TLVGAJ 54

~Chapter 54~

“Phew…”

While I was standing there feeling proud, I heard a sigh next to me.

Turning my head, I saw Sophie looking completely drained.

“Are you okay, Sophie?”

“Oh my… I must have been so nervous. Now all the strength has left my body.”

She rubbed her chest and bent forward slightly.

“Do you think… the reaction was okay? I don’t know why I’m trembling so much over this.”

“That’s unexpected, Sophie. It’s my first time seeing you this nervous.”

It seemed she had prepared for this quite seriously.

Normally, Sophie was bold and outspoken, so seeing her like this was surprising.

…I envy her.

The thought came suddenly. I envied her for having something she could be so passionate about.

In my past life and even now, with only a short time left to live, I had never worked on anything with that kind of burning passion. I simply lived at ease, waiting for life to end.

What does it mean to burn with passion for something?

Not just solving day-to-day survival problems, but working with genuine fire in your heart.

One thing was certain—those things were only possible if you were alive.

In her vibrant life, Sophie could pour her passion into something. I found that enviable… and admirable.

“Don’t worry, Sophie. You saw those bright faces yourself.”

I encouraged her with those words.

“I think all the ladies truly liked the makeup you did for them.”

“You think so? Really? You really think so, my lady?!”

“Of course.”

I nodded firmly.

I meant it. I could tell from their reactions and the atmosphere.

The way they first showed interest in makeup, the way their eyes sparkled when Sophie worked on them—

That wasn’t just polite interest for a higher-ranked noble’s tea time.

They were genuinely interested.

“Just watch, Sophie. A storm is going to sweep through the social circles soon.”

I was sure good opportunities would come her way.

And before long… my prediction came true.

“My lady! My lady!”

A few days later, Sophie burst into my room, her voice full of excitement.

I looked up from my book, the chick divine beast sleeping beside me.

“Hm? What is it, Sophie?”

“Tada! Look at this.”

She handed me a pile of letters, each stamped with the seal of different noble families.

Most of the letters said things like:

Hello, Lady Hartmann! How have you been? That tea time was so wonderful. I have an important party coming up, and I’d like to ask your maid to do my makeup again. Would it be possible?

Lady Hartmann, it’s a disaster! Since that tea time, I can’t stand the makeup my own maid does anymore… Could your maid teach mine? I’ll pay generously. Please!

Hello, Lady Hartmann. I happened to see Lady Edgar’s makeup recently and heard she got it at your tea time. The style was fresh and beautiful. Would you allow me to receive the same makeup?

Some even offered large sums to have Sophie work as their family’s personal maid.

“Thank you so much, my lady!”

Sophie’s face was full of excitement as she hugged me.

“Congratulations, Sophie. I told you good opportunities would come.”

“I never imagined the response would be this overwhelming.”

“It’s all thanks to you, my lady. I’m so grateful.”

“Reply to the ones you like best. And make sure you charge a high fee.”

As someone from a capitalist society, I gave her sound advice.

“If you need help again, just tell me.”

I smiled, and Sophie nodded.

“Yes. I’ll make sure this doesn’t interfere with my maid duties. Thank you again!”

Saying she had to go write replies, she left the room.

I smiled proudly as I watched her go.

Even though she was paid, she had always taken good care of me. It felt satisfying to have repaid her in some way.

While I sat smiling to myself…

“Looks like you’re in a good mood.”

A familiar voice made me spin around.

Standing there was a man whose presence felt like the night sky, even under the sunlight.

“…Fabian.”

I smiled at my only friend who had come after a long absence.

“It’s been a while, Fabian. How have you been?”

“…The same as always.”

As I poured tea, he shrugged.

Under the warm sunlight, we shared tea time together.

“No particular events. Just a boring routine.”

“So, peaceful days like mine. If nothing happened, that means you’ve been well.”

At some point, Fabian had started speaking to me casually.

Considering how long he’s lived, it makes sense.

Smiling at him, I suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, right. I bought this thinking of you when I visited the territory.”

“…Chocolate?”

“Yes. You said you like chocolate and whiskey.”

In my hand was a box of chocolates.

I normally didn’t care for sweets, but knowing Fabian liked them had made me buy it.

“They’re expensive handmade chocolates. They’re so popular in the territory that people line up to buy them.”

When I offered the box, Fabian looked at it for a moment before speaking.

“…I must have only mentioned it in passing. I didn’t think you’d remember.”

“Of course I remember. We’re friends.”

That’s what friends are—people who know and care about each other’s preferences.

In my past life, I’d barely had any friends. The only one I really had was an older sister I met while traveling.

So, as a friend, I wanted to give him this gift.

“…Thanks. I’ll enjoy it.”

He took the box, opened it, and pulled out a small chocolate.

Quietly, he began eating it, savoring it as if it were precious.

It made me smile. I couldn’t tell if it was because he loved chocolate that much or because it was a gift from a friend.

For someone who claimed he didn’t like making friends… he sure seemed to enjoy it.

He’s like a child, liking sweets so much.

I looked at him fondly.

“…It’s delicious.”

After savoring it for a while, Fabian closed the box.

“I’ll eat the rest back at the Magic Tower when I’m alone.”

“Sure. You can share with your subordinates if you want.”

“….”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he tucked the box into his cloak, where it vanished from sight.

“By the way, you seemed to be in a good mood.”

His violet eyes met mine.

Leaning on his chin, he asked,

“As your one and only friend… I’d like to know what’s made you so happy.”