SOLIRF~30

Chapter 30 

Brand Collaboration

The master jeweler Bandai.

He was known not just as the best in the Empire, but as the finest craftsman in the world. His jewelry workshop had inspired countless artisans and artists alike, and many of his disciples had gone on to become renowned masters throughout the Empire.

When Lady Chiara called his name, a distinguished gentleman in a neat suit slowly descended from the second floor.

The entire hall fell into a stunned silence.

Lady Chiara, as if she had expected such a reaction, continued her introduction with poised elegance.

“He has collaborated with us on the design of Black Diamond’s new collection.”

Bandai’s voice was deep and calm as he spoke.

“Good evening. I am Bandai, a jeweler by trade. I’m not fond of public appearances, but I wished to say a few words on such a meaningful occasion. Ahem.”

Though of common birth, his art was so exquisite, so widely admired, that no one in the Empire dared to look down on him.

“How… how is this possible…”

Eloise’s voice trailed off in disbelief as Bandai went on.

“My fellow craftsmen and I take great pride in our work. We never create carelessly, not even a single piece. I accepted this collaboration with Lady Chiara after seeing her genuine passion for the Black Diamond brand. Beauty is not one thing alone—it changes depending on how it’s cut and shaped. Lady Chiara’s philosophy aligns perfectly with my own. It was an unprecedented project, but one that brought me great inspiration and joy.”

Excited murmurs rippled through the noblewomen behind her.

“He’s insane—this is unbelievable!”

“Bandai’s workshop doesn’t take commissions, no matter how much gold you offer!”

“Exactly! It’s not about money—no one even knows how to get him to accept a job!”

“I heard even His Majesty couldn’t command him to do it! The late Emperor himself treated him with the utmost respect for his dedication to the craft!”

“What kind of collaboration did they even do?”

Right on cue, Lady Chiara raised her voice.

“Then, allow me to show you. Experience your own timeless beauty—through Black Diamond.”

The lights dimmed again.

A single spotlight illuminated the center of the hall, revealing a tall, glittering display stand that hadn’t been there before.

“This is our new Glitter Line!”

The shelves sparkled with small, elegant jars filled with luminous powders of various hues. At the very top, twenty-four containers, each adorned with jewels, glimmered like stars.

Everyone—including Lady Lilis and her entourage—stared as if spellbound.

“The festive season is upon us,” came a clear voice.

It was the same short-haired aide Chiara had brought to Madame Laurent’s salon last time.

“Everyone has a different face, skin tone, and style they wish to highlight—but options have always been limited. The new Black Diamond Glitter Line can be applied freely to the face, arms, or legs, bringing a radiant glow to any area you wish! We’ve prepared twenty-four dazzling shades, each crafted in collaboration with Master Bandai. You can see the results for yourself during today’s live demonstration!”

And that wasn’t all.

Holding one of the jars, the aide smiled.

“The gemstones decorating these cases were handpicked and cut by Bandai’s own team. Each customer can choose the color and gem to personalize their own design—meaning, every Black Diamond piece will be truly one of a kind.”

Gasps filled the air.

“So that’s what she meant by ‘creating your own beauty’!”

The aide’s confident tone brimmed with pride and certainty.

“Black Diamond will continue to pursue the beauty that is uniquely yours. Thank you.”

The flawless presentation ended to thunderous applause.

Eloise instinctively turned to Lady Lilis—who sat stiffly, biting her nails, her brows furrowed tight.

If this keeps up, it’s over. We have to turn things around—now.

Catching Rivier’s eye, Eloise gave a signal and moved toward Chiara alongside Lady Lilis.

We can’t let her walk away with all the glory. Let’s ruin her mood at least.

When Chiara noticed them approaching, her eyes widened slightly, caught off guard.

That’s right. Be nervous.

Lady Lilis regained her composure and spoke first, her voice dripping with honey.

“How on earth did you manage all this?”

“Oh, this?” Eloise stepped in quickly. “We wanted to try something new for the event. It was all Lady Lilis’s idea. Isn’t it stunning?”

Murmurs of curiosity spread among the guests.

But Chiara’s reaction was… odd.

“Is that so?”

Her tone was calm—too calm. Something felt off.

Before Eloise could press on, Chiara spoke again, smoothly.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way. It’s just that your headpieces look very similar to a promotional decoration I commissioned from Madame Laurent. I found the final result lacking and had it scrapped… I didn’t expect to see it here today.”

“…!”

Eloise’s eyes darted over Chiara’s attire—then to the hall’s decorations. None of them matched the large floral ornaments she and Lilis were wearing.

“It must be my mistake,” Chiara said lightly, lips curving. “After all, Lady Lilis designed them herself, didn’t she? They suit you both wonderfully. Will they be part of White Veil’s new line, perhaps?”

A snort escaped from somewhere in the crowd—then another.

Those who frequented Lady Lilis’s salons and parties knew exactly what had just happened.

The lady’s face flushed crimson.

“If you try the white glitter at the demonstration table,” Chiara’s short-haired aide chimed in guilelessly, “it might help balance the tone of your accessories.”

“Please,” Chiara said smoothly, her smile serene. “Enjoy the rest of the evening.”



The Black Diamond launch party was, without question, a resounding success.

And how did I know that?

Just look at Lady Lilis and her followers’ faces.

They were desperately trying to keep their expressions neutral, but the twitching at the corners of their mouths said it all. They probably wanted to rip those ridiculous flower headpieces off—but couldn’t.

Eloise, that devoted follower of hers, even announced it was Lady Lilis’s design.

An unexpected bonus. I’d set several small traps to catch the spy feeding information to them—and they’d fallen right in.

At the display stands, a crowd gathered. Young ladies, noblewomen, artists—everyone wanted to test the products themselves. Merchants, guild leaders, even curious men had joined in.

Chiara’s maid and Pinea were demonstrating how to apply the glitter on a model.

“It’s like stars falling on your eyes!”

“It makes my collarbones look slimmer!”

The jars decorated with Bandai’s jewels were another hit. Each could be customized with different gemstones, easily swapped out for new ones. Bandai’s exceptional craftsmanship guaranteed unmatched quality.

One product—endless revenue.

Different price tiers, different jewels, endless profit. The future looked bright indeed.

As I surveyed the hall, making sure everything was running smoothly, a familiar face caught my eye.

Isn’t that the woman I saw getting rather… intimate at the Duke’s mansion? But the man beside her now isn’t the same one from before… wait—

A few steps away stood that other man—also with a woman on his arm.

They both looked married, judging from their demeanor.

So that’s why they were sneaking around the Duke’s estate, huh.

“Are you Lady Chiara’s aide?”

I was mid-thought when someone suddenly interrupted me.

When I turned, my breath caught.

“Lady Lilis?”

There she was—in a bright white gown, wearing that absurd oversized flower on her head.

Walking around like that… sober?

Internally, I applauded her.

It took true courage to keep that kind of dignity after such a fall.