Chapter 102
Chapter 102
For the party atmosphere, the store was dimmed overall, with bright spotlights placed strategically to create ambiance.
“Don’t you think it’s too dark?”
“It’s fine. We’ve used plenty of colorful lighting instead.”
In the center stood Vroom-vroom, with brilliant lights pouring down from directly above to illuminate it.
The colored lighting made Vroom-vroom’s pink and yellow hues stand out even more vividly.
Inside Vroom-vroom, I positioned Yen in uniform.
Yen cheerfully distributed ice cream to those waiting in line.
Since ice cream was abundant throughout the party venue, Yen needed to offer something unique, so Apple had worked hard to mass-produce “ice cream cones” for this purpose.
These were ice cream cones made from thinly baked waffle sheets rolled into shape.
Incidentally, these ice cream cones were first revealed in Isiel and Seiren’s photo shoot.
At that time, they were eating ice cream topped with various decorations in cones. The adorable appearance led to a flood of inquiries to ‘Lu & Cream’ about what those conical holders were.
Of course, we announced they would debut at the opening party and would be available for purchase at the store afterward.
Anyway, Yen was serving ice cream in cones to the people waiting in line. They marveled as they received the cones topped with colorful ice cream.
Perhaps because everyone had seen the photo shoot, there was quite a crowd in front of the ice cream truck.
Vroom-vroom seemed extremely pleased with all the admiration it was receiving.
“The bread is so chewy and delicious!”
On another side, there were people making croffles by baking miniature croissants on waffle irons on the spot.
While typical parties usually prepare impressive meal options, since we were a brand focusing on desserts, providing meals didn’t align with our image.
That’s why we put considerable effort into menu selection.
I can’t count how many discussions I had with Apple and Isiel.
In any case, people had high expectations, and thanks to that, this opening party, attended by everyone regardless of faction, seemed to have satisfied all.
“Why is everyone making such a fuss about this dark party?”
Seiren asked as she walked toward me with chocolate ice cream in one hand and vanilla ice cream in the other.
Today she was wearing a black dress that contrasted with her silvery-white hair. The bodice was form-fitting, while from the high waistline down, the skirt flowed generously.
This gave her an incredibly cute appearance.
“…You seem to be enjoying yourself quite well despite that.”
“Hmph.”
“You look beautiful today, Seiren.”
Seiren tilted her head slightly and struck a pose as if to say she was well aware of her own beauty.
She seemed to think people still ignored or criticized her like before.
She had no idea that everyone here kept watching her, the model for ‘Lu & Cream.’
I chuckled.
She scurried over to my side, handed me one of the ice cream cups, and circled around me.
“By the way, sis, what kind of dress is this? Why is it so unusual?”
Today, I was wearing a style of dress rarely seen at events like this. The same went for Cassis.
Apparently, it’s an unspoken rule in social circles that the hosts should stand out much more than the other attendees.
Originally, my mindset was “Social rules or not, I’ll do as I please!”
However, everyone advised against that, so I planned to have a dress made.
But then?!
[We have no money!]
To make a dress elaborate, you need to add jewels and lace, which requires a lot of money.
Or you could use family heirlooms and jewels.
That’s what most people do, but raiding Cassis’s jewelry box felt burdensome in many ways.
Besides, what’s the point of adorning myself with jewels that might not even suit me?
So I decided to use the system.
I was supposed to receive a dress as a reward for completing a quest during the New Year’s celebration, and I decided to use it now.
So what I’m wearing now was prepared by the system.
“Does it look strange?”
“A little? But it’s pretty. I think it looks unusual because it’s unfamiliar. But it’s pretty!”
I was wearing a see-through blouse with a sleeveless dress over it that exposed my shoulders. The waistline was slightly high, creating a voluminous skirt that fell long.
[See, she says it’s pretty!]
[Why are you blaming me?]
‘She said it’s strange.’
Everyone else is wearing those flowing dresses, so why am I the only one in a dress from another dimension?
However, by the time I realized something was off after receiving the dress, it was too late. The party was imminent, and I had prepared nothing.
So here we are today.
‘Still, maybe because I’ve introduced so many unusual things, everyone seems to just accept it.’
[…..]
[…Hmph.]
‘…I like it.’
While I was appeasing the system and checking the venue for any problems, I noticed a crowd gathering in the center.
“What’s going on?”
A crowd like this usually means trouble.
Hurriedly pushing through the throng toward the center, I encountered a spectacular sight.
“Seiren…!”
“Sis, I didn’t cause trouble this time!”
Seiren desperately called out. She was saying it wasn’t her fault. Yeah, right.
I tore my gaze away from Seiren, who looked like the world’s most adorable duchess, and looked at the current Saint.
The Saint was standing gracefully, but I felt extremely uncomfortable.
‘Why would someone like the Saint come to such a strictly private party?’
Of course, we did send an invitation. But that was a formality extended to the imperial family, the Saint, and ministers.
She should have known better than to come. Moreover, I knew perfectly well that she and Seiren don’t get along, so she should have had the sense to avoid this place.
“So, Saint? And Seiren.”
“…Yes?”
“…”
The Saint turned to me slowly with an elegant smile, while Seiren gave no response.
“What happened between you two?”
“Oh, nothing special.”
Rose slightly shook her head and gently touched her chin with her fingertips. She looked lovely.
“Just… Seiren hasn’t been visiting the temple lately. For someone who was once a Saint candidate, not visiting the temple means not praying, not seeking God…”
The Saint narrowed her eyes and completely erased the smile from her face. Her gaze fixed on Seiren.
“I wondered if there might be a problem.”
Seiren had been expressionless for a long time. Rose continued speaking regardless of Seiren’s reaction.
Although she seemed to be speaking quietly, perhaps due to her special position as Saint, I could feel many people listening attentively to her words.
Everything the Saint said was extremely biased and intentional.
“…This could be problematic, Seiren.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Besides… I saw your picture on the street.”
“…”
Seiren was now smiling. Wiping away her expressionless face completely, she curled up the corners of her lips. I shivered slightly. I was checking if Isiel was nearby, but he was enjoying the party far away.
After worrying endlessly during preparations—whether it was too dark, whether the party seemed strange, and so on—he was now enjoying himself more than anyone.
“You seem different. You weren’t like this before. Everyone said you were the most excellent Saint candidate… Why are you spreading your image so carelessly on the streets?”
Well, well. She’s saying interesting things.
I folded my arms and watched to see what she would say next.
“So vulgar. Even if you decided to leave the temple, as someone who once served God…”
“Hey.”
Seiren cut her off abruptly.
“I’m no longer affiliated with the temple.”
“…”
“Who are you to judge me? And, vulgar?”
Seiren burst into a scornful laugh. She stepped forward toward Rose. As Seiren pressed close, the crowd began to murmur.
[Is it okay not to intervene?]
‘I’ll step in if she tries to throw the first punch.’
Still, it would be better to call Isiel. I sent a servant to fetch him and turned my attention back to Seiren and Rose.
“You think I’m vulgar?”
“…Without maintaining proper composure, displaying yourself to everyone like that…”
“Why don’t you say the same thing to my brother who’s coming over there? Say it to that ‘Brother Isiel’ you always call for.”
“…”
“And you’re mistaken about something—nothing I do as a Lemiere can ever be vulgar.”
Even if I walked the streets with my chest completely exposed, it could never be considered vulgar. It might become an object of admiration instead.
Seiren whispered quietly.
“…You hate the Lemiere family.”
“Yeah, I hate them. So what? My blood doesn’t change just because I do. I’m still a Lemiere, whether I like it or not.”
Rose’s face grew cold.
In contrast, Seiren’s expression had softened. With a much more relaxed look, she briefly grasped Rose’s shoulder before releasing her grip and stepping back.
“So, Rose. Our precious Saint. I’m a person of the secular world now, so stop being so wary. This is how I’m going to live.”
I looked at Seiren approaching me with moist eyes.
When someone who could devour a person in one bite ends things with just words, they deserve praise. Sister was scared every time you clenched your fist.
“…What’s with that expression, sis?”
“Sister is proud of you.”
“When did brother get here?”
“Brother… is proud of you too.”
Anyway, I thought it wasn’t very wise to make such remarks about Seiren, the model for ‘Lu & Cream,’ at its launch party.
I walked around the venue with Seiren beside me, who didn’t look particularly pleased.
“Irina, you’re so beautiful!”
“It’s sweet and fascinating! Is chocolate ice cream made with real chocolate?”
“How can such an adorable dessert exist?”
It seems we successfully imprinted the idea that ice cream is a cute and lovable dessert, even if we had to push a bit.
The rumors about summoning demonic beasts seemed forgotten in their memories.
Not only that. After the hearing, there was a tendency to overly deify ice cream.
But such perceptions were dangerous. Ice cream shouldn’t become a sacred entity. Ice cream is just a dessert.
A dessert with resistance to demonic beasts.
That’s how we can sell more, and if problems arise later, we can be free from moral issues.
For this reason, I intentionally approached the public in a friendly manner, and the effect seems to have manifested quite well.
At that moment, someone approached to speak to me.
“It’s been a while.”
“This is the first time we’ve met since the hearing, Duke Hellis.”
Duke Hellis stood before me with an extremely apologetic expression.
