Chapter 234: Guidance
Duane didn’t know Natalia had arrived. His attention was completely focused on the twelve female models before him.
He had originally agreed to become a partner in the Time Closet purely for the sake of getting closer to the nobility of the Silent Shore.
But after touring the clothing factory today, he realized that everyone—from Derek, Zelina, and Sharp to even Natalia—was pouring a great deal of effort into this factory.
This made Duane begin to take the matter seriously. He now wanted to do the best job possible and make a name for the Time Closet.
"A fashion show is a new concept."
Duane mused for a moment before sharing his thoughts. "As trendsetters, besides having excellent creative designs and wonderful ideas, we also need enough courage and confidence!"
Duane walked up to one of the girls and asked, "Where do courage and confidence come from? And how are they expressed?"
The girl blushed and lowered her head, looking a bit shy.
Duane gently lifted her chin. "Lift your head. Look into my eyes!"
The girl grew even more flustered. Although she raised her head, she didn’t dare to look directly at Duane.
Now, even the other eleven girls beside her grew tense. They could feel the atmosphere suddenly turn serious.
"For you, courage and confidence come from within, and they’re expressed through your body language!"
Duane looked her straight in the eye. To be honest, he was a little nervous himself.
However, having been a noble for a year, he had developed a bit of a leader’s mindset. Additionally, his powerful Spiritual Power and strength allowed him to control his emotions.
"When you’re walking on the runway and your eyes are darting around, unfocused, do you think people will see you as confident?"
Duane moved to the second girl, likewise lifting her slightly lowered head.
"When you’re on the runway, and you can’t take a full stride or swing your arms, and all the movements you want to make are held back or even distorted, do you think people will see you as confident?"
Duane went to each girl, lifting their chins and helping them adjust their posture.
"So, the first thing I’m going to teach you is—eye contact!"
Duane’s voice was steady and powerful, like that of a veteran lecturer who had stood at a podium for many years.
"A person’s eyes can convey their innermost thoughts and emotions."
He singled out a girl who had a good figure but whose gaze had been wandering when she walked earlier.
"Although the concept of a ’steady gaze’ is a bit abstract, there are some techniques you can use while walking."
Duane pointed in the direction the girl was facing, but was startled to see Natalia watching him.
Seeing she’d been spotted, Natalia couldn’t very well keep watching in secret. She walked forward and said with a smile, "Instructor Duane, please continue."
Hearing this form of address, Sharp couldn’t help but grin. He never expected the young Countess, who usually seemed so cool and aloof, to have such a teasing side.
Duane felt a little awkward, but he nodded and resumed his instruction.
"Where was I? Oh, right. Techniques."
He pointed forward again. "After you come out, you can fix your gaze on a point in the distance or at the back of the audience. This will help you avoid blinking frequently or letting your eyes wander. Here, give it a try."
Under Duane’s guidance, the girl began to practice this technique.
She wasn’t used to it at first, but after a few corrections, she gradually got the hang of it. With more practice, she was sure to achieve good results.
"Besides this technique, your facial expression should also be natural. Avoid a stiff smile or frown. Also, your stride should be even, and you must pay attention to your own rhythm..."
As he said this, he remembered the matter of background music.
"Sharp, I’d like to add background music during the models’ walk. Is that something we can do?"
Sharp scratched his head. He had already witnessed Duane’s professionalism and been won over by his recent instruction, but this was not his area of expertise.
He could only look helplessly at Natalia.
She was also pondering it, following Duane’s train of thought. "What kind of background music do you need?" she asked.
Duane explained, "The music I need isn’t complicated. The only requirement is that it must have a clear, strong rhythm. That way, the models can time each step to the beat, making the whole walk more aesthetically pleasing."
Natalia’s brow furrowed slightly. Truth be told, she didn’t know much about music either.
However, she could offer Duane some help.
"There are several good musical groups in the Silent Shore, and Sea Cliff Castle has its own dedicated musicians. I can have someone contact them to compose a piece according to your requirements."
"That would be perfect!" Duane praised.
Sharp quickly added, "Time is tight. I’ll have someone contact them right away."
And so, the matter of the background music was settled.
Next, Duane explained a few more techniques he knew.
For example, keeping one’s chest out and head up, chin slightly tucked, abdomen slightly tensed, and pausing for two or three seconds at the front of the stage to perform a simple pose, like placing a hand on the hip.
After his lecture, the two instructors began to organize the training.
Duane and Natalia stood to the side to watch.
"I never knew you understood so much!"
Natalia beamed at her contemporary, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Where did you learn all this?"
Duane shrugged. "When I was bored on Black Forest Island, I’d think about this sort of thing to pass the time."
"You thought about all those things, but you never thought to add a word or two of greeting for me in your first letter?"
"Er..."
Duane was taken aback for a moment, seeing her smiling face but hearing the trace of complaint in her tone.
He really hadn’t thought of that at the time.
’Sure enough,’ he thought, ’no matter what kind of woman she is, she’ll always see things from a peculiar angle.’
"My apologies. That was rude of me."
Duane said, bowing to apologize.
But then he turned it into a tease. "From the sound of it, my lady, your longing for me seems to outweigh your complaint?"
Natalia was caught completely off guard by this and became flustered.
But she was a Count’s daughter, after all. Having received a good upbringing, she had some experience in managing her emotions and quickly recovered.
"Wh-what nonsense are you talking?"
She feigned anger. "If anyone else heard that, I’d never be able to explain myself."
"Hahaha!"
Duane couldn’t help but laugh. "I have to say, you’re quite cute when you’re flustered."
Just a few words from him were enough to leave Natalia defenseless. She glared at Duane, then walked a couple of steps away, her face blushing.
She appeared calm on the surface, but her heart was racing. She had never felt this nervous before.
Duane chuckled to himself. ’While I may not be a veteran of romance, I do understand a young woman’s feelings to some extent.’
The way Natalia looked at him wasn’t how a friend would look at another.
From Duane’s perspective, the last time he was in the Silent Shore, Raymond had suggested he pursue Natalia.
At the time, due to various factors like his status, strength, and position, Duane had felt it wasn’t very feasible.
Although his situation had changed slightly, his financial situation, power, and status hadn’t improved much, to be honest.
However, after experiencing the Ancient God’s Whisper and attaining Enlightenment, Duane’s mindset had changed.
’Since I also think Natalia is wonderful, why should I be so hesitant? Why let my lower status stop me from trying now?’
Of course, this didn’t mean Duane was going to walk right up and confess his feelings. It just meant he didn’t need to deliberately keep his distance from Natalia anymore.
Duane stepped closer.
Natalia took another step back. "What are you doing?"
Duane rubbed his nose and said, "I need you to do me a favor."
"Oh?"
This time, Natalia didn’t pull away. Instead, she tilted her head and looked at Duane. "What is it?"
"You’re very talented with Magic. I was wondering how much you know about Enchantment?"
As he spoke, Duane waved to Owington, who was standing in the distance. The latter immediately ran over.
Duane took the Longsword from his Male Servant’s hands.
"Help me figure out what the Enchantment on this Sword does. And if you can find its creator, that would be even better!"