13: The Crown Princess
Ricardo stared at me calmly, as if he knew exactly what my reaction would be. It was hard not to remember the Duke’s son, especially one who always wore a mask. But that wasn’t what mattered to me.
To explain Ricardo: he wasn’t a second male lead but more of an extra, yet it was crucial that in the later part of the story, he started a beauty business with a woman named ‘Beryl.’ Cosmetics, perfumes, accessories, clothes, and so on. Yes, in My Crush Ends in Revenge, he was one of the characters who essentially served as the department store owner.
The reason I wanted Ricardo over ‘Beryl’ was that Ricardo was the one who managed and led the cosmetics business. Of course, since this was the beginning of the story, there was a high chance he knew nothing about makeup or anything similar. But what if I dangled a savory, money-scented bait in front of him? Ricardo was a man who prioritized money and honor above all else. This bait he couldn’t resist.
To quickly promote the makeup business, I needed a lot of cosmetics. And if I tried to create those cosmetics alone, it could take years, maybe even decades. But with a partner, that time would certainly be reduced.
I explained all this to myself, but the problem was that my first impression with him was that of a stalker, wasn’t it? I’d have to meet Ricardo only when I had full makeup on! If I wear heavy makeup like today, he won’t recognize me. So, don’t meet too often, and don’t meet for too long… I quickly organized a list of precautions for meeting Ricardo in my head.
Once the organization was complete, I nodded a couple of times. I smiled brightly at Ricardo and grabbed the ends of my skirt with both hands. I bent my knees into a slight curtsy and rose again. I think little kids do this when they play princess. If not, then too bad. I’d have to ask Celia’s father for an etiquette teacher when I got back. Etiquette would be important for promoting to the nobles. Yes, yes. I figured the Count would probably just say, ‘Very well,’ with an impassive face and assign one to me.
Setting various plans, I started walking back toward the ballroom. Just as I was about to reach the door handle, Felix burst out before I could grab it.
“Lia!”
Agh, you scared me. Did a zombie virus just break out inside? I took a moment to catch my breath and smoothed a hand over my chest.
“What?”
“The Crown P—”
“Did Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess look for me?”
“Lia, did you awaken as a mage? No black magic, please.”
“Would I? I was just on my way after hearing that.”
“Huh? From who?”
“Ah—well. Someone. Someone whose first impression of me I ruined.”
“Is there anyone you haven’t ruined a first impression with?”
“Do you like me or hate me?”
“Anyway, that’s not what’s important. Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess told me to bring you. To the drawing-room, not the ballroom.”
“The drawing-room.”
The Crown Princess specifically called for me in the drawing-room instead of the ballroom. I swallowed hard. This clearly meant she wanted to speak to me privately. Feeling my heart pound, I grinned.
“Let’s go. We can’t keep Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess waiting.”
Knock, knock, knock.
When we arrived, the knight knocked on the large brown door.
“Your Imperial Highness the Crown Princess, Celia Ebennein and Felix Gaudrid are here.”
“Come in.”
A small, yet dignified voice came from inside the room. The door slowly opened, and I looked at the widening gap, feeling a bit nervous.
The first thing I saw was dazzling platinum blonde hair that reached her waist, spread out over a red sofa. Next, I saw the red dress she was wearing. Instead of frills, the dress had an ornate pattern embroidered in gold. This detail gave her a very refined yet luxurious atmosphere.
The door opened fully, and the last things I saw were her clear, white skin, her down-turned, puppy-like eyes, the charismatic violet eyes, and her blood-red lips.
Ah, that. That lip color. A cherry color would suit her better. The eyeliner should only be winged at the end. Drawing it all the way up makes it look awkward with her eye shape. Eyeshadow should be a color between cherry red and strawberry milk pink. If possible, keep the makeup light to maintain a fresh, clear look.
As I stared blankly at the Crown Princess, Felix poked the back of my hand, signaling me to pay attention.
“Ah.”
I quickly regained my composure and performed the greeting with Felix.
“We greet the small moon of the Empire.”
I mumbled awkwardly, following Felix, and a silence fell over the drawing-room. Did she notice? Could you please let it slide? Ah, I want to hide.
The silence held, then a teacup was gently placed on the table.
“Hoo.”
The Crown Princess’s sigh made my conscience prickle. But apologizing here would be strange! Just as I squeezed my eyes shut, I heard her speak.
“I apologize, but I wish to speak with Young Lady Ebennein alone.”
“Oh, that’s alright. Please speak comfortably. I will withdraw now.”
“Very well. Thank you.”
Felix gave me a look that said ‘Don’t mess up,’ bowed, and left the room.
Creak, thud.
The door closed, leaving me alone with Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess. It seemed she had deliberately sent everyone else away. But is it safe to be alone like this? What if she’s assassinated? What if I really was a mage and just—
“Sit down, Young Lady Ebennein.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Even if I were a mage, that wouldn’t happen. Regardless of Celia, I liked this woman! I made an effort to calm my excited voice. But I couldn’t hide my smile. The corners of my mouth were involuntarily curled into a cheerful grin. It felt like having a one-on-one fan signing with an idol. At the same time, the thought that I might have just found a sugar mama made my heart pound.
The Crown Princess clearly wanted something: a beautiful appearance that could make the Crown Prince fall in love with her—a look that would make him love her fiercely. She was the type of person who believed only makeup or magic could help her achieve that. She probably called me because she wanted to explore the former method before collaborating with a mage.
As I sat down on the red sofa opposite her, the Crown Princess looked down at the tea in her cup.
“Young Lady Ebennein.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Highness the Crown Princess.”
“Do you know why I called you here?”
“I have a few guesses, but I’m not certain.”
“Then would you care to share one?”
“I imagine you are curious as to why I rejected the Crown Prince.”
“Hmm, that is not entirely wrong, but not entirely right either.”
It was confirmed that this was not about resentment or jealousy. I slowly inhaled. Then, I fixed my spontaneously moving lips into a steady smile.
“Is this a trade?” I asked, not cautiously, but with open confidence.
The Crown Princess looked at me with her sparkling violet eyes. She then returned my smile.
“Yes. I wish to make a trade.”
“What would the content of this trade be?”
“I would like you to tell me the method.” The Crown Princess pointed to her own face.
As expected. I immediately put on my capitalist business expression. My eyes were sparkling and confident, and my smile was not excessive but showed kindness and trustworthiness!
“Are you referring to the makeup method?”
The Crown Princess flinched at my words. She moved her lips and stared intently at me. After about a minute of silence, the Crown Princess leaned forward toward me, as if sharing a secret.
“Is that… makeup?”
“Yes.”
“Who did it for you?”
I leaned forward too, whispering softly.
“I apologize, but I believe that information will require a fee.”
At my words, the woman in front of me blinked, then chuckled and met my eyes with a playful gaze.
“How much?”
“50 gold.”
“Fifty.”
“Yes, fifty.”
The Crown Princess looked satisfied and placed the pouch she had kept next to her onto the table. It looked quite heavy, and when she opened it, it was full of shining gold coins. She took out 50 of them, and the remaining amount barely seemed to change. The 50 gold coins were placed on the table and slid toward me.
“You may count them. Tell me who it is after you count them all.”
“I don’t need to count them. I trust Your Imperial Highness the Crown Princess. Then I should tell you now. The person who did this makeup is…”
I deliberately paused, looked around, then looked back at the Crown Princess, smiling brightly, and pointed to myself.
“Me!”
“…Huh?”
“I did this makeup.”
“H-how?”
“Well?”
A look of embarrassment crossed the Crown Princess’s face. Since I was showing a reaction that suggested I wouldn’t just give away the method, she seemed to be debating whether to continue the transaction. If the Crown Princess gave up on the deal, I would also have to take a longer path, which would be troublesome.
I sat up straight, correcting my posture.
“May I offer you a suggestion?”
