Second Life's Revenge

"Father, I know this may sound selfish but I want to achieve my own dreams," said Serena as she stood tall, without wavering eyes, as she looked at her father's still eyes. Her father was a strict man, though there were times where he would be soft when it comes to his daughter's future he is keen about it.

With furious looking eyes the Count spoke, "Serena…you are in the age where men would want your hand. Dream? You are a lady, and to be exact a noble lady." She knew it. No matter how much she tried convincing her father. He simply wouldn't allow her to become a tailor. Bringing courage to herself and eyes filled with the motivation she answered back. "Then if I help Laura become the next heir will you let me pursue my dream of being a tailor?"

The unexpected suggestion shook the Count for a while. Since when did his daughter grow so much? When he saw the eyes filled with the motivation he kept his face straight.

"Then make me proud. I will let you do whatever you want if you make your friend the heir."

The answer from her father made Serena filled with excitement. But instead of smiling, she kept her face in a serious expression. While holding her hand she said, "Do not worry father. I will make you proud."

As a noble lady, she was to marry or be engaged by the age of eighteen. But there are some occasions where their engagement is delayed which are alright but unsightly for other nobles since they think it is a women's job to stay at home, while the men do the work and protect the family.

But there is no such rule for women not allowed to inherit their family name or do business. This is a free empire and one must not be constricted with traditions.

For the whole week, Serena thought about Laura's proposal. At first, she was unsure of accepting it because she wanted to be independent, reaching for her own dreams. But one cannot achieve their dreams on their own. And this is why we need the help of our friends. If there's a saying that love is the strongest power on earth. What about the power of friendship?

Without making any plans Serena called for a carriage, departing to Laura's house. Just thinking about what kind of person Laura is. She giggled since for sure, Laura hasn't found another person who she could trust.

Back in the Alvarado estate, there was Laura standing in front of her desk, debating which material would be the best to use. Silk would be expensive to use as the cloth but because of its quality that would explain the price. In deep thought, Laura continued struggling and thinking hard, not until the knock interrupted her.

Laura looked at the door and there entered Lester and from behind she could see another person. Lester cleared his throat then spoke, "There is an unexpected visitor. Would you like her to come in?"

"Let her come in," Laura acknowledges then looks to see who it was. The family lady entered her room with a smile. Without any first thoughts, Laura walked towards her, welcoming, and asked her to take a seat. She asked in a surprised tone, "What are you doing here, Serena?"

Serena answered with a big smile, "I came here to accept your proposal."

"You did?" Laura asked in excitement then gave Serena a hug. Serena giggled as she felt the black-haired girl squeezing her. Then Serena answered, "So what help do you need? Materials? But first, off tell me your plans."

The excitement on Laura's face diminished. The estate isn't a safe place to talk about her plans especially she wanted to be cautious of Tine. It's either they move somewhere else to talk. Serena noticed the seriousness on Laura then she nodded her head, understanding the state she was in.

"How about we look around the town to find a place where we could put the shop?" Laura suggested and Serena did not have any objections.

They arrived in the town where the bustling streets were kept busy between the sellers and buyers. Some calling to buy their fruits and some performing in the middle of the streets. It was a happy town in short.

The carriage stopped in the area where nobles would only go shopping but this isn't the place Laura wanted to be in. Even if her target audience consisted of the nobles and commoners the hard thing about that is finding the right location.

If she were to set up her shop in the nobles area only, only the nobles would get the privilege to go and buy, leaving out the commoners. But if she were to set up in the commoners' area then the commoners would be the only ones to buy, while the nobles would be disgusted to go to the place to buy.

The title is important but what Laura wanted was to build a shop where both nobles and commoners could be comfortable in. If there was a place that was in between the commoners and noble's area it would be perfect. But finding that might be almost impossible. Not unless she makes the impossible possible.

"Are you still worried about the materials?" Serena asked as she wrapped her arms around Laura's arm. Laura answered with a smile, "I am but since you are helping me I am not anymore." Serena giggled, nodding her head being proud of herself. Laura then continued, "My target is both commoners and nobles. That means the materials should be cheap and comfortable but high quality. Not only that but the suits and dresses must be gorgeous."

"Don't worry leave it to me," Serena said then she continued, "This type of material is what I've been wanting to try and use. But because our store usually uses silk and other expensive materials, I didn't really have much knowledge about them."

"Then it's in your hands, partner," Laura joked.

"Yes, ma'am," Serena followed.

Laura continued strolling around the town and asked around for a place that was between the commoners and noble area. There wasn't much information since the commoners feared the nobles. Basically, they didn't want to be looked down on as much as it is.

While some who answered Laura said it was impossible for the two to be equal. Yes, there is no equality in the world. In the first place equality never existed and might not even exist in the future. That is why Laura wanted to try to see if it's like that.

Not all nobles look down on commoner. Some admire them for their hard work. Some are grateful since they are the ones providing food and other more to them. Without them, nobles wouldn't exist in the beginning.

"Miss Laura! I think I might have found a place," Fiona called from afar, waving her hands up.

Not hesitating to move Laura made her way towards Fiona and followed Serena a few steps behind.

"This place might work," Laura nodded her head as she continued, "Ask for the landlord of this building. I will buy this place."

"Yes, miss."

Without a fail, Laura managed to buy the area where she would set her store up. She couldn't help but be satisfied with today's unexpected results. Serena accepted her proposal while Laura found the right spot where she wanted to set up her store.

The budgeting and accounting would be in the hands of Lester. Since he has more experience in it. But the final check would be by Laura. Her motivation bar increased higher not just because of her progress in one day. But also there's another person who she wants to fulfill her dream.

This time she will not fail to make her love ones sad or hurt. This time everything will go well and many things will be achieved.

"Thank you for today," thanked Laura as Serena stepped into the carriage. When she sat down Serena shook her head then said, "I should be the one thanking you. If it's not for your proposal. I wouldn't be able to persuade my father."

"Your father is a strict man after all," Laura laughed and followed Serena.

"But he is a father who feels bad for forcing his daughter to do something else than what she loves."

"I'm envious of you. You have a great family," Laura said with a hint of envy with her wavering voice.

"One day if I become a tailor I will help find your family."

"If it's possible to find them," Laura added as she raised her brow. "You better leave. Your mother might worry about you."

"I should. Thank you once again, Laura," Serena said then signaled the coachman to close the doors. Laura watched the carriage depart, then when she turned her back she called for Fiona.

"What's Tine's progress?" Laura asked as her face turned serious.

"So far there isn't anything," Fiona spoke in a low tone as she slightly lowered her head.

Looks like peace is on her side for now.