Do you believe the friendship between Gephra and the Federation can last forever?

Ask that question on the street, and over 70% of Federation citizens will tell you it’s impossible.

People haven’t forgotten the naval battle known as the War of the Federation’s Rise, nor the destruction of Gephra’s once-invincible fleet by the Federation navy.

If such hatred can still be called friendship, then hatred shouldn’t exist in this world at all.

On the contrary, people are more inclined to believe the media’s predictions that a war between Gephra and the Federation is inevitable—a war that will reshape the global order.

The thrill of participating in such a historic moment excites many in the Federation. At this point, they’ve all become fervent war advocates, hoping more than ever for conflict to break out.

If today’s peace is just an illusion and war is bound to erupt, then the Federation and Gephra are essentially in a state of covert hostility.

Yet amid this undercurrent of rivalry, certain Gephran goods and services have suddenly exploded in popularity within the Federation, becoming a widespread trend.

For example, some new fashion accessory brands have quickly become the hottest topic.

“Many of these shops claim to have served the Gephran royal family for decades, and they never sell ready-made clothing—only custom orders.”

“I heard some of their order schedules are already filled through the end of the year. Can you believe that?”

“People are buying months in advance, without even thinking about next season’s trends!”

When it came to fashion, Vera became noticeably more talkative. It was a common trait among Federation women—they typically didn’t bear the heavy burdens of life and had more time to indulge in their interests, while the pressure of daily life fell largely on men.

They had ample time to read magazines and stay up to date with the latest trends.

It wasn’t just the middle class—people from lower classes did the same. In fact, the best-selling fashion magazines each year weren’t popular among the elite; they were targeted at the masses.

“What do you think draws people to it?” Lynch poured Vera another glass of wine. The scent and sparkle of the red wine were intoxicating.

Because Vera was married and older than Lynch, she was sometimes more reserved when they were alone. She wasn’t like Penny—that bold, wild girl of the new era who often outpaced even Lynch in daring behavior.

Vera, in her thirties, came of age before the rise of feminist movements and organizations in the Federation. She was still a traditional woman—conservative, introverted, a bit shy. Unless strongly led by a partner, she’d likely prefer the missionary approach to intimacy.

That’s where alcohol came in handy. Under its influence, people tend to shed their social constraints and reveal their true selves.

Behind the wine glass, Vera’s face blushed as red as the wine. She gently cupped her heated cheeks and murmured, “Royalty—there’s something so alluring about that word.”

She hit the nail on the head—royalty!

Lynch nodded in approval. “Exactly. Royalty.”

“Federation citizens are actually quite insecure. No matter how much we gloss over our past, our history is still short. Even with all our current power, there are some things we’ll never surpass others in.”

“History, unique culture, and societal thought.”

He gently swirled his wine glass, watching the red liquid trace the rim before falling slowly back. “So people subconsciously look for ways to decorate themselves.”

Federation capitalists won’t admit they admire Gephran nobility, but that’s just self-deception. The Argenil family’s special status in the Federation proves that the upper class here is deeply infatuated with nobility.

No matter how fallen, a noble is still a noble. No matter how wealthy, a commoner is still a commoner. That gap can’t be bridged with money or power.

They may not say it out loud, but deep down, they envy it.

Just like now—brands that once catered exclusively to nobles and royals suddenly arrived in the Federation and were instantly fawned over. People wanted to use money to erase that gap.

But they couldn’t.

Vera was a little emotional. Lynch knew so much that it gave her an odd feeling—like there was nothing he didn’t know, nothing that could stop him.

It was admiration, amplified by alcohol and imprinted deep in her heart.

“You know so much,” she said with a soft smile. “That’s not flattery. I mean it.”

With a few drinks, the conversation flowed more naturally. They continued drinking for a while.

Then Lynch suddenly set his glass down. “Let’s get you a few new outfits later. Don’t be so quick to say no.”

“Since this trend is catching on in high society, it means it’ll likely become a new standard—at least until the end of the year.”

“It’s a new way of being judged. You represent me. You wouldn’t want us to be embarrassed just because others have it and you don’t, right?”

Lynch’s persuasion was effective. Vera hesitated but didn’t say no.

She rarely turned him down when they were together anymore.

Later, they went to the most bustling district of Eminence. On the busiest stretch of road, several Gephran brands were clustered together.

Though technically outsider shops, their presence in a group made them seem oddly powerful.

They chose a clothing store proudly labeled Serving Royalty for 300 Years. As they walked in, Lynch joked, “Look at that. They’ve served royalty longer than the Federation has existed.”

Two young men passing by frowned but didn’t do anything.

As soon as they entered, someone blocked their path. “Sorry, sir and madam, this store is members only…”

“You don’t recognize me?” Lynch cut him off. “I’ll give you one more chance to think carefully.”

The greeter froze, looked closely at Lynch, then suddenly looked shocked and stepped aside. “Apologies, Baron. I sincerely apologize for my rudeness,” he said, bowing deeply.

Lynch casually raised his hand. “Can I go in now?”

The greeter stepped fully aside, still bowing. “Of course, sir.”

Vera, a little confused, entered the shop with Lynch. She saw the greeter draw a red velvet rope across the entrance to stop others from coming in.

As soon as they entered the lobby, a man and two women dressed in traditional Gephran butler and maid uniforms approached. The male butler was even wearing a wig.

It had to be said—Federation citizens really bought into this kind of thing.

The butler was clearly more perceptive than the greeter. With a humble smile and a slight bow, he greeted them in Common Tongue with a distinct Gephran accent, then led them to sit in the lounge area.

They were the only customers in the store. Shortly after sitting down, a variety of floral teas and pastries were served, and even the tailor came out to greet them personally.

“Baron, it’s an honor to serve you and this lady,” said the elderly tailor, around sixty, bowing slightly with his glasses on. This surprised Vera even more.

She leaned toward Lynch and whispered, “Did they mistake you for someone else?”

“Or is there something I don’t know?”

Lynch’s baron title hadn’t been widely publicized in the Federation. Clearly, this was the Gephran emperor’s way of mocking both Lynch and the Federation president.

Your diplomat has been made a noble of the Empire—who’s more humiliated?

Of course, to someone shameless, it wouldn’t matter. But for the Federation, this wasn’t something to brag about. So the whole thing was downplayed in domestic media. There were barely any reports, and common people didn’t know. Even the elite who were aware didn’t bother spreading the word.

Lynch smiled. Maintaining a sense of mystery was one of the best tools in relationships. He looked at the tailor and said, “I’d like three outfits for the lady beside me—one for summer, one for autumn, one for winter.” 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

“Of course!” The tailor invited Vera to stand so he could take her measurements and start a file. Then he returned with several portfolios.

“These are the most popular styles in Gephra this year. Feel free to mark your preferences.” After speaking, he stepped aside, which made Vera feel a bit uneasy.

Having lived so long in a country where freedom and equality were as common as strawberry-scented air, she found this overt sense of hierarchy unsettling.

She also noticed the large number of lookbooks laid out in front of her. “Aren’t we just picking three outfits?”

Lynch leaned in and whispered, “Each set includes multiple pieces—for work, casual wear, evening dresses…”

His breath tickled her ear, stirring the fine hairs on her neck. Vera instinctively pulled back slightly. “That tickles…”

Choosing styles took a while, especially since Vera had her own tastes.

They didn’t return to the villa until after ten.

Their arrival woke the little boy who had been waiting for Vera. Standing on the second floor in his pajamas, he looked down hopefully. When the lights turned on and he saw not just Vera but also Lynch, he paused for a moment, then suddenly yawned.

“I just got up to use the bathroom. Good night, Mom. Good night, Mr. Lynch…”