The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort-Chapter 420: Power of Beauty (5)
"I suppose we expected a stir, but not quite this fervor before the official unveiling."
Estella arched an eyebrow. "I'm half-wondering if we should accelerate the timetable and make a formal presentation during tonight's banquet." She looked over to an attendant, who was now skillfully swatching different shades on the back of a noblewoman's hand. The noblewoman's delighted gasp echoed Lady Amaris's reaction. "Though perhaps we won't even need to schedule anything. The demonstration has started on its own."
At that moment, a series of chiming bells rang out from a distant tower, signaling midday. The interplay of light and shadow across the courtyard shifted, the sun ascending to its zenith. Lady Amaris lifted her gaze, eyes shining as she caught the delicate gleam off a newly polished mirror. She had to stifle another exclamation upon seeing her reflection yet again. One might think she'd grow accustomed to it, but every angle revealed subtle differences in how the product caught the light—like shifting, prismatic angles on a gem.
A gentle breeze swept through, ruffling the edges of her gown and carrying the floral scent of blossoming gardenia from a nearby trellis. Estella's hair, still tied in a neat braid, danced against her back. Mikhailis's dark curls swayed ever so slightly, prompting him to push a strand aside with an absent motion. The day had begun with carefully orchestrated preparations, but now it felt like an unscripted festival, all spurred by a single, enraptured scream.
Soon, a young attendant approached, carrying a small tray laden with fresh vials. Each vial held a vibrant powder of a unique hue—sunset peach, starlit violet, moonlit silver. The attendant bowed respectfully to Lady Amaris. "Would Her Grace care to sample additional shades?" they asked, voice trembling slightly with excitement. They clearly understood the value of public endorsements by a figure as influential as Lady Amaris.
She considered for a moment, then smiled broadly, her eyes flicking between Estella and Mikhailis. "Yes, I think I would," she answered. "But let's make it a collaborative spectacle. My friends will want to see—and possibly join in." She beckoned to two other noble ladies standing nearby, both of whom had been eyeing her with curious fascination. They approached, wearing matching expressions of anticipation.
As Lady Amaris gently dusted a whisper of starlit violet across her eyelids, gasps of surprise echoed through the small circle that had gathered around her. The color seemed to come alive beneath her lashes, shimmering as though touched by astral light. The two ladies flanking her followed suit with different shades, each transforming in subtle ways. Their eyes lit up at their reflections, and their laughter tinkled like little bells over the hustle and bustle of the courtyard. This was no mere make-up application—it was a communal experience, a shared moment of wonder that bridged status and ceremony.
Mikhailis found himself drifting into a warm sense of pride. This was precisely what he'd hoped for: not just a commercial success, but a tangible joy. He glanced over at Estella, whose expression reflected a similar feeling. Her earlier caution had softened into an almost dreamy satisfaction, the tension lines at the corner of her eyes gone. In the swirl of motion, she caught Mikhailis's gaze. A faint smile curved her lips, needing no words to convey the mutual gratitude that at least some part of their vision—of bringing a little magic into daily life—was coming true right before their eyes.
The shift in atmosphere was so profound that even Elowen, who had arrived quietly some minutes before, stood observing from a slight distance. Draped in her regal cloak, she often carried an air of measured detachment, seldom revealing her innermost thoughts amid such gatherings. Yet Mikhailis noticed her mouth curve into an approving half-smile as she watched the impromptu transformations. When she turned toward Estella and Mikhailis, there was a certain glow to her expression—an acknowledgement that something special was happening here.
Suddenly, a hush expanded through a corner of the courtyard, drawing everyone's attention. One of the courtiers had pulled a small, enchanted harp from behind a decorative pillar. Perhaps moved by the buoyant atmosphere, he began to pluck out a tune. It wasn't anything official or rehearsed, just a spontaneous melody that underlined the enchantment of the moment. Laughter bubbled up among the onlookers who recognized the tune—an old ballad about youthful fantasies and secret wishes. The notes lingered in the warm air, weaving themselves into the tapestry of color and delight already enveloping the pavilion.
Somewhere near the harpist, a group of younger nobles—perhaps less constrained by formality—started to dance in small circles, testing out swirling eyeshadow transitions that shifted with each graceful turn. Estella, enthralled by the sight, whispered an aside to Mikhailis: "I can't believe how quickly they've embraced it. We haven't even properly announced the entire line yet."
Mikhailis nodded. "Word of mouth is powerful," he said, scanning the courtyard again. "And Lady Amaris's reaction was the perfect spark." He didn't add that a single heartfelt endorsement sometimes did more than a dozen official announcements. It was plain to see.
Eventually, the midday bells quieted, and the courtyard remained an enclave of merriment. Those who had come merely to observe found themselves drawn into playful experimentation, painting ephemeral designs along their forearms or layering different tinted powders to create glowing highlights. Advisors strolled by, intrigued smiles on their lips as they realized that this event—once viewed as mere vanity—carried a surprising depth of camaraderie and shared experience.
As the swirl of color and music continued, Elowen made her way toward Mikhailis and Estella. A regal hush seemed to follow in her wake, though no tension accompanied it. Instead, people politely stepped aside, recognizing her station but also feeling the warmth of her curiosity. She paused before them, letting her gaze sweep the courtyard. The corners of her cloak brushed against the ground, as if echoing her composed movement.
"It would seem," Elowen said, her voice quiet yet clear, "that your little demonstration has evolved into a much grander affair." She glanced at Estella, then Mikhailis, her golden eyes reflecting the courtyard's sunlit glow. "There's a rare synergy here. Even those who ordinarily prefer to remain aloof are participating."
Estella inclined her head in deference, though a spark of pride lit her expression. "We only wished to show how combining alchemy and artistry could make something special," she offered, "something that enhances—not overshadows—individual beauty."
Elowen nodded thoughtfully, her gaze slipping over to watch Lady Amaris, who now stood in lively conversation with two other nobles, each one modeling a new shimmering hue. A faint grin tugged at Elowen's lips. "I suspect many will be talking about this for weeks," she observed. "I daresay you've done more than simply craft cosmetics. You've created a memory."
Before either of them could respond, a trio of excited courtiers approached, each holding half-applied products and wearing half-embarrassed, half-elated grins. They were brimming with questions: "How does the enchantment bond to the user's aura?" "Is it safe under stronger magical influence?" "Can we customize the shimmer for more subtle daywear?" Estella and Mikhailis exchanged a knowing look—indeed, they were about to be flooded with inquiries, suggestions, and demands for personal consultations.
Elowen folded her hands neatly in front of her. "You seem to have your work cut out for you," she said, a hint of playful dryness in her tone.
Mikhailis suppressed a grin as he and Estella turned back to the courtiers, ready to provide thorough explanations. Rhea, ever watchful, stepped in to help direct the flow of inquisitive guests. With practiced efficiency, she guided each curious person toward the appropriate stand, ensuring no single spot became too crowded. The communal mood of wonder and excitement only grew, every question fueling the group's collective fascination with this magical cosmetic line.
Minutes rolled into an hour, yet the energy scarcely waned. A few people paused to refresh themselves with cool lemon-infused water or nibble on pastries from a silver tray that one of the attendants brought around. Even then, their conversation remained riveted on the discovery at hand—tales of colors shifting like stardust, illusions that seemed to highlight a person's best features, and subtle botanical scents that soothed the mind. Mikhailis answered each new query with patience, occasionally deferring to Estella's deep knowledge of the formula's intricacies. When particularly arcane aspects came up, he quietly consulted Rodion's internal database, though he took care to cloak those mental inquiries from the crowd. It was all part of the dance—show enough wonder to captivate, but maintain just the right air of mystery.
Finally, the swirl of activity reached a gentle lull, as if collectively agreeing to take a breath. The harpist had moved on to a quieter tune, and the group of dancing nobles had settled into animated discussions about future color palettes and possible accessories. Through it all, Lady Amaris stood like a beacon, happily entertaining those who wished to see her shimmering cheeks up close.
In that lull, Elowen turned once more to Mikhailis and Estella. "Tonight, many of these same people will be at the banquet," she remarked. Her gaze brushed the elegantly draped arches and the expansive courtyard that had become a makeshift festival of color. "Ordinarily, I'd suggest letting this serve as your official preview," she said, inclining her head toward the enchanted cosmetics, "but given the reception… I think something more formal might be warranted."
Estella's eyes lit up. "Do you propose a showcase at the banquet itself, Your Majesty? Perhaps a moment onstage, or an official unveiling?"
R𝑒ad lat𝒆st chapt𝒆rs at free𝑤ebnovel.com Only.
Elowen's expression remained measured, but the corners of her mouth curved upward just a fraction. "That is precisely what I'm suggesting. Allow those who sampled the product today to speak openly among the crowd. Let them share their anecdotes. Then, at an appointed time, step forward and present your masterpiece to the entire court. You've earned a moment in the spotlight."
Mikhailis felt a wave of gratitude and pride coursing through him. This was more than he'd hoped for. While a formal unveiling had always been in the cards, having Elowen's explicit endorsement—and the spontaneous success of this impromptu demonstration—would elevate the event into something far grander. The synergy between artistry, alchemy, and social engagement was, in that moment, a tangible force swirling around them.
Estella, regaining that familiar gleam of determination, bowed with respect. "We'd be honored," she said, a note of eagerness lacing her tone. "We'll need to prepare some final touches, of course—coordinate with the attendants, finalize which shades to highlight… but yes, we can be ready."
Mikhailis caught Elowen's eye, silently echoing Estella's sentiment. It felt as though the entire day had been building toward a crescendo, an event that would merge the practical and the fantastical in a single presentation. He could already imagine the murmur of the banquet crowd when they saw the transformations with their own eyes.
Elowen's gaze flicked around, taking in the courtyard one last time. Lady Amaris was still the center of an adoring circle of friends, each taking turns trying different products, their laughter mingling with the gentle strum of the harp. A warm breeze stirred the banners draped across nearby arches, sending dancing shadows across the stone. The courtyard looked like a living painting—vibrant, shimmering, and filled with possibility.
Then she nodded, her voice level and resolute. "So be it."
