The Debt Of Fate-Chapter 264: Dark sea

Miss Magdalene left the house shortly after to help prepare Anastasia’s dress and jewelry. She understood why Anastasia did not want to keep a high profile; after all, it might only attract trouble. After leaving the house, she went to one of the stores where she was familiar with the steward.

"Miss Magdalene," the steward greeted warmly, clearly happy to see her. He was among the few who knew that Miss Magdalene was connected to the true boss of the business.

She returned his greeting with a warm smile. Upon entering the shop, she noticed it was empty—the seamstresses who should have been working were nowhere to be seen.

"Where is everyone?" Miss Magdalene asked, glancing at the few simple dresses on display. She was looking for something plain to buy for Anastasia, but she did not want it too cheap or ordinary. Even when keeping a low profile, one must still carry some dignity. Given Anastasia’s current reputation, it was important to be cautious.

Miss Magdalene felt at ease only because Ernest was originally the illegitimate son of a Duke. Since his house had been granted by the king, there were no other relatives in the general’s mansion to cause her trouble.

The steward looked at Miss Magdalene, then lowered his voice. "There has been an order from the boss of the Black Sea. I heard he sent for a size and wants a simple dress made." He paused, as though he wanted her to fully absorb the news.

"The boss of the Black Sea?" Miss Magdalene stopped in surprise. After joining Anastasia in building her business, she had heard of this Lord of the Black Sea. He was said to be responsible for forging the finest weapons.

The royal families of all the neighboring kingdoms had failed to uncover his identity. Yet, because of their unmatched quality, he supplied weapons only to royal armies.

When she first heard of this Lord, she had been curious. Even Anastasia had wanted dealings with him, as she planned to raise a secret army—but it had been impossible.

The Lord of the Black Sea worked only with royalty, and although Anastasia had made it clear that the person running her businesses was related to the royal family, she did not wish to expose herself. So hearing that the boss of the Black Sea had placed an order shocked Miss Magdalene.

"Are you certain of this?" she asked.

"Of course. I heard he ordered a dress. I’ve seen the sketches—it is indeed beautiful. But since it must be delivered by tomorrow evening at the latest, he offered a huge price. This time, we have made great profit," the steward said.

Miss Magdalene smiled, though she cared little for the profit. Money was good, but she felt that forming a connection with this Lord of the Black Sea would be far more beneficial.

"Had it been long since the Lord came? Did you get a look at him?" Miss Magdalene asked.

"Miss, how could the Lord of the Black Sea come himself? The man who came introduced himself as the Lord’s steward. If not for someone delivering cloth from the sea at that moment—who recognized him—I would never have known the connection," the steward replied, shaking his head.

Miss Magdalene felt a pang of disappointment, but thinking again, she knew that if it were so easy to meet the Lord of the Black Sea, Anastasia would not have failed to approach him, even as queen.

"Then, do you have the address where the dress should be delivered?" she asked. She thought that becoming acquainted with the Lord’s steward might still be valuable.

"No, he will come here to pick it up in the evening," the steward answered.

"Alright," Miss Magdalene said, making mental plans. She immediately turned to the dresses already available for sale. As Anastasia had instructed, she selected a simply elegant one.

She then hurried back to Anastasia and informed her of the news regarding the Lord of the Black Sea.

"Early tomorrow, you must go to the shop. Follow, and find out who this dress is meant for," Anastasia instructed. She suspected that if the Lord’s steward was involved, then the lady for whom the dress was intended might be a lover or a close relative of the Lord himself.

"Yes, my lady," Miss Magdalene agreed.

"Look, I found a beautiful dress. You should try it and see if it fits," Miss Magdalene said. She felt sad that she could not openly accompany Anastasia, for doing so might risk exposing the true mastermind behind the secret businesses Anastasia had built—a dangerous prospect, especially now that the king wanted to destroy her.

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The next day, Miss Magdalene arrived at the shop quite early. The seamstresses had worked through the night. They looked tired, and the dress was still unfinished.

Miss Magdalene watched the seamstress work all morning, it was only late in the afternoon that the finally finished the dress, looking at the elegant pieces, she could not stop herself from stepping forward to have a closer look.

The dress was being fashioned from fine ivory silk, its fabric flowing like water with every touch. A subtle sheen caught the light, giving it a regal glow without appearing ostentatious. The bodice was delicately embroidered with silver thread, forming patterns of vines and blossoms that hinted at quiet nobility. Its sleeves, sheer and graceful, brushed the wrists like whispers of mist, while the skirt fell in layered folds that promised both dignity and movement.

Looking at this dress Miss Magdalene really felt the urge to steal it for her lady. She felt it was the perfect dress for her second wedding. The details were simply but could not be looked down upon. No one would look down on Anastasia for wearing this but it was not a show off either. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Miss Magdalene was unable to stop her admiration for the dress but in that moment the steward arrived to take the dress.

He was a tall man in a dark cloak, his presence calm but heavy, as though he carried the weight of his master’s authority in silence. He had a warm smile on his face but no one mistook it for friendliness.

"Welcome, the Steward from yesterday stepped forward. "We have just completed your dress," saying this she pointed at the dress hanging in the center of the room.

The seamstress moved aside for him to take a look. The steward stepped forward and examine the dress with great care. One could tell that this piece of clothes was meant for someone important.

"You have done well," he said. His voice was low, guarded, the kind that revealed nothing and invited no unnecessary questions.

Seeing that he was satisfied Miss Magdalene moved forward as the dress was been folded. "It gladdens me to hear that," she gave a simply nod to show her recept and also introduced herself to him. "My Boss has instructed that since it is an honor to serve your Lord, consider this order at a lesser price. A small courtesy from our side, to build friendship." she said with a smooth smile.