As it turns out, even in this world there were famous designers. Greg would have assumed that only magic-related roles and fields would receive widespread recognition, but then, even in his previous life, people were known for all manner of reasons. From scientists on the cutting edge of their fields to politicians to religious leaders to celebs and 'influencers'. There was no limit to the way people gained renown in his former world, and there was no reason the same couldn't be true in this world. Elwyn was her name, and in her youth, she came up with many designs that took the continent by storm affecting the fashion trends of the continent and, some would argue, beyond. In her old age, she no longer came out with new designs. Already rich beyond most people's wildest dreams, she could sit in her shop all day doing nothing and still live comfortably for the rest of her life. The only time she bothered to do something, was when someone came to her with an idea she considered inspired

By the mix of dissatisfaction and helplessness in the young man's eyes as he regarded Greg, not even he could find anything objectionable in what Greg had just said. "Here in Telako, it is customary for the host to allow their guests at least an hour of interaction before making an appearance," the young woman Greg had been approaching spoke up, as she stepped out from behind the young man who had barred Greg's way. "Neither mother nor great-grandfather will show up for another half an hour or more," she added, confirming Greg's suspicion that she was related to Mage Kastia. "That makes sense as well," Greg answered after a second of consideration. He then offered a slight bow. "All the same, I thank you for your family's hospitality," he said, before turning around ready to head to where the drinks were. He wasn't at all keen on getting drunk, but it'd give him something to do that didn't involve making new enemies. From the young man's reaction and the way a few of the partygoers w

Please forgive my fiancé, he's just very protective when it comes to me," it was Mage Kastia's daughter who finally broke the tense silence that had descended on the scene. With his blade still pressed up against the young man's throat, Greg looked between the two of them. It now made sense to Greg why this young man had chosen to step into his path when he'd had been approaching Mage Kastia's daughter. A strange man you've never seen before approaches your significant other. Any self-respecting man would step in to figure out what was going on. Even the punch could be somewhat justified. Greg had, after all, been flirting with his woman right in front of him. That the man felt disrespected and chose to act on it was perfectly understandable to Greg. What he couldn't understand, was the clear lust that he could feel coming from the young woman in waves even as she came to her fiancé's defense. The young lady had a good enough poker face that it didn't show on her expression, but the

For a second, she looked like she would just turn and walk away, but in the end, she answered him. "Three times," she said, turning to look away from Greg. "I dedicated almost ten cycles of time between each attempt, and the last time she saw me she called my designs lazy and uninspired! She told me to find another profession to devote myself to as I had no future in fashion," she said. From the look in the woman's eyes, that moment was burned into her mind. "Of course, I then went on to create the second most successful fashion house on the continent! Which tells you how much she knows about fashion!" The woman added in an acerbic tone, taking another sip of her drink. "You looked up to her, didn't you?" Greg more stated than asked. The pain in the woman's eyes and tone wasn't from just having a design or two turned down it was more personal than that. If she had started a fashion house of her own, it wasn't too much of a leap for Greg to think that this woman had once looked up to

Choosing to remain quiet Greg followed behind her. If she were married, Greg would have to settle for dealing with one noble as opposed to burning into the memories of everyone present his exact length and girth. Was it him, or was his guide putting a little more sway into her hips than was necessary? Not that she needed to do all that much for Greg's eyes to be drawn to the hypnotic sight of her heart-shaped posterior. Getting through the crowd of nobles without giving away the game required sticking closer to the woman than perhaps was appropriate, but they were almost in the clear when someone Greg didn't want to encounter right at this moment popped up in their path. "Mage Desia, how are you this evening?" Mage Kastia's daughter greeted. Despite the bow of respect she gave to someone of a higher rank, there was a sly gleam in her eyes as if she'd caught them with their hand in the cookie jar. It only now occurred to Greg that he hadn't even bothered to check what tier the woma