Seeing More Smiles

Turnout for the Minette Belle pop-up has been really great! Our customers are buzzing about it! Everyone's been telling me how happy they are to be able to buy your pieces locally.

That's wonderful to hear. If more people get to enjoy our work, our designer will be over the moon.

Speaking of which, you'll be bringing her for the Mimi meet-and-greet next week, right? I'd love to say hello...as a fan.

Haha...sorry, but she's not much for the spotlight. I don't think I'd be able to persuade her.

I'll be representing us, I'm afraid. I'm happy to help with the sales floor, though. Just let me know.

Aww, shame. Anyway, I was wondering if...

Ooh, cute!

I might just grab this.

Hold up, the Mimi fan meeting's right around the corner! Maybe you should wait. What if there are new releases?

Uh...Mimi who?

Uh, the cat? The face of the Minette Belle clothing brand? We're literally at their pop- up right now, how do you not know?!

I only came because you invited me. Is it really that big of a deal?

Totally. I'm telling you, it's worth the wait. They're always pumping out fresh ideas. Stuff no one else is making. I'm obsessed, I follow all the releases.

Geez, you really are a fan.

Duh! And it's not just that the clothes are cute. The designer is actually super knowledgeable. Just recently, a Minette Belle dress even helped restore a thousand-year-old painting!

A painting? How does that even work?

No clue. I just read it online.

Well, if we're coming back anyway...

Um...is something wrong?

Oh, sorry. Zoned out for a second. What were we talking about?

New releases!

Our customers really love rose motifs, so I was thinking... Not an official collaboration or anything, but maybe we could offer a rose-themed item just for the event? We'll have a bigger sales floor than usual too, so I'd love to be able to offer one or two more items...

...You mean, a new piece? Starting now?

Pleeease? I'm sure you could whip something up easy!

Well...even so...I can't really decide that on my own.

But the customers would be thrilled! Pretty please?

...All right. I'll...run it by our designer...

Oh, thank you! Please, give her my regards!

*sigh* A new design, huh?

Guess I'd better get back to the studio...

Is she out of her mind?! I can't spit out a whole new design NOW!

Stupid move, pretending to be the manager... They'd never make a request like that to the designer herself. They'd be too intimidated. ...Right. I AM the designer. I'll just call her up and say no. Sorry, lady, your deadline is ridiculous!

No. Not happening. I'd totally cave. I hate talking to boutique staff. They always know how to hook you...

Hey, Mimi.

What is it? You wanna play?

No? You want your dinner?

*sigh* Listen, Mimi. This is just between us, but... I think Minette Belle's reputation has gotten a little out of hand lately. It feels like I'm not allowed to mess up anymore, Like if I make even one thing that's not exactly what people expect, they'll turn on me and walk away. I love making clothes...but the pressure to live up to that hype? It's exhausting.

I was happier back when I made fun things just for whoever was right in front of me, like when I made that ribbon for you.

Yeah, you're right. Sitting here sulking won't help.

Okay, pity party's over! Time to get to work.

Thanks, Mimi. You always know what to say.

Ugh...nope. Everything's starting to look the same.

Roses are so overdone anyway! What could I even make that's actually fresh?!

Hey! Mimi, what's up with you?

Oh, I'M the one acting weird?

Yeah, you're right. Let's get back to work...

No. No. No. NO. Definitely not. No. Dated. Ugly. Trash. Trash. Garbage. This won't work. This isn't Minette Belle. No one would even want this.

It's hopeless! No matter how hard I rack my brain, nothing good's going to come out! I don't have any talent! All the ideas that sell come from crazy dreams!

Oww, Mimi! That hurt!

Yeah...you're right. I'm exhausted. Let's just sleep. Tomorrow-me will figure out the new design. I trust her.

Goodnight...

Hm? Mimi? What is it, honey?

Wait. Where...am I?

I did it...

I'm dreaming! Yesss! Come on, come on, come on!

I can salvage this design after all!

Okay, Nina, roses. We can do roses Let's go find something.

Wow...gorgeous. These can't be real flowers, can they?

I'll just get a teeeny bit closer. Maybe even catch the scent.

Stranger, what business have you here?

Depending on your answer, I may have the guards...

U-Umm... Uh...

...Well now. If you have a cat's protection, I can't imagine you bear ill intent.

If you've had your fill, you'd best be on your way. Were anyone else to find you here, it would cause quite the disturbance.

W-Wait, please!

What is it?

My cat, Mimi, she... Um...scratched your cloak.

Hm? Ah...this? Think nothing of it.

I'll fix it right away!

...There. How's that?

Impressive... You're quite the skilled tailor.

I'd not known we had such a craftsperson in the castle. If I can no longer keep track of those in my household, perhaps I am unfit to call myself lord here.

No, um...don't say that...

(Not like you would've recognized me anyway...I'm just passing through.) (But I ought to be careful not to say too much.)

Now that I think on it...it's been long indeed since I've seen another face. It's little wonder I don't know yours.

Uh, it happens. No need to feel down about it...

But I must. Since taking the throne, I've grown estranged from my people. The only faces I see now are those of my wife and child. I am afforded no glimpse of my subjects. Nor they me. Who would know me, if I walked among them? They no longer know my face.

I'm sorry...

Think nothing of it. This exchange only confirms what I already suspected.

My very name is fading from recollection. The man I am, the individual, shall be overshadowed by the figure of the king...

(Good going, Nina. The dream guy is depressed now.) (Should I say something? Maybe share a story he can relate to?)

...Forgive me. I didn't mean to trouble you with such talk.

Oh! No, no! I just, um... I totally get it, you know?

Oh?

(Botched the opening. Oh well. None of this is real, right?)

I got into tailoring because I loved making the people around me smile.

But as the business grew, I stopped seeing my customers' faces. Of course, I still want to be serious about the work I do for them, but... (Back up, wasn't I trying to cheer him up? I've just gone and made this about me.)

Now I don't even know if people like what I make or not, and that scares me.

I used to be proud of my work, but now every time I put out a new design, I can't help doubting myself.

I see. So even a craftsperson has their own burdens to bear.

(Kill me... This is so awkward.)

Very well, craftsperson. Make something for my wife.

What.

If I deem it fit to present to her, you will have my praise. If not, you shall have it back. Let that be your verdict.

(Harsh. Is he trying to be nice or not?)

(Still...)

All right. Could you tell me first what things Her Majesty likes?

My lady is fond of roses from Corinda. They have a peculiar shape, quite unlike any others...

But I suppose you would have to see them to understand.

I do not have any here, but the archives should have a serviceable field guide. I would be happy to show you.

Thank you. Having a reference will make things much easier.

(Is this a historical record of the kingdom? Looks like it's still unfinished...)

(Let's see. The reigning king during this era is...)

Here it is. A drawing of the Corinda Rose.

I see...very nice...

My wife loves flowers of all kinds, not merely roses. The garden you saw earlier? I had it made for her.

(Show-off much? Perks of being a king, I suppose.)

You're quite devoted to her, aren't you?

...Perhaps I am. The blooms in that garden may wither, but my love for her is eternal.

If I may... You said the Queen loves flowers, but is there a reason the Corinda Rose is her favorite?

I gifted her one the day she arrived here as my bride. She tells me that ever since, it's become a very dear flower to her.

Perfect. So it's accurate that for Her Majesty, the Corinda Rose is a symbol of your love. One last thing. Could you tell me everyone in your family's favorite color?

Thanks for waiting!

Here's what you've asked for.

A Corinda Rose corsage.

I've finished it in three colors, white and red for the Queen and Prince's favorite hues... And pale blue for yours, Your Majesty. A token of a love that never withers.

I call it the "Rose of Lucerio".

Lucerio... How do you know that name?

Sorry, I may have uh...skimmed through some castle records while you were hunting for the field guide.

...I see.

There's a lot written in there, you know. Not just visits and royal achievements, but little snippets on how you spend your days. I think both your people and your staff see you far better than you realize.

Indeed? I have always left such record- keeping to others and never thought to read them myself.

To claim my name is bold indeed... But it's a fine rose, and worthy of the name.

I'm just glad you're happy with it.

Just as my love for my queen shall never fade, It's evident your passion for creation has not withered either.

Yes, this was the most fun I've had with a commission in a long time. Thank you for the opportunity.

Probably about time to be waking up...

Leaving so soon?

Thank you, I feel better than I have in ages.

May you and the Queen live happily ever after!

...She's gone? Perhaps I was daydreaming.

And yet...

An idea, finally! Dreams really are the well of inspiration! Where's my pen?! Gotta get this down quick!

Finished! Nina, you've done it again!

And, yep, just in time! Let's get this to the boutique.

Welcome! And thank you for coming to the Minette Belle pop-up store! Please keep your purchase receipt, it will serve as admission for the Mimi meet-and- greet!

Welcome! Feel free to look around!

(I feel like I've seen this guy somewhere before. Where was it?)

Oh, this rose...

That one caught your eye? That's our event exclusive, "Rose of Lucerio". It's inspired by the Corinda Rose, a flower said to have grown wild on the surface tens of thousands of years ago. We've reimagined it here as a bloom that never fades.

Tens of thousands of years, you say...

I'm no expert in fashion, but even I can tell this is something special.

Then perhaps...one for the queen in your life, as a gift?

Hahaha. Queen, hm?

(Oh no! Why did I say that?!)

Still...my wife does love roses. It might make a nice surprise for her.

I think she'd be delighted. Could you wrap one up for me?

Certainly. Thank you for your purchase!

(There really is no substitute for seeing people light up over what I make.) (I'm sure there'll be days when the pressure gets to me again, but...)

(If it means getting to see more smiles like that, I'll happily keep creating.)

Welcome! Feel free to look around!