Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 82

The Five Powerhouses Who Match the Unwilling Bride 

Chapter 82 Choosing the Coming–of–Age Dress 

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Ava exhaled softly. Even in her own time, few artisans still practiced these intangible cultural heritage techniques. That was why brocade fabrics commanded exorbitant prices. 

“Silk would work,” Austin said. “With quality fabric, it’ll look elegant.” He noticed Ava’s sudden melancholy. 

Jane whispered, “Be sure. Silk dresses are brutally unforgiving. Few achieve that classic beauty—most attempts fail.” 

Of course, Ava understood. Just thinking about it made things clear. In this world, after generations of genetic modification, humans now resembled characters from a two–dimensional universe. Colorful, stylized figures in silk dresses felt disjointed, no matter how she imagined it. 

In her past life, reality had proven only those from the Central Lineage truly embodied that distinctive 

grace. 

Doubt flickered in Ava’s mind. Her features were unmistakably Central Lineage–a rarity in this era. She couldn’t guess who her parents were. 

“This style, then.” Ava pointed to one of the displayed designs, a traditional wide–sleeved silk dress made using ancient techniques. “I’d like to try a muted color. I like green–it’s something I could even wear day to day.” 

Jane started, but Gerard squeezed her hand. “It’s Ava’s party. We can advise, not choose for her.” 

Jane rested her head on his shoulder. “I knew she was unique. Her taste isn’t mainstream.” 

Austin was the museum director and a recognized expert in antique garment–making. As age caught up with him, he rarely crafted pieces by hand anymore. 

When Asnio asked him to create a coming–of–age dress for a young lady who had just become an adult, Austin felt hesitant. He worried it might not suit her and feared ruining his own craftsmanship. 

Yet, out of respect for their mentor–disciple bond, he hadn’t refused outright. Instead, he insisted on meeting her first. That led to today’s meeting. 

Now, Austin’s interest has exploded. He immediately proposed they visit his home, where he would unveil his cherished fabrics for her to select. 

He was willing to waive the handcrafted fee entirely. His only request was to take a couple of photographs once she wore the finished piece. 

He wanted to display them in the museum to answer those who mocked such designs as ugly and to prove that what once defined classical fashion had been the pinnacle of style. 

The group soon reached Austin’s house, its Southern Riverlands elegance apparent. Ava felt renewed respect for his cultivated taste. 

The android housekeeper served fragrant tea and pastries as Austin went alone to retrieve his prized fabrics. The others remained in the living room. 

Ava caught the faint scent of sandalwood incense. Each detail exuded refined classical grace. In her previous world, it was unremarkable, but in this age, it was rare. 

13:22 Sat, Jan 10 

Chapter 82 Choosing the Coming–of–Age Dress 

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Finished 

Her gaze landed on a framed landscape painting hanging on the wall. Noticing her interest, Asnio said, “That painting is something special. It’s one of my teacher’s prized possessions, created by an artist over two thousand years ago.” 

To encounter such traditional ink painting in this era caught Ava completely off guard. In her past life, she had studied traditional ink painting for a few years but never stuck with it. She asked in surprise, “Two thousand years ago? Why is this kind of technique so rarely seen now?” 

“Few learn it,” Asnio replied. “One old professor still teaches. Nobody picks the elective. When he retires, the course dies with him. Young people aren’t interested. The tradition is nearly lost.” 

“So traditional painting has declined to this point?” Ava felt an overwhelming sense of loss. 

Though she had no real talent in painting and had always treated it as a casual pastime, the moment she confronted the deep connection between this world and Terran, the impact was far stronger than anything she had felt from textbooks alone. 

She’d always felt like an outsider. Now, she realized that was wrong. 

“Over such a long span of time,” Asnio sighed, “it’s not just traditional painting that has faded. Our culture, our heritage–they’ve suffered enormous fractures. Whether history or art, it’s all the same. Our nation traces its roots back to Ironvale of the ancient Terran era. We’ve lost a great deal, yes–but compared to other countries, we’ve actually retained far more.” 

Send Gifts 

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