11. Turning back Time

The morning sun filtered through the windows of Seraphina's shop, casting a warm glow over the space. It was a day like any other, or so she thought. Seraphina moved with purpose, her mind focused on the tasks at hand. The grand opening was just a week away, and there was still so much to do.

The shop, though modest compared to the towering, castle-like structures that surrounded it, was a charming and elegant space. Seraphina had carefully designed every detail, from the polished wood floors to the delicate shelves that would soon display her products. She wanted her customers to feel welcomed and at ease the moment they stepped inside.

As the clock struck 9 a.m., the door opened, and her new employees trickled in. Each one greeted Seraphina with a mix of enthusiasm and nervousness, eager to learn but still unsure of what to expect. Seraphina had spent the past few days getting to know them, and now it was time to begin their training in earnest.

"Good morning, everyone," Seraphina said with a warm smile, gathering the small group together. "I know there's a lot to learn, but we'll take it step by step. By the time we open next week, you'll all be ready to handle anything that comes our way."

The employees exchanged glances, trying to mask their nervousness with determination. Seraphina could see the apprehension in their eyes and decided to break the ice with a little encouragement.

"Don't worry too much," she continued. "We're all in this together. Think of this as an adventure—one that we'll all grow from."

Her words seemed to put them at ease, and as the morning progressed, they began to warm up to their roles. Seraphina led them through the shop, explaining the layout and the importance of keeping everything organized.

"Elara" she called to one of the employees, a young woman with a shy demeanor. "Could you show me how you would display these creams on the shelves?"

Elara hesitated but then carefully placed the jars on the shelf, aligning them in a neat row. Seraphina watched closely, noting the young woman's attention to detail.

"That's perfect," Seraphina said with an approving nod. "But try angling the labels just a bit more toward the customer's line of sight. It'll catch their eye immediately."

Elara adjusted the jars, her face lighting up as she saw the improvement. "Oh, I see it now! Thank you, Miss Seraphina."

As the training continued, Seraphina showed them how to properly handle the products, demonstrating the delicate care required when dealing with the various makeup and skincare items. She emphasized the importance of understanding each product's purpose and how to explain its benefits to customers.

"Remember," Seraphina said, holding up a small jar of cream, "we're not just selling products. We're offering a solution to a problem, an enhancement to someone's beauty. It's about making our customers feel confident and special."

The employees practiced with each other, role-playing different scenarios under Seraphina's watchful eye. She corrected them gently when needed, always encouraging them to think like the customers they would soon be serving.

Before long, it was time for their lunch break. Seraphina had planned every detail, including a well-timed break to ensure they all stayed refreshed and focused throughout the day. But as they sat down for their meal, Seraphina noticed something that had been nagging at the back of her mind.

She observed the faces of her employees—some had blemishes, others had uneven skin tones. She realized that, while they were all dedicated and eager to learn, their appearances didn't quite match the image she wanted to present to her future customers. It wasn't their fault, but in a world where appearances spoke volumes, she knew something had to be done.

After lunch, Seraphina gathered her employees once more. "I've been thinking," she began, "it's important that we all look our best, especially with the grand opening coming up. I want each of you to feel as confident as the customers we'll be serving. So, this afternoon, we're going to the tailor and bring home some of the product I packed at my desk and used it, your appearances is important, you guys are going to be the face of this store."

The employees looked at her in surprise, their eyes widening at the unexpected announcement.

"A tailor?" one of the younger women, Elena, asked curiously. "For uniforms?"

"Exactly," Seraphina replied. "We'll need to present a unified, professional appearance. The reason why I choose you guys is because of your beautiful facial features. And I have a design in mind that I think you'll all find both comfortable and stylish."

Intrigued and excited, the employees followed Seraphina to the tailor's shop, a small but reputable establishment known for its fine craftsmanship. As they entered, the tailor, an older woman with sharp eyes and nimble fingers, greeted Seraphina warmly.

"Miss Seraphina, what a pleasure! What can I do for you today?" the tailor asked, setting aside her current project to attend to them.

Seraphina smiled. "I'd like to have uniforms made for my employees. Something practical, yet elegant."

The tailor nodded and began taking measurements, one by one, for each employee. Seraphina then described her vision for the uniforms. "I want the uniforms to be soft pink with a white camisole on top. The trousers should be long and tailored to fit comfortably."

The tailor paused, her measuring tape in hand, and looked at Seraphina with raised eyebrows. "Trousers for women? That's rather...unconventional."

Seraphina nodded, her expression calm and confident. "Yes, trousers. I want my employees to move efficiently within the store. Wearing heavy dresses all the time will be exhausting. There's no reason why women can't wear pants if they choose to."

The tailor hesitated for a moment, clearly taken aback by the idea. "But...in all my years, I've never heard of such a thing."

Seraphina gave her a thoughtful look. "If men can wear trousers, why can't women? Isn't this kingdom ruled by a queen? Doesn't that speak to the equality of men and women? Fashion should evolve, just like everything else."

The tailor pondered Seraphina's words, nodding slowly as they sank in. "You have a point, Miss Seraphina. Perhaps it's time we started thinking outside the box. I'll make sure the trousers are just as you envision."

Seraphina smiled appreciatively, and after they had chosen the fabric—soft yet durable, with a hint of sheen—she thanked the tailor.

"When can the uniforms be ready?" Seraphina asked.

The tailor tapped her chin in thought. "If I start on them right away, I can have them ready by tomorrow afternoon."

"Perfect," Seraphina replied. "We'll pick them up then."

Once the measurements were taken and the designs finalized, Seraphina decided to make one more stop before the day ended. She led her employees to a nearby craftsman's shop, known for its exquisite metalwork.

"Now, we'll need something to set us apart," Seraphina explained as they entered the shop. "I'm thinking of personalized brooches for each of you."

The employees exchanged surprised glances. "Brooches with our names on them?" Elena asked, clearly astonished.

"Exactly," Seraphina confirmed. "It will help our customers recognize who they're speaking to, and it adds a personal touch to our service."

The craftsman, intrigued by the idea, began sketching designs as Seraphina explained her vision. "Each brooch should have the employee's name engraved, with a subtle but elegant design. Something that complements the uniform without overpowering it."

The craftsman nodded, his pencil moving quickly across the paper. "I've never made anything like this before, but I'm excited to try."

Seraphina smiled. "That's the spirit. How soon can they be ready?"

"Give me two days," the craftsman replied. "I'll have them done by then."

Her employees, though tired, were clearly inspired by the day's events. They chatted excitedly among themselves, discussing the skincare they got, uniforms and brooches, their earlier nervousness replaced by genuine enthusiasm.

As Seraphina watched them, she allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Unbeknownst to her, the quiet ripple she had started was slowly turning into a wave, one that would soon spread far beyond the walls of her little shop.

After completing their tasks at the tailor and craftsman's shop, Seraphina and her employees made their way back to the store. The afternoon had gone smoothly, and the group was in high spirits, discussing the upcoming uniforms and how it would feel to wear something so unique.

As they approached the store, Seraphina noticed a luxurious carriage parked outside. It was finely decorated, clearly belonging to someone of high status. She paused, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern.

The door of the carriage opened, and to Seraphina's surprise, the Duchess herself stepped out, her elegant gown swaying as she hurried over. "Miss Seraphina!" the Duchess called out, her voice filled with urgency. "I've been waiting for you."

Seraphina quickly composed herself and approached the Duchess. "Your Grace, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I wasn't aware you were coming today."

The Duchess smiled warmly, though there was a hint of impatience in her eyes. "No need to apologize, dear. I should have sent word ahead, but I found myself eager to see you. I hope I'm not intruding?"

"Of course not," Seraphina replied graciously. "Please, come inside."

Once inside the store, the Duchess wasted no time getting to the point. "Seraphina, I must ask you for a favor. I attended a gathering recently and saw the Baroness looking more radiant than I've ever seen her. I hear it was your handiwork. I would like you to do the same for me. I'll pay whatever you ask."

Seraphina nodded, her mind already working out the details. "I'd be happy to, Your Grace. My fee is one silver coin."

The Duchess blinked in surprise. "Only one silver coin? Surely you jest, Seraphina. I was prepared to pay much more."

Seraphina shook her head, a determined look on her face. "No, Your Grace, I'm quite serious. Beauty shouldn't be something only the wealthy can afford. My goal is to make these products accessible to everyone—noble or commoner, man or woman. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful."

The Duchess was visibly touched by Seraphina's words. "You have a kind heart, Seraphina. It's rare to meet someone who thinks as you do."

Seraphina smiled modestly and gestured toward a chair. "Please, have a seat. I'll start your makeup. Do you have any plans for this evening?"

The Duchess settled into the chair and nodded. "Yes, I do. The Crown Prince is hosting a banquet at the palace in honor of the Queen. It's an annual celebration held every summer."

Seraphina's eyes lit up. "And what will you be wearing?"

"A red gown," the Duchess replied. "It's one of my favorites, but it's been some time since I've worn it."

Seraphina considered the Duchess's features and her choice of attire. She decided to use the red tones to highlight the Duchess's natural beauty, making her look youthful and vibrant despite her age. As Seraphina began her work, she explained each step, her hands moving with practiced ease.

"I'll start with a face cleanser to first clean your face than with a moisturize," Seraphina said as she applied carefully. "Then,I'll apply a primer for the make up to look smooth and I'll use a concealer to smooth out your complexion and hide any imperfections. We'll contour your nose just a bit to give it a sharper appearance."

The Duchess listened intently, watching in the mirror as Seraphina worked her magic. She felt the gentle brush of the bronzer against her cheeks, lifting the natural structure of her face, followed by a touch of highlighter to make her cheekbones pop.

When Seraphina began applying the red eyeliner, she added a subtle cat-eye effect to lift the Duchess's eyes and give her a more youthful, lively look. She than apply a Bright red lipstick to make her face pop. The finishing touch was her eyebrows, shaped to perfection, and matched to her hair color, giving the Duchess a clean, elegant appearance.

As Seraphina put down her tools, the Duchess looked at her reflection in awe. "Seraphina, you've outdone yourself. I feel like I've turned back the clock by years."

Seraphina smiled, pleased with the result. "I'm glad you like it, Your Grace. You look stunning."

Before the Duchess could respond, a commotion from outside caught their attention. Seraphina glanced toward the door, just as it opened to reveal the Countess and Marchioness, both of whom seemed breathless with excitement.

"We heard you were here, Duchess," the Countess said as she entered, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the transformed Duchess. "We simply had to come and see Seraphina for ourselves."

The Marchioness nodded eagerly. "Indeed. We were hoping you might have time to work your magic on us as well, Seraphina."

Seraphina exchanged a glance with the Duchess, who smiled knowingly. The excitement in the room was palpable, and it was clear that word of her skills was spreading fast. But with the day already slipping away, Seraphina knew she couldn't attend to everyone immediately.

"Let me finish with the Duchess," Seraphina said gently. "Then we can discuss what I can do for you both."

The Countess and Marchioness nodded, eager to wait their turn, but there was an air of anticipation as they watched Seraphina work. The Duchess's transformation had already set the bar high, and the others could only wonder what Seraphina would do next.