novelraw Chapter 55
Chapter 55
Chapter 55: Isabella’s Deal
Isabella sat on the sofa, looking utterly intoxicated as she admired the photos stored inside the magitech projector. A clear slap mark still remained on half of her face.
Lina had already changed back into a simple white casual outfit, her face burning red.
“Sister Lina, why was your reaction so intense just now?” Annie asked curiously from the side.
Lina sighed inwardly. She had never expected it... the cat tail was just a decoration attached to the clasp and had no special meaning at all.
Apparently, people in this world still hadn’t invented such advanced forms of play.
“Ah right, I almost forgot the most important thing!” Isabella walked over to the workbench, pulled open a drawer, and took out a gold note printed with the emblem of the Central Bank of Celestis, its surface glowing faintly with golden light. She solemnly handed it to Lina.
“This is the promised payment, a 100 Gold Dragon banknote, accepted throughout the continent.”
Lina accepted the feather-light yet strangely weighty gold note. Her fingers discreetly brushed over the anti-counterfeit magical patterns on its surface—it was genuine.
She was rich!
On the surface, however, she maintained her composure and merely nodded lightly. “Thank you for your generosity, Ms. Isabella.”
“Next, please choose two sets of clothes you like.” Isabella waved grandly.
Lina did not stand on ceremony. She had already set her eyes on a particular outfit in the corner display.
It was an extremely practical trench coat ensemble. The khaki-colored long trench coat was made from a special waterproof and breathable magitech fabric. Its tailoring was crisp and elegant, with a dark brown leather belt fastened at the waist.
Underneath was an off-white turtleneck sweater paired with a light blue plaid short skirt. It also came with a pair of warm flesh-colored stockings and brown ankle boots.
The outfit possessed both the capable charm of an urban woman and the convenience needed for movement, making it perfect for traveling around Gaul City during this season.
“You have good taste. The lining of this outfit has a miniature ‘Constant Temperature Array’ engraved into it, so you won’t feel cold even in winter,” Isabella praised with a nod.
“Oh, and I think this outfit suits your style very well too.” Isabella gestured with her chin toward a mannequin hidden in the corner.
It was a dress with an exceptionally unique style, its design filled with an elegant and tranquil beauty.
The main body was a black one-piece dress. The hem featured an irregular cut, with exquisite black lace decorating the edges.
Over the black dress was a short white shawl-style jacket. The jacket’s structure was remarkably stiff and tailored, while the oversized sleeves and long hanging tails created the visual impression of folded wings.
A black ribbon was tied at the collar, and golden metal clasps decorated the border between black and white like rests upon a musical score. Paired with it were semi-transparent black stockings trimmed with beautiful lace patterns.
The outfit also included a pair of black leather gloves, a black bodysuit lining, and a pair of black high heels with crisscrossing straps.
“This outfit...” Lina gently stroked the white hem.
“It was inspired by a cellist performing at a funeral,” Isabella explained. “The clash of black and white, the boundary between life and death. I think it perfectly matches that... cold and distant aura you have!”
Lina said nothing. She only felt that if her current self wore this outfit, put on black contact lenses, carried a cello, and added a halo, she could probably cosplay some villainess from a certain anime-style tower defense mobile game at a convention.
Just as Lina contentedly stored away the urban-lady-style outfit and changed into the black-and-white villainess dress, preparing to stuff her tattered witch uniform into her storage ring, a hand suddenly pressed down on the pile of old clothes.
“Wait.”
Isabella’s expression suddenly turned serious. Narrowing her eyes, she lightly rubbed the scorched sleeve and the snapped threads with her fingers.
“I already felt something was off earlier... This isn’t ordinary fabric.” Isabella looked up. “This is a witch robe?”
“Ms. Isabella understands these things too?” Lina asked in surprise.
“Hehe, don’t underestimate me.” Isabella puffed out her chest and pulled out a pendant from her collar. The emblem of the Witches’ Association was clearly engraved upon it. “Although my main profession is being a designer, I’m also a registered D-rank witch!”
After saying that, she pointed toward a display cabinet in the room filled with medals and certificates. At the very center was a certificate officially issued by the Wizards’ Association for “Magical Item Craftsman”!
Lina could not help clicking her tongue in amazement. A Magical Item Craftsman certificate was extremely difficult to obtain; even many A-rank witches could not earn one.
A Magical Item Craftsman needed proficiency in basic alchemy, foundational runology, magical materials science, mysticism, and also required exceptionally strong magical control.
Because magical items were often directly tied to the survival of witches and wizards, the Association’s certification examinations for Magical Item Craftsmen were extremely strict. There were a total of five subjects, and the annual pass rate was below ten percent!
Although many low-level magical items could now be mass-produced by machines, this had not diminished the status of Magical Item Craftsmen. On the contrary, it had made them highly sought-after talents in the eyes of major magical item manufacturers.
Unlike before, craftsmen no longer needed to waste huge amounts of time repeatedly manufacturing low-level items. This allowed them to devote more energy toward designing new magical items and creating higher-quality equipment.
Maybe she could try taking the Magical Item Craftsman certification exam someday too?
Isabella looked at Lina’s tattered clothes as though she were staring at an unsolved puzzle. “The foundation of this outfit is actually quite good. Unfortunately, it’s a mass-produced factory model, and the battle damage has completely destroyed the closed loop of its magical circuits. For a perfectionist like me, looking at it is practically torture.”
She raised her head and fixed Lina with a burning gaze. “Leave it with me.”
“Huh?” Lina blinked.
“Give me one week. I can redesign and repair this outfit for you.” Isabella’s fingers traced shapes through the air. “I’ll preserve its original performance while adding some new functions... Hmm, I should be able to raise it to at least C-rank quality. Once it’s finished, I can send it directly to where you’re staying.”
“This...” Lina was tempted, but she knew very well how expensive the services of a Magical Item Craftsman were. “But how much will this cost?”
“No, no money.”
A sly smile curled at Isabella’s lips. “In exchange, I want to reserve your time.” She raised one finger. “The next ‘Saengra Fashion Show’ will be held in three months. When the time comes, I want you to appear on stage as my exclusive model and showcase my latest finale piece. Of course, travel expenses, hotel, food, and lodging are all included!”
Lina looked into Isabella’s eyes, filled with ambition and talent, then glanced at the uniform that was about to be reborn anew.
Originally, Lina had already planned to visit Saengra after advancing to C-rank witch status. Becoming a model along the way... wasn’t impossible either.
Besides, establishing a connection with a Magical Item Craftsman would make many things much more convenient in the future.
“Deal.” Lina extended her hand and shook Isabella’s. “Then I’ll leave it in your care, Master Isabella.”
“A pleasure working with you, my muse.” Isabella’s smile bloomed brilliantly like a flower.