Chapter 29
Black Diamond’s New Product Launch Party
The man who had introduced himself as Mr. Bull had been venting his frustrations for quite some time. Since that was exactly the purpose of the Quitters Anonymous Café, I let him go on as much as he wanted—occasionally adding small comments to keep the flow going.
“I read in an article that he’s an elite, a perfect man—but I guess that’s not entirely true?”
Bull waved his hand animatedly, nodding in agreement as if I’d said something profound.
“I suppose even the gods thought it would be unfair to grant him good character on top of everything else. If they’d given him even a little bit of generosity, I’m sure a lot of people would be happier right now.”
Apparently, the man he was talking about was notorious among the officials. It was only because of his noble birth that no one dared speak openly about it.
Now that I think about it, I’ve gotten a few consultations before about someone dealing with a terrible superior in the Imperial Palace… Could it be the same person?
Since Bull was one of his closest aides, the amount of stress he’d gone through must have been unimaginable. I couldn’t help feeling a twinge of sympathy.
“I’m really glad I came here,” he sighed with relief. “It feels like my chest finally opened up. Honestly, I don’t think anyone else deserves to be in this café more than me. It’s almost like it was made just for me.”
I smiled faintly, confident that he would soon become one of our regular VIP customers.
“To suppress Sir Bull’s urge to resign,” I said solemnly, “this Master Quokka will devote all her heart and skill.”
Finally… today’s the day.
Eloise’s chest swelled with anticipation.
It had been five years since she began serving as Lady Lilis’s loyal follower. During that time, she’d had more fun than she could ever count. It wasn’t easy keeping the lady in good spirits, but the thrill of removing any young noblewoman who dared to annoy her made it all worth it.
And tonight, they were going to destroy another one.
Chiara Aurelius.
Heiress of one of the Empire’s most powerful houses—wealthy merchants, a brilliant young heir in the Tower, and a doting father who adored his daughter beyond reason.
But Chiara hadn’t relied on her family’s influence. She had built her reputation in high society with her own charisma, creating trends and standing at the center of attention.
And that’s exactly what irritated Lady Lilis.
Outwardly, Lady Lilis smiled with angelic grace, but behind that gentle façade, she had gathered every piece of information about Lady Chiara, eager to outshine and humiliate her—to remind her of her place beneath her.
Sometimes Eloise wondered if things had gone too far.
But every time one of their schemes succeeded—when a party of Chiara’s fell into ruin thanks to their inside information—the thrill was irresistible.
Her face when I showed up in the exact same dress she ordered last time… priceless.
Chiara had arrived late, making it look as though she was the one who copied someone else. The look of shock and embarrassment on her face was delicious. Crushing the proud lady’s nose had been a moment of pure satisfaction.
And tonight would be the same.
Chiara had been basking in glory ever since her fashion brand, Black Diamond, took off—but that pride would end tonight. Lady Lilis’s White Veil had already become the new sensation. No one could outshine her now.
Eloise set off, her heart full of confidence. The Marquis’s mansion was as vast and elegant as any duke’s estate, filled with luxurious goods befitting a merchant family. It had a more vibrant and modern feel than the traditionally styled ducal mansions.
In front of the grand hall, she met Livia, another of Lilis’s followers, dressed almost identically. The two exchanged smug smiles and soft giggles, as though the entire evening belonged to them.
“I can’t wait to see Lady Chiara’s face,” Livia whispered.
“Neither can I. No matter what they bring out, White Veil will easily surpass it.”
“They’ll probably just do something similar to last time.”
“Fufufu.”
“Huhu.”
Giggling, they stepped confidently into the ballroom as the doors opened.
“Wow!”
Eloise gasped aloud before she could stop herself, covering her mouth in shock. Behind her, nobles entering the hall echoed her reaction.
“Wow…”
“How beautiful…”
Eloise had expected Black Diamond to use their signature black and pink aesthetic, just like their pop-up shop. That way, Lady Lilis’s white-themed brand would shine even more.
But Chiara had defied every expectation.
White and gold?!
The hall gleamed in radiant white, accented with shimmering gold—splendid yet not excessive. Even though it was evening, the entire ballroom glowed as if bathed in sunlight. The red carpet had been replaced with gold, creating an elegant, striking harmony.
And that wasn’t all.
“Oh my, they’ve decorated with red roses! How unexpected—and it looks stunning!”
A noblewoman tapped one of the roses with her fan, watching its petals tremble slightly—fresh, real roses of the highest quality. The hall, which could have felt too sterile, now brimmed with life.
Eloise’s earlier confidence faltered. Her expression went blank as she stared around in disbelief. They had been so secretive about preparations—but she hadn’t expected this.
“Over here.”
Lady Lilis raised her hand gracefully. Snapping back to her senses, Eloise hurried to her side and gushed with automatic flattery.
“Lady Lilis, you look absolutely divine tonight.”
“Yes, my lady, you’re clearly the true star of this evening.”
Buoyed by her recent brand success, Lilis smiled with satisfaction. Though the décor wasn’t what she’d expected, she didn’t seem overly concerned—it wasn’t enough, she thought, to overshadow her.
“There are so many high nobles here tonight.”
Indeed, not just young ladies but also married noblewomen, heirs, and even heads of families were present. Eloise even spotted the Archduke’s son. The Aurelius family’s influence was on full display.
“Well, of course—Lady Lilis is here,” one of her followers said breathlessly.
Flattery filled the air like perfume.
“Oh my, isn’t that the actress Angelina?”
Murmurs spread throughout the hall. Eloise turned and saw familiar faces from the opera, fashion magazines, and art circles—painters, musicians, performers.
“That man’s the head of the Ghana Trading Guild!”
A nobleman practically sprinted across the room to greet him.
The lineup of guests—nobles, artists, merchants—was far beyond what Eloise had imagined. Anxiety began to creep in.
No… it’s fine. It’s just the Marquis’s family. Lady Lilis is more beautiful, and her brand is stronger. Chiara won’t stand a chance.
Eloise smirked. After all, she was wearing the exact same accessories Chiara had ordered, stolen through spies at Madame Laurent’s salon—just as she’d done before.
Then, suddenly, the lights dimmed.
“Huh?”
“What’s happening?”
“Is something wrong?”
Amid the confusion, a calm, confident voice resonated through the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight for the Black Diamond New Product Launch Party.”
“Lady Chiara’s voice?”
“Where’s it coming from?”
“It must be magic!”
No one had ever seen a party presentation like this before. A single beam of light illuminated the grand staircase, where Lady Chiara Aurelius stood, serene and radiant.
She descended gracefully, every step deliberate and poised. As expected, she wore black—but with golden accents that matched the hall perfectly, giving her an air of refined, regal beauty.
She was the embodiment of the party itself.
Enjoy it while you can, Eloise thought, moving deliberately closer with Lady Lilis so Chiara would see them clearly. She even waved politely, waiting for Chiara’s reaction.
Chiara’s gaze passed over them—without the slightest flicker of surprise.
Did she not notice?
The hall brightened again as Chiara smiled and began to speak.
“Good evening. I am Chiara Aurelius, the host of tonight’s event and designer of Black Diamond.”
Her clear, composed voice filled the ballroom. The guests leaned in, curious about what came next.
“Thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown our pop-up store. It is truly an honor to introduce our new collection to all of you tonight.”
Her face glowed with excitement, as if she were holding back a secret surprise. The uneasy feeling in Eloise’s chest grew stronger.
“This evening, I have the great privilege of presenting Black Diamond’s latest creation together with a most extraordinary partner.”
What? She’s not unveiling the product first?
Eloise’s grip tightened around her fan until it bent.
“Allow me to introduce the world’s greatest master jeweler—Bandai!”
Chiara turned toward Lady Lilis with a radiant, knowing smile.
As if to say: You never stood a chance.
Listening to the gasps and applause, Eloise could only whisper in disbelief—
“How… how did she even think of that…?”
