Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
It was but one of many royal properties and had been a birthday gift to Princess Leah when she turned eighteen. Since reaching adulthood, she had lived there alone.Alone, because other royal family members each had their own palaces and castles and did not normally reside here.
However, apart from her, there were a dozen female bodyguards skilled in combat and shooting at her side, and a slew of security guards inside and out to ensure her personal and property safety.
Mirabella’s arrival immediately caught the attention of the security guards. Many exchanged glances and kept a close watch on her through their earpieces.
“She’s a designer invited by the princess,” the female bodyguard communicated to the security guard.
The security guard nodded, made an internal call to the princess’s butler to confirm, and then put Mirabella through three security checks and past three identification doors before she was allowed into the castle’s grand entrance.
It was winter, and the ground and trees were dressed in a blanket of snow, an expanse of white.
Mirabella was led to a flashy living room, tastefully decorated with a lavish romantic flair.
Not only was it artistically appealing, but every detail exuded unique elegance, and every item was meticulously chosen, all underscoring the exceptional status of the owner.
“Princess Leah, Queen Abby has arrived.”
The elegant and noble princess stood by the window, turning with a charming smile upon hearing the announcement.
“Queen Abby.”
Her smile was proper, her movements graceful, every gesture revealing what it meant to be a true princess.Mirabella, seeing the princess extend her hand, courteously shook it, “Your Highness, forgive me for keeping you waiting.”
“There’s no need for such formality here; we’re alone,” Princess Leah said with a smile that was always just right, making one feel at ease, “Please, have a seat.”
A servant brought in exquisite pastries and fragrant tea, which the bodyguard checked without finding any issue.
“You may leave us. I want to have a private word with Queen Abby.”
Although the female bodyguards retreated respectfully, Mirabella caught a glimpse of them whispering into their earpieces as the door closed, probably signaling for additional security to guard the perimeter and ensure the princess’s safety at all times.
“Queen Abby, I adore your design philosophy. You’re incredibly talented; each piece you create is stunning.”
Princess Leah smiled with an elegance that was both poised and dignified. Her beauty was famously breathtaking. Though she seldom appeared in the media, her striking looks were the subject of much admiration. Her features seemed as though they had been meticulously crafted by the hand of God.
And it wasn’t just her face that turned heads; her fashion sense had many commoners scrambling to emulate her style.
“I’m honored that you appreciate my work, Your Highness.”
“Would you be interested in making QY the exclusive brand for the royal household? From now on, it would only cater to members of the royal family.”
Mirabella understood the proposition. They wanted QY to serve the royals exclusively because of their unique status and the nobility it entailed.
Although QY’s designs were unique and avoided the embarrassment of dress-clashes, if the brand were used by the daughters of mere millionaires or local tycoons, it would seem frivolous and improper for the royals to don the same.
“If the princess wishes, I could establish a new brand as a fresh identity, exclusively catering to your personal requirements.””Thank you,” Princess Leah’s smile widened in delight. She hadn’t expected Mirabella to grasp the subtleties so swiftly.
“The reason I’ve invited you today is not only to discuss a long-term collaboration but also to commission you to design a wardrobe capable of gracing a variety of occasions.”
After listening to her request, Mirabella stood up, “Allow me to take the measurements, Your Highness.”
She was well aware of royal protocols; aside from handshakes, any physical contact with royals was considered a breach of etiquette.
Thus, while measuring, she carefully avoided touching Leah’s shoulders or any other part of her body, yet her measurements were remarkably precise.
“Can you remember all that?” Princess Leah was surprised that Mirabella didn’t jot down any numbers, relying solely on her memory.
“Just a few figures,” after taking the measurements, Mirabella inquired about the princess’s preferences and style.
The more they talked, the more kindred they felt, especially when Mirabella sketched out a couple of dream designs the princess adored, the latter was amazed.
“They’re even prettier than I imagined.” The princess was completely won over by Mirabella’s design genius after seeing the colored renditions of the elegant gowns, “They look so lovely; I can’t wait to see the finished products.”
The combination of colors and styles was unexpectedly delightful. Mirabella then discussed and sketched hats, accessories, gloves, and bags, matching them with different outfits.The overall look was even more stunning than before, the ensemble exuding propriety and elegance, both noble and beautiful.
She even included sketches of the princess, illustrating her in various styles – playful, proper, mysterious, and dignified.
“I never thought you’d be so good at drawing people too,” the princess felt an incredible connection with Mirabella, especially drawn to her serene presence.
“Is there anything you would like to change or add, Your Highness?”
“Not at all, it’s simply perfect.” The princess beamed as she browsed the designs on the tablet, “Let’s proceed with your creations.”
It was astonishing that Mirabella could draft so many beautiful designs in such a short span.
“Let me also design a few pairs of shoes for you,” Mirabella suggested, proceeding to sketch footwear to complement each style.
Throughout the session, the princess’s face glowed with satisfaction and joy, “You’re truly talented.
Apart from apparel, do you also design other items? Maybe home furnishings, curtains, and such?”
Mirabella lifted her gaze and said with a polite nod, “Your Highness, if you desire it, I will do my best to make it happen.”
Though it wasn’t her area of expertise, she was willing to give it a try.
“That’s wonderful.” Princess Leah replied with a charming smile, “I’ll have someone draft a list for you to work from. Let’s exchange contact information. Is Queen Abby the name you go by?”
“My name is Mirabella Collins.”
“What a lovely name. I know someone with the last name Collins that I’m quite fond of.”
But she was aware that in Solterra, there were many with the surname Collins. Mirabella was surprised that the princess would share such a personal secret with her. She smiled gently and said, “That person is very fortunate to have caught the eye of someone like you, Your Highness.”
The princess smiled again, looking both graceful and beautiful. As Mirabella finished her sketch, the two had grown more familiar with each other, and the princess happily linked arms with her, saying, “Let’s take a walk outside.”
As the door opened, the female bodyguard saw the princess holding Mirabella’s arm so affectionately and immediately said, “Your Highness.”
She wanted to say it was unbecoming of her status, and if seen, it could tarnish the royal family’s image.
“From this moment on, she is my dear friend, and there’s no need for you to follow,” the princess led Mirabella out into the garden.The seven or eight female bodyguards could only watch from a distance, never taking their eyes off the princess for even a second.
“Mirabella, this is the place. Every time I look upon this scene, it stirs so many emotions in me. Could you design a few outfits for me with a winter theme in mind?”
Gazing at the snowy landscape before her, which indeed looked stunning, Mirabella felt new ideas spark to life in her mind, especially with the princess’s striking beauty as inspiration.
Suddenly, several objects fell from above. Mirabella instinctively pulled the princess to her side and kicked the objects away.
They were chunks of snow that had fallen from the buildings and trees. A lot of female bodyguards rushed over, concerned that the princess might be startled or upset, apologizing profusely.
Sometimes the heat from inside a building would cause the snow to fall, or when the trees became overburdened with snow, it was natural for it to drop. But the fact that it had almost fallen on the princess was their oversight and responsibility.
“It’s alright.”
The princess hadn’t expected Mirabella to have such quick reflexes. The way Mirabella had reacted was a clear sign she had some training.
“You’re very quick,” the princess said with a smile. Had it not been for Mirabella, the snow would have fallen right on her head.
“It’s cold out here, Your Highness. Perhaps it’s best if you head back inside,” Mirabella knew the cadre of bodyguards were anxious, fearing more snow might fall.
“Mirabella, why don’t you stay for lunch?” The princess extended a formal invitation.Mirabella guessed it had been a long while since anyone had joined the princess for a midday meal.
“I have other matters to attend to, but I promise to come back another time to join you, Your Highness.”
Princess Leah seemed a bit disappointed but did not press further. She escorted Mirabella herself to the castle gates.
Numerous bodyguards closely guarded her, and a contingent of security guards followed. Once outside the castle, they were even more vigilant, not daring to let down their guard for a moment.
After bidding farewell, Mirabella got into her car and drove away from the castle, slowly disappearing into the distance.
Upon returning to her hotel, Mirabella designed some other styles for different occasions, inspired by the winter scenery. After finishing the designs, she sent them all to the princess to review.
Since the princess had specifically requested that Mirabella personally create the outfits, she compiled a list for her team to prepare the fabrics, accessories, and other materials in advance.
Given her royal lineage, it was compulsory to provide the finest materials for the princess’s gown, as comfort was paramount within the opulent walls of the palace.
After scouring the internet for royal attire appropriate for a variety of high-society events, Mirabella found that night had fallen upon her.
At the Kowloon Bay Raceway, not far from the starting line, a crowd had gathered. Among them were the members of the Drift Kings and the Light Fleet, with onlookers to catch the night’s action.
The Drift Kings had handed defeat to numerous teams in the past races, and tonight, curiosity was piqued. Would the Light Fleet rise to the challenge and conquer the track at Kowloon Bay?
Ophelia Almond, the captain of the Light Fleet, had declared that victory would lead to an open invitation. All racing enthusiasts would be welcome to come, experience, and train on their turf.
“Tell me, has your leader chickened out?” Harlan, the vice-captain of the Drift Kings, sneered from atop his sleek white sports car, glancing at his expensive watch, “What’s the hold-up? If you’re scared, just admit it. Why send these rookies to take the heat?”
Laughter rippled through the crowd, and Candice, a fiery member of the Light Fleet, shot back, “First time I see someone so eager to get schooled. The race is still six minutes away, not six seconds. Chill out.”
“Exactly,” echoed the rest of the Light Fleet.
“Enjoy your laughs now. I have a feeling you won’t find anything funny when you’re the ones eating dust,” Candice retorted, unafraid of Harlan’s biting sarcasm.
The Drift Kings erupted into laughter, especially the vice-captain Harlan, who looked at the Light Fleet with a mocking grin, as if to say they were in over their heads.”Please, I’ve seen your captain’s driving. If you think you can make us cry, you’ve got another thing coming,” before Harlan’s voice trailed off, a beauty sidled up to him, initiating a heated exchange that left little to the imagination.