Volume 6 Chapter 18 First, I Want to Deal With Some Simple Problems
The next morning, Randy and Liz gathered in the lounge space of the office as the sun began to rise.
Their purpose, of course, was to discuss Clarice's design workshop.
"Well then. What shall we do..."
It's no wonder Randy crossed his arms, wearing a difficult expression.
Although he said he would create a design workshop for Clarice, the moment he started to seriously think about it, problems piled up.
He understood that Clarice's design workshop would be successful and that it would make Clarice happy.
However, the *journey to get there and the busy days ahead* weighed on both Randy and Liz.
"After all, she's unknown. For example, Liz, and then Miss Catherine. If renowned figures like them design, we can expect to attract customers due to the buzz..."
With a big sigh, Randy continued, focusing on the rural, childlike designs of Victor.
No matter how remarkable the recent developments were, Clarice alone had almost no name value.
"Before hitting big and increasing customers... we can't even attract them in the first place."
As Liz pointed out, hitting big was difficult when attracting customers was already a challenge.
In fact, the plan was to sell heat-retaining innerwear aimed at the commoners in the surrounding areas.
"Attracting customers is one thing, but if it suddenly becomes explosively popular, that would also be a problem."
Despite *being expected*, Clarice was still a 12-year-old child.
Randy didn't want to tie Clarice down in the workshop when there were still many fun things ahead for her.
"I don't know what the future holds, but there are academies in the Dukedom as well, and I want her to enjoy student life like we did..."
He wasn't sure how Clarice would feel, but as Randy continued, Liz wore a mischievous smile.
"It's hard to believe that you, who said 'I don't care about schools,' are saying this."
Struck in a sore spot, Randy averted his gaze from Liz's smile, saying "I'm fine with it."
"Do you understand Sir Alan's feelings?"
"A big brother is kind to his little sister, just like Sir Cedric."
Randy shrugged, and Liz smiled softly, "Hehe."
"Certainly, as Randy said, there are encounters and experiences that only happen in the academy at this moment in time."
Liz nodded vigorously, confirming that there are indeed things that can only be gained from academy life.
Those are precious experiences that can never be regained after becoming an adult.
"So, is Lady Clarice's workshop further ahead?"
Liz looked slightly disappointed as Randy replied, "No. It's the center of the concept."
Although they presented it as a concept, when it came to making it a reality, they immediately ran into difficulties...
"Either way, if we're going to create it, shouldn't we secure a location first?"
"That's true. There might be things that become visible while running."
Nodding, Randy and Liz spread out the layout of the town on the table.
They were uncertain about how to handle Clarice, but it was clear that it would become a central workshop, a symbol of the town.
Then securing a location was necessary.
Where to build the central workshop... the two of them let their gazes wander over the layout.
They had already received permission from Keith and the town mayor that any available place would be fine.
"Even if they say anywhere, there aren't many options."
"Yes. I think it would be best to have it facing the main street."
While looking at the layout, Liz pointed to almost the center of the town, asking, "How about here?"
"The center, huh. That does seem right..."
Although he nodded, Randy's face suggested he was deep in thought, prompting Liz to ask, "Is there something on your mind?"
"No. It's just that while the center is indeed good, I wonder if it's a bit early for Clarice."
As Randy said, if they built the workshop in the center, they couldn't avoid moving it.
After all, it would be in the best location in the center.
If the workshop stayed closed for too long, it would stand out.
In that case, Clarice would likely be preoccupied with the workshop.
This was far from the form Randy desired.
"Moreover, there is..."
Randy, tapping the plot map lightly, spoke of the difficulty in maintaining popularity even if it were to rise.
"Liz and Miss Cecilia have praised it, but Clarice is also aware that she is still a work in progress."
"That is indeed true..."
Liz puffed her cheeks, asserting, "You will absolutely make it," fully confident in Clarice's designer talent.
"But I still don't think she can win against the professionals with her *limited experience*."
While acknowledging Clarice's talent, one cannot underestimate the professionals.
Although the battleground is different, they are also individuals sharpening their skills there.
A mere talented girl cannot yet stand as an opponent.
Though in different fields, Randy is also striving for the heights of martial prowess.
No world is so forgiving that one can win solely with talent; Randy believes he understands this better than anyone.
"If only she could gradually accumulate experience..."
Randy's fingers, wandering over the plot map, came to a sudden stop.
"Considering that, if it's quiet and doesn't interfere with Clarice's life... then it's here."
Randy indicated a planned site in an upscale residential area.
It is a quiet place on a small hill, overlooking the town.
"It is certainly quiet here, but──"
Were orders not to come in?
With a gaze hinting at this question, Liz looked at him, and he leaned back, staring at the ceiling and sighed, "That's the truth."
Randy knows Clarice's passion well, and most importantly, he believes that, as Liz said, Clarice's designs are undoubtedly top-notch.
However, he also understands that Clarice has stated she follows her 'own style.'
"If only there were other designers besides Clarice..."
Staring at the ceiling, Randy recalled those who had taught him how to fight.
Of course, Keith was one, but various people had taught Randy how to battle in this world.
They taught Clarice the basics of design and also helped manage the workshop.
"A master and co-manager, huh..."
Liz pondered, crossing her arms thoughtfully.
"Randy, do you know Madame Valmoir?"
With a serious expression, Randy sat up and asked, "Madame... what is it?"
"It's Madame Valmoir. She was a legendary designer who suddenly retired about 20 years ago."
Liz continued with the story of a designer who announced her retirement while still in her forties.
She was a legendary designer renowned across the continent, and wearing her bespoke dresses became a status symbol in high society.
"Wow. She's an old lady."
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)