SMR | Chapter 52 – Novelish Universe Translations

~Chapter 52~

“Uh, is there any way to get some more soap? I have a party in a few days, and I need my skin to improve even a little by then.”

“Why?”

“…Someone’s coming.”

Ah!

Harriet found Viviana, who was so desperate to impress the man she liked, kind of cute. Not long ago, she had been so annoying.

Harriet smiled softly and took out a small package she had prepared in advance. She had known from the start that Viviana’s visit was because of the soap.

“Where is the party being held? The only ones coming up soon are those for the older ladies, I think.”

“Sir James is hosting a party for Bella, ah…!”

Viviana instinctively covered her mouth with her hand. Was that something she shouldn’t have said?

Like they always say, leaving a sentence unfinished only makes people more curious.

“Why? Am I not supposed to know about that?”

Harriet fidgeted with the package she was about to hand over.

‘Oh, what should I do?’

Viviana bit her lip nervously.

She wasn’t supposed to mention Bella’s party. Although the words slipped out, Bella had told her not to let Harriet find out about it.

“It’s because my dad can’t send an invitation to Harriet, and I think Harriet would be upset if she knew.”

Bella made that excuse, but Viviana knew it wasn’t the real reason.

What should I do, what should I do?

Her greedy eyes fixed on the package in Harriet’s hand.

There was definitely soap inside. If she just used that soap, her acne would calm down, and her makeup would look so much better that day.

‘It’s news that will come out soon anyway. What difference does it make if I tell her a few days earlier? Harriet getting upset won’t cause any real problem.’

The calculation was quick.

“Hmm! A lot of people came to the tea party Harriet held last time, right? I don’t know if it’s because of that, but the next day, Bella asked Sir James to host a party—an evening party.”

“Oh, really? When is it?”

“…In ten days.”

Harriet tilted her head innocently.

“But why didn’t they want to tell me? Was it because they thought I’d be upset about not being invited?”

“Probably. Soon they’ll send invitations to all the young ladies who are known in society.”

“You said it’s in ten days, but they still haven’t sent the invitations?”

At that question, Viviana stopped talking and thought for a moment, then reluctantly answered.

“They said they’d send them out a little late. I think… they’re trying to keep this news from reaching you as much as possible.”

In other words, they were deliberately trying to exclude Harriet. Were they afraid she might cause a scene if she found out early?

Viviana’s unasked-for information made her intention clear. She had betrayed her friend to give Harriet the news, so she expected a suitable return.

Harriet smiled pleasantly.

“Why is Bella so cautious around me? Since when? Isn’t that right?”

“H-ha ha ha…”

Viviana awkwardly laughed along. She had expected Harriet to be angry but was surprised that Harriet laughed instead.

“I hope the party goes well. I don’t know if it’s useless to say this, but I promise I’ll keep it a secret that I heard this from you, Viviana.”

“Harriet…”

Viviana was touched by Harriet’s promise to consider what she worried about. Harriet smiled brightly and handed over the package.

“And this is a gift. Please don’t tell anyone I gave it to you. It’s just a way to support Viviana’s love. Got it?”

“Thank you!”

Viviana’s opinion of Harriet changed. The Harriet she faced alone today didn’t seem jealous of Bella or interested in talking about the man Viviana liked.

She didn’t ask more questions that would make Viviana feel small for trying to impress the guy she had a crush on. She just supported her. Such a kind heart.

‘Maybe she’s not a bad person after all.’

Excited with more soap than she expected, Viviana happily went home. Meanwhile, Harriet sent a letter to Cedric through a servant.

[I’d like the store opening to be set for September 28, which is ten days from now.]

They had already planned to open within ten days, but Viviana’s news had just perfectly confirmed the date.

‘I sincerely hope your party goes well, Bella.’

May many people attend and bring you the most interesting news I’ve heard that day. May your brightest day be filled with me.

Harriet gave a cold smile.

***

“Your Highness! It’s been a while. You seem even more radiant than before.”

“Princess? Right now, the princess title belongs to Her Highness Sierra or Her Highness Hestia. I’m just Jeremiah Kailas.”

“Sorry. I’m just so used to calling you Highness.”

Jeremiah kindly let her friend’s slip pass. Being called a princess was something she was used to anyway, and today, the title didn’t matter.

“It feels nice and cool at night now.”

“That’s right. This summer was quite hot.”

“Even though I wore a hat and carried an umbrella, the tip of my nose and cheeks got a bit sunburned.”

“Me too! I even got heat rash on my back from all the sweating…”

As everyone exchanged a few words remembering the hot summer, Jeremiah slyly inserted talk about skin care. Beauty talk was always welcome, so no one noticed the intention.

When the conversation shifted from prickly heat to rashes and other skin troubles, Jeremiah nonchalantly said,

“I had the same problem, but thanks to some soap I happened to get, the prickly heat disappeared completely. My skin even improved. I guess I was lucky.”

Naturally, questions followed.

“What soap was it?”

“They say it’s made at St. Clarissa’s Convent. Is it blessed by God or something? It’s really good.”

“Made at St. Clarissa’s Convent? I’ve never heard of that.”

“They’re opening a shop on Seviel Street soon. Once it opens, I plan to send someone to buy a lot. The soap runs out quickly since I use it every time I bathe…”

“Really?”

The ladies’ eyes sparkled.

But Jeremiah didn’t mention that the person behind the exclusive contract for that soap was her own son.

‘Will Cedric be satisfied with this?’

Though she often felt like she was on bad terms with her son, today she hoped she scored some points. Cedric bringing up something other than everyday greetings at the meal must mean he wanted this kind of role.

“…And recently, I’ve been quietly investing in the beauty product business.”

“You? What made you interested in beauty products?”

“It’s a business that helps the self-sufficiency of the St. Clarissa Convent, so I couldn’t just ignore it. I hope word spreads, but I don’t have a good way yet.”

After that, the meal continued as if nothing had happened, but her son looked just like his father—annoyingly so. It would have been better if he just said what he wanted to say.

‘It’s all my fault anyway.’

Jeremiah smiled sadly.

***

On the morning of September 28, when the full signs of autumn were in the air, servants sent by the owner lined up in front of a prime store on Seviel Street, a street known for luxury boutiques.

The shop was not open yet, and the windows were covered with paper to block any outside view.

“What’s going on? There are so many people.”

“Yeah. Looks like a new store is opening.”

More and more eyes fixed on the shop.

At 11 a.m., the people standing like guards around the store removed all the papers covering the windows and the store’s name.

St. Clarissa Soap & Herbs

The sign, in fresh yellow and olive-green lettering, caught attention.

But even more captivating was the poster plastered on the exterior wall.

“I feel like I’ve seen that face before. Who is it?”

Usually, posters feature famous actors or singers, but this one showed a beautiful woman clasping her hands as if in prayer, with a gentle smile.

Those standing in line didn’t recognize her and tilted their heads. But just then, a passing noble pointed and exclaimed,

“That’s Harriet Listerwell!”