Chapter 29

The Bull’s long complaint continued after he revealed his identity himself. I let him rant to his heart’s content, as the quitter’s purpose suggested. I even encouraged him with the occasional interjection.

“I read in the papers that he is an ultra-elite perfect man, but it seems he is not exactly that, is he?”

The Bull waved at me as if pleased with the comment and nodded repeatedly.

“It seems even the gods thought it unfair to give him good character along with everything else. But if they’d given him a little, if they’d shown some mercy on him, many would have been happier.”

He said he was notoriously feared among the officials; people kept quiet only because his rank was so exalted.

‘Come to think of it, I remember receiving a few complaints about a terrible superior at the palace, though they never named names. Could that be the same person?’

Being a close aide must have caused unbearable stress. I couldn’t help feeling some sympathy.

“I’m glad I came here. I feel so relieved. I don’t think anyone suits this shop’s purpose better than I do—it’s almost as if this place was made for me.”

I felt certain he would become a VIP of our shop and steadied myself.

“This Master Quokka will do my utmost to stop the Bull’s urge to resign.”

‘Finally, today’s the day.’

Eloise’s chest swelled with anticipation.

She had been a follower of Princess Lilis for five years.

There had been so many amusing moments by her side. Catering to the princess’s whims wasn’t easy, but the thrill of removing annoying young ladies from society was exquisite. Today they intended to kill off another socialite’s standing.

‘Kiara Aurelius.’

A marquis family owning one of the empire’s great fortunes, whose son is the youngest heir to the Magic Tower—Kiara was regarded as a leading heir of such a house. Everyone knew the marquis doted on his daughter.

But she built her social standing without anyone’s help and set trends. Her refusal to care about others’ opinions attracted everyone’s attention.

‘That stirred Princess Lilis’s ire.’

Princess Lilis smiled sweetly outwardly but gathered every scrap of information on Kiara and wanted to defeat and humiliate her—so no one would dare climb over her.

Sometimes she wondered if it was necessary to go this far.

But every time they ruined Kiara’s parties using intelligence from their mole, Lilis enjoyed it immensely. Kiara never subtly retreated to uncover their schemes, nor could she use the same tactics in return.

‘Last time, when she showed up wearing the exact same dress Kiara had ordered, her expression was priceless.’

Because she arrived late, it looked like she had copied someone else’s dress. Kiara’s flustered, humiliated face was sweet revenge; Eloise savored the satisfaction of having knocked down the lofty marquis’s daughter.

They expected the same today.

She’d been arrogant lately because her brand did well—but that would end today.

Princess Lilis’s ‘White Veil’ had gained as much—if not more—popularity.

Eloise set off satisfied. The marquis’ residence was as spacious as a Duke’s, and fitting for a family owning a large merchant house, it was filled with varied luxuries. It felt quite different from the traditional Duke’s home. She met another of Princess Lilis’s followers, Rivier, similarly dressed, in front of the banquet hall. They giggled and exchanged triumphant smiles as if the party were theirs.

“I can’t wait to see Lady Kiara’s expression.”

“Me too. Actually, Princess Lilis’s brand has done so well that no matter what Black Dia brings, it won’t be surpassed.”

“At best it’ll be similar to last time.”

“Heh heh heh.”

“Heh heh huh.”

They stepped together through the open doors into the party hall.

“Wow!”

Eloise couldn’t help exclaiming and covered her mouth in surprise. The nobles following behind let out a string of admiring sounds.

“Wow……”

“So beautiful……”

Eloise had expected the interior to use black and pink like the Black Dia pop-up shop. She was certain that would make Princess Lilis’s snowy-white concept stand out more.

But the design completely defied her expectations.

“White and gold!”

The banquet hall was decorated in white with gold accents—luxurious without being excessive. Even at night, the place glowed as if lit from within. The usual red carpet was gold. It was a common color, but on the carpet it felt refreshingly different and elegant.

But it didn’t end there.

“Oh my, they’ve decorated the hall with red roses. It actually suits the feel surprisingly well.”

A dowager admired the roses and lightly tapped one with her fan. The leaves fluttered slightly—undoubtedly top-grade fresh roses. The hall, which might have been a bit plain, was now full of life.

Eloise’s earlier smugness vanished and she gaped, stunned. She’d heard security at the hall was strict, but she hadn’t expected this secret.

“Here.”

At that moment Princess Lilis raised her hand slightly. Eloise snapped back to attention, quickly glued herself to the princess’s side, and reflexively poured out flattery.

“Princess Lilis, you’re so beautiful today.”

“The true hostess of tonight is undoubtedly Princess Lilis!”

Lilis, elated by her brand’s recent success, smiled with satisfaction. The hall’s design wasn’t what they’d expected, but she seemed convinced it wasn’t enough to outshine her.

“So many high nobles have come.”

Indeed, not only young ladies who enjoyed fashion but dowagers, military officers, Lords of houses, and even a duke’s son attended. The Aurelius marquis’s name surely carried weight.

“Of course, with Princess Lilis here.”

Her followers flattered her as naturally as breathing.

“Oh my, isn’t that the actress Angelina over there?”

Whispers rose here and there. Now that she looked, Eloise saw actors, painters, and musicians she’d seen often in operas and magazines.

“That person is surely Gana, the guild master of the chocolate business.”

A nobleman strode hastily toward them. The lineup—high nobles, artists, and businessmen—went far beyond what Eloise had expected. An unease crept up on her.

‘It’s still just a marquis’ family. Princess Lilis is more beautiful. A Duke’s family with a successful brand couldn’t possibly be eclipsed. And the moment Miss Kiara appears, she’ll lose her composure.’

It was the hair ornament they’d stolen from Madame Laurent’s salon for today’s outfit. They’d snatched Kiara’s dresses and accessories before; the mole had done well again.

Then the banquet hall suddenly went dark.

“Huh?”

“What, what’s going on?”

“Is there an accident?”

Amid the panicked murmurs, a calm voice rang out.

“Thank you sincerely to all the honored guests who attended today’s Black Dia new product launch celebration party.”

“Is that Miss Kiara’s voice?”

“Where on earth is it coming from?”

“I-it must be magic!”

They’d never seen lighting used to announce someone like this. A beam of light cut across the hall and illuminated the second floor, where the hostess, Kiara the marquis’s daughter, stood. She descended the stairs with elegant steps. As expected, she wore a black dress like last time, but with gold details to match the hall—not dull, but restrained and luxurious.

She was the very embodiment of the party’s host.

‘This is the only time you can enjoy it.’

Eloise deliberately moved with Lilis to a front seat where Kiara would easily see them, and she waved as if cheerfully greeting her. Kiara turned that way and their eyes met.

But it was odd—she must have seen their outfits, yet she showed no sign of being shaken.

“Didn’t she see?”

The hall brightened again and Miss Kiara smiled as she began to speak.

“Hello. I’m Kiara Aurelius, who hosted today’s Black Dia new product launch celebration party.”

Her voice carried clearly through the hall. People were intrigued by this unprecedented way of running a party.

“Thank you for the great interest in last time’s pop-up; I’m honored to introduce Black Dia’s new products to you here today.”

Miss Kiara looked elated, like someone expecting something—like she had a secret weapon prepared.

An unfounded unease deepened more than before.

“It’s extremely meaningful and thrilling to present this Black Dia new line together with this person.”

“What does she mean? Isn’t she going to show the product right away?”

Eloise gripped her fan so tightly it nearly bent.

“Allow me to introduce: the world’s finest gem artisan, ‘Vandai’!”

Miss Kiara flashed a smile at Princess Lilis, as if to say, ‘You’re no match for me.’

At the ensuing explanation, Eloise couldn’t help but murmur,

“How did she come up with this……”