5.It start now

As dusk settled over the city, the atmosphere was tinged with a soft, golden hue that highlighted the grandeur of the establishment Seraphine approached. The towering facade of the Grand Aurelia Inn stood before her like a beacon of opulence, its architecture a seamless blend of intricate stonework and polished marble. The building exuded a timeless elegance, reminiscent of the finest hotels in her own world, but with a distinct, enchanting charm that spoke of an era long past.

The entrance was flanked by towering columns adorned with delicate carvings, and golden lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow over the entrance. Plush velvet drapes framed the large, arched doors, which swung open with a gentle push, revealing a luxurious interior that immediately stole Seraphine’s breath away.

Inside, the lobby was a marvel of grandeur. The floor was a mosaic of gleaming tiles arranged in elaborate patterns, leading to a grand staircase with ornate wrought-iron railings. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high, vaulted ceiling, their prisms scattering light in a dazzling display. The air was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of fine china, as elegantly dressed patrons moved about in refined grace.

Seraphina felt a sense of awe as she stepped into this world of luxury. Her initial hesitation faded as she took in the sight of the plush, overstuffed chairs and the elegant, richly embroidered draperies that adorned the walls. The corridors, lined with polished wood and adorned with exquisite tapestries, seemed to stretch endlessly, each turn revealing new facets of the hotel's splendor.

She noticed the carriages and finely dressed guests arriving, their presence adding to the air of exclusivity that surrounded the Grand Aurelia. Seraphina, in her more modest attire, felt slightly out of place, yet her resolve remained steadfast. With a deep breath, she walked forward with a mixture of anticipation and excitement. She had come to this place not just to dine but to experience something truly extraordinary, a glimpse into a world that seemed both familiar and fantastical.

As she approached the reception desk, the opulent surroundings made it clear that this was a realm reserved for the elite. Yet, Seraphina's determination to blend in and discover more about this new world pushed her forward. She checked in with a graceful nod, her curiosity piqued by the promise of an evening filled with intrigue and discovery.

The Grand Aurelia Inn welcomed her with open arms, its lavish interior a testament to the luxury and grandeur that awaited. For Seraphina, this was not just a destination but a gateway to new experiences, each moment unfolding like the pages of a novel she was eager to write.

As Seraphina approached the reception counter of the luxurious hotel, the grandeur of the establishment was evident in its opulent design and refined elegance. The receptionist greeted her with a courteous nod, offering her a choice of rooms. Seraphina requested a single occupancy room, only to be taken aback when the cost was revealed: 300 silver coins. Despite her initial shock at the price, she was resolute. The investment opportunity she sought required her to make the most of her surroundings, and a night here could open doors to influential connections.

Upon entering her room, Seraphina was met with a stunningly simple yet classic space. The room was adorned with tasteful furnishings, but what caught her attention was the tall, standing mirror—a solitary piece that seemed to reflect the room’s understated elegance. With no dressing table in sight, she settled on the floor in front of the mirror, determined to prepare herself meticulously.

She reached into her travel bag and extracted her carefully curated makeup kit. As she began her routine, her practiced hands moved with the precision of an artist. She started with a flawless foundation, blending it seamlessly to enhance her smooth complexion. A touch of blush highlighted her high cheekbones, while a subtle contour defined her elegant jawline. Her eyes, a captivating shade of deep blue, were accentuated with a hint of shimmer and a perfectly applied eyeliner that accentuated their natural allure. A coat of mascara lengthened her lashes, adding depth and intensity to her gaze. Her lips were adorned with a soft, rosy hue that complemented the rest of her makeup, giving her a radiant, fresh look.

Dressed in a long, flowing blue gown, Seraphina radiated sophistication. The gown, initially designed with a turtleneck, had been altered by her hands—she had skillfully torn off the turtleneck to reveal a graceful V-neckline. This adjustment not only made the dress more comfortable but also added a touch of contemporary elegance to her appearance. The deep blue of the dress contrasted beautifully with her skin tone, creating a striking and memorable ensemble.

Her modest heels, carefully preserved from her travels, completed the look. The shoes, though simple, elevated her stature and added an extra touch of refinement to her ensemble. As she stood up and viewed herself in the mirror, Seraphina was a vision of poise and grace. Her appearance was not just beautiful but breathtaking—a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication, ready to make a lasting impression in the world she had entered.

As Seraphina was preparing for her evening, a knock echoed through her luxurious hotel room. A hotel staff member stood at the door, holding out a finely crafted envelope. Inside was an invitation from a gentleman at the banquet hall for a dinner. Seraphina hesitated, feeling the pull of both curiosity and caution. Although the invitation was tempting, she had already committed to dining with Ronan, a friend she had promised to treat.

The thought of declining the invitation was a tough one. The opportunity to make a noble acquaintance was significant, but without knowing who the young man was, accepting seemed unwise. Seraphina’s mind buzzed with uncertainty. Could he be someone important, or merely a frivolous noble whose intentions she couldn’t trust? Her experiences had taught her to tread carefully around such matters, especially given the rumors about nobles being unreliable and playboyish. Her commitment to Ronan was firm; she had promised him this dinner, and she valued keeping her word.

Dressed in a long, flowing blue gown with a slight V-neck—a modification she had made herself—Seraphina had removed the turtleneck to suit the evening's warmth. The dress was elegant and complemented her striking features. Her makeup was flawlessly applied, enhancing her natural beauty with just the right touch of sophistication. She wore modest high heels she had preserved from her previous world, completing her ensemble.

When she emerged from her room, she made her way back to the reception hall. There, Ronan awaited her. He had dressed with care for the occasion, wearing his finest attire. His clothes were well-chosen but showed signs of wear. He wore a dark blue tunic with intricate, if slightly faded, embroidery along the collar. His trousers were tailored but less refined, and he had polished his boots as best as he could. Though he wasn’t as polished or affluent-looking as the typical noble, he presented himself with as much dignity and effort as he could muster.

Ronan’s face, though not perfect, was earnest and respectful. His appearance showed a man who took pride in his best attire despite his limited resources. As Seraphina approached, she extended her hand with a warm smile. Ronan took her hand, and together they walked toward the banquet hall, the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses already creating a lively atmosphere in the distance.

As Seraphina and Ronan entered the banquet hall, the doors swung open to reveal a scene of opulence and grandeur. The room was a stunning blend of luxury and elegance, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm, inviting glow over the guests. Tables were adorned with fine linens, sparkling glassware, and sumptuous dishes, while the soft strains of music provided a backdrop to the lively conversations.

As they walked in, a collective murmur of interest rippled through the crowd. Heads turned, and eyes followed their progress. Though the room was filled with a mix of nobles and affluent merchants, Seraphina was undeniably the center of attention. Her entrance was marked by a subtle hush as people paused mid-conversation to take in the new arrival.

Seraphina's blue gown seemed to shimmer under the chandelier's light, setting her apart from the crowd. The V-neck design of the dress highlighted her graceful neck and shoulders, and the way the fabric flowed with each step added to her aura of elegance. Her long, thick curls, which framed her face and cascaded down her back, were a rarity in this world. In a land where straight or wavy hair was more common, her naturally curly locks were both striking and unusual.

The guests’ eyes lingered on her, unable to look away. Her unique beauty, from her flawlessly styled hair to the radiant gown, captivated everyone in the room. It was as if Seraphina had stepped out of another world, bringing with her an air of mystique and allure. The combination of her distinct look and the stunning outfit made her the undeniable focal point of the evening.

The curiosity was palpable; every glance was followed by a more intense scrutiny. Whispers circulated as people tried to discern who she was and where she might come from. To them, Seraphina was an enigma—a mesmerizing presence that drew admiration and fascination from all corners of the hall.

As Seraphina and Ronan were shown to their table in the grand banquet hall, they found themselves seated at a large, round table set for six. The arrangement was purposeful, designed to foster social interaction rather than offering private dining experiences. The table was adorned with luxurious linens and elegant tableware, hinting at the high quality of the evening's fare.

Despite the bustling atmosphere, the table was currently unoccupied except for Seraphina and Ronan. They took their seats, and soon a procession of delectable dishes began to arrive. The menu was a testament to opulence:

Sylvan Truffle Medley

Golden Crown Roasted Veal

Imperial Lobster Bisque

Aurora Apple Tart

For the wine, they enjoyed a glass of Celestial Crimson Reserve, a rare vintage known for its deep, velvety texture and complex flavors.

As they dined, the conversation between Seraphina and Ronan flowed effortlessly. Seraphina explained her aspirations to open a new store, introducing innovative products to the market. Ronan, intrigued by her ambition, expressed his willingness to assist her in any way he could, whether it be finding a suitable location or offering advice on her venture.

“I’m really appreciative of your offer, Ronan,”

Seraphina said with a warm smile.

“It’s reassuring to know I have someone who understands the challenges and is willing to help.”

Ronan nodded, “It’s the least I can do. I’m genuinely interested in what you’re working on. If you need any support or advice, just let me know.”

The conversation continued smoothly, punctuated by laughter and mutual interest. As the evening progressed, a change occurred in the atmosphere. Noblewomen, drawn by Seraphina’s captivating presence, began to gather around her table. They were particularly intrigued by her flawless complexion and radiant beauty, which seemed to set her apart from everyone else.

One older noblewoman, with an air of sophistication, approached and complimented Seraphina.

“Your skin is absolutely luminous. What is your secret?”

Another woman, equally fascinated by Seraphina’s appearance, inquired about her dress. “The gown you’re wearing is exquisite. Where did you acquire such a magnificent piece?”

Seraphina, though initially surprised by the attention, responded graciously. “Thank you. I’ve always taken care of my skin with natural products, and I sourced this dress from a boutique I visited during my travels.”

The noblewomen listened intently, their curiosity piqued. Seraphina’s beauty and style had quickly turned her into the evening’s fashion icon, sparking admiration and interest among the elite.

As the noblewomen gathered around Seraphina, their curiosity about her flawless complexion reached a peak. Seraphina, seizing the opportunity to showcase her products, decided to demonstrate her skincare essentials.

With a graceful smile, she produced two glass bottles from her bag. They were simple but elegant, reflecting the light with a soft glow. One bottle contained her face wash, and the other held her moisturizer. She explained, “These are the products I use daily. They’re based on a family recipe I’ve cherished since childhood. Although the packaging might seem modest, I assure you that the quality is unmatched.”

She unscrewed the cap of the moisturizer and allowed a few noblewomen to experience its scent. The fragrance was subtle yet enchanting—notes of lavender and rose blended with a hint of citrus. The noblewomen inhaled deeply, their eyes widening with pleasure. One of them, visibly intrigued, asked, “Is this edible? It smells divine!”

Seraphina chuckled softly and shook her head. “It’s not edible, but it’s designed to make your skin feel and smell wonderful. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress someone special or simply indulge yourself.”

With a flourish, Seraphina offered to apply the moisturizer to one of the noblewomen. The woman eagerly accepted, her excitement palpable. Seraphina gently massaged the cream onto her face, demonstrating the application technique. “Rub it in gently,” she instructed, “covering every part of your face. Feel how it soothes and refreshes your skin.”

The noblewoman followed Seraphina’s instructions, her expression shifting from curiosity to delight. As she finished, she remarked, “This feels so smooth and light. It’s not oily at all, just incredibly soft and refreshing. It’s such a pleasant sensation!”

Seraphina’s demonstration was met with enthusiastic nods and appreciative murmurs. The noblewomen, who were accustomed to the more basic oils and lotions of their time, were impressed by the luxurious texture and efficacy of Seraphina’s products. Her skincare line, though simple in its current form, had captivated the attention of the elite, setting the stage for potential success in the capital’s high society.

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