Chapter 30

Gem artisan, Vandai.

He was considered the empire’s—no, the world’s—finest gem craftsman.

The gem-cutting team he led inspired countless artisans and other artists.

The apprentices he trained still work as skilled craftsmen throughout the empire.

When Lady Kiara finished her announcement, an elderly gentleman, neatly dressed, slowly descended from the second floor.

Everyone was so surprised they watched him in stunned silence for a long moment.

Lady Kiara continued the introduction as if she had expected the reaction.

“He collaborated on the design for the new Black Dia release.”

Bandai slowly opened his mouth to speak.

“Good day. I’m Vandai, a gem artisan. I don’t usually enjoy these kinds of events, but since this is a meaningful occasion I came to say a few words. Ahem.”

He was born a commoner, but his works were so beautiful and renowned that no one dared question his background.

“How is this possible…”

While Eloise murmured in disbelief, Vandai continued his introduction.

“My fellow craftsmen and I take great pride in gem work. Even when making a single piece, we never cut corners. I accepted this collaboration with Black Dia because I felt Lady Kiara’s sincere heart for the brand. Beauty isn’t singular—the same gem can show different charms depending on how it’s cut. Lady Kiara’s brand philosophy aligned with my view. It was unprecedented, but we enjoyed the work and it was a wonderful experience that gave us new inspiration.”

From behind came whispers and claps on arms from excitable ladies and young noblewomen.

“It’s insane, it’s insane. This is a real hit.”

“Vandai’s workshop doesn’t just take any commission!”

“Exactly! I’d understand if it was about the price, but there’s no discernible criteria—everyone’s been anxious.”

“They said even His Majesty couldn’t force him! They say the previous emperor honored his artisan spirit and treated him with great respect!”

“What exactly did they do with Black Dia?”

Lady Kiara timed her introduction perfectly.

“Then we’ll reveal it. Experience an enduring, personal beauty through Black Dia.”

The ballroom darkened again, and a spotlight suddenly illuminated a tall, elegantly decorated shelf placed in the center of the hall.

“The new glitter line!”

Sparkling colored powders were contained in small, simple vessels, emitting an elegant glow. At the top of the shelf, 24 containers adorned with beautiful gems radiated an untouchable aura.

People, including Princess Lilis’s entourage, stared as if entranced.

“The season of festivals and parties is approaching, isn’t it?”

The voice changed. It was Lady Kiara’s aide—the one seen at the salon before—whose rare short haircut suited her well and was memorable.

“Faces, skin tones, and the features people want to emphasize all differ, yet the available colors and methods have been limited. This new Black Dia glitter line can be freely used on the face, arms, or legs—wherever the user wishes—and provides a beautiful glow! With 24 vibrant shades created in collaboration with Vandai’s artisans, you can showcase various charms. We’ll demonstrate today, so see for yourself!”

But it didn’t end there.

The aide held up a container of the glittery cosmetic and said:

“All the gems adorning these containers were personally selected and crafted at Vandai’s workshop, and they can be decorated in the colors and stones you desire. That’s right—your very own one-of-a-kind Black Dia.”

A gasp escaped from the crowd.

“So you can create your own unique beauty…!”

Her confident expression was full of conviction in the product.

“Black Dia will continue to strive to bring out each of your inherent beauties. Thank you.”

The polished finish drew enthusiastic applause. Eloise instinctively turned to Princess Lilis, who couldn’t hide her furrowed brow as she bit her nails.

‘This is dangerous—change the mood quickly!’

She signaled to Rivier and, with Princess Lilis, walked toward Lady Kiara.

‘It can’t end like this. At least ruin the mood a bit.’

Kiara’s eyes widened at their approach, and she showed signs of being flustered.

‘That’s right—this is it.’

A quick glance showed Princess Lilis had regained her composure. They intended to play innocent and weather Lady Kiara’s awkward questioning.

“How did you come up with this?”

“Oh, this? I wanted to try something new for this party, so I prepared it. It was all Princess Lilis’s idea, right? Isn’t it splendid?”

The assembled guests reacted with curiosity, but Lady Kiara’s response was noticeably different.

“Is that… so?”

Something felt off. Eloise moved to press further, but her counterpart spoke faster.

“Please don’t misunderstand. It looks too similar to the Black Dia promotional ornament I commissioned from Madame Laurent. In truth, its quality didn’t meet my aesthetic and I had it discarded—so I didn’t expect to see this here.”

“…!”

Only then did Eloise scan Lady Kiara’s attire again and recall the ball ornament. She realized she’d never seen a design similar to the large floral headpiece they had worn.

“It must be my imagination. Hah. Princess Lilis designed it, after all. The three of you suit it well. Is it something seen at the ‘White Veil’?”

“Pfft.”

A suppressed laugh and soft snickers erupted here and there. Anyone who regularly attended Princess Lilis’s salon or parties would know exactly what this situation implied.

The princess’s face flushed bright red.

“If you try the white glitter at the demo table over there, it might tone it down a bit.”

The short-haired aide tactlessly chimed in from the side. Lady Kiara replied with calm composure.

“Enjoy the evening.”

The Black Dia new product launch party was, in every sense, a great success.

How could they be so sure?

‘Just look at Princess Lilis and her followers’ expressions—there’s your answer.’

She tried to maintain her expression, but I noticed her lip tremble. She must have wanted to rip off that huge floral headpiece that made her look ridiculous, but she couldn’t.

‘Was it Eloise? A fervent follower claimed it was Princess Lilis’s work.’

It was an unexpected gain. I’d set several traps to find where the mole was planted, and they had fallen into them perfectly.

The new product display was crowded with young ladies, noblewomen, and artists eager to try the demonstration.

Entrepreneurs, merchant house representatives, and curious men could be seen here and there. Kiara’s maid in charge of her styling and Pinea brought models, seated them, and demonstrated usage and effects personally.

“It feels like stars are falling into my eyes!”

“Using it on my collarbone makes me look slimmer!”

The glitter containers created in collaboration with Vandai also drew huge interest.

You could change and decorate the gems in any combination you wanted. The gemstones for the parts would be of the high quality only Bandai’s artisans could produce, and they would be updated in various forms going forward.

‘One product can generate ongoing revenue.’

They would be offered with a variety of gems across price ranges. I couldn’t help but look forward to the incoming revenue.

Hoping for a prosperous future, I scanned the party for any problems.

Then I spotted a familiar face.

‘Isn’t that the woman who was very intimate at the Duke’s residence? But the man beside her isn’t the same guy from then… huh?’

A little further off, I saw the man who’d been intimate then. But he was arm-in-arm with another woman.

I hadn’t memorized all the major nobles’ faces yet, so I couldn’t be sure who they were, but the atmosphere gave me a sense of what was happening.

Both of them were not unmarried.

‘So that’s why they were at the Duke’s secluded residence.’

“Are you Lady Kiara’s and the Marquis Family’s aide?”

I was about to let my imagination run wild when someone halted me. I turned my head without showing it, and an unexpected person greeted me.

“Princess?”

It was Princess Lilis Seref, wearing a radiant white dress with a big flower in her hair…

‘It can’t be easy to parade around like that sober.’

I silently applauded the composure she maintained on her proud face.