6. Making Contacts

As Seraphina's conversation with the noblewomen continued, it evolved into a lively and engaging discussion. They exchanged stories about their interests and experiences, and the atmosphere grew more relaxed. The noblewomen, fascinated by Seraphina's beauty and charm, were eager to learn more about her and her plans.

One of the noblewomen, curiosity piqued, asked, "I heard you're planning to open a store here. When can we expect it to open?"

Seraphina smiled and replied, "I am indeed working on opening a store, but since I've only just arrived, it will take some time to get everything in order. I estimate it will take around two months to set up properly. However, if I find a suitable location quickly, I could potentially finish the preparations in about two weeks."

She deliberately exaggerated the timeline, knowing that the noblewomen were eager to get their hands on her products. The noblewomen, clearly impatient, exchanged glances and whispered among themselves, their desire for Seraphina's products intensifying.

In a swift turn of events, the noblewomen began making generous offers. "Why wait that long?" one of them said. "We have properties and storefronts available. We'd be happy to offer you a space at a significantly reduced price, considering you're just starting out. We can also assist with the furnishings and setup."

Seraphina was delighted by their offers. This was the kind of support she needed to get her business off the ground without spending too much on initial investments. She graciously accepted their offers and made appointments to visit their properties.

"To show my appreciation," Seraphina announced, "I'll host a small party at the hotel and give out some samples of my products. I'm thrilled by your support and can't wait to work with you all."

The noblewomen were thrilled and agreed to visit Seraphina the following morning with the necessary documents. They were eager to finalize the arrangements quickly.

As the evening wore on, Seraphina decided it was time to make her exit. She subtly noted that the conversation was starting to drag and that Ronan, who had been quietly observing, might be growing bored.

"I'm afraid I must retire for the night," she said with a yawn. "The travels have been exhausting. I hope you'll understand."

She walked Ronan to the stairs, and he remarked, "I'll be staying at the inn where we first met. Feel free to visit me there anytime. I'll be here for a month or so before heading out on my next adventure. In the meantime, continue your preparations and take care."

Seraphina thanked him and promised to visit. With a final wave, she headed back to her room.

As Seraphina lay in her bed, the weight of her new reality pressed heavily on her. The soft, unfamiliar pillow did little to comfort her as her thoughts spiraled into a painful mix of nostalgia and anxiety. She thought of her grandmother, left behind in a world she had been ripped from without warning. Her heart ached with the thought of how her grandmother would react to her sudden disappearance and who would care for her if Seraphina were gone.

Memories of her old world swirled in her mind. Her friends, the life she once knew, all seemed so distant and out of reach. She longed for the familiarity of her past life and the comfort of her grandmother's presence. The burden of starting over in a foreign land weighed heavily on her, and despite her efforts to stay positive and resilient, the exhaustion finally overcame her.

Tears streamed down her face as she lay on her side, the salty drops soaking into her pillow. For the first time since arriving in this new world, Seraphina allowed herself to cry openly. The strain of constantly maintaining a facade of strength had taken its toll. She felt overwhelmed and utterly alone. Each tear seemed to release a small fraction of the pain she had been holding back, and her sobs shook her as she tried to find solace in her own emotional release.

The room, dimly lit by a soft glow from a single candle, offered little comfort. Her body trembled with the force of her tears, and the pillow was soon damp with the evidence of her grief. The emotional exhaustion she had been pushing away surged through her, and as she cried herself to sleep, she found some measure of relief in finally allowing herself to grieve for her lost past and uncertain future.

As dawn broke, Seraphina awoke to find her face puffy from the tears of the previous night. Determined to start the day afresh, she took a long, soothing bath, letting the warm water wash away the remnants of her emotional turmoil. Afterward, she dressed in modest clothing for breakfast, a practical choice for the early hours.

Descending to the bustling banquet hall, she joined the lively crowd for a meal. The hall was filled with a mix of locals and travelers, all enjoying the morning's offerings. With her hunger satisfied, Seraphina retreated to her room, where she prepared for the day ahead.

Knowing the importance of her appearance for her burgeoning business, she carefully chose an outfit that would highlight her beauty. She selected a stunning,yellow flowy maxi dress she had brought with her from her travels,but she modified the dress to her taste. The dress featured a tasteful side slit that allowed for elegant movement and a v-neckline that subtly revealed a hint of her back, secured by a delicate tie at the top. The design was both sophisticated and comfortable, showcasing her figure without compromising on style.

Seraphina meticulously applied her makeup, enhancing her already striking features. Her curly hair, a natural asset, was styled to complement the dress—its rich texture falling gracefully around her shoulders. The curls framed her face beautifully, their natural bounce adding a touch of effortless charm.

With a cup of tea in hand, she made her way down to the reception hall. The arrival of the noblewomen was anticipated, and Seraphina was ready to make an impression. As they entered, their eyes were immediately drawn to her. Her attire was unlike anything they had seen—exotic, captivating, and impeccably styled. The way she carried herself, combined with the elegance of her dress, rendered her an object of fascination.

Young noblemen and women who passed by couldn't help but steal glances, their curiosity piqued by her unique beauty and presence. Seraphina's slender arms and waist were accentuated by the dress, and her overall look radiated a mix of grace and allure. Every movement she made was fluid and mesmerizing, ensuring that she remained the center of attention in the reception hall.

As Seraphina waited in the reception hall, the noblewomen began to arrive one by one.

First to arrive was Countess Isobel Ravenscroft, her presence commanding immediate respect.

Shortly after, Baroness Elena Hawthorne entered, her elegant demeanor catching the eye of everyone in the room.

Next, Marquess Arabella Winthrop made her entrance, her grace and poise further enhancing the atmosphere.

Finally, Duchess Rosalind Fairchild arrived, completing the distinguished group. Each woman admired Seraphina's stunning attire, their curiosity piqued by her unique style.

As the noblewomen settled in and began discussing their offers with Seraphina, they made their intentions clear. **Duchess Rosalind Fairchild** presented an enticing opportunity—a plot of land right in the heart of the city. Although it was not very large, its central location made it valuable. She offered it at a remarkably low price, explaining that the current tenant, an aging bakery owner, had struggled to make it profitable and was eager to sell.

Meanwhile, **Baroness Elena Hawthorne** proposed a spacious store in a bustling area of the city. Although she couldn't sell it due to its high value and her husband's reservations, she offered to lease it at a competitive rate and promised assistance with furnishings.

**Countess Isobel Ravenscroft** had another appealing offer. She pledged to provide bespoke glass display cases crafted by artisans from the southern lands, known for their exceptional craftsmanship. This would allow Seraphina to showcase her products in a manner tailored to her vision.

As these influential figures discussed their proposals, word of their involvement with Seraphina spread quickly through the city. The noblewomen's reputation and the dramatic nature of the new arrival's business venture fueled rumors that traveled swiftly across social circles. The buzz reached even the highest echelons of power, catching the attention of the Empress herself.

Inside the palace, the Empress sat in her opulent chamber, the golden light of the afternoon sun casting a warm glow on her regal attire. She was listening intently to the young noble lady, **Lady Veronica Ashbourne**, who had recently attended the banquet at the hotel where Seraphina had made quite an impression.

Lady Veronica, who was part of the Empress's faction, had been eager to share her observations. She spoke with a mix of admiration and criticism. "Your Majesty, the new arrival, Seraphina, is truly a sight to behold. Her beauty is unlike anything I've seen before—exotic and striking. Her skin has a flawless glow, and her hair is as rich and lustrous as a midnight tapestry. It's no wonder the noblewomen are enamored with her."

The Empress's interest piqued, she leaned forward slightly. "And what of her manner of dress and her cream? What can you tell me about those?"

Lady Veronica hesitated before continuing, her voice tinged with disapproval. "Her style is quite bold, if not a bit crude. She wears garments that reveal more skin than is customary for someone of her standing. I suppose it's meant to draw attention, and it certainly does. As for her cream, she was quite the marketer, showcasing it to the Duchess and others. She claimed it was her family's secret recipe, promising it would make anyone's skin glow with a similar radiance."

The Empress arched an eyebrow, her curiosity further piqued by the mention of the cream and the young woman's unconventional style. "It seems she has made quite an impression, despite—or perhaps because of—her audacious presentation."

Lady Veronica nodded, adding with a touch of condescension, "Indeed, Your Majesty. The cream seems to be the talk of the town, though I suspect it's more about the novelty and her bold claims than the actual product's merit. She's already captured the interest of the highest echelons of society, and I believe she seeks to make a significant mark."

The Empress, intrigued by both Seraphina's audacious approach and her growing influence, decided that she must see this woman for herself. Her curiosity about the cream was secondary to her desire to assess the woman who had managed to captivate the nobility with such fervor. "Very well. Arrange for a meeting with Seraphina. I wish to see this woman who has stirred such interest and made waves among the elite."

Lady Veronica, relieved by the Empress's decision, bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Majesty. I shall make the necessary arrangements at once."

The Empress settled back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. The allure of Seraphina's beauty and the intrigue surrounding her business promised a meeting that would be anything but ordinary.