excellent, mature design, good enough to be submitted to a competition.
For a fifteen-year-old girl, the completeness of this design was a testament to her talent and intelligence.
"...A very fine design."
Tetsuya gave his honest assessment.
"If this were judged at an art school, it would definitely win an award."
"I agree with Chihaya-sama's assessment."
The head maid Yamabuki nodded with a smile.
"This is an excellent piece of work, worthy of an award."
"..."
After hearing their evaluations, the coldness on Sakurakouji Luna's face subsided a little. She then turned her gaze to Tetsuya's side and said:
"I want to see your design too."
"Please, be my guest."
Tetsuya pushed his own design sketch in front of Sakurakouji Luna.
"As the client, you have every right to review my design."
"Hmph."
Sakurakouji Luna snorted lightly before speaking.
"Let's see just how amazing this designer praised by Yachiyo really is."
With that, she took the design sketch and began to look at it with a defiant expression...
...
"...Yachiyo."
After a good while, she finally looked up, frowning and waving the design in her hand.
"Is this design... really that amazing?"
"..."
Yachiyo was taken aback for a moment before she replied:
"Just as I evaluated when I first recommended him to you, at least among his peers, I cannot find anyone with such a mature design."
"Why?"
Sakurakouji Luna asked, looking perplexed.
"Isn't this just a plain, single-color summer cardigan? No patterns, no color coordination, and the silhouette is common. Although minimalism is currently in fashion, what's so amazing about this design?"
"..."
Tetsuya blinked, then turned to look at the head maid, as if asking if he should explain his design to her.
Faced with her master's incorrect judgment, the head maid just shook her head with a wry smile.
However, the next second, just as she was about to correct Sakurakouji Luna's statement, Sakiko, who had been studying Sakurakouji Luna's design this whole time, finally couldn't hold back any longer.
"I originally thought there would be some decisive difference between you and other young ladies... but in the end, it turns out you're just a frog in a well."
"Eh?"
Tetsuya was aghast.
"Haah?"
Sakurakouji Luna's face flushed with anger.
"Hey, apprentice, what's that supposed to mean?"
"What a rude way to address me. But what you lack even more than manners is clearly a discerning eye."
Sakiko slammed Luna's design down on the coffee table.
"Please take a good look at Chihaya-nii's design again... and look closely at the number of stitches and pieces of fabric."
"...Stitches? Fabric?"
Sakurakouji Luna picked up Tetsuya's design again.
"What's there to see in something like this? The stitch lines are right here, aren't they? And there are three pieces of fabric in total... Hm, wait a minute?"
Halfway through her sentence, Sakurakouji Luna's voice suddenly faltered.
"It only uses... three pieces of fabric? And because of the raglan sleeves... it won't turn into penguin sleeves..."
"Because in addition to design, patterning and cutting are also Chihaya-nii's strengths. So, while designing, he properly considers how to achieve the same effect at the lowest possible cost."
Sakiko said.
"The entire silhouette of this cardigan is maintained by the inherent properties of the fabric and a minimal number of seams. As a single item, it's nothing special, but for a shop establishing a brand, this kind of design can keep costs to an absolute minimum. And that is precisely why Yamabuki-san evaluated this design as 'mature.' In comparison, while your design is gorgeous on the outside, the useless seams and excessive details actually cause the garment to lose its 'practicality.' That's why both Chihaya-nii and Yamabuki-san's evaluations were only to the extent of 'could win an award at school'."
"Chihaya-nii came to this meeting with the sincerity of establishing a brand, which is why he chose this design, one that proves both the brand's prospects and his personal ability, as a 'gift.' And yet, not only do you show no sincerity or intention to negotiate, you even look down on him!"
Sakiko suddenly turned to look at Tetsuya.
"Chihaya-nii, are we really going to work with an arrogant young lady like this? With your skills, you can definitely find a better sponsor."
At this, she turned back to the young lady in front of her, who was stunned into silence by the scolding.
"At least someone much better than this 'noble lady' who doesn't even know how to treat a guest."
"Sakiko..."
Tetsuya had not expected Sakiko to be so furious, nor had he expected her to so directly express her displeasure with the rude young lady.
And what surprised him even more was that after hearing Sakiko's words, Sakurakouji Luna, sitting opposite them, showed no anger at all. Instead, she looked at Sakiko with great interest—
"Appren... no, I should say, the 'disowned' Togawa Sakiko-san."
Sakurakouji Luna said, pinching her chin as she watched her.
"Tell me... are you interested in working here at Sakura Mansion?"
"...Hah?!"