SOLIRF~16

Chapter 16

Popup Store

“Popup store? What’s that?”

Of course, he wouldn’t know. That term only existed in the modern world I came from. I had no idea how to translate it properly into words that made sense here, so I just went with it.

“It’s a short-term specialty shop.”

“Short-term?”

The questions came one after another. I tried my best to explain it simply, in a way that would stick in their minds.

“It’s basically a store that operates for a very short time. Think of it as a shop that appears suddenly and then disappears just as quickly. It ‘pops’ up out of nowhere — that’s where the name comes from. Haha…”

The Vice President tilted his head.

“And what kind of marketing effect does that have? How is that different from selling cosmetics in Daijo stores?”

This is the crucial part. I have to explain it well.

I smiled calmly.

“As I mentioned earlier, Daijo mostly sells daily necessities. It’s hard to create a glamorous or luxurious atmosphere that appeals to noble ladies. Of course,” I added quickly, “our products are still the best in terms of price and quality.”

The Chairman nodded slightly.

“That’s why I’d like to propose creating a new cosmetic brand under Daijo. Since the main consumers of cosmetics are young women, it’s best to promote it through a separate, specialized store. That way, they can truly feel the image and concept the brand represents — without Daijo’s practical, everyday image overshadowing it.”

As the content deepened, frowns started to form on the executives’ faces. I held up a lipstick from another brand.

“For example, this one is a product from Madame Rouge. But when you visit Madame Rouge’s shop, you don’t just see cosmetics. You’ll find elegant sofas, porcelain teacups, the scent of fine tea leaves, and exotic carpets imported from abroad — all arranged in a refined, luxurious atmosphere.

The product itself is designed to perfectly match that store’s ambiance. According to market research, Madame Rouge’s loyal customers often say things like, ‘When I wear this lipstick, I feel like an elegant lady.’”

“……!”

Most of the executives were men, and their expressions showed clear surprise.

You can’t run a cosmetics business if you don’t even understand the heart of a makeup lover.

“People aren’t just buying the item itself — they’re buying the image that comes with it. That’s why we should operate our store briefly but powerfully, so customers can fully experience our brand.”

My department head raised his hand.

“But why make it temporary? Wouldn’t it be better to keep it open continuously?”

“Because it’s a promotion,” I replied. “If you open a special store for a limited time and sell special products, it will draw much more attention.”

“Special products?”

The head of the sales department twitched an eyebrow.

“If we add limited-edition products that are only available during the popup period, we’ll spark greater curiosity and desire to buy.”

I wish I could just say ‘limited edition.’

But it was hard enough explaining what a popup store was — I didn’t want to push my luck.

In truth, the real strength of a popup store is fun. There’s joy in visiting a beautifully themed space and discovering well-made products that match it. There were countless other advantages, but even getting them to understand this much felt like a victory.

“(…Omitted…) That concludes my presentation on the launch plan for our new cosmetics brand.”

When I finished, the conference room fell silent.

“……”

“……”

I turned to look at the Chairman, the highest decision-maker in the room.

This is nerve-racking.

He pondered for a long moment before speaking slowly.

“It’s new and unconventional. I’ve never heard of anything like it.”

I swallowed hard. I couldn’t predict whether the knowledge and ideas from my old world would actually work here.

“But strangely enough, it makes sense. What do the rest of you think?”

Once the Chairman opened the floor, cautious opinions started to flow. Some worried about the risks, while others agreed it was worth trying.

The Vice President stroked his chin.

“The previous method failed, so the answer’s obvious — we should try something new. Besides, that girl’s eyes sparkled brighter than anyone’s when she talked about cosmetics. I think she has a good chance.”

The mood gradually shifted toward approval.

“Cornelia, was it?” the Chairman asked.

“Yes.”

“Then proceed with your plan. Samora will take charge of coordination, and the other department heads will give their full support. Understood?”

The executives nodded in agreement.

When I stepped out of the conference room, two familiar faces rushed toward me.

As soon as I explained what had happened inside, Pinea and Nicola threw their arms around me, jumping up and down.

“You’re amazing, Coco! Absolutely amazing!”

“I knew it! I told you I’d bet on you!”

“Thanks, you two.”

Whether it was from pulling an all-nighter or finally relaxing after the tension, my body suddenly felt drained.

Still… it feels kind of rewarding.



Things moved fast — very fast.

There was so much to do: from brand planning and packaging design to finding a location for the popup store.

At least I managed to convince them that ‘popup’ comes from ‘pop-pop!’ like a sound effect.

It was a miracle no one asked, ‘Then why isn’t it called a pop-pop store?’

The cosmetics brand name was chosen as Black Dia, reflecting the Marquis’s daughter’s refined taste.

And I already have a location in mind.

We rented a shop for a month on a busy street frequented by noble ladies.

Designing the interior to match the concept of “Black Dia” and its products was no small feat. Thankfully, Pinea and a few makeup-savvy female employees, who knew the trends here better than I did, helped me plan every detail meticulously.

I was exhausted every day, but thoughts of the special bonus kept me going. Luckily, other departments cooperated actively, making progress smoother than expected.

Crash!

A sudden loud noise made me turn around in shock.

A female Daijo employee was facing off against Bator, and on the floor lay the shattered remains of an expensive glass ornament.

“Watch where you’re going! Open your eyes next time.”

“Excuse me, sir!”

When she called out, Bator stepped closer threateningly.

“What? Got something to say?”

“…You bumped into me, sir.”

The young woman flinched, shrinking back slightly.

“That’s why I said open your damn eyes. Who do you think you’re talking to, huh?”

Bator picked up a piece of broken glass, turned it over in his hand, and then dropped it to the floor — crushing it beneath his heel.

“……!”

The store went silent.

“Senior.”

My voice cut through the tense air. Bator turned toward me, almost as if he’d been waiting for it.

“Get out.”

I said it firmly — an order.

His face twisted in rage as he stormed closer, shoving his filthy face in front of mine.

“So I guess I’m not your ‘senior’ anymore, huh?”

“……”

I didn’t reply. I didn’t even look away.

He spat at my feet, then shoved my shoulder hard enough to make me stagger.

“Enjoy it while you can. It’s all gonna crash down soon.”

He slammed the door behind him.

That’s my line.

“Enjoy it while you can — because I’ll crush your life first.”



Time flew by as we worked. Before I knew it, the grand opening of the popup store was just around the corner.

“Ughhh… I’m so nervous, Coco!” Pinea clutched my shoulders, shaking me slightly.

All I could think was one simple wish:

Please… let all this hard work pay off.



“How long do we have to wait?”

“You’ll need to wait another thirty minutes, my lady…”

“What? I’ve already waited thirty!”

The young count’s daughter slumped in frustration inside her carriage. Behind her stretched a long line of other noble ladies, some shading themselves with parasols as they waited.

That’s how popular this store had become.

A shop had suddenly opened right in the capital — without any notice — and was set to close after just one month. These days, you couldn’t even join a proper conversation among friends unless you’d visited this place.

“Daijo cosmetics, huh? I doubt it’s anything special.”

She shook her head, remembering the Daijo cosmetics once displayed between household goods four years ago. Surely, it hadn’t changed much. Everyone probably came just because the influential Aurelius Marquis’s name was behind it.

“My lady, you may enter now.”

Finally, her turn came. The young lady stepped out of the carriage with her escort, feeling the envious gazes of the others in line.

The sleek black signboard gleamed elegantly under the sun — Black Dia.

It was a name she liked. In both the Empire and abroad, black diamonds were rare and incredibly expensive gems. The store’s concept — open for only a month — fit perfectly with that image. Her heart fluttered with anticipation.

A freckled attendant greeted her warmly.

“Your number’s confirmed, my lady. Please enjoy your visit. Have a wonderful time.”

She had visited countless cosmetics boutiques and dress shops before. A limited-time opening didn’t sound all that impressive — surely the inside would be predictable.

You won’t surprise me that easily.

But the moment she stepped inside, that thought shattered instantly.

“W-what is this…?”

All thoughts of Daijo disappeared from her mind the instant she laid eyes on the breathtaking store interior.