The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort-Chapter 422: Power of Beauty (End)

Evening brought with it a renewed, almost electric energy that spread through the palace courtyards like a slow, glowing tide. Lanterns had been lit around the perimeter of the grand square, casting pools of warm light onto the polished stone. The low murmur of conversation mingled with the distant strains of a string ensemble—soft music wafting in from one of the main halls where minor court celebrations continued. Everywhere one looked, the swirl of elegant gowns and finely tailored coats added splashes of color against the dusk.

In the midst of this scene, Estella stood at one end of a row of ornate tables, each laden with carefully arranged displays of shimmering powders, gleaming lip colors, and vials of delicate fragrances. Though she typically preferred to remain out of the spotlight, tonight she found herself at the center of attention. Ministers, advisors, and highborn guests clustered around her, vying politely—but insistently—for a moment of her time. Unlike a daytime bazaar with its boisterous clamor, the evening's gathering had a refined, almost intimate hush, but it was no less intense. Questions fluttered toward her with the urgency of birds seeking seeds.

An older gentleman, sporting a richly brocaded tunic, leaned in close. "My lady," he began, voice tinged with excitement, "I've heard rumor that these eyeliners can be enchanted to reveal illusions. Is that correct?"

Estella, ever composed, offered him a welcoming smile. "We do have prototypes with specialized detection runes, Minister," she said. "They won't necessarily dispel illusions, but they can highlight distortions in the air—similar to how a magnifying glass helps you see tiny details. If illusions are weak, the eyeliner might cause them to flicker, making them easier to notice."

The minister's eyes lit up. "Remarkable! I'll have to see this for myself. Perhaps at my next symposium…" He trailed off, already envisioning the ways he might impress colleagues by casually unveiling illusions no one else could detect.

Not two steps away, a matronly advisor in a tall, feathered headdress touched Estella's sleeve. She held a small pot of lip balm in her other hand, its label scripted in fine calligraphy. "This balm, my dear," the advisor said with hushed enthusiasm, "my daughter claims it changes color with her mood. She swears it was pale pink this afternoon, but by evening, it turned a rich coral. Is that normal?"

Estella inclined her head in a polite nod. "Yes, Advisor. We've added a responsive component that reacts to subtle shifts in a wearer's body temperature and aura. It's perfectly safe—really just a playful enchantment that adapts slightly to each person."

The advisor's eyes danced. "Then can it be mass-produced? Because I know a dozen ladies who would buy this in an instant—and not just among the nobility, mind you."

Estella smiled again, warmth in her tone. "We're working on it. These are all prototypes, but if tonight's response is any indication, we'll certainly expand production."

As she spoke, Rhea hovered a short distance behind her, arms loosely folded. Ordinarily as vigilant as a hawk, Rhea had slowly begun to let the tension ease from her posture. Perhaps it was because the crowd here seemed genuinely enthralled by the products rather than scheming to undermine them. Or perhaps it was the subdued glow of lanterns casting a more mellow atmosphere. She still maintained a watchful eye—particularly on those who seemed too excited to respect boundaries—but her usual tight-lipped sternness gave way to a faint, respectful smile whenever she caught Estella's glance.

From a quiet corner shaded by a cluster of potted palms, Vyrelda observed the entire spectacle with measured interest. She was a woman of careful words and sharper eyes, and tonight those eyes were keenly focused on the swirl of noble guests drifting from table to table. The subdued flicker of torchlight revealed her thoughtful frown. "Strange…" she murmured under her breath, though loud enough for the man beside her to hear.

Mikhailis, cradling a porcelain cup of spiced wine, turned his attention to her. He'd been savoring the evening's lull—at least from his own perspective. Estella handled the front line of inquiries gracefully, while he stood back to watch how each product was received. "What is it?" he asked, voice kept low so as not to disturb the passing courtiers.

"No opposition," Vyrelda clarified, tilting her chin toward the group encircling Estella. "No jealousy. Nothing. It's as if every faction in the court suddenly decided to play nice. That doesn't happen around here without cause."

Mikhailis shrugged, though his gaze glinted with mild amusement. "They're dazzled," he said. "It's difficult to find fault with something that makes them look and feel better—especially after witnessing those transformations earlier today. Charm is hard to fight against."

Vyrelda pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Still, it's too easy. I've seen them rally against lesser threats, pounce on each other over trifles. But tonight… they seem unified." The way she said "unified" held more than a hint of skepticism, as though cooperation among court factions might be a herald of some deeper maneuvering.

Before Mikhailis could respond, a soft voice spoke from behind him. "You look troubled, Vyrelda." They both turned to see Elowen approach, her regal figure silhouetted by the row of lanterns behind her. She wore a long cloak of deep blue velvet that glimmered subtly when she moved. In her left hand, she held a dark lacquered compact, its edge embossed with an ornate filigree pattern. The golden clasp sparkled each time a lantern's light caught it.

Vyrelda offered a respectful bow. "Your Majesty," she greeted, stepping aside to clear a space. Mikhailis inclined his head as well, taking another leisurely sip of wine. The subtle tension that always accompanied Elowen's presence threaded through the air; not from fear, but from a reverent awareness that the queen was seldom idle in her observations.

Elowen acknowledged their greetings with a nod, then turned her attention to the bustling courtyard. Guests milled about in polite excitement, some testing out different powders, others discussing potential collaborative ventures. A smattering of jovial laughter rose where a small circle of younger courtiers tried the mood-tint lip balm, each exclaiming over the unique hue they got. Off to the side, a serious-faced elder measured the eyeliner's potential illusions by focusing on a decorative statue, hoping to detect any hidden illusions—none of which actually existed there.

Her gaze shifted to Estella, who now found herself chatting with two foreign dignitaries in vibrant silken robes. Estella's posture was respectful, her gestures polished yet unpretentious. Even from a distance, one could see the curiosity dancing in the dignitaries' expressions, as though they'd stumbled upon a novelty they hadn't expected in this corner of the kingdom. With each question, Estella responded calmly, but also with the underlying passion of a creator proud of her work.

"This is quite the scene," Elowen said in a low voice, though clearly addressing Mikhailis and Vyrelda. "I see no sign of the usual sabotage or backhanded compliments."

Mikhailis shrugged again, less dismissively this time. "Apparently, the lure of fresh enchantments transcends petty rivalries, at least for a single night. Estella and I worried about sabotage, but after that earlier incident turned out to be a false alarm…" He trailed off, remembering how a noble lady had exclaimed so loudly during the day that the entire courtyard had feared some horrible accident—only to discover she was overwhelmed by admiration at the product's efficacy.

Vyrelda inhaled, crossing her arms. "I still keep waiting for a hidden dagger," she muttered. "But yes, it's… good. Unexpected, but good."

Elowen was silent for a moment, her eyes studying the throng of courtiers. Then she turned the compact over in her hands. The lacquered case was finely crafted, reflecting Elowen's own refined taste. "You're right to remain cautious, Vyrelda," she said quietly, "but sometimes, a well-placed spark of brilliance can soften even the most hostile hearts—for a time, at least." The corners of her lips curved. "It's amazing how a dash of shimmer can patch up old grudges. People want to feel beautiful, or at least see something beautiful."

Mikhailis glanced at the queen's expression. In the gentle lanternlight, her features were more relaxed than usual, yet still touched by that thoughtful, almost distant quality he'd come to associate with her. She was never fully at ease, always weighing the undercurrents that shaped the kingdom's political climate. "It's early yet," he added, "but I suspect the momentum from tonight will carry into the banquet. By then, they'll be clamoring for official announcements, maybe even partnerships. Hard to guess how far this enthusiasm goes."

From the other side of the courtyard, Rhea caught Mikhailis's eye, silently conveying that all was well on her end. A pair of older nobles ambled by, praising the softness of the powders they'd tested, marveling at the faint, silken glow on their cheeks. The subtle perfume drifting from the booth blended with the evening air—notes of vanilla, bergamot, and a dash of something more exotic, perhaps a rare bloom from the palace's greenhouse. It gave the entire area a dreamy aura, as though everyone was under a gentle enchantment of delight.

Vyrelda's gaze momentarily followed Rhea, then returned to Elowen. "And you, Your Majesty? Any concerns about… oversaturation? What if the court's affection for these cosmetics becomes too strong, or if the Guild of Alchemists demands exclusive rights? Political lines might get tangled."

Elowen's grip on the compact tightened ever so slightly. She considered the question. "I've no doubt we'll see claims of exclusivity or demands for royalties soon," she replied. "But as queen, I can steer those negotiations. Mikhailis and Estella have done the kingdom a service by introducing a new commodity—one the world hasn't quite seen in this form. We can safeguard it, for the most part."

Mikhailis smirked behind his cup. "High praise, but also a hint of warning," he remarked, quietly enough for only those around him to hear.

Elowen shot him a half-smile in return. "Merely acknowledging reality," she said, shifting her attention back to the guests. Across the courtyard, clusters of well-dressed figures glowed softly in the lanternlight, each group engaged in animated conversation. "Power takes many shapes. We're witnessing a form of it right now—subtle, intangible, and incredibly alluring. It doesn't rely on weapons or titles. Instead, it thrives on fascination and desire."

From nearby, one of the ministers raised a small pot of shimmering cheek tint, marveling loudly about how this single jar might be the key to bridging alliances with a neighboring province. "Imagine," he enthused, "a gift that flatters their princess's complexion while showing off our arcane prowess! That alone might secure us more favorable trade routes—"

Another voice cut in, joking yet earnest, "Flattery and blush—who knew that's all we needed to outshine the competition?" The group chuckled, but there was truth in their banter. In a kingdom where politics often overshadowed personal expression, the enchantments offered a new language—soft power, indeed.

Vyrelda pursed her lips at the overheard conversation, then looked back at Elowen. "They're seeing possibilities, maybe even illusions. But illusions can shape real outcomes if believed in strongly enough."

"That's the nature of influence," Elowen murmured, her eyes drifting over to Estella once more. The younger woman was now demonstrating a delicate gold-flecked pigment to a tall, broad-shouldered nobleman who watched in rapt attention. Beside him, another courtier waited with barely contained impatience to ask about customizing a shade specifically for formal hunts.

Mikhailis followed Elowen's gaze. He couldn't help feeling a spike of pride at seeing Estella handle the crowd with such grace. He recalled how anxious she'd been earlier in the day, fearing rejection or sabotage. Now, those fears seemed worlds away. "She's always had this knack for reading people's unspoken questions," he commented, more to himself than anyone else. "It's good to see her shining like this."

Elowen nodded in agreement before gently lifting the lacquered compact in her hand. She flicked it open, revealing an elegant mirror that reflected the lanternlight in soft, glowing highlights. The product inside was a subtle powder, tinted just enough to enhance the complexion without overwhelming. She traced a fingertip across the surface, letting the texture shimmer under her touch. "Mikhailis," she asked quietly, "do you think we've underestimated how hungry people were for something like this—something that's not about war or politics, but about self-expression?"

He exhaled, glancing at the joyful swirl of the crowd. "People crave beauty in their daily lives," he answered. "Yes, they chatter about illusions or alliances, but deep down, maybe they just want a reason to smile at themselves in the mirror. After all, isn't that a kind of magic too?"

A gentle laugh escaped Elowen's lips. "You sound like Estella," she observed, snapping the compact shut with a soft click. Then she carefully folded it into her cloak's hidden pocket. For all her regal bearing, there was a certain warmth in her expression tonight, a distinct openness not always present. The hum of conversation in the background felt almost melodic now, as if the evening air itself had been enchanted by the enthusiasm of the guests.

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From a few steps away, a group of younger courtiers beckoned Mikhailis over—likely wanting to discuss some new enhancement or request a secret preview of upcoming products. He gave a light shrug to Vyrelda and Elowen, then meandered off, weaving through the clusters of well-dressed figures. Vyrelda remained behind, arms crossed but tension melting away slowly, as if lulled by the harmonious synergy unfolding around them.

That left Elowen for a moment, poised on the edge of the courtyard, half-lost in her own thoughts. She glanced upward at the night sky, where a smattering of stars twinkled faintly against the deep blue. The lanterns around her glowed softly, dancing with the mild breeze. Within that gentle swirl of light and darkness, the queen let her mind drift over possibilities: how to harness this momentum for diplomatic gain without sacrificing the genuine wonder that sprang from honest creativity. She felt her heartbeat thrum with a mix of satisfaction and caution.

Finally, Elowen looked out over the elegantly arranged tables, her gaze falling on Estella once more. The courtyard still buzzed with curiosity, awash in the excitement of new enchantments that promised to shimmer and transform. She allowed a hint of a smile to grace her features. There was something gratifying about seeing these usually fractious courtiers united, if only temporarily. And it was all built on subtlety—shimmering powders, fleeting illusions, and the promise of personal magic.

"So this," Elowen said quietly, voice scarcely louder than the murmur of the crowd, "is the battlefield of soft power." She lifted one hand and lightly tapped the pocket in which she'd stowed the compact, as if reaffirming her own conclusion. Her fingers traced the edge of the cloak, lingering over the smooth embroidery—a tactile reminder of the kingdom's sophistication and the sense of duty she carried.

It struck her then how easily enchantments could move hearts and influence minds, far more gently than decrees or swords. In that moment, she accepted the shift that was happening right before her eyes. The old guard, once skeptical, now clamored for samples. International visitors hinted at potential collaborations. Perhaps this was just the beginning.

"Quite an interesting one."