Episode 9

One week later, Paulina had completed the dress to Caerina’s specifications. A pastel-hued gown with an open back that clearly displayed the wearer’s spine. At the chest area, it was purposefully cut lower to reveal the collarbones. The hips of the dress were cinched to enhance a slender silhouette.

"Paulina, your stitching is impeccable. I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me you've been sewing for a hundred years."

Caerina praised Paulina’s stitching as it was indeed that marvelous. Not a single detail was missed; everything was precisely as Caerina had designed. Even the servants present were struck with awe, never having seen a gown quite so beautiful.

"Miss, is this really a dress? Is it a bridal gown?"

Caerina nearly choked upon hearing Letta’s question. It was plainly a regular dress meant for significant social gatherings. The standards of dress beauty in this world were indeed very different.

"It's too simple to be called a bridal gown," Caerina stated.

Paulina was still tense as it was her first time working on such a dress. A fear crossed her mind while she busied herself threading through the unfamiliar design.

"Is there anything missing, Miss? This is the first time I've made a dress without a corset. I'm worried I might have overlooked a small error," Paulina mentioned.

"It’s absolutely perfect!" Caerina held up her thumb as a sign that Paulina’s work was indeed flawless.

Paulina smiled with relief, not expecting Caerina would appreciate her week’s worth of labor.

"Why don’t you try on the dress, Miss? I’m so curious to see how you look in this beautiful piece," said Letta, her eyes sparkling.

"Very well, please help me with it."

With the assistance of Letta and two other maids, Caerina was draped in the dress. Once it clothed Caerina perfectly, everyone in the room admired her. How charming she looked in the soft-colored garment.

"Wow, Miss... You look so beautiful, I hardly recognize you."

Caerina’s lips curled into a smile. Seeing her reflection in the dressing mirror, she felt a surge of satisfaction.

"See, Paulina? There’s nothing odd about a corset-less gown. It’s easier for noble ladies to wear something like this. Movement is freer, and there's no tightness from an overly tight corset."

Caerina twirled, showing that a corset-less gown was the superior choice.

"You're right, this is much better than wearing a corset. So, Miss, do you plan to mass-produce dresses like this?" inquired Paulina.

Caerina nodded in affirmation. "Exactly, and that’s why I need you to collaborate with me. Don’t worry, I can handle the business side smoothly. You just focus on sewing and finding a few partners to mass-produce this apparel."

Before Paulina could respond, Sara and Kledson entered, causing a disturbance. They were shocked upon seeing the princess's gown.

"Caerina, is that a wedding dress?"

"No! This is not a wedding dress."

Both of Caerina’s parents exhaled in relief. Caerina found the tastes of people in this world to be quite peculiar. Unbeknownst to her, she was the stranger here.

"What kind of dress is this?" Sara scrutinized Caerina's gown from top to bottom.

"I plan to wear it to a party. What do you think? It’s nice, isn’t it? And without a corset."

Caerina displayed the gown’s details to Sara, who was astounded and eventually her eyes lit up.

"It’s beautiful… so, you don't need a corset with this dress?" Sara asked.

"Yes, what do you think? Do you like it?"

Sara nodded enthusiastically. "I love it. It's beautiful and suits my daughter."

Caerina signaled for Paulina to come closer. Hesitant, Paulina approached.

"Measure my parents, my brother, and the servants here in the room, and if possible, everyone in this residence. I want to gift them clothing of my own design. How about it, Paulina? Can you manage? This will be your first task if you wish to work under my orders."

The room erupted in excitement, especially among the servants, who never imagined Caerina would dress them.

"Miss, what do you mean? How can you spend so much on us?" Letta and the others felt guilty.

"You have been loyal to this residence for so long, even after our family’s downfall, you continue to serve here. Consider it a token of my gratitude for protecting my family," Caerina explained.

They were touched by Caerina's words. Kledson and Sara couldn’t object, so they allowed their daughter to do as she wished.

"Don't refuse Caerina’s kindness. We also don't mind you receiving this gift," Kledson stated, with Sara nodding along.

"Thank you, Miss," they chorused.

That day, Paulina summoned all of her fifteen colleagues. Fortunately, the household staff didn’t number fifty, so their task could be completed more swiftly.

"The clothing business is somewhat dealt with, now I need to go to the sea to make salt. First, I must ask my father about the location of the sea."

Caerina headed to Kledson’s private office. He had just wrapped up his work, making it convenient for a chat.

"Father, I want to go to the sea," Caerina said directly.

"To the sea? What do you want to do in such a dull place?" Indeed, the sea was boring with nothing of interest.

"I want to make salt. Sea water is salty, after all, and can be processed into salt."

Kledson was engulfed in confusion. He didn't understand what his daughter was pondering.

"Caerina, sea water isn't salty."

Caerina’s emerald eyes widened at Kledson's revelation.

"Not salty? What do you mean? No! Wait, then how do others get salt if the sea water isn't salty?"

"Have you forgotten? Salt comes from salt mines. That's why salt is so expensive. Our family can't afford to buy more, only the wealthy nobles can afford such expensive food."

Caerina's mind was thrown into turmoil. Chaos dominated her thoughts, and she couldn't think clearly about the world she was living in.

‘This girl's brain lacks such basic information. What a fool! She should have learned more when she was alive. How could the gods place me in such a useless body?’ Caerina inwardly grumbled.

Caerina quickly composed her facial expression and remained calm to continue her conversation with Kledson.

"Father, where do sea creatures like squid, octopus, and other sea fish live?" It was more fitting as a child’s question to a parent.

"They are farmed in special ponds. You should know that, shouldn't you? We once saw it firsthand, others capturing octopus in a pond."

Caerina was further confused. Strange things kept taking her by surprise.

"Is that so? I'm slightly forgetful, Father. Forgive me for asking about such trivial matters. Then, Father, could you tell me where the salt mines are in Eusebio? I want to visit them."

"Are you sure you want to go there?"

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