A Familiar Seamstress

The morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the dining hall, glinting off the polished silverware laid neatly across the table. The Drewitt estate always felt far too grand for being a Baron’s home. But then again, it could be because of their keen eye for the arts they were able to pinch town to the last copper coin to be able to get affordable luxuries. A dozen paintings hung on the ivory stone walls, tapestries draped in between them. The hall with the long table full of food and chatter felt warm with everyone's exchange of topics and pleasantries.

Baron Drewitt dabbed his mouth with a napkin before setting it down. “It is a fine day outside. Not too cold, nor too hot. It would be a shame for the girls to spend it cooped up here.” His gaze moved from me to Sylvia, steady and thoughtful.

“Indeed,” The Baroness said, “Lady Elara and I will be at a gathering all afternoon, and your brothers are already out sparring with Lucien at the training grounds.”

Baron Drewitt nodded looking at me. “The Viscount and I will be tied up with business… mostly improvements on agriculture. You two might be bored out of your minds left here alone. How about I give you some pocket change dear, and you two can get some new dresses or pastries at the new shop that opened a few days ago.”

Sylvia looked up from her tea with a smile, her silver-blue hair catching the light. “Then should we go to town, Rosaria? It would be nice to look around, and I still need to see what shops here are like compared to home.”

The Baron’s lips curved faintly. “Take a carriage since it has more room for your purchases. Have some fun while you can.”

I nodded, though part of me wondered if this was his way of urging me to be normal. To enjoy the small luxuries instead of thinking constantly about who I was or what I had become. Maybe he was right. Maybe it would help to breathe outside the manor walls. And away from the small friend group Rosaria was in with Estel and Historia. Though, after that frightening smile, I don’t know how I would interact with Historia once classes started again.

Not long after, Sylvia and I were bundled into a carriage, the steady clatter of wheels carrying us into town. The streets were alive with merchants calling from their stalls and children darting between carriages with baskets and other Knick knacks as they played. The boutiques were already buzzing with customers preparing for the upcoming ball, their chatter spilling out into the street like ribbons of silk.

“Seems like we came at a busy time” Sylvia said. “Since your school has a break, it seems like everyone is eager to order their ballgowns for the Nightfall Annual Ball.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me. That scene was only cute in ‘Historia’s Ever After’. Not ‘His Amor’. I would skip the dance if I could.”

“Come on Rose, even if you decide not to go, you should at least get a dress since we’re out shopping. It would do some good for us to at least kill some time.”

I sighed, knowing Sylvia would argue until the end of time with me if I kept going against her. “Fine, We’ll only take a peek.”

We stopped by the largest shop first, The Laced Grace. There were bolts of fabric in every shade and texture imaginable lining the walls. Attendants fluttering around customers, pinning dresses and arranging accessories. It should have felt exciting, but my chest tightened when I saw familiar figures reflected in the mirrors at the far end. Well, guess the Baron’s wish of me avoiding being among the main trio is going to have to be unfulfilled…

Historia stood with her usual elegance, long cuts of fabric draped over her arms as attendants fussed around her. They showed her mock ups of dresses and what was currently in style, and what would be in style for the future. Darren lingered close, speaking with easy charm that made the women nearby swoon, making sure Historia only got the finest bolts of fabric used for her dresses. And Estel… He stood just behind them, quieter, his posture reserved. When his eyes found mine, something unreadable flickered across his face. For a second, I thought he might say something.. but he only gave the faintest nod before Historia motioned for his attention. She swept past us with Darren at her side, her sweet smile practiced.

The moment left me hollow. Like this scene, time, and moment were made for Historia. Once again, the world reminded me that she was the Heroine of this world. The confidence I built felt fragile, like my efforts were going in vain in front of me. A grim reminder that I, Rose, don’t belong in this world.

After a lot of debate, Historia ended up leaving with a bunch of clothes, smiling as she passed by us. And the mood suddenly shifted after they saw me, a baron’s daughter. Their smiles seemed shallower, their tone polite but distant. It was clear who they favored. Especially after the prince himself had shown favor to Historia.

I felt uneasy, and I guess Sylvia felt the same, her expression not one of panic or distress, but more of someone bothered. Her hand slipped into mine, her grip firm. “Let’s find somewhere else,” she murmured. “It’s not like this is the only place to get dresses.”

We left the shop and wandered through the quieter streets until we came across a smaller store tucked between tall buildings. It really didn’t look like a shop. Its sign was plain, its windows modest, but something about it felt warmer. A small bell chimed when we stepped inside.

The smell of fresh linen filled the air. Fabric was stacked neatly along the walls, half-finished gowns stood on mannequins, their stitching raw but delicate.

Behind the counter, bent over a spool of thread, was a girl with her hair tied back in a messy knot. She looked up at the sound of the bell, her eyes widening. The thread slipped from her fingers as it rolled across the floor.

Red hair, green eyes. Her face speckled with freckles, and the one on the very dimple of her cheek that was one shaped like an uneven heart.

Amanda.

For a moment, Both Sylvia and I froze as we stared at the seamstress looking back at us. Her eyes widening, noticing Sylvia, who looked similar to our world's Sylvia.

“Amanda…” My voice cracked on her name.

The next second, we were rushing toward each other in a group hug. We collided in the middle of the shop, our arms tight around one another, tears spilling hot down our cheeks. The sound of Sylvia’s laughter mixed with Amanda’s sobs, and I felt something in my chest unclench for the first time since I woke up in this world.

We clung to each other, laughing and crying all at once, like three broken pieces that somehow still fit together no matter where the world threw us. Amanda pulled back first, brushing at her eyes with the back of her hand, her freckles shining brighter against her flushed skin.

“It’s really you two…” she breathed, her voice trembling but filled with awe. “I thought… I thought I’d never see you again. I thought maybe I imagined everything. Rosaria… Rose… Rose it’s you right?”

I nodded my head frantically “Of course it is. I ended up in her body for some reason after my accident. Rosaria had just gotten into the boat accident scene.”

“God… This all feels like some dream. Who knew we would be sucked up in this world of all places.” Amanda said.

Sylvia squeezed her hand. “No dream could ever be this real.”

Amanda laughed loudly, a sound caught between relief and disbelief. She tugged us both toward a table in the corner that was half-buried under fabric scraps and sketchbooks. “Come on, sit.. I’ll make tea. It isn’t much, but I’ve gotten used to keeping a pot ready. Kind of a habit when you live above your own shop.”

I wiped the tears from my face, then paused. “Wait, you live here alone?”

Amanda busied herself with the kettle, her back to us when she nodded. “Yeah… I left the family I was in. It was some stuck up noble family that felt too stuffy, and only wanted to get me married off to some rich guy. I wanted something more… something that felt like mine. At first I worked at one of the larger boutiques in town. But…” She hesitated, her fingers tightening on the teapot lid.

“Historia came in one day. She hated my dresses. Then Darren said they weren’t fit for someone like her, made sure I was dismissed not long after. The owner didn’t even argue. They just let me go.”

Sylvia’s lips pressed into a hard line, her hand tightening around mine. “That’s awful. I thought they were supposed to be kind and admirable for the commonfolk.,” she said flatly.

Amanda turned, her smile soft and stubborn. “It was a blessing in disguise. I opened this place instead. It is small, but it is mine. And I can create without anyone breathing down my neck. Besides, after that encounter, I kind of don’t want to work at a place that kisses a nobles butt.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle, and curiosity got me as I looked around at the delicate stitching on the mannequins. The bright fabrics draped like ideas just waiting to come alive, and pride swelled in my chest. “They’re beautiful, Amanda. Everything here is amazing. It reminds me of when you used to revamp the thrifts you used to find back home.”

Her cheeks went pink, and for a moment she looked like the same girl who used to sprawl across Sylvia’s dorm bed with fashion magazines, her eyes always glinting with inspiration. “Then… Why don’t you let me make your dress, Rose? For the Nightfall Academy ball. I’ll make you something Historia could never dream of wearing.”

“Are you sure about that? I mean… I’m not supposed to shine like Historia. Maybe I shouldn’t. Besides, I was never good with socializing. A ball sounds daunting.

Sylvia clapped her hands, her silver-blue hair bouncing with the motion. “Well why not? You are technically the female protagonist in ‘His Amour’. Oh, right… We need to tell Amanda about all the changes that varied from the book.”

Hours seemed to slip away in Amanda’s shop, the kettle steaming as we sat together like we had before in the old world, drinking a second round of tea. The afternoon light drifted through the modest windows, painting the room in a soft a gold. Sylvia had draped herself across on one of the tables. Her chin resting on her folded arms as she listened to me tell Amanda all the details of what had been happening since I woke up as Rosaria. Amanda sat curled up in her own chair, her legs tucked beneath her, sewing absentmindedly while she spoke.

“I do not like that at all,” Amanda said at last, setting her needle down. Her voice was sharper now, cutting through the cozy stillness. “The way Historia smiled at you before you left the academy? That does not sound like the smile of someone who sees you as a friend. It sounds like you were describing those creatures of darkness, or whatever they’re called. Like she already knew something you didn’t or something. I would have gotten the heebie jeebies too.”

Sylvia pushed herself upright, her silver-blue hair spilling over her shoulder as she gave a grave nod. “I thought the same. The way she carries herself has definitely shifted. She plays at being the heroine, but there’s something more, something cold beneath the surface. It’s dangerous.”

“Do you think maybe the stories were wrong about her? I mean, being kind? I get ‘Historia’s Ever After’ being biased, but what if she’s fooled Estel that much as well. We already know from Rose’s version of ‘His Amour’ that he was more than willing to forgive Historia for infidelity if she just stayed by his side.. Sorry Rose, I know it's a touchy subject..” Amanda said, interjecting.

Their words weighed heavy on me, because they only confirmed the unease I had been burying in the pit of my stomach since that day at the gates. The world was already plenty different than what we all remembered it to be. And if it was true that Historia was hiding something much darker between her acts… Then maybe she’s no saint at all… But then, why would she be so hostile to Rose and Estel?

Amanda broke the silence, her grin returning like a spark of fire, and lightening up the dark mood. “Which is why~ We are going to make you shine at that ball. I mean it, Rose. If Historia thinks she is untouchable, then she is in for a surprise. I’ll sew you a gown that will put her to shame. The dresses in that place she went to have nothing on the designs I can make with my knowledge on clothes making."

Sylvia’s lips curled slyly, her tone almost sing-song as she leaned closer. “And besides… Rose is getting closer to her favorite character.” Her eyes gleamed, teasing. “Don’t think for a second I don’t see your little blushing hesitations when you were talking about your interactions with him, Rose~”

My cheeks flared, heat rushing up my neck. “It- It’s not like that,” I stammered, though even I heard how unconvincing I sounded. Great Job Rose.. More ammo for teasing…

Amanda snorted, laughing outright. “Oh please. We’ve known you for far too long. You always lit up when you talked about him, even back in our world. ‘Estel this’, ‘Estel that.’ ‘Did you guys see the new merch of Estel that got leaked today?’ ‘Oh look at the new limited cafe that has an Estel themed dish!’ Now you’re actually here with him, fighting beside him. You’re probably frothing at the mouth when you see him.”

They both leaned in, their mischievous smiles so familiar, that my irritation of them teasing me slowly turned into embarrassment. They could always read me like a book.

Sylvia tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe I will ask Father if I can enroll in Nightfall Academy. Amanda too. It would be easier to keep an eye on Historia that way. And it would probably be good for us to be there with you to see what Historia is plotting this time around..”

Amanda’s eyes widened before softening with determination. “If it means saving Rose’s precious Estel, I’ll do it. I’ll find a way, even if it means stitching uniforms in my sleep to pay for it.”

The atmosphere in Amanda’s shop grew warm again, but this time it wasn’t from the kettle boiling tea. It was from our laughter as tears returned to my eyes… The way their presence filled every hollow part of me that had been echoing with loneliness since the moment I woke up mysteriously as Rosaria.

For the past few months now, I was carrying the burden of two truths all by myself, fighting to keep from breaking under it. But now… now I have them. My friends, my anchors. Even if Sylvia and Amanda were more than happy to tease me about Estel until the end of time.. it felt like a relief knowing they were at least here with me. And for the first time since that car accident, I felt glad I wasn't alone in this story like I thought I was.

Amanda wiped her tears from laughter as she pulled a sketchbook from beneath a pile of fabric. Her pencil moved quickly, the lines loose at first and then sharper, clearer, until the shape of a gown began to emerge. She bit her lip in concentration, her freckles crinkling with each smile that broke through as the design came together. “This is just a sketch but….” she murmured, turning the page toward me. “I’ll refine it more tonight, but I want you to stand out. Strong, elegant, radiant. A dress that will silence every room when you walk in. Make Rosaria truly shine like the Queen she was supposed to be in ‘His Amour’, right by Estel.”

I stared at the sketch, my chest tightening seeing the sketch. “Amanda… it’s already beautiful. You don’t have to-”

“Ahhh-” She waved me off, cheeks flushed. “It’s only a draft. You deserve the best of the best, even Historia would look like a weed compared to you. I’ll visit the Drewitt estate while your vacation is still in session. I’ll get your measurements there. We’ll make this gown perfect, just wait!”

The words filled me with a deep warmth. For once, the thought of the ball didn’t weigh heavy, it almost felt like something to look forward to. The thought of going with Estel… The thought of dancing with him… It made my chest tighten just thinking of dancing with my favorite character, and the man who has shown me so much warmth and kindness since being Rosaria…

I glanced at the dimming windows and realized how late it had gotten. The streets would be darker soon, the autumn air chillier. With reluctant steps, Sylvia and I stood, both of us hugging Amanda tightly before we left. Her small shop felt like a haven, and leaving it behind felt like tearing myself away from safety. Making us separate yet again.

We promised we’d be back soon, and Amanda promised she’d start on the gown tonight. The bell over the door chimed as we walked out to the cobblestones streets again, our footsteps echoing softly in the quiet street.

The carriage was waiting for us at the corner, its magical headlights glowing faintly against the coming dusk. Sylvia and I both climbed inside, watching as the bustling streets from this morning slowly began to dwindle.

As the wheels began to turn, I looked out the window, my heart feeling a lot calmer compared to earlier. “I’ll tell Baron Drewitt about Amanda. I’ll see if he could sponsor her so she can join us at Nightfall too.”

Sylvia’s eyes lit, her smile curving soft and sure. She pressed her hand to her heart, as though holding my words close. “Rose, you really stole the idea I had. But, since you live in the area, I’’m sure they would take your sponsorship in higher regard.”

I sank back into the carriage seat as the estate came closer with every turn of the wheel. “I doubt that. I’m part of a Baron’s family right now. You’re part of a Viscount family.”

“But your family has had deeper connections with the Academy than mine. Trust me, they'll listen to Baron Drewitt.”

The last thing I saw before the road curved away was glimpses of the academy miles away from town, And with that, the day closed. The carriage took us back to the Drewitt estate with a heart both heavy, and light all at once.

In days time, the academy would open its doors for students once more… And figuring out Historia and her goals were essential this next time around.