Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 53: Buisness Deal

According to the book, the primary fire potion required a violent impact to ignite.

Astrid glanced at the crystal bottle in her hand and suddenly had a mischievous thought.

Every time a primary fire potion is used, a crystal bottle is shattered. It seemed like a ploy to boost sales, no demand, no profit.

Amused by her own internal complaint, Astrid raised her wrist and hurled the potion bottle toward the testing area.

In the next moment, the glass shattered, and the liquid inside burst into flames upon contact with the air, creating a small pool of dancing fire on the ground.

Isn't this just a less effective version of an incendiary bomb from my previous life?

Astrid narrowed her eyes, her pupils reflecting the flickering flames.

She now had a rough idea of the primary fire potion's power.

It could certainly harm most fragile apprentices, but it likely wouldn't be as effective against knights, who trained rigorously to strengthen their bodies.

Looking at the flames on the ground that could only sustain themselves as long as the liquid burned, Astrid's mind wandered.

She turned her head to glance at the wooden table nearby, her eyes quickly scanning the array of medicinal herbs before settling on a long, vine-like plant.

Mucus Vine—commonly used as a thickening agent in the preparation of certain oral potions.

Astrid thought for a moment, then retrieved the Sparkroot and Cotton Stone Grass that Lyra had prepared earlier.

She repeated the refining process according to the previous steps, but this time, she added the juice extracted from the Mucus Vine in the final stage.

After a quarter of an hour, the refining was complete.

The liquid Astrid obtained this time was markedly different from the previous batch.

As she poured it into the crystal bottle, she could feel its semi-gelatinous texture, a thick, viscous substance rather than a pure liquid.

Just as Astrid was about to smash the vial to test whether her adhesive primary fire potion had been successfully refined, a rhythmic knock sounded at the door behind her.

Could it be Elise? Back so soon?

Astrid shot Lyra a cool glance and motioned for her to open the door.

Lyra obeyed, setting aside her broom and dustpan.

When the door opened, however, it wasn't the head maid Elise who stood there, but a short-haired woman dressed in a mage's robe.

Lyra recognized her, she had seen her in her office at Elizabeth Academy of Magic the day before. It was Elowen Velmont, the Alchemy Professor.

Astrid, who had been curious about what kind of cat Elise might bring back, kept her eyes on the door and was equally surprised by the unexpected visitor.

"Professor Elowen?" Astrid spoke in a tone of mild astonishment.

The woman nodded politely and said, "Good morning, Your Highness Astrid. It's a pleasure to see you again."

Elowen's eyes flickered slightly as she took in the room full of alchemy instruments and the table laden with potion materials.

She raised her head, her gaze quietly meeting Astrid's.

"What brings Professor Elowen to visit me so suddenly?" Astrid asked, though she already had a vague idea of the other woman's intentions.

Elowen's lips curled into a faint smile as she replied in a calm tone, "I've come to discuss a business matter with Princess Astrid."

Talking about business? Astrid crossed her black silk-clad legs, the hard soles of her heels clicking crisply against the floor tiles.

If she remembered correctly, the only interaction she had with Elowen was regarding perfume-making.

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The sudden proposal to discuss business likely stemmed from that connection.

"What business?" Astrid asked, already knowing the answer.

Elowen adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of her nose and spoke deliberately, "I am very interested in the perfume crafted by Her Royal Highness Astrid. I hope to establish a deeper collaboration with you to promote it among other nobles."

In Elowen's view, the perfume market in the Valeria Empire had significant untapped potential.

The bottle of perfume Astrid had gifted to Charlotte was far superior to anything else available, and it was unlikely that a competitor could match its quality in the near future.

Given the current trend of extravagance in aristocratic circles, high-end luxury items like this were precisely what noblewomen desired most.

Elowen's primary concern was Astrid's status as an imperial princess.

It was unclear whether someone of her standing, who likely lacked nothing, would be willing to mass-produce a perfume originally created as a personal gift for Charlotte.

Astrid lowered her gaze thoughtfully, her porcelain hand resting lightly on her chin.

"Professor Elowen, are you suggesting that I oversee the production of the same perfume I made for Lady Charlotte, while you handle sales and promotion?"

Her tone carried no hint of impatience; instead, it conveyed genuine interest.

Elowen nodded. "Yes. If Her Royal Highness is willing, you could also instruct our workers in the production process, sparing you the need to handle it personally."

"Once the venture is underway, the Velmont family will offer you a share of the profits. The exact percentage can be negotiated, and I will ensure you receive a fair deal."

Though the Velmont family had amassed considerable wealth over the years, who would turn down the opportunity to earn more?

Elowen looked up at Astrid, the light reflecting off her glasses obscuring her dark brown left eye.

The family was a leader in numerous industries, and with the emerging perfume market, it was only natural to secure a foothold. Astrid Calliste Valeria, with her unique talent, was the key to achieving that.

After a long pause, Astrid shifted slightly, her lace-trimmed black sleeves swaying, releasing a faint, fragrant breeze.

"Does it have to be the same as the one I made for Lady Charlotte?" Astrid inquired.

If Elowen insisted on that, the deal would likely fall through.

Astrid had promised Charlotte that the fragrance would remain unique, a personal gift not to be replicated or sold.

Elowen considered for a moment before shaking her head. "I've only seen the perfume you made for Charlotte, and at the moment, it seems the safest choice for the market."

"Of course, if you have a similar or even better fragrance, that would also work."

Elowen wasn't certain of Astrid's full capabilities.

If the perfume for Charlotte was a one-time success and her other creations were mediocre, Elowen would need to reconsider the partnership.

The corners of Astrid's lips curved into a faint smile, her delicate cheeks glowing softly.

"That's good... Otherwise, I would have had to find a way to decline your generous offer..."

She continued, "I can indeed create perfumes of similar quality. The question is, Professor Elowen, what type are you looking for?"

At its core, perfume was a commodity.

To sell well, it needed to cater to the preferences of its target audience.

For instance, if Elowen aimed to attract younger noblewomen, Charlotte's mature, sensual fragrance might not be the best fit.

After a moment, Elowen replied, "I'm leaning toward a unisex perfume."

As their first product, Elowen wanted something versatile, capable of appealing to a broad market.

The goal was to introduce the perfume, and the Velmont family behind it, to as many small and medium-sized nobles as possible.

"It's suitable for both men and women, appealing to a broad audience, and ideally affordable for the knights of prominent families," Astrid understood the meaning and responded softly.

Here, "knights" did not refer to the noble rank but rather to a segment of the minor aristocracy who owned land.

Elowen's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, and a glimmer of appreciation flickered in her eyes as she regarded Astrid.

She didn't behave like the typical sheltered princess, oblivious to the world beyond the palace walls.

"I understand. I'll strive to create a perfume that meets your expectations within the next two days," Astrid replied.

The perfume she had crafted for Countess Charlotte was far from her best work.

Under less-than-ideal conditions, it could only be described as satisfactory, not exceptional.

Astrid was confident she could produce a perfume that would satisfy Elowen within three days.

"Then I'll await the good news and look forward to Her Royal Highness Astrid's next creation."

"As a gesture of sincerity, I will also have the eldest son of our family oversee this project. He will personally evaluate the perfume and participate in the subsequent contract negotiations."

The eldest son of the Velmont family… wasn't that Earl Tristan Velmont?

Unaware of Lyra's momentary shock beside her, Astrid felt a flicker of curiosity upon hearing this.

She wondered if Elowen had caught wind of some rumor and was attempting to leverage an intangible bargaining chip.

But upon reflection, as the heir to one of the four ducal families, Tristian Velmont wouldn't stoop to using his charm for business gains.

Elowen's intention was likely as she stated, a genuine display of sincerity.

"When I'm ready, I'll arrange for the perfume to be delivered to your office as soon as possible. If convenient, we can schedule a detailed discussion afterward."

Astrid felt no pressure about the situation.

She harbored no particular feelings toward Earl Tristan Velmont, and as long as he remained unbothered, she saw no reason to be concerned.

"Very well, Your Highness Astrid. I look forward to a fruitful collaboration."

As Elowen extended her hand, Astrid smiled, stood, and shook it firmly.

"Pleasure working with you, Professor Elowen."

Perhaps, this was how her connection with the Velmont family began.