Chapter 74

◈ Chapter 74: Back Alley Meeting (3)

"Amazing."

Hans still seemed dazed, as if he were in a dream, after I successfully left the meeting room.

"What's amazing?"

"The ideas you brought up. Even I, who pride myself on having seen and heard a lot, have never seen anything like that before."

"Well, it's nothing much."

"Nothing much? All those ideas were yours, weren't they?"

"I just built on what I've seen from others. I can't claim them as my own."

I merely suggested a path based on the history of Earth that I've seen.

This is not something I came up with, but a path forged by the pioneers of an era through their hard work.

There's no reason to claim it as my own and act as if it's something I naturally thought of.

"Still, it's astonishing. All the organizations have agreed to follow your words."

"Not completely, though."

They agreed to come under me, but that doesn't mean they will completely obey my orders.

I understand their feelings, so I don't feel disappointed.

After all, they don't have much reason to trust and follow me blindly yet.

So, I need to successfully conclude the business I'm about to start to earn their genuine loyalty.

"There are many places we can use for business. We have enough initial funds."

The business premises used by the criminal society and the money they've accumulated, including the slush fund of Belbort Rickson.

Just using that would provide more than enough funds.

"But that's not the important thing right now."

I stopped walking and turned to look at the corner of the alley.

"If you have something to discuss, come out."

"Huh?"

Just as Hans was about to ask what I meant, a woman who had been hiding in the darkness revealed herself.

A lady in black traditional attire with a black veil over her face.

It was Viola, the leader of the Black Rose women.

"You must have something to discuss with me. You didn't even bring a guard."

"Yes. I thought we could have a quiet conversation just the two of us."

"Hmm, is that so? Hans."

"Yes, sir."

"Go ahead."

"…Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"No, no. I was just worried for nothing."

Hans shrugged and quickly disappeared down the alley.

Now, only Viola and I were left.

"Shall we take a walk?"

"No, let's just talk here."

"As you wish."

Viola seemed to have many questions, so she immediately got to the point.

"Do you really think our business will succeed as you said?"

"Business, you mean, ah, that one…"

I had proposed a musical to Kirkus, led by Phineas. I had a vision for it and believed it was worth a try.

But the Black Rose women are different.

I can't expect them to put on a show like Kirkus.

So, what kind of business should they pursue?

"Fashion."

Clothing, attire, design.

This was the path I suggested to them.

"Do you think it won't work?"

In this world, clothing is a significant part of the market.

People have always used clothing to show off their style and are willing to spend a lot of money on it.

This is still true today.

"The clothing market is dominated by nobles and wealthy merchants."

"Yes."

"…And they have established their own strong brands to secure their positions. No one can break through their stronghold."

I nodded.

The leading brands in the fashion industry are those that sell custom-made clothing to nobles.

Expensive, high-quality materials, beautiful and elaborate designs.

There's a term for this: Haute Couture.

It refers to custom-made clothing and boutiques designed for the upper class.

This is a privilege of the elite, and it's no different in this era.

These brands, created for the upper class, are always worn by noblewomen at balls and parties.

This culture and situation have become entrenched, resisting change for decades.

"Do you think we can break through this?"

"It will be difficult."

In this world, fashion is the domain of the wealthy.

But just because one has less money doesn't mean they can't discuss fashion.

Of course, the market's logic ultimately comes down to money.

The flow will inevitably follow those with money.

"Fashion trends always change. The current trends have been around for too long. It's time for a change."

"That's easier said than done."

"You seem to know a lot about the fashion industry."

"…"

My comment made Viola fall silent, as if I had caught her off guard.

"You must have had a keen interest in it."

"Is that a problem?"

Viola retorted, clearly irritated.

Her profession is that of a prostitute, a role that is looked down upon in society.

No matter how much she tries, she can't escape the stigma of her background.

A mark that she can never shake off, no matter how hard she tries.

"It's not a problem. In fact, if you have a keen interest, it's fortunate that our goals align."

"You really think it's possible?"

"Didn't you see the design sketches I gave you?"

The sketches I gave her were fewer than ten, but they must have been quite a shock to Viola.

Unlike the beautiful and elaborate clothing that is currently popular, these designs were quite the opposite.

Lighter, more comfortable clothing.

Not fashion for the select few, but something accessible to the masses.

Not high fashion for the elite, but mass fashion for the majority.

Or, in this case, prêt-à-porter.

Prêt-à-porter.

It refers to ready-to-wear clothing.

The clothing brands currently sell outfits that are more for show and are impractical for daily life.

So, a more practical design was created to address this.

Clothing that can be worn comfortably in everyday life.

While still maintaining the image of luxury.

A path that the masses can choose, not just the elite.

In Earth's history, after the Industrial Revolution, large-scale production became possible, and old-fashioned fashion began to decline, with mass-produced clothing becoming the norm.

The overt upper-class culture, enjoyed by a select few, inevitably gave way to popular culture.

"Yes, I saw them. And they were indeed impressive. I never thought such ideas could come from a man like you."

"They