* * *
“Good job.”
Dana praised her secretary.
“You’ve managed to double the price of Moonlight Flowers in just a week. Well done, Lethe.”
“Please show your praise in the form of a raise.”
Dana chuckled.
Her secretary had truly done well. To play the role of a decoy without being discovered, striking, and withdrawing skillfully— As expected, there’s nothing he can’t do. After all, her secretary is perfect.
“Attend this week’s auction as well and raise the prices again. And sweep up as many Moonlight Flowers as possible.”
“Yes, understood.”
Everything was going as planned.
As expected, Allice seems to be aggressively pushing forward. Well, after being provoked last time, she must be motivated to show some results. The bulb idea was unexpected, though. Dana speculated there might be someone who helped Allice.
And by now, Huan’s relationship with her must have worsened. Considering Huan had a tendency to look down on women, how jealous he must be to see his young niece outperforming him? Dana planned to continue stirring the relationship between the two.
Thanks to them, I can fulfill my promise to the emperor even faster.
The deadline he gave was one month. Within that time, she needed to show definitive results.
* * *
It was truly the era of Allice Windsor.
“Lady Allice, that dress suits you really well. You look like a princess.”
“Your pink hair is so pretty, Allice.”
Allice smiled shyly.
Today was the day of the tea party she was hosting. All the distinguished young ladies were praising her. Even Viscountess Grace Gilton, who was quite close to Dana’s! The same woman who had once flattered and followed Dana everywhere…
I heard her husband’s business failed, and they fell into a mountain of debt.
Now, she must realize that aligning herself with Allice was more beneficial.
Hiding her satisfaction, Allice spoke graciously. “That’s too kind of you all. But Sister Dana is much prettier than me.”
The atmosphere froze at Allice’s words, but only for a moment.
“Of course, Lady Danae is beautiful, but…”
“Doesn’t she have a somewhat melancholic face?”
“Some say she looks delicate, but I think she just looks gloomy.”
“Allice’s bright demeanor is far more endearing.”
“Exactly. That’s why His Highness chose Allice, isn’t it?”
As they showered her with praise, Allice glanced at Grace as if seeking her opinion. Grace hesitated before adding, “Of course. Even if Lady Danae has the power to purify the land, there’s hardly any Rotten Land left these days…”
A thrill of pleasure ran up Allice’s spine. The woman who once spoke honeyed words to Dana was now— Now she’s doing it to me.
It wasn’t just Grace.
“Exactly. Besides, wasn’t she once a doll disease patient?”
“That does leave a bit of a bad impression.”
“On the other hand, Allice is a healthy and beautiful woman, incomparable to her.”
“Allice plays the piano better than Lady Danae too, doesn’t she?”
“Remember when they performed a duet? The difference in skill was so noticeable. I actually felt sorry for Lady Danae.”
Oh, how delightful. Getting shy, Allice covered her cheeks with her hands and laughed.
Everything was perfect. The Moonlight Flower business was thriving to an almost frightening degree. Some were now offering 2 billion Fran for a single flower. The hottest topic at this tea party was also the Moonlight Flower.
“My husband bought me a Moonlight Flower. You wouldn’t believe how beautiful it is.”
“I’m so jealous. How much did he bid for it?”
“Two billion Fran. His business is doing so well these days. Hohoho.”
“Did you hear? Baron Kozimo put up the Moonlight Flower he bought for 100 million Fran back up for auction, and guess what? It sold for 1.5 billion Fran!”
“My goodness!”
Moonlight Flower was no longer just a simple flower. It had surpassed its role as the symbol of Protestantism. Now, it had become a way for nobles to flaunt their wealth or make lucrative investments for the future.
“Allice, how on earth did you do it?”
“Really, what kind of magic did you use to make the Moonlight Flowers so expensive?”
Their gazes were a mix of admiration, envy, and barely hidden criticism, but Allice reveled in it all. To be envied was proof of her success. And that wasn’t all.
“Your Highness!”
Raios had arrived holding a bouquet of flowers.
“Y-Your Highness. What brings you here unannounced?”
“That’s because I miss you.” Raios handed her a bouquet of yellow roses and kissed her on the cheek. “Now that I’ve seen your face, I’ll go. Have a good time with your friends.”
His arrival heated up the atmosphere of the tea party.
“Oh my, it’s clear His Highness is smitten with Allice!”
“To think he’d come just to see you for a moment— how romantic!”
“I’m so jealous, Allice!”
Amazing! The best! Incredible! Spectacular! Allice, Allice, Allice!
Ah, it feels like a dream. The entire world seemed to glow in a blissful pink hue. Even flying through the sky couldn’t feel this happier.
“By the way, Allice, could you help me get a Moonlight Flower?”
“What?”
“I’ll pay the full price. I always get outbid at the auctions…”
Allice pondered for a moment and then nodded. Surely, one person wouldn’t hurt. “Alright.”
Then, ladies who had silently listened to the conversation rushed forward like a pack of wolves.
“Allice! Can I buy one too? Among my relatives, I’m the only one without a moonlight flower. They look down on me so much.”
“Oh, really? Well, then, I must help you.”
“Allice, please help me too. My mother is unwell, and I think a Moonlight Flower would lift her spirits.”
“Oh dear, how pitiful. Alright, I’ll get you one. I hope your mother recovers soon.”
Saying so, Allice felt like she had become a saintess, bestowing mercy.
“I’m selling these especially just to you all. So, please keep this a secret. Understand?”
By the time the party ended, Allice felt the weight of reality crashing down on her. I ended up promising fifteen people. What to do now? After pondering briefly, she went to Eric.
“Is there a way to sell Moonlight Flowers outside of the auctions?”
“Yes? What do you mean?”
“My friends want to buy moonlight flowers. They all said they’d pay the full price.”
Thinking it would be an easy yes, Allice spoke lightly. However—
“That’s out of the question!” Eric’s face hardened as he spoke sternly. “Full price? The auctions sell to the highest bidder. There’s no such thing as a set price.”
“Yes? But, that’s…”
“Moreover, Moonlight Flowers are strictly sold only through the Windsor family’s official auction house. Any other transaction is illegal, Lady Allice.”
What? That’s so unfair.
Allice felt wronged by Eric’s flat rejection. It’s not like I’m saying I’ll give them away for free.
And how is she supposed to tell her friends she can’t give them now?
Eric doesn’t care about my reputation at all. How mean.
She ran to her father, but the result was the same.
“Oh dear, my kind daughter must have had trouble to refuse.”
“I’m sorry, Dad. Their stories were just so touching…”
“Still, there’s nothing we can do, Allice. Mixing emotions with business could lead to ruin.”
“Yes? Then what should I do?”
“What else? You’ll have to tell them it’s not possible.”
“But, Dad…”
“Allice. You need to learn how to say no.” Carl smiled warmly, but his eyes were firm.
How could I do that? Telling them it wasn’t possible now? The thought of their disappointment made her stomach churn. What should she do with this situation?
