2.0 Seamstress and the Witch
Summary: Lady [Y] then took Coco to take her measurements for her clothes. But she couldn't help but wonder how Lady [Y] sews, despite being blind. Amused by her curiosity, [Y] shows Coco how her magic works, leaving Coco amazed in the process. A personal conversation then erupts between the two adults in secrecy.
Pairing : Aglaea!Inspired Reader x Qifrey
A/N: The parents are arguing.. anyways i like yo imagine the personality of 3.5 aglaea when she interacts with the girls.. i feel like i went too ooc forgive mee and trust i will release a seperate chap to explain about her powers hehe
You blinked at the sudden gesture of Qifrey as you pulled away your hand gently before smiling. "Qifrey... Ever such a gentleman, aren't you?”You giggled as Qifrey pulled back and looked at you. “Apologies if I ever startled you with [Y]" he chuckled and continued, "After all, it's been a long time since we last saw you. I quite missed your presence in the atelier when you had the time to visit." He smiled as the peace between the both of you was broken as a small figure lunged at your clothes, gripping your waist gently.
“Lady [Y], Lady [Y]! Oh how I missed you!” Tetia grinned as she nuzzled her face into your clothes. "The atelier has been so lonely without you. I know you send letters to us from time to time, but it's not the same with you being there...! ”Tetia pouted as she looked at you with doe eyes.
"I'm sorry, Tetia, I really am. As much as I wanted to spend time with you all… The shop has gotten busier lately" you hummed as you petted her head. "After all, winter is coming, and the demand for winter clothing has taken up most of my time..." you sighed sadly.
She just giggled and continued to cling onto your clothes, her mouth babbling as she told you about the new spells she learned, stories about her dreams, and her shenanigans with the rest of the girls at the atelier.
You hummed as you listened. "I'm very glad that the atelier is still lively and is doing so well, that alone makes me happy" you said softly while patting her head as she relished your affection.
A quiet voice stepped up. "How about you, lady [Y]? Have you been well?” Richeh asked, also clutching your robes.
“I am, thank you for asking, Richeh." You smiled as you booped her nose. "Despite being busy, there are times where I still have a moment of silence to myself." you hummed as the two children began to ask you a flurry of questions about your well being and work as you entertained them with a smile.
Your eyes then drifted from the two girls to Agott, who seems to have placed herself far away from the conversation. "Agott, why are you all the way over there? No need to feel so shy at me" you said softly, beckoning her over to you.
Agot's face flushed as she was noticed, grumbling under her breath as she came over to where you were. "Hello, lady [Y], I'm glad you're still as beautiful as ever" she said, staring at you.
“No need for such praise, Agott...tell me, have you been well?” Your attention was now all over her as you fussed at her state. "I know how much you get hard on yourself most of the time, but…" You then took her hands into yours. "Please take breaks in between, okay…?" More of this and you'll grow white hairs like your master did." you said, chuckling, eyes full of amusement as the two girls beside you giggled at the joke.
"Please, [Y], my hair comes from my genetics, not stress.." Qifrey rebutted with flushed cheeks at your tease.
Agott just sighed softly at the situation. “I understand, Lady [Y]; there's no need to fret over me. I have been using your advice and taking care of myself more" she said, removing her hands from yours gently.
“Well, I'm glad to hear that, Agott... After all, you already are such an exceptional witch for your age." you praised her happily.
Agott's eyes widened at your words before turning her head away from you as the corners of her lips turned upwards slightly at your praise.
Qifrey just smiled and observed your interaction with his apprentices. You always had that sort of effect on them. They all cling to you, chasing and relishing the warmth of your affection, like how children would be to their mother.
You then noticed the lone figure staring at the interaction of you and others as she played with the hem of her dress nervously. Smiling at the sight, you then let your threads guide you to where she is as you knelt down to her level.
“Hello, you must be Qifrey's new apprentice, Coco, I presume?” you said gently as if not to scare her away from you.
Cocos's face flushed at the sight and attention from you. “Y-yes! It's very nice to meet you, Lady [Y]! I've heard about you a lot from Master Qifrey and the girls..." she stammered, continuing to play with her dress.
“All good things, I hope?”You hummed as you took her hands from her dress and into yours as if to soothe her. "Now, no need to feel so shy around me, I don't bite." you chuckled softly.
Coco nodded, her head moving up and down fast “yes..! Tetia can't stop talking about you all the way here about your works, talent, and beauty…” she said shyly, finally looking you in the eyes, relishing that the words of Tetia were indeed true, as one word to describe you was… ethereal.
You just giggled at the praise and rubbed her hands gently with your thumb “Well thats how Tetia is, always such a sweetheart and a walking sunshine wherever she goes” you praised Tetia as her smile grew wider, bouncing happily in place at your words.
You then stood up, brushing the speck of dust on your clothes as you turned to Qifrey.
“Well then, what made you visit my shop all of a sudden? You weren't quite direct in your letter yesterday." you hummed as you stared at him.
Qifrey then put up his hands in defense, sweatdropping at your pointed stare. “M-my bad, [Y].. I guess I was too excited to see you again that I forgot to tell you the reason for our visit." he said, rubbing the back of his head nervously. “Coco here needs some winter clothing because she left hers back in her home and hasn't had the chance to pack since I took her in." he said sheepishly.
You just stared at him blankly as you rubbed the bridge of your nose at his intrusive actions, eyes narrowing suspiciously at his figure. The look from your face was then gone when you looked at coco gently, smiling softly at her
“Now, now… I believe your master is the one to blame for his carelessness" you jabbed at him as his shoulders slumped at your words.
“Come with me, Coco. I shall take measurements of your body for your clothes" you said while beckoning her over to a small room at your shop, threads guiding you to the direction of the room.
You then stopped and looked at Qifrey. “Qifrey, I have prepared some snacks and tea for you and the girls before you came here, I set the food up in the lounge. Please bring them there" you said before turning your head away and onto Coco as both of you disappeared into the small room.
Excited footsteps can be heard from the girls, mostly Tetia, as they all sat down and ate the treats you prepared for them in the lounge of your shop.
In the room, your hand held a long tape measure, as you told Coco to stand in the middle of the room. However, your tape measure seems odd to Coco: it has small dots on the numbers, but she didn't speak up about it, just choosing to stay quiet as she listened to your instructions.
“Coco, lift up your arms for me, please?” you said as Coco lifted her arms, trusting you completely as you measured her shoulders, arms, torso, waist, and legs, while writing down her size in your small notebook. “You can stop lifting them up now, dear; I'm pretty sure your arms are aching, yes?” you giggled as Coco put her arms down, while looking at you curiously.
The quiet atmosphere between the two of you was nice when all of a sudden, Coco asked, "Um... Lady [Y]. Do you mind me asking you a question?”’ she said nervously.
You then shook your head no and smiled down at her. “No, not at all. What is it that you want to ask me, Coco?” eyes soft as you waited at her question
"Well... It's just that I noticed that the tape measure you're holding had some dots in the numbers and I..." She shifted her body, as if she were guilty about the next question she’d ask. "I also noticed that your eyes had no pupils... Assuming you're blind, lady [Y], I can't help but wonder how you can sew beautiful clothes even without your eyesight...?" She looked down at the floor, hands fidgeting mindlessly.
The smile from your face vanished as you took in her words. Shoulders sagging and slightly softly with a sad smile, you crouched to her level, your hand guiding Coco's face to look at you gently.
‘‘I-im sorry, it's a rude question right? I'm really sorry, lady [Y]...” she says, feeling guiltier by the second.
"No…no, it's okay, Coco. It's what most people ask of me mostly anyway." Your voice trailed out and continued "How can a blind woman be such a talented tailor? Is what they always ask when they meet me" you said, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath before opening them. "To tell you the truth, I use magic to help me see specifically my threads. Is what helps me see."
Lifting your arm to her eyes, you show her your bracelet. "This bracelet was designed and gifted to me by Olruggio after I lost my eyesight after an incident with the brimmed caps." Coco then covered her mouth in shock, eyes widening at your words. "A thoughtful gift, isn't it? ... Thanks to Olly, I can be able to “see” in a way with my threads.” With the flick of your wrist, several thin golden threads fill in the small space of the room, lighting the room in gold.
Coco's eyes widened at the sight as she held one thread in between her fingers before looking at you in amazement of your magic.
“Think of it like how you would draw a spell," you explained. "The outer ring serves as the circular shape of my bracelet. There are signs engraved in the small beads of my bracelet as they help me control my threads, and lastly, the larger bead in the center, marked with a sigil, dictates which type of magic I use." You pointed at the said bead and continued “In this case I use light, therefore creating my golden threads" you finished explaining, chuckling softly at the sparkling eyes.
“Waaaa…!” Cocos' eyes shined like a toddler. "Magic truly is amazing!” She smiled happily as you agreed and giggled at her enthusiasm.
“This bracelet lasts me for about 3 months, depending on how much I use it, and Olly makes it for me as I pay him a hefty price, despite his protests not to and pay him for how much he charges" you huffed happily, remembering the shocked face of your friend, Olruggio, when you gave him the money for your bracelet as he tried to give back the extra money while you rejected his actions.
“Though I might not be able to 'see' just like you, I can see the world differently using my threads as my eyes, while also using the remaining senses of my body: touch, smell, hearing, and taste" you hummed as you grabbed the tape measure at the table.
“For example, my tape measure, like you said, had small dots, didn't it?” You then gave the item to Coco as she inspected it with wonder.
“These dots helped me figure out your measurements using Braille." you said softly, finger trailing over the raised marks. "In that way, the clothes I make for you and everyone else are tailored perfectly to your comfort." You then pointed to the extra shelves, stored with fabrics in the room.
“Furthermore, Braille is found all over my shop: I use it for labeling fabrics, colors, and their texture to help me identify when I sew clothes" you continued to explain as she looked at your shop in amazement, seeing marks on the shelves in the room. "As for sewing, I use my threads; they guide me on what place to cut, mend, and improve, as they are my 'eyes.'"
You brushed your fingers at your bracelet, playing with it. "However, the quality of my dresses comes from my hands alone.The threads are the ones to guide, but they cannot replace my talent and care for the clothes I make," you finished explaining, looking at her gently.
She looked at you with nothing but amazement, eyes sparkling at your dedication for your craft. “Lady [y]…! You really are amazing...!” Eyes sparkling with adoration, unable to contain herself, she hugged your waist happily. "You really deserve the title of seamstress!" she said giggling as you returned her hug gently.
"I'm glad my talent makes you happy, Coco. Though, I heard from your master that you helped manage your mother's tailoring shop" you said, smiling at her.
At the mention of her mom, Coco's smile wavered a bit, remembering the state of her mom. You noticed quickly as you rubbed the back of her back gently as you pulled away and looked into her eyes. "I know you and Qifrey made a promise in saving your mother…then let me make my own.." gripping her hands gently. "I promise to help out your mother, to the best of my abilities, Coco.So don't lose hope, okay? Qifrey is a talented and wonderful witch. I have no doubt that one day… He'll find a way in the future" you reassured her as her eyes watered with gratitude as she hid her face in your neck, feeling small droplets of her tears in your clothes as you just comforted her gently, like a mother would.
"Hey... since you were your mothers helper.. I might as well steal you away from Qifrey when the shop gets busy" you say, trying to cheer her up, as a small giggle breaks out of Coco's sadness.
Time passed as Coco's tears stopped flowing, wiping the rest of her tears as you just patted her back soothingly.
“Better?” you asked Coco, still rubbing her back, as she looked back at you with gratitude “yes.. Im better now, thank you, lady [Y]..’’ she muttered out weakly
"I'm glad that you're fine now, Coco.” You smiled at her gently, helping her regain her standing. “We should go out now, I'm done with your measurements, and we did take a long time here." You sweatdropped. "Maybe your master and the girls are looking for us by now. Shall we, Coco?” With the guidance of your threads, you reached for the handle and opened the door, tilting your head as you waited for Coco to follow.
Coco then nodded and went out of the room and went into where Qifrey and the rest of the girls were.
Tetia's smile widened as she saw Coco coming out of the room with you.
“Coco, Lady [Y]! What took you guys so long?” she pouted as she hopped towards your direction.
“Apologies, Coco here wanted to see my magic, and she was so eager too. Seeing someone so eager about it, I couldn't help but entertain her questions." You smiled happily.
You then diverted your attention to Qifrey. "Her clothes will be done in about 2 days. I'll make sure to deliver it the moment I'm done with it." Qifrey just nodded at your words as his attention was now on the two children.
Tetia's eyes widened, and she grabbed Coco's shoulders. "Waaa...! You saw Lady [Y]’s magic that close?!” Tetia exclaimed happily, shaking Coco quickly. "Lady [Y]'s magic truly is beautiful, right?!” Her eyes shining in delight
Richeh then grabbed Tetia to stop her from shaking Coco. "Tetia, stop shaking Coco.. she'll get dizzy at this rate" she says worriedly as she looks at Coco, seeing her current state.
Tetia then stopped and looked at Coco and gasped, "I'm sorry, Coco! I really didn't mean to shake you that hard…!” She fusses over Coco as Coco reassures her, "No.. It's okay,Tetia..." Coco looked like she was about to puke, her vision spinning.
Agott just sighed and grabbed Coco, gently guiding her to sit down on the couch to stop her from barfing. Behind her, Tetia and Richeh followed, each worried in their own way.
Qifrey just chuckled at the situation, amused at the chaos. All of a sudden, he noticed a piercing stare from across the room. Looking up, he noticed you looking at him while tilting your head and pointing at a secluded space as you left the lounge, waiting for him to follow.
With a sigh, he looked at the girls again and smiled. "Girls, Lady [Y] and I are going to chat for a while. do entertain yourselves with each other in the meantime. Agott, watch over them?” he instructed as Agott just nodded her head at his words, her attention clearly on the 3 girls as Qifrey left the lounge.
Qifrey then entered a small secluded space at your shop, looking for you when he felt a hand grab his arm and pin him to the wall. It was you looking at him with suspicion.
You then let go of Qifrey as you took a few steps backward to give them space and spoke out.
“Why did you take Coco in such a short time?” You asked him, brows knitting together in suspicion, “That's not like you.” You crossed your arms in front of your chest as you waited for his answer."
Qifrey was quiet for a few moments before answering, "Coco is someone I took in due to her love for magic, so I thought, why not take her in? I was looking for another apprentice anyway—"
"Don't lie to me." you cut off his words, looking at him, your voice calm but accusing.
"You don't get to tell me the same lie you told to everyone else.” Your gaze was still on him. "I know you better than anyone, Qifrey." You let out a sigh, uncrossing your arms. "We have been friends ever since we were apprentices..." A quiet silence passed by the both of you. "So tell me the truth.” You stood quietly, tilting your head, waiting for his real reason behind his actions.
Qifrey just remained silent, avoiding your gaze with a clenched jaw.
“Qifrey, don't make me use my threads on you to get the truth." you threatened him as you clasp your bracelet on your wrist, the spell from it coming to life. Qifrey then lunged at you, grabbing your arm with the bracelet and unclasping it in one go as the bracelet fell onto the floor with a thud.
"..." Your arm is still in his grasp as you yank it away from him and pick up the bracelet on the floor while he takes a few steps back and leans against a wall.
“So, are you going to stand there and look stupid, or do I have to force the truth out of you?”you asked, raising your eyebrows.
A few moments later, Qifrey then spoke up. "Coco... She had a connection with the brimmed caps, though not intentional." His eyes looked at you. "She told me someone gave her a picture book about magic back when she was a child." He paused and continued, "The night when I took her in… She traced a forbidden spell from the book."
He then sighed. "That spell is the reason why her mother is the way she is now, and it was too late for me to get the book as the spell she drew had devoured everything in her house, crystallizing every space it saw."
“I took her in because she is the only person who can lead me to find the brimmed caps and get the punishment they deserve for what they did to me, to us.” His voice took on a desperate tone. "You know what this means, right?” His voice trembled. "If we find them… Then this can finally end..." he said with a strained smile. "I'll find a way to reverse my curse. And you'll be able to see, like how you used to." He grabbed your hand desperately.
“So please… Don't get in my way [Y], I really don't want to hurt you." he said, while lifting a hand to cup your cheek.
The man in front of you is filled with nothing but anger and obsession, his goal is hunting the brimmed caps down, bleeding through his conscience, nothing like the calm and composed teacher everyone knew.
You removed his hand from your face as you pinched the bridge of your nose, annoyed after learning the truth. “You know, Qifrey, as much as I admire your dedication to hunting down the brimmed caps for what they did to us..."
You took a deep breath to calm yourself down and looked at him. "This whole thing will be your ruin one day." you said coldly as you prepared to leave the room, giving him one last glance.
"Think about the present, Qifrey. Those girls you took in, they need you.” You said weakly. "They look up to you, Qifrey. I know you are a great teacher, and you've done your best to protect them." You gave him a desperate look. "I know you're hurting and want justice. But don't let your obsession with the brimmed caps drag them into danger." You held his gaze. "I know you know that as much as I do." You then left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
Qifrey said nothing. He just stood there in silence, your words echoing in his mind as fists clenched as he stared at your figure.
The look from your face from before disappeared when the girls came up to you, pulling you gently to play with them. Qifrey couldn't help but look away from the sight as he took a while to calm down and stepped out with a smile on his face.
"Girls, we should get going and do why we came here in the first place" he said as he began to wear his white robes. "Lady [Y] is a busy woman, we shouldn't take too much of her time now." He coaxed them gently to wear their robes as they all whined, mostly Tetia, not happy to leave so soon.
“Aweee, but Master Qifrey...! Can't we stay here a little while longer? We haven't seen Lady [Y] in a while!” Tetia whined as she tried to give him her big, doe eyes to convince him to stay.
Qifrey just smiled at the sight before shaking his head no and pointed out a person coming in. "As much as I want to stay, we can't, Lady [Y] has a customer to tend to right now." He just patted Tetia's head as he helped her wear her robes, the same thing he did with the rest of the girls.
Qifrey then stood at the door of your shop, alongside Coco, Richeh, and Agott. The only person they're waiting for is stuck to you, hugging you like there's no tomorrow.
Tetia just pouted and hugged your waist, clinging onto you.
“Lady [Y]...I'll miss you..." Tetia's mouth wobbled as she buried her face into your clothes.
You just smiled and kneeled down to her level. "Tetia, no need to cry now, hm?” you soothed Tetia as you hummed, "How about this? You patted your cheek with your finger. “When I'm finished with Coco's clothes, I'll deliver them in person! How does that sound?” you suggested happily as Tetia's eyes widened as she gasped at your words, clearly delighted.
“Really?! You'll do that??” she asked you early, happy at the thought that you'll visit the atelier.
“Of course, so no need to feel sad now, Tetia. You'll see me in 2 days." you said gently as you directed her to Qifrey and the others.
Tetia ran into where they were and then waved her arms goodbye at you, followed by the rest raising their arms in farewell.
Tetia then began to chat with Coco, telling her the stuff she needed to prepare for your visit as Coco tried to keep up with her rambling, Richeh butting sometimes during the conversation, and Agott choosing to stay silent and observe their interaction as they all went out first, soon to be followed by Qifrey.
He was about to leave when–
“Qifrey” you called out to him, saying nothing but giving him a look before smiling. "Take care of yourselves, I'll see you again soon." you said softly.
He returned your smile. “Yeah, I'll see you then, [Y]." he said before going outside, closing the door behind him and joining the rest of the girls waiting for him.
You stared at their retreating figures before closing your eyes and opening them and then began to entertain your new customer.
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