Aizen left to go to the tailor shop that his family owned. The badge that Aizen gave was only for the royal family and the richest nobles. It can be used as payment of any kind and also as access to places that common people are not allowed or can't afford.
The manager of the shop assists Serlina right away, and they show her the latest design dresses in the shop that haven't been put on display; she'll be the first one to see them.
A floral dress with an autumn color, puff sleeves, and light fabric caught her eye.
"This dress looks one of a kind."
Serlina said in amusement.
"You want to try it, my lady?"
"No, I just want to simply admire it, because it looks so expensive."
"You don't have to worry about the cost; Lord Aizen already instructed us to give you whatever you like, no matter the cost."
Serlina is stunned once again, but it made her think.
'I don't know how rich they are, but a bit of splurge won't damage them.. I guess?'
They help her to change her dress.
After changing, she can't help but show how happy she is with the dress.
'I only wanted to try it at first, but now, I don't want to take this off.'
'The weight of this dress is the same as the first one I wore, but the flow and fitting are different; it accentuates my body pretty well. And what I also like is I can breathe as well.'
"Do you like this dress, My lady?"
"I love it. I'll take this one. I don't need to try more dresses."
"Perfect, this dress really suits you, My lady."
"Thank you for the compliment."
She got out of the dressing room to look for Aizen, but he was already outside the door waiting for her.
He was astonished just by looking at her beauty. Serlina was talking, but he couldn't seem to understand what she was saying.
"My lord? Aizen? Are you alright?"
He stutters…
"Ahh.. Sorry, what were you saying?"
"I said, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, and I think that we need to go now."
"Ohh.. Right, let us take our leave."
Upon arriving at the Count's Manor, the vibes are different. As they were escorted to the Parlor Room, the maids who were passing by looked gloomy and tired.
When they entered the room, the Count was waiting for them with a smile.
"Welcome to my Manor. I didn't expect you to be accompanied by Lord Aizen. I was expecting us to be alone."
"Thank you for inviting me, Count Bruce. I apologize for the short notice that Aizen will be accompanying me. I hope it'll be fine."
"It's alright, no need to worry since Aizen and I mostly meet in the banquet or other occasions, so he's not new to me."
"Don't mind me, I'm only here to observe, so you may continue with your business talk."
As they sat down on the sofa, Count Bruce asked something.
"Before we go any further, may I know why a lady like you is handling a business? I mostly negotiate with men. It's my first time seeing a young lady doing business talks."
"We're trying to change that conception. I believe that women are also capable of handling business. My brother won't put me in this position if he doesn't believe in me."
'A little bit of a lie should be fine.'
Count Bruce laughed, finding it nonsense.
Aizen is trying to maintain his composure because he finds his laugh irritating.
"I see that you're surrounded by men. Last night you were with Seth, and now you're with Aizen."
He's indicating that Serlina is like a woman who sleeps with countless men. Serlina, on the other hand, is brushing it off, maintaining her professionalism.
It struck a nerve with Aizen when he picked up the teacup; the handle broke, leaving the tea splattered on the carpet.
"I apologize for breaking your teacup. It looks too cheap that I easily broke it. I'll have my men deliver a new set, an expensive one that for sure you'll never see anywhere."
The way Aizen said that in a serious tone left Count Bruce trembling in fear.
"I-It's fine, my lord. You don't have to replace it."
"You know, Count Bruce, I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by men who help me with our business. It may be unpleasant in society's eyes, but I only intend to have business relations with them."
"Alright, I understand now. You may begin what you came here for."
Serlina showed him their latest collections and explained the designs, but it seems like Count Bruce is not interested and is not paying any attention.
After Serlina's presentation, he asked the count because she noticed his disinterest.
"Is there something you don't like or want to change?"
Count Bruce caught the gaze of Aizen; if the gaze could kill, he'd be dead already. He felt the chills down his spine, so he said.
"Nothing, Uh-- I really like your presentation; please tell me more."
After the presentation and their agreement, Aizen and Serlina were about to take their leave.
"Next time we'll have a meeting; hopefully we'll be alone."
Aizen held Serlina's hand and moved her behind him.
"I'll be accompanying her in every future meeting that you'll be having. So always expect me to be with her."
Count Bruce didn't say anything, but judging by his expression, he was irritated by Aizen, but he didn't dare show it.
As they took their leave, on the way to the mansion, Aizen asked.
"To celebrate your success with your first contract, let us dine somewhere you'd like."
"And where that may be?"
"Just leave it to me."
They arrived at the luxurious restaurant; upon entering, Serlina noticed something.
"Why are there no people other than us?"
"I reserved this whole place."
"When did you do that?"
"This morning before we left."
Aizen instructed his assistant to reserve the whole place first thing in the morning. This place is exclusively for the rich nobility and royals. But it's still difficult to get a reservation.
Serlina doesn't know what to feel, to be amazed or to be suspicious.
Aizen assists Serlina to her seat like a gentleman. While waiting for their food to arrive, she asks him something.
"I can't help but wonder, how do you know that Count Bruce will sign the contract?"
"Your determination and confidence, I knew from the beginning. Even if you didn't sign a contract with him, we'll still eat here."
Serlina felt even more grateful to Aizen, but deep inside she was still questioning his intentions.
"Thank you for joining me today. I'm really grateful that you accommodated me throughout the day. I learned a lot as well."
"It's nothing; you can always come to me if you need me."
After enjoying their dinner, they went back to Aizen's Mansion, but they were greeted by an unexpected guest.