Chapter 249 Infatuation and heartbreak
Alistair was originally the chief designer for a major French brand. However, he couldn't resist the hefty salary offered by Evelyn and thus became her personal fashion designer.
Now, with Evelyn's request for him to design a dress for Alice, someone was claiming to have tailoring skills right in front of him.
Especially after William's soft chuckle, Alistair felt as if he was being looked down upon by the man before him. He sized up William and genuinely didn't regard him highly.
In the realm of fashion design, Alistair was second to none. This man before him looked far too young.
"Are you a fashion designer?" Alistair asked William, a hint of disdain in his eyes.
In the past, anyone wanting him to design an outfit would need to book at least three months in advance and then wait another month or two.
Now, being asked by Evelyn to design for Alice was already quite an honor, but this young man seemed to be trying to "show off his skills in front of an expert."
In truth, William didn't mean any disrespect to Alistair. He also realized that his earlier demeanor could be easily misunderstood.
"I suppose I'm more of a tailor."
Alistair queried, "How long have you been studying?"
"Three or four days, I guess?" William pondered. He had tried his hand at tailoring but not for very long. As for learning...
He could probably be considered the world's first humanoid. From the moment he first became conscious, he roamed the mountains naked. Later, he used leaves and foliage for coverage, followed by animal hides for clothing. He could be said to be the pioneer in this field.
As for ready-made clothing, he also crafted the world's first sweater using golden wool.
As human civilization progressed, he witnessed the ancient Greeks spinning their first linen, the Roman togas, and the doublets and hose of the Renaissance. Just a mere look, and he knew how to craft them.
"Three or four days?" Alistair looked at William with a puzzled expression. He had assumed that William came from a lineage of tailors, learning from a young age. Otherwise, who would dare claim to have tailoring skills in front of him?
"I don't recall exactly. But is that important? Just give me some fabric, a pair of scissors, and some thread." William wasn't certain if his experience counted as learning, but he had witnessed humanity's journey from running around without clothes to wearing magnificent garments.
William also noticed that this floor was filled with a variety of fabrics, as well as various modern tailoring tools. It seemed that gathering the necessary materials and tools wouldn't be an issue.
"Pick whatever fabric you want," Alistair said with a hint of skepticism. He was curious to see what this newcomer, who had only been tailoring for a few days, could produce.
"Do you really think tailoring is that easy?"
Those unfamiliar with the profession often underestimate its intricacies. Some can't even craft a proper collar or ensure both sleeves are of the same length. To them, it's almost an insurmountable task.
William took a leisurely stroll around the upper floor, finally settling on a delicate voile.
This fabric was breezy and comfortable, easy to clean and quick-drying, had deep and dirt-resistant colors, did not cling to the skin, was light without being prone to wrinkles, and was soft yet structured. It was perfect for making Renaissance-era gowns.
The Renaissance gown he had in mind was actually quite straightforward, consisting of a bodice paired with a long flowing skirt.
For most, crafting such an ensemble might take weeks, but William swiftly picked out a blush-hued fabric and another in pristine white. With a pair of scissors in hand, he began working without hesitation.
Alice couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to take measurements?"
William glanced up briefly, "No need. It will fit perfectly."
What's professionalism?
Just one look and he already knew how to tailor a dress to flatter Alice's figure.
William's scissors moved at a breathtaking speed, swiftly cutting the fabric. Then he quickly threaded the needle, leaving Alistair beside him almost bug-eyed in amazement.
Such efficiency was simply staggering.
Granted, Alistair was a master-level tailor who could gauge Alice's measurements with just a glance, but the way William cut the fabric without hesitation, almost as if instinctually, was something even he couldn't match.
By the time Evelyn emerged from the dressing room, William had already completed half of the garment. Her eyes widened in surprise upon seeing William's craftsmanship.
Did William really possess such a skill?
Was he making this for her?
Meanwhile, Alice's cheeks bore a constant, silly smile. Her dimples were shallow, her eyes sparkled like autumn water, and her mouth was wide open, revealing teeth as white as fragments of jade. She stared dumbly at William, oblivious to her surroundings.
A subtle hint of tenderness appeared in Evelyn's eyes. As she watched William, so engrossed in his work, she couldn't help but feel a touch of bewilderment.
William's speed in crafting the dress was astoundingly swift. In less than half an hour, he had created an entire Renaissance-era gown.
"Alice, come and try it on," William said, lifting his gaze to meet hers. Alice approached immediately, and as she laid her eyes on the exquisite garments laid out before her, her cheeks flushed with color.
It wasn't just a Renaissance dress; William had even crafted a corset for her...
It truly was a complete set!
Alice stole a glance at William, then quickly turned her head away, her heart racing unexpectedly. "What a perverse master," she thought. "Is he also planning to craft lingerie for me?!"
Still, she grabbed the dress and hurried into the dressing room.
Alistair, standing nearby with his mouth agape, stared at William. Was this really the work of someone who claimed to have only "studied" for three or four days?
As a top-tier fashion designer, how could he be unaware of the intricate craftsmanship behind a gown?
It might sound simple, but to execute it with finesse isn't so effortless. Yet this young man before him had crafted an entire set in just half an hour.
Judging from the craftsmanship, it seemed impeccable.
His skills were genuinely commendable.
When William and Evelyn's eyes met, there was a touch of sorrow and melancholy in Evelyn's gaze. Those eyes, which should have been pure and captivating, now resembled those of a woman filled with silent resentments.
William didn't find this inappropriate. He was previously uncertain about his feelings, only harboring a special sentiment for Evelyn because she bore an uncanny resemblance to Artemis. Such feelings were not particularly fair to either of them.
If he were to be with Evelyn solely because she looked identical to Artemis, was he treating her merely as a substitute for Artemis?
Evelyn's unique feelings towards William were influenced by Morgana's obsession, but William certainly wouldn't reciprocate based on that alone.
He's done things that hurt women before and didn't mind doing so again.
Alice quickly changed into the dress and emerged from the dressing room. While dressing, she couldn't help but let her mind wander when putting on the corset. After all, just moments ago, that piece was in the hands of her master. Was she putting it on while it was still "warm"?
Oh my! Alice, your thoughts are truly perverse!
Eventually, Alice decided not to dwell on such thoughts any further. She feared that if she continued, her feelings might evolve into something more intense than just a mere crush.
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