10. Golden Touch

The midday sun cast a warm glow over the city as Seraphina glanced at the clock. She was eager to break for lunch, but as she looked around the store, she noticed that her new employees were working diligently, showing no sign of taking a break.

"Excuse me," Seraphina called out, approaching Elara, who was tidying up a display. "Why haven't you all taken a lunch break?"

Elara paused and looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and hesitation. "We, um, usually don't have lunch. Most of us are used to eating only two meals a day."

Seraphina was taken aback. "Two meals a day? Why is that?"

Liana, who was dusting the shelves nearby, spoke up. "Many people in the city can't afford to eat three meals a day. Only adventurers, nobles, and wealthy merchants can manage that. For most of us, our salary has to stretch to cover all our family's needs for the entire month. If we ate lunch every day, we wouldn't have enough to make it through."

Seraphina's heart sank as she listened to their words. She had come from a world where meals were often provided at work, and she had never considered that something so fundamental could be a struggle for others.

"I had no idea," she said softly. "Back in my world, it was common for companies to provide lunch for their employees, and I assumed it was the same here."

Elara looked at Seraphina with a hint of hope in her eyes. "It's not something we expect, but it would be a great help."

Seraphina nodded resolutely. "From now on, I want everyone to have a proper lunch break. You'll all receive free lunch every day while you work here. It's the least I can do."

The employees exchanged glances of astonishment and gratitude. "Are you sure?" Derrick asked, his voice filled with surprise. "That's incredibly generous."

"Yes," Seraphina replied with a warm smile. "It's important to me that you're well taken care of. I'll make arrangements with the inn to provide lunch for us daily."

With that decided, Seraphina walked to the inn, where she had been staying. She approached the innkeeper and explained her request for daily lunches for her staff.

The innkeeper, a kind-faced woman named Mrs. Calder, listened attentively. "Of course, Miss Seraphina. I can prepare hearty meals for your team. What kind of food would you like to offer them?"

Seraphina thought for a moment, considering the variety and preferences. "Something nutritious and filling. A mix of simple dishes that will provide energy for their work. Maybe include some fruits and vegetables as well."

Mrs. Calder nodded. "I can do that. I'll prepare a menu and ensure they get something fresh every day."

"Thank you," Seraphina said with a grateful smile. "I appreciate your help."

Returning to the store, Seraphina was met with cheerful faces as her employees learned about the new arrangement. The promise of regular meals lifted their spirits, and the atmosphere in the store grew even more positive.

After the Lunch was over, the door bell make a jingle and Baroness Hawthorne entered Seraphina's store, her eyes were immediately drawn to the elegant yet cozy atmosphere. The Baroness, a woman of refined taste and known for her obsession with beauty, was here not just out of curiosity but also to forge a beneficial relationship with Seraphina, the mysterious woman who had captivated the attention of the noble circle with her upcoming cosmetic products.

Seraphina, poised and elegant, greeted the Baroness warmly. "Lady Hawthorne, it is such an honor to have you here. Please, make yourself comfortable."

Baroness Hawthorne smiled, handing over a bouquet of exquisite flowers. "I brought these as a small gift to brighten up your lovely shop. I've heard so much about your products and couldn't resist coming by."

"Thank you, Lady Hawthorne. These flowers are truly beautiful and will add the perfect touch to the store," Seraphina replied graciously as she accepted the bouquet, placing it on the counter where it immediately enhanced the ambiance.

As they conversed, the Baroness's curiosity about Seraphina's products became evident. "I've heard whispers about your store. I must say, I'm quite intrigued. When will they be available?"

Seraphina smiled softly, "I'm glad you're interested. The products are nearly ready, but I haven't officially launched them yet. However, I was planning to send out samples to a few select individuals before the grand opening. Since you're here, you're more than welcome to take some with you today."

Baroness Hawthorne's eyes lit up with excitement. "That would be wonderful! I'm always on the lookout for anything that can enhance my beauty."

Taking this opportunity, Seraphina leaned in slightly. "Lady Hawthorne, if you have a moment, I'd love to try something new I've been working on. It's a makeup technique that I believe will enhance your natural beauty even more. Would you allow me to do your makeup?"

The Baroness hesitated, she didn't know what Seraphina can do, thinking of the party she had to attend later that evening. "I have an Important event to attend tonight at Lord Ashford's manor. It is his birthday, I can't risk looking anything less than perfect."

Seraphina's expression remained confident. "I assure you, Lady Hawthorne, you will look more than perfect. You'll be the center of attention."

The Baroness was hesitant but eventually succumbed to Seraphina's charm. "Alright, I trust you. Let's see what you can do."

"Please take a seat." she shows her to her seat and go upstair for a little while to take her makeup pouch.

Seraphina motioned for her staff to gather around, knowing that this would be an excellent opportunity for them to learn. She began by carefully cleansing the Baroness's face, explaining each step as she went along.She first applied a primer, She then applied a concealer and appliedit on dark spot and uneven skintone on her face,she than applied a foundation to smoothen her face and skillfully blending it to create a flawless base. She than Contour her nose and face to bring out her facial features more, by adding a creamy pale pink blush one her face and pat it down with a powder, the Baroness's wrinkles seemed to vanish as Seraphina lightly dusted her face with a soft powder that gave her skin a youthful glow.

Next, Seraphina focused on the eyes, selecting a shimmering blue eyeshadow that perfectly matched the Baroness's sapphire-blue eyes. "Your eyes are your most striking feature, Lady Hawthorne. This will make them pop," Seraphina explained as she delicately applied the eyeshadow, creating a siren-eye shape with a dark eyeliner that accentuated the Baroness's eyes, making them appear larger and more alluring.

As Seraphina continued with the Baroness's eyebrows and a deep red lipstick that brought out the natural fullness of the Baroness's lips, the transformation was nearly complete. The final touch was the mascara, which lengthened and darkened the Baroness's lashes, adding a captivating allure to her gaze.

Seraphina stepped back, admiring her work, though she couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of regret that she didn't have the proper tools to curl the Baroness's hair. However, with the help of the experienced maid and Seraphina's guidance, the Baroness's hair was styled in soft waves that perfectly complemented her new look.

When the Baroness finally looked in the mirror, she gasped in astonishment. She looked at least ten years younger, her eyes sparkling and her face radiant. "I can hardly recognize myself," she whispered, a mixture of shock and delight in her voice.

Seraphina smiled warmly. "This is just a glimpse of what my products can do, Lady Hawthorne. I'm so glad you like it, and don't sleep with your makeup on it will ruin your skin."

The Baroness turned to Seraphina, her eyes filled with newfound respect and admiration. "You are truly a magician, Miss Vale. I will most certainly be at your grand opening, and I'll be sure to tell everyone about your extraordinary talents."

As the Baroness prepared to leave, she couldn't stop admiring her reflection, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. She is excited to show of her new face.

That evening, Baroness Hawthorne donned a stunning blue gown that Seraphina had suggested, perfectly matching her radiant sapphire eyes. The moment she stepped out in front of her family, their reactions were priceless. Her husband, Baron Hawthorne, stared at her in awe, his voice filled with admiration. "My dear, it feels as though I've fallen in love with you all over again."

Their children, too, were astonished, especially her daughter, who could hardly believe that her mother could look so youthful and vibrant. The Baroness smiled, feeling more confident than she had in years as they made their way to the evening's grand event.

As they arrived at the party, all eyes turned toward the Baroness. She was already a well-known figure in high society, but tonight, she looked absolutely radiant—almost as if she had been touched by magic. Her husband was quickly swept away into a conversation with other noblemen, leaving the Baroness to bask in the attention of the women who immediately flocked around her.

The young ladies of high society, all eager to win the favor of the influential Baroness, were desperate to know her secret. "Lady Hawthorne, you look so beautiful! Please, tell us how you achieved such a flawless appearance," one of them asked with barely concealed excitement.

With a knowing smile, the Baroness leaned in slightly and said, "It's all thanks to Seraphina, the woman who everyone is talking about. She truly has the touch of an angel."

The ladies around her exchanged excited whispers, their curiosity piqued. "Where can we find her?" another asked eagerly.

The Baroness shook her head gently. "Her store isn't officially open yet, but I assure you, once it is, you'll be the first to know. Seraphina's work is nothing short of miraculous."

Satisfied with her answer, the ladies allowed the Baroness to slip away, though their gazes followed her with envy and admiration. The Baroness soon found herself in the company of her closest friends—Duchess Fairchild, Countess Winthrop, and Marchioness Ravenscroft.

As the Baroness approached them, their eyes widened in shock. They were used to seeing their friend as beautiful, but tonight, she seemed to glow with a newfound radiance.

"My dear, you look simply divine!" Duchess Fairchild exclaimed, her tone filled with genuine astonishment.

"Absolutely stunning," added Countess Winthrop, her eyes narrowing as she tried to discern what had changed.

Marchioness Ravenscroft, usually the most composed of the group, couldn't help but express her admiration. "You must tell us your secret, Lady Hawthorne. You look ten years younger!"

The Baroness chuckled, her smile revealing just how pleased she was with their reactions. "All thanks to Seraphina," she explained, her voice filled with warmth and pride. "She's a true artist. You must visit her once her store is open. I'm certain she can work wonders for you as well."

Though they kept their expressions polite, each of her friends was silently determined to seek out Seraphina at the earliest opportunity. The thought of being outshone by the Baroness was intolerable, and they each made a mental note to secure Seraphina's services as soon as possible.

As the evening progressed, the Baroness reveled in the attention, confident that she had not only rekindled the spark in her marriage but also solidified her status as a trendsetter in high society. All thanks to Seraphina, the mysterious woman with the golden touch, whose reputation was sure to spread like wildfire after tonight.