Ethel was upset that Helena got the letter as well. She locked herself in her room after banging on the door. Meanwhile, Helena was perplexed by the unexpected event. She never accepted this letter in her previous life. Only one person could give her this invitation.
Nora Vermillion.
It was her reward. Helena never expected the present would be this huge. This was an opportunity to gain more acquaintances in high society. Helena ran to her room and sat in front of the desk. She wrote a letter to show her gratitude to Duchess Vermillion. It was a long letter consisting of three papers. Helena showed her appreciation through words. The reply letter came in a week. The content was a short and clear sentence, but it was grim.
"Don't disappoint me."
Helena was dreadful. She wanted to vomit blood from the answer.
She must prepare herself for the event. The entire estate was jolly because both daughters were chosen for the kingdom ball. Helena did not have a decent dress for Royal Ball, so her father gave her a pouch of gold to be used. Helena and her maids went downtown to buy new clothes.
Helena did not really like going to the boutique. Mr. Brown was courteous, but his word was as sharp as a knife. Helena lost count of how much she heard him nagging about her look. Even in her second life, where she spent her expense in the name of vanity, Mr. Brown still managed to nitpick her appearance.
Helena arrived at the place with her maids. The atmosphere was impressive and heavy. Were commoners passed the building, they would lower their heads in shame. Only wealthy people could afford to buy a dress here without going bankrupt.
"Long time no see Lady Helena Blackmoore."
That cold voice only belonged to one person. Helena could guess who it was. As usual, Oxford Brown always frowned when he saw her. He scanned her from head to toe and clicked his tongue. "With such an outfit, no one will think you are a noble."
"It's nice to see you too, Mr. Brown."
Oxford Brown was a man in his mid-twenties. He had dashing silver hair and light brown caramel eyes. He had a haughty and cold face. Mr. Brown might be a pain, but his ability as a tailor was top-notch. All of Helena's favourite dresses were made by his hand. In her first life, she wore a long beautiful empire waist dress embellished with ornamental flowers. In her second life, she wore a flowing bloody red dress with an open back to match expensive jewellery on her skin.
"So, what is the occasion? You only buy a dress if it's important."
Helena could not refute. She saved her money in case of emergency, so Helena never had excessive spending. After all, that girl had already lost a lot of money from the information guild. However, Helena received additional money from her father. She did not need to worry about spending that day.
"I get invited to the royal ball."
His eyes stared in disbelief. "I cannot believe a plain girl like you can get invited."
Helena replied to his jeer. "A white flower will stand out in the middle of colourful flowers."
"You sure know how to talk back now." He picked up his notes and pencil. "What kind of dress do you want?"
Helena was thinking about her gown design. It must be impressive but not stand out. Should she become an innocent-looking lady? No, she would lose by simply standing next to Ethel. Should she aim to be sexy? No, there were a lot of sensual ladies on the ball.
Helena grinned, and an idea came to her mind. "Surprise me."
Mr. Brown was bemused. "Pardon?"
"You heard me. Create a dress based on my image. It does not matter what kind of dress it is. I believe in your ability. If it is ugly, I will say that you're the one who makes it."
"I don't know what happens, but your new confidence pisses me off."
"Thank you. Looking forward to the dress!"
Helena browsed through the street for jewellery, shoes and accessories. Violet helped her choose new dresses while the twins looked around with sparkles in their eyes. The bell was ringing when some people passed the door. Helena was busy reading the catalogue and ignoring the new customers.
"Lady Blackmoore?"
Helena saw the knight she encountered in the palace. She was surprised to see him in there. "Mister Yale! Fancy meeting here with you. Are you working?"
"Yes, we are working together with the local officers. Do you see these men?" The knight showed a wanted picture. There were portraits of three men; one was bald and had a scar across his head, one had slanted eyes with a moustache, and one had long hair and a tattoo on his neck.
Of course, Helena knew these folks. They were Paradise Star's members. She fought against them when saving Jeremy. She constrained her face to look neutral. The Sad Clown Man and The Masked Man were not in portrait. Helena feigned innocent and shook her head. "I'm afraid no."
A man behind Yale was sighing. Helena was shocked to see that man. She met him in her first life. A plain face, brown hair, freckles across his cheek and tan skin. His brown eyes were friendly and warm.
That man was the only person who remained kind to her in this prison. They only met for a while, but Helena found him unforgettable. He found her case strange and fought until the bitter end to prove her innocent. That man's effort was futile. That man apologized in tears after her guilty verdict came out. He resigned soon after failing to save her. She never met him in her second life. Helena always regretted not reaching out or at least learning about him more.
The brunette man bowed down to her. "Thank you for your cooperation. If you do see these men, please inform it to the nearest officer."
"Wa-wait!" Helena stood from her seat. "I know those men!"
Now everyone's attention gathered around her. Helena gritted her teeth. She should not open her big mouth.
"Really?" The officer looked excited. "Where do you see him?"
Helena must think fast. She must make a fake excuse. "I-Uh.... Those men are similar to the description of the kid in the orphanage told me."
"Orphanage kid?" Yale remembered something. "There was a boy that escaped from the previous human trafficking. He stays in Angles Street's orphanage."
Oxford Brown passed the place. He was stunned to see the officer. "Matthew? What are you doing in here?"
Helena stared at him. "Do you know him?"
The officer laughed and wrapped his arm around the designer's shoulder. "Of course, he knows me! I am his older brother. My name is Matthew Brown!"
"Brown?" Helena's jaw reached the floor. "YOU GUYS ARE SIBLINGS? The flashy guy is your brother??"
Matthew was chuckling. "We heard that a lot. Other than hair colour, we barely resemble each other. It was a long story." He paused before telling the tales. "The Browns is a strict family, taking pride in serving the country. My parents have no daughter, so we must help our mother too. When we were children, my brother preferred to play with garments and clothes. This enraged our father, and he often punished him. Oxford refused to work for the kingdom when he became an adult. My brother and my father had a fight. He left the house and never returned."
"Wow... I never know Mr. Brown has such a backstory."
"Funny, isn't it? He ends up famous and richer than the rest of us."
"His personality is a pain, tho."
Oxford Brown glared at her. "Matthew, how many times I tell you not to meet me when I am working?"
"Come on, cut your brother some slacks. The knight still tries to follow the trail of the kidnappers."
Helena's question finally received an answer. "Ah, no wonder knights can enter this place."
Oxford Brown touched his head. "Tell me about it. Sometimes he brought his friend without announcement and disturbed other customers."
Oxford and Matthew parted after finishing their conversation about their family. The knights left with the rest of their members. Before Helena returned home, she and her maids went through food stalls to buy some skewers. They find a place to sit to enjoy the food. Helena had finished her food and wanted to explore the rest of the street. "Violet, can I go around to see more stalls?"
Azure and Scarlett shouted. "We want to join too!"
"All right, but don't go too far."