Libitina's room was in a flurry of activity.
"My Lady, shall we do the Butterfly today?"
And it all started with one word.
"Sure."
Libitina felt herself dragged out of bed as Elizabeth and the army of maids started to prepare her, dusting her up 360 degree around and putting on dresses and jewelry onto her body. Her eyes hadn't yet opened before it was sprayed with cooling mist and she was passed her toothbrush and foam to wash up. She had been horrified by the service when she first experienced it, but now she was too lazy to be bothered.
The room of activity was still there when Ellie and her subordinates reported and Libitina had no choice but to force the three of them to stand behind a screen as she heard their report.
Before leaving the estate, Marquis Merveille had introduced Libitina to Ellie, his able officer and adjutant, who will be guiding Libitina through the basic process of fief management while the Marquis and his wife embarked on a holiday escape. At thirty-eight-years old, the voluptuous woman was a sight to behold in her black straight-cut uniform, and a even greater brain to pick with if you are feeling adventurous. Libitina had naturally put her in charge of many major affairs, including the marketing of the new line of Zephyr shops.
"Ellie, I need a basic colour scheme for the design of the advertisement. Here is the list of products that you can choose from for the posters, make sure to only select the top ten industrial and household favourites so we don't overspend. Send me the colour scheme and your product selections by today for the final decision." Libitina motioned Elizabeth to pass the stack of papers on her desk to the woman behind the screen.
The sensual woman with dark blue hair took the lists from the maid quickly before the latter ran back to Libitina. Her gorgeous curls hanged over her head as she browsed through the documents quickly.
"Very well, Lady Merveille. I will delegate the jobs to Timothy and Eularie. Is there anything else?" Two other officers were assisting Ellie in her job: Timothy, a young man with shocking orange hair and a squarish face, and Eularie, a tall thin woman with clear black eyes.
"Yes, but the second part of my plan is not ready. I shall update you later," Libitina sighed. "Elizabeth, there is too much glitter in my hair."
"Yes, Lady Merveille," Ellie and Elizabeth said at the same time.
"Lady Merveille, I shall leave first then," Ellie bowed to the shadow behind the screen.
"Go ahead."
The three officers bowed again before marching off. In the distance, you could hear voices echoing in the corridor.
"Timothy, watch where you are heading, that's the armour!" There was a clankering of metal and a few gasps of shock.
"Argh! S-sorry…"
"Why were your eyes closed?!"
"I-I was keeping my eyes shut to avoid sinning…"
Once the make-up was done, Elizabeth picked out the dress from the closet and started bustling about. Libitina sat limply on her chair and sighed.
"Oh, Lizzy, the day started off too quick today."
"Yes, My Lady, but you cannot be late for the tea party. Please stand up."
Libitina allowed Elizabeth to dress her up. The off-shoulder dress this time had laces dyed of blue and pink, and Elizabeth had placed a hat of coloured whiskers into her hair. Looking at the time on her watch, Libitina praised Elizabeth and the maids before leaving the room, not even looking at the mirror. The pleased and satisfied look of the maids was enough validation.
"Tristan, I will leave the house to you," she waved her hand and smiled as she sped down the stairs.
The butler bowed with his hand to his chest to the beautiful woman who whisked out of the mansion like a passing butterfly. Soon, the carriage with the Merveille insignia rode off to the Sunflower Palace, the home of First Princess Sperenza.
The First Princess Sperenza was the eldest child of King Simon and Queen Vanessa of Clomodor. Bestowed with a great talent in water magic and magic manipulation, she had become one of the youngest genius in the Magic Tower. This was also the reason why her younger sister, the Second Princess Sorcha, was the one selected for the political marriage with Auglarus; her power was too dangerous to land in another country's hands.
Regardless, Sperenza has been an ardent supporter of Libitina since she started out in high society, and also a secret supporter for her businesses; many of the magical innovations to be sold in Libitina's new shops were invented by Sperenza and her colleagues. In a way, Sydney, Sperenza and Libitina were the largest contributors to the passing of the Magical Artefact Trade Bill and their immediate beneficiaries.
"Lina, you're here!" Sperenza welcomed her into the white garden when the Palace maids announced her arrival. "I have news for you," the Princess giggled. "Samantha has brought someone new…"
"Are you serious?" Libitina widened her eyes. "What a wonder. Who is he?��
"Well, you will know soon, won't you?" the Princess laughed gaily. "I'll give you a clue, you can find them in the garden like a sweet married couple. Everyone's mad with love nowadays." The Princess' eyes sparkled with mirth and mischief.
'She's still such a beauty, no matter the age,' Libitina thought. 'No wonder the Magic Tower is full of her suitors…'
The First Princess wore her silver long hair in a relaxed and messy bundle at the base of her neck, decorated by a large red rose, which matched her maroon dress that swivelled whenever she took a step. Anyone who said the First Princess was not a beauty probably was from the Aristocratic Faction or had holes for eyes. Unless, of course, it was the Second Princess who said it, because they were both great beauties who loved to spite each other.
Together, they entered the garden that was full of milling aristocratic ladies and gentlemen. It was time to put on some masks and have fun.