Chapter 16

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“All right! Lina, are you busy right now?”

“Ah, is my lady heading to the perfumery? I’m going too!“

After we arrived in front of the room door, I glanced back.

Ern Gardner, the personal escort Cedric had attached to me, stood behind like a shadow.

“… I’m entering the perfumery now.”

“I’ll accompany you.”

“I apologize, however, not here. This is a place only Lina and I can enter.”

“Please think of me as a shadow.”

… I can’t help it if you say that.

I shrugged and let Ern into the room. Then, I handed him a scented candle in addition to a bowl.

“Would you assist us while you’re here? I will bestow upon you a separate part-time job fee.”

Ern gazed strangely at the bowl and candle.

No, I’m only guessing his expressions. Besides, I couldn’t figure out what kind of impression he was wearing due to the helmet that was covering him.

“Certainly.”

I grinned. This was the moment a new worker was added to ‘Ariel’s Perfumery’.

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Working hours were much shorter now that three people were working. My eyes glistened as I gazed at the perfumer’s organ filled with countless liquids.

Okay, I had finished the essential oils, and the only thing left is the combining process.

I carefully mixed the oils according to the recipe (written in advance). First off, the pine tree essence oil and the fresh bergamot were added with the lemon, serpentine, and, the most important ingredient, spleen herbs to emit a refreshing and stimulating scent.

“Now I have to leave it for about two days, but … I’m curious about the effect, so let us skip the ripening process this time.”

Soon enough, the first prototype of the new perfume was completed.

I placed the perfume bottle at the tip of my nose and took a slight breath.

“… Hmm.”

Lina gazed at me anxiously. Ern was also observing intently through his helmet that was secured onto his head.

A refreshing scent whiffed up. It was as if I was smelling a pine needle. The cool fragrance strode all over my body. I felt refreshed, as if I was wrapped around a gentle breeze.

I smiled lightly.

“I think it’s fine?”

“Me too! I want to smell it!”

Lina volunteered rather quickly. I smiled while handing her the perfume bottle.

Her eyes widened as she smelled the scent.

“U-Uwah …”

“Are you all right?”

“I feel like I’m surrounded by pine trees. I feel like a pine tree forest bathes me in its embrace … Wow, my drowsiness went away in an instant!”

I presented a delightful smile. Lina always made me feel confident with her rich and meaningful reactions.

I turned to Ern this time.

“Now, Lord Ern will try it too.”

“… Me too?”

“We made it together; thus, we each have to test the finished product as well.”

Ern slowly accepted the bottle I was holding. The large man dressed in heavy armor brought the miniscule bottle of perfume to the tip of his nose with both hands.

“How is it?”

This was the first time anyone other than Lina tested the prototype. I was unknowingly nervous about his judgement.

“… Ah.”

Ern turned silent. He only stood still while holding the perfume bottle.

“What’s wrong?”

Not good?

Should I have let it ripen? I awkwardly attempted to get a hold of the bottle.

However, his big hand didn’t let go of the perfume.

“… Lord Ern?”

Let go. It’s going to break.

When I called Ern’s name, he finally managed to open his mouth.

“… Is this perfume?”

What are you talking about?

I turned to Lina as I presented a confused expression. Is he provoking me? Is he doubting this perfume …?

Ern bowed his head as if he had finally come to his senses.

“I’m sorry, my lady. This turned out to be more than what I expected … I was surprised at the fragrance that was emitted. It is the ideal pine scent.”

“Really?”

I was taken back. That was a compliment?

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, I like it.”

It was a very simple answer. He wasn’t as chaotic as Lina.

However, Ern’s plain response was no less pleasant than hers.

“Really? I’m thinking of conducting business with this; how many people do you think will be willing to buy it?”

Ern seemed to be lost in his thoughts for a moment. Soon, he replied in an extremely sincere voice.

“I think everyone in the social circle will wish for it.”

“What? Ahaha.”

I burst into laughter at his exaggerated answer.

I hope that happens. If everyone would work together to buy one, it wouldn’t be a dream to become a billionaire anymore, would it?

“I really hope so. Well, first off, it was accepted by two people so far … could we consider the prototype a success for now?”

I copied down the results of the prototype in my notebook.

I’ll adjust the perfume a bit more and bring it to the salon. I hope that Charlotte will favor the results this time as well.

I hummed as I eagerly moved my pen.

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I adjusted my outfit as I looked at the mirror.

Today was an extremely important day. It was the day I presented the new perfume in front of an actual audience.

The location was also carefully chosen for this event.

After much consideration, I selected Countess Atlante’s members-only, social club.

It’s a place where all those who claimed to be the highest in society gathered, and thanks to Charlotte, I was able to step in it.

‘Thank you, Charlotte.’

I took a deep breath.

Charlotte only handed me an invitation as she couldn’t attend due to her schedule. Today, I have to make this perfume business successful using my own ability.

I left the room, filled with determination.

Count Atlante’s butler greeted me.

“If you are ready, we will guide you inside.”

“Yes, please.”

Just like the deep history of the Atalante family, the mansion was very antique and elegant.

Although he was also a Count, he was different from Winston, who had the heart to sell his own daughter due to his lack of power.

“Lady Winston has arrived.”

The butler opened the door to the parlor.

I took a silent deep breath and placed an elegant smile on my mouth. Beyond the open door, the eyes of the members were directly glued to me.

‘All right, this is the beginning.’

In order to carry out business, you are obliged to leave a pleasant first impression.

It was at that moment that I managed to hide my tension and stepped into the room with a smile still portrayed on my face.

“Dear Ariel! Welcome!”

… Uh?

I turned my head to the familiar voice.

Oh, my God. Luna, one of the girls I encountered at the ball a few days ago, was waving her hands at me.

“Oh my God, Lady Ariel! Did Lady Ariel also become a member? It’s such a great honor to be a member of the same club as Lady Ariel!”

Luna ran towards me as she made a fuss.

Haha, what an unexpected appearance.

“Oh, hello, Luna. I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

“Me too! My father pushed me to be here, so it was quite boring. However, I didn’t expect to see Lady Ariel! I’ll be sure to thank my father when I return home.”

Luna concluded her whispers.

What do you mean, a meeting your father forced you into … I’m sure this was a club most socialites couldn’t enter easily.

Before I could finish my thoughts, Luna waved her hand in order to attract others attention.

“Everyone! This is my beloved Lady Ariel Winston.”

“Welcome, Lady Winston.”

“Nice to meet you.”

After Luna introduced me, the members greeted me with a slightly lighter atmosphere.

A man with blonde, lemon-colored hair made a gesture for my hand.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I am Rupert Jenon.”

Rupert Jenon?

I searched my head when I heard the familiar name. Come to think of it, the name of this Jenon man was mentioned a few times in the social world.

Probably a major shareholder in a quality distribution company?

“You’re much more beautiful than what I’ve heard.”

Rupert gently kissed the back of my hand. I laughed, filled with both embarrassment and sincerity.

“I’m flattered. It’s an honor to meet you, Baron Jenon. My name is Ariel Winston.”

“The back of the beautiful lady’s hand has a rather charming scent of pine needles.”

Ah? I like this person’s sense of smell.

I replied, my eyes wide opened.

“Oh my, you have it right. I made this perfume based on the concept of a pine tree forest.”

“The Lady herself …?”

Rupert’s eyes drastically widened.

“Goodness. I’ve heard it from Lady Charlotte herself; however, my lady is quite a talented person.”

“You’re flattering me too much. I’m ashamed.”

“No, I’m absolutely not over complimenting you. Hey, Shuren. Didn’t you say growing pine trees in the garden was a hobby of yours?”

The members of the social meeting glanced towards me curiously as they heard Rupert’s sudden excitement. My insides shouted with joy.

Suddenly, Luna rushed through the crowd toward me.

“Lady Ariel! Could you spare me a minute?”

At such a critical moment?

I felt rather regretful. However, Luna’s expression was unusual, so I nodded in agreement.

We moved to the small terrace on one side of the hall.

“Lady Ariel, Lord Rupert seems to have a heart for you. The eyes of a fox-like man are very high!”

Luna clenched her fists fiercely.

I shed a fresh smile.

“That’s why you called for me? Just to let me know this?”

“No, that’s not it … Actually, that guy, he’s a huge playboy.”

Luna quietly whispered. I raised my eyebrows. Well, he did seem rather charming. It seems like he paid quite a lot for that face.

“Really?”

“Yes, I’ve only met him once; however I heard all his breakups happened in the blink of an eye. Of course Lady Ariel will take care of herself well, but Luna is a little worried …”

Hmm.

I pondered for a moment.

Luna said this much and with the way she gazed at me, it seemed almost certain Rupert was interested in me.

It just so happened, I also feel the need of a new lover.

It wasn’t because I was lonely. Nope.

‘If I find a new lover, no one would doubt my relationship with Cedric anymore.’

I could also use this as an excuse for Count Winston, who has been constantly bothering me daily now.

“It’s alright. Don’t worry, Luna.”

I grinned at Luna.

“I won’t cry while grasping Baron Rupert’s trousers.”

“Dear Ariel? That’s …”

I shrugged.

I haven’t decided to be with Rupert yet. Nonetheless, I thought Rupert Jenon might be a good relationship partner.

We’re not going to get married anyway, but we’re just going to be seeing each other for a moment.

‘In my situation, being a playboy is rather a big plus.’

When the time comes to cut the relationship, he won’t hold onto me and cry.