As Serena and Robert stepped down, the crowd of customers instinctively parted, whispering among themselves. In the center stood a young noblewoman, dressed in fine silks embroidered with gold. Her fan snapped open with a sharp flick as she tapped it against her palm, her expression one of disdain.
"So this is the well-known Aurelia Atelier store," she said, her voice laced with mockery. "And yet, you dare sell me a defective dress?"
Robert's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Serena raised her hand slightly, silencing him.
"I am Serena Selwyn," she said, her tone calm but firm. "You claim there is a defect. Show me the dress."
The noblewoman smirked, clearly enjoying the attention as her maid stepped forward, carrying a silk gown wrapped in fine cloth. Unfolding it, she held it up high for everyone to see.
"There," the woman declared, pointing at the hem. "Look at this seam. Do you call this worthy of a Duchess's store? A disgrace, I say! And I demand a full refund."
The room buzzed with murmurs, all eyes darting between Serena and the noblewoman.
Serena's gaze lingered on the dress, then lifted to meet the woman's eyes. She smiled faintly, though her voice carried a sharp edge.
"A Selwyn gown does not leave this house without perfection," she said softly. "So if there is indeed a flaw, I will personally take responsibility. But…" Her gloved hand brushed the seam, her eyes narrowing. "…I wonder if this 'defect' was truly made by us or tampered with later."
The noblewoman's smirk faltered.
The murmurs grew louder. Some customers leaned closer, eager to witness how the Duchess of Selwyn would handle the matter.
Serena's gloved fingers trailed over the hem again, her eyes sharp. "Interesting. This stitching is not ours."
The noblewoman stiffened. "W–what do you mean?"
Serena raised her gaze, her voice calm yet commanding. "Every Selwyn gown carries a signature stitch at the hem, a mark only my seamstresses are trained to sew. Yet this seam"—she tapped it lightly—"is crudely redone, as if someone unpicked it and tried to re–sew it in haste."
A ripple of whispers spread across the shop.
She turned back to the noblewoman, her smile polite. "Lady, it seems this gown was deliberately tampered with after leaving this store. Either by neglect in your household…" She paused, letting her words sink in. "…or by design, to tarnish our reputation."
The noblewoman's face burned red, her fan trembling in her hand. "You—you dare accuse me?"
Serena inclined her head gracefully, her tone still soft yet edged with steel. "I accuse no one. I only state the facts before us. But should you insist this is our fault, I will happily call upon the Ministry of law. They are quite strict, you know—false claims against a Duchy's store may carry… unfortunate consequences."
At that, the noblewoman faltered, her boldness shattering. She quickly snapped her fan shut, forcing a weak smile. "N–no need for such measures. Perhaps… my maid mishandled the gown. I must have been mistaken."
Serena gave her a small, knowing smile. "I see. Then, for the sake of goodwill, allow my seamstresses to restore the dress properly, free of charge. A Selwyn gown should always bring pride to its wearer."
The noblewoman muttered a hasty thanks before fleeing the store, her maid scrambling after her.
The crowd of customers, now buzzed with admiration. One whispered, "Truly, the Duchess of Selwyn leaves no room for deceit."
Serena returned to her office with Robert, her expression dark. She knew very well this was not a simple complaint, but a deliberate attempt to ruin her store's name.
She looked at Robert. "Do you know her, Robert?"
Robert thought for a moment before replying, "She is Viscountess Elayne Rowen, Your Grace."
Serena leaned back slightly. "Viscountess Rowen? Isn't her husband the Chancellor of the Imperial Court?"
Robert nodded.
Serena's brows furrowed in thought. "Then why would someone of her status cause trouble here?"
Robert hesitated before answering, "It might be because of the store across the street, Your Grace. I've heard it's managed by the Viscountess herself."
Serena's gaze sharpened. "She runs a store here, in our duchy, and not in the Imperial Capital?"
"Yes," Robert confirmed. "The capital of Selwyn—Selsey—is renowned for its trade and merchandise. Even nobles from other territories open shops here. As you know, the Imperial Capital's economy now mostly thrives under the Holy Church's influence."
Serena tapped her fingers lightly on the desk. "So, it's competition then. How tiresome."