episode_0025

From the start, she never intended to become a designer. No, she had been living in a world entirely disconnected from design.

That was just the kind of person Seo Jin-ha was originally.

A daughter from a wealthy family, with a father who was a National Assembly member. Instead, she was someone who lived cautiously reading the public’s mood, equipped with reasonably outstanding credentials.

A person who had no particular complaints about her own life, living leisurely and happily in her daily routine.

The change in her life came earlier this year, the moment she became a variant.

An Arachne-type variant. The variant period: one month.

Jin-ha, who had mutated relatively earlier than other variants, soon realized she had developed a new impulse. Namely, creating something with the special thread she produced from her fingertips.

This impulse was of an irresistible kind, so she kept spinning thread from her fingertips to craft something each time.

Perhaps her aesthetic sense had also improved naturally upon mutation, for the pieces she created reached a level where they could be called masterpieces.

Thus, Jin-ha’s father even asked her:

‘Should I just set up a clothing store for you?’ ‘Sure.’

And so, she came to own a clothing store.

Word about her store spread widely. It was only natural. Clothing made from thread produced directly by an Arachne-type variant?

Couldn’t it be said these were the only clothes of their kind in the world?

Countless people, captivated by their rarity and beauty, coveted her garments.

Moreover, the spider silk she produced was unlike ordinary spider silk—it was so durable that normal human strength couldn’t tear it, resisted fire, and repelled water.

Additionally, if Jin-ha desired, she could imbue the clothes with specific properties. Limited to her own spider silk, she could attach all sorts of traits haphazardly.

Even abilities like shape-memory alloy, allowing clothes to revert to their original form.

Scientific knowledge? That stuff wasn’t even necessary.

Like a divine power, if she willed it, her spider silk obeyed her intentions.

Since the fabric reached literally perfect quality, its value naturally soared.

Before long, her clothing store ceased to be just a simple shop and instead became regarded as a luxury boutique, with reservations booked solid a year in advance.

No matter how wealthy someone was, they had to wait a full year to obtain her clothes.

After all, those placing reservations were predominantly from the upper echelons of society.

Yet despite such success, Jin-ha suffered from an inexplicable void.

Though her impeccable aesthetic sense allowed her to craft exquisite garments, each time she saw the finished pieces, she felt something was lacking.

‘Does this mean what they call a lack of inspiration?’

Jin-ha couldn’t help but think so and wanted to somehow fill that void.

‘Then, let’s try making unique clothing.’

And the unique clothing she envisioned was—attire specifically for variants.

Since their first appearance, variants of all kinds had emerged in the world… She believed that creating clothes for them might alleviate the inexplicable void tormenting her.

From then on, Jin-ha began crafting outfits for variants. And for these clothes, she didn’t charge money.

If these rare variants visiting her boutique could fill her void, then she didn’t need their money anyway.

Thus, she made garments for countless variants and wished to create even more in the future.

For her, the sudden appearance of a dragon-type variant naturally became an object of fascination.

A dragon?

Judging purely by outward appearance, it was merely a humanoid dragon’s form… but Jin-ha, a variant of a similar lineage, could tell.

Just as she hid eight real legs on her back, Seo-hyun must be the same.

And that assumption hit the mark. The massive dragon wings unfurled in the park.

Seeing them, she couldn’t help but be enthralled.

How wonderful would it be to dress such a being in her creations?

Inspiration flooded her mind, and she kept imagining what styles would suit Seo-hyun. Almost as if possessed by madness.

So, once she had finalized the designs to some extent, she contacted Jeong-ho. She wanted to make clothes—would he arrange a meeting?

—…And thus, Arachne-type variant Seo Jin-ha has expressed her wish to meet with Seo-hyun. If by any chance you have no intention of agreeing, please let me know.

“That’s fine. But… is there a particular reason she wants to meet me?”

—Most likely, she intends to make customized clothing for you. She’s known for creating outfits for variants.

“Clothing for variants? That’s fascinating.”

—She’s quite a renowned artisan globally. Her clothes feel like they’re enchanted with magic.

“Wow… but why someone like her for me?”

—Perhaps you sparked her inspiration. She always seeks to create outfits whenever new variants appear. Even Choi Si-ah owns several pieces made by Jin-ha.

“Oh, really?”

—Yes. So, meeting her won’t be a loss. She’s very friendly toward variants… In fact, the improvements in variant treatment owe much to her efforts.

“Huh? What’s the connection between variant treatment and her?”

—She’s a National Assembly member’s daughter. And quite an influential one at that… Thanks to Jin-ha’s presence, indiscriminate oppression against variants became impossible.

“Ah, well… Laws tend to change when those in high places are affected.”

—An uncomfortable truth, but yes. Anyway… would you like to meet her?

“Sure. I’m curious what kind of inspiration she got from me… And personally, the idea of clothing for variants is intriguing.”

—Understood. I’ll arrange the details soon.

And so, I now found myself at the boutique run by Arachne-type variant Seo Jin-ha.

Though, the boutique’s atmosphere was somewhat… grotesque.

…Is this really okay?

Upon opening the door, a strikingly beautiful woman greeted me.

But from behind her back protruded eight spider legs.

Though objectively eerie, I didn’t find them unsettling. Something about her carried an inexplicable aura—graceful, perhaps?

That grace seemed to overshadow what would otherwise be a revolting sight.

“Welcome. Dragon-type variant Seo-hyun, correct?”

“Yes. It’s my first time meeting you. I’m Yun Seo-hyun, Ms. Seo Jin-ha.”

“Hehe, right. Thank you for coming. I thought it might be an unreasonable request.”

“Ah, but may I ask why you called for me…?”

“Oh, did Agent Jeong-ho not explain?”

“He only gave a vague reason. Something about making clothes for me…?”

“Precisely. That’s correct. I wanted to meet you because I’d love to craft outfits tailored just for you.”

“Thank you…? But from what I’ve heard, your creations come with astronomical price tags…”

“Don’t worry. For variants, the clothes are free.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Honestly, I already have more than enough money. I was raised without ever knowing material want… and now, it’s almost excessive. I have no desire to charge variants. They’re precious beings who inspire me.”

“Ah, I see…”

“But, in exchange for free clothing, I’d like to feature your outfits in a magazine. As a sort of fitting model. Would that be alright?”

“A model? I’ve never done modeling before. Are you sure that’s okay?”

“Absolutely. The director will handle all the guidance—just follow their instructions. Though, are you comfortable appearing in a magazine?”

“In the past, I might’ve hesitated, but I’m already a public figure now. A magazine feature shouldn’t be a problem.”

“What a great attitude. Do you have any preferred styles? I plan to make quite a few custom pieces for you.”

“Uh… Seriously?”

“Yes. Personally, I believe a variant’s charm lies in their uniqueness—what sets them apart from humans. By the way, could you unfurl your wings?”

“I can, but… won’t the store get wrecked?”

“That’s fine. I renovated the second floor as a fitting room with plenty of extra space.”

“Alright, then it should be fine.”

“Do you have any other parts besides wings?”

“There’s a tail, but… I’ve never brought it out before.”

“That’s wonderful news. To think I’d be the first to witness a dragon’s tail. Would you mind showing it? I’d like to ensure the clothes accommodate it seamlessly, no matter when or where it emerges.”

“Ah, sure.”

“Then, shall we head upstairs?”

Upon reaching the second floor, I immediately unfurled my wings and tail.

Honestly, it’s a bit embarrassing. To avoid tearing my clothes, I’d stripped down to my undergarments before revealing them.

This was also my first time seeing my tail… and it matched my imagination perfectly.

Covered in scales, the meter-long tail had a smooth texture and moved as I willed it, seemingly capable of coiling around objects.

“Wow… This is beyond imagination. Beautiful.”

For a moment, Jin-ha’s expression turned slightly uncanny. Enthralled, she gazed at my wings and tail with rapturous eyes—enough to give me chills.

“Seo-hyun.”

“Yes?”

“Do you have time today? I suddenly have so many designs in mind.”

“Uh… For now, yes.”

“Great. Let’s tackle casual wear, formal suits, sporty looks—whatever we can.”

“Is that possible in a single day?”

“Of course. Nothing’s impossible for me.”

Jin-ha grinned as she said this.