Faced with Luna's information-packed "invitation," Sakiko almost subconsciously shot to her feet.
"Why do you know about me?!"
She was so shocked that her voice became a little panicked.
"For a guest about to visit [Sakura Mansion], who is also my future work partner, of course I have to show some appropriate 'concern'."
Faced with Sakiko's agitation, Luna leaned back on the sofa, wearing a rather smug expression.
"But, I really did find some interesting things... Are you still in contact with your main family? Or are you still adrift out there with your father? If you work for me, I can offer you a very generous salary. Maybe I can even help you take care of your father's de—"
"Sakurakouji-sama."
Before she could finish, Tetsuya suddenly spoke up.
"Investigating your guests is your freedom, I have no right to comment, but... please respect Sakiko's personal privacy."
Even when his design was directly questioned just now, Tetsuya's tone hadn't been as cold and serious as it was now.
"But that's a separate matter. For her rude remarks just now, I apologize to you on her behalf."
With that, he immediately bowed his head deeply to Luna.
"Judging the design is your prerogative, so please, do not take her previous words to heart."
"!"
Hearing his response, the dissatisfaction and anger that had filled Sakiko's heart instantly cooled.
The reason she had been so furious was partly because Luna's behavior was completely contrary to her impression of a young lady from a prestigious family, and partly because of her disrespect towards Tetsuya.
However, Tetsuya's defense and apology brought her heated mind back to its usual clarity.
The two parties were still in the pre-negotiation stage. Before a formal partnership was reached, the other party's words and actions were her own business.
Perhaps her opinion was indeed one-sided and arbitrary, but she truly had no standing or right to say what she had just said...
"I apologize for my earlier offense..."
Having calmed down, Sakiko also bowed her head to Luna.
"I was too reckless. I'm sorry, Sakurakouji-sama."
"Luna-sama."
The head maid Yamabuki finally couldn't help but speak up and remind her.
"Words and actions like that will only lower your dignity and others' opinion of you. Please be mindful."
"...I know."
Faced with pressure from multiple sides, Luna also calmed down a bit and retracted her earlier malicious smile.
"I'm sorry, Togawa-san. I take back what I said earlier... However, I'm not the type to not correct my mistakes. Your reminder was indeed very enlightening."
With that, she turned to the head maid and said:
"Yachiyo, this is what you meant by whether a design is mature or not, isn't it?"
"Precisely."
The head maid nodded, affirming Luna's words.
"Although a personal brand does need high fashion to prove the designer's skill, what determines whether the brand can survive in the long run are still the [RealClothes] that can be sold on the shelves. For this type of clothing, the designer must consider not only artistry and visual appeal, but also comfort, ease of promotion, the cost of mass production, and sales profit. If your work, Luna-sama, is a competition piece, then Chihaya-sama's design is a finished garment that can be put to use immediately. For the personal brand you are investing in, these practical issues are more important for us to consider than the splendor of the clothes."
She paused for a moment.
"Besides, you've already seen Chihaya-sama's high-end designs, haven't you? The performance outfit worn by the idol named Hoshino Ai—didn't you praise it highly when you saw it?"
"Speaking of which... I remember now!"
Luna suddenly turned to Tetsuya.
"Chihaya-san, do you still have the design sketch for that performance outfit?"
"I do."
"Give it to me. I want to see it."
"That... I'm afraid I can't."
Tetsuya shook his head slightly.
"That design and that outfit belong exclusively to Hoshino Ai alone. I will not give it to anyone."
"...Is that so?"
Luna's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What if I say... if you don't give me that design sketch, I won't give you the investment?"
"This is a matter of principle. No matter what you say, I will not change my mind."
Tetsuya's tone was calm and unwavering.
"If you insist, then it's regrettable, but I'm afraid our collaboration is off."
"...I see."
Faced with Tetsuya's resolute refusal, a smile actually appeared on Luna's face.
"Alright, I understand. I don't want the design sketch anymore."
"..."
Sakiko shot her a puzzled look.
(He just rejected her, so why does she look so happy?)
(And... although her personality seems very difficult to get along with, and her words and actions lack the etiquette of a young noble lady, she doesn't seem to hold a grudge over others' offenses...)
(What is the deal with this girl??!)
Just as she was feeling baffled by Luna's reaction, Luna spoke again.
"Alright, Yachiyo, bring me the contract you drafted earlier. I think we can sign it now."
"...Eh?"
Tetsuya and Sakiko let out a stunned sound in unison.
"W-wait a minute, Sakurakouji-sama, we haven't even had a chance to talk about the investment yet, have we?"
Tetsuya asked, completely bewildered.
"We just exchanged design sketches a moment ago. Is it really alright to make a decision just like that?"
"Of course it is."
Luna replied without a hint of hesitation.
"Because I had pretty much decided to invest in you before you even came. The reason I called you over was just to meet this genius designer who Yachiyo praised so highly."
"This is too reckless..."
Sakiko said blankly.
"This isn't an investment, it's just throwing money around randomly..."
"Mhm, because that's what it is."
Faced with Sakiko's doubt, Luna nodded readily.
"Before now, all my investments were based on my mood... It's just that most of my investments miraculously made me a fortune."
"However, since Yachiyo came, I've stopped being so random... As for you two, you'll probably be my last investment for the foreseeable future."
As Luna spoke, she took the seal and the contract handed to her by the head maid.
"I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration in the future."
Thump—!
Under their dumbfounded gazes, Luna directly stamped her seal onto the paper.
And just like that, Tetsuya successfully secured what could be called the most muddle-headed sponsorship in the entire fashion industry.