Chapter 72
A few days later.
Elia contacted Lapis.
-My lady, just as you predicted, Queens has begun a quantity offensive. And it seems they’re preparing to launch a new product imitating ours.
“Really? Then let’s get our new product ready too.”
-A new product?
“Yes, I’ve been preparing a men’s cosmetics line.”
-A men’s cosmetics line?
“That’s right. Men should care about their skin too.”
-Do you think it can compete against Queens?
“Of course. Our whitening effect is far better than Queens’, and the fragrance is subtle. Queens’ products are too harsh.”
While noblemen did use cosmetics, they didn’t particularly like Queens’ products because of their strong scent.
Most men disliked cosmetics with overpowering fragrances.
Elia took advantage of that psychology and created men’s cosmetics with a soft, subtle scent.
The results had been very satisfying.
“If Queens launches an event campaign targeting noblewomen, then we’ll go for the men’s market. That’s our business strategy.”
It was a move to target the gap Queens had failed to enter.
“The finished products will soon be delivered to the shops.”
Prototypes had already been made and sent to the White Horse Tower, along with the research recipes.
-So that’s why you had the newly ordered medicinal ingredients sent there.
“Exactly.”
-Understood.
“When Queens starts their event, we’ll do a new product event at the same time.”
Which side would generate more synergy remained to be seen.
And the results went just as expected.
Queens’ ambitious “2+1” event turned into a complete disaster—because of the new men’s cosmetics event launched by the Beautiful Line.
The Beautiful Line’s men’s cosmetics included a whitening lotion and toner.
The whitening lotion inhibited melanin production, helping prevent pigmentation, and was effective in exfoliation, brightening the skin tone.
Consistent use even maintained the effect, which made it very appealing to men.
On top of that, its gentle fragrance made it easy to use without discomfort.
Men who had previously been using Queens’ cosmetics quickly switched en masse to Beautiful Line.
And since noblemen tended to make large purchases, many of them bought multiple bottles at once.
Queens’ sales in the capital steadily plummeted.
Moreover, requests were coming in from other provinces asking for branches to be opened there as well.
Most importantly, provincial nobles regarded Beautiful Line as a “cosmetics brand only available in the capital,” which made them eager to buy it.
Elia grinned widely as she checked the sales report.
Noah, who had been studying documents with Alexis nearby, asked her:
“What’s making you smile so slyly?”
“Hehehe, how can I not laugh when I see this?”
“What is it?”
Elia proudly showed Noah the cosmetics sales report.
“These are the sales figures?”
“Impressive, right?”
“This much revenue… all from the cosmetics you made?”
“Yes. This is this month’s sales chart.”
“You… I really want to open up your head and see what’s inside.”
How could such a small head come up with such business ideas? Noah was speechless.
“And what are you planning to do with all that money?”
Elia gave him a sly smile.
“Are you asking because you really don’t know? Or because you already know?”
“I’m asking because I don’t know.”
Though his face didn’t quite look it, Elia played along.
“To make His Highness the Emperor, of course. That takes a lot of money, you know.”
“You’re… serious, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I’m always serious.”
Noah turned to Alexis.
His expression was one of seeking counsel.
“My opinion doesn’t matter. What matters is what His Highness wants.”
“What I want?”
“Yes. Whatever it may be, what matters most is your will, Your Highness.”
“If I were to say I want to become Emperor… would the Duke support me?”
That was the most critical question. The Cartellani Duchy had always remained neutral.
They barely had the resources to defend the North, let alone involve themselves in the capital’s politics.
“Of course. I will always stand by Your Highness’ side.”
Noah fell into thought at Alexis’ answer.
Then his eyes lit up.
“In that case… I want to try.”
A challenge for the throne.
He had never dared think of it before. All he’d wanted was for the Duke to hurry and rescue him. Nothing else mattered.
But now his heart had changed.
He truly wanted to try.
Noah looked at Elia.
“Can you really make me Emperor?”
“If that is Your Highness’ wish.”
“Then do your utmost to help me.”
It felt necessary to set a goal.
Having a clear aim and working toward it was far different from drifting through time without purpose.
Setting a goal meant wasting less time.
“You’ll see. I’ll make you Emperor, even if I have to risk my life.”
“I don’t need your life. You little thing, don’t you know how precious it is?”
“That’s right, Elly. Life is important. Don’t throw it away.”
Elia just smiled, knowing they were only saying this out of worry for her.
Gaji also piped up.
[Hey, didn’t I tell you to value your life? Things are finally looking up, and you’re about to push yourself too far again.]
‘I didn’t say I’d overdo it. I just said I’d risk my life.’
[That’s the same thing. What if you really lose your life?]
‘It’s fine. I’ve grown up now.’
[You’re still only ten. You’ve got a long way to go before you’re grown.]
‘Anyway, don’t worry.’
[Stop making me worry then.]
‘Got it.’
She knew the World Tree was watching over her a lot.
That was why she wanted to live this life well.
She wanted to help those who had once died because of her.
The first was Alexis.
The second was Noah.
And the third were the siblings Lapis and Lazli.
Fortunately, in this life, those siblings would not fall prey to the Grand Duchess’ schemes. Lazli had regained her health.
There were still more people to save, but it wasn’t time yet. That would have to wait until they entered the capital.
She had too much to do to allow herself to die easily.
“Your Highness, how skilled are you with swordsmanship? Can you use a Mana Sword?”
“You think that’s so easy?”
“But I heard Prince Serhi can already use a Mana Sword. He’s two years younger than you, isn’t he?”
“You think Serhi and I are the same?”
“Well, I did hear he’s been taking elixirs since he was two.”
Noah pouted.
While Serhi had grown up nourished with elixirs, Noah had been locked up and abused in the Imperial Palace.
The Empress, of course, had turned a blind eye.
“But there’s something you don’t know, Your Highness.”
“What don’t I know?”
Elia gave him another sly smile.
“Why are you laughing like that again?”
She patted Noah’s shoulder.
“Just know that everything I do is for Your Highness and the Duke.”
Noah lowered his voice suspiciously.
“You’re planning trouble, aren’t you?”
“What trouble? Do I look like the type?”
“Yeah, you totally do.”
Though Noah eyed her with suspicion, Elia only smiled.
“I’ll be stepping out for a bit. I need to contact Lapis.”
Back in her room, Elia immediately activated the communication orb. She had something to confirm.
-My lady, what is it?
“Are you busy?”
-I was just discussing the workshop with Lazli.
“Oh right, Lazli’s opening her workshop.”
-Yes, it should be opening in a week.
“That’s great. Tell her I’ll definitely visit once I’m in the capital.”
-I’ll pass it on.
“And the reason I called today is about Prince Serhi and Empress Marianne.”
-You want to know the progress, then.
“Yes, how is it going?”
-They’ve accepted the mana stones without suspicion and are using them. In about two years, you should get the result you desire.
“That’s good news.”
-But… are you truly coming to the capital in two years?
“Yes, I am. That’s why I’m preparing so thoroughly. And look into a mansion for me.”
-Do you already have a place in mind?
“The Marquis of Piorn’s mansion in Noblesse Town.”
-That property’s on the market?
His voice held some surprise.
“No, but it will be soon. Keep a close eye on the Piorn family, and as soon as it’s listed, let me know.”
-Understood.
Elia ended the communication and looked out the window.
