SOLIRF~17

Chapter 17

The Real Boss Summons?

A brand-new space unfolded before her eyes, a flawless blend of black and pink.
It wasn’t the usual elegant drawing-room style she’d seen countless times before.

It looks like the bedroom I always dreamed of but never dared to create.

It was the kind of room she had always longed for, but if she had ever tried to decorate her real room that way, her parents would have surely scolded her.
For nobles, a mansion wasn’t just a place to live — it was a symbol of status and taste. Anything too flashy or divisive was frowned upon.

The young lady wandered dreamily through the displays.

In the black section, the products radiated a simple, sophisticated charm.
In the pink section, they exuded a sweet, girlish tone.
The designs of the cosmetics were unlike anything she had seen before.

Beautiful… but not overdone. So much simpler than other shops.

She could already picture herself showing them off in front of her friends — the looks of envy and curiosity flashing in their eyes.

Aside from the liquid items, the staff kindly helped her test the products on the back of her hand.

These don’t feel that different from Madame Rouge’s.

Even the fragrance was soft and pleasant — subtle enough not to overwhelm.

Hm? There’s something written on the floor.

She crouched a little closer.

“Shy Handkerchief.”

Each color had its own charming name. Naming shades after emotions — how adorable.

There weren’t many products: lipsticks, blushes, and eye palettes — only three kinds.

And not a single color looks the same.

For the first time, she understood what it meant when people said there are no identical shades under the sky.

Oh my, it’s already this late.

Time had flown by. She had spent over two hours browsing, and her basket was now brimming with items.

I suppose it’s time to head back.

She made her way to the counter, still feeling cheerful — when something glittered in the corner of her eye.

She turned her head, captivated.
Above a certain display, golden sparkles fell gently like rain — perhaps a magic item effect.

A large sign read:

“Popup Limited Product.”

“‘Sold only during the one-month popup period…’?
Not available for purchase after the event ends.”

The small note beneath it confirmed her guess.

Inside an elegant box were a matching set — lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow palette — all in shades she hadn’t seen before.

The packaging is even fancier! And look — it’s engraved with ‘Open Edition.’

For some reason, she suddenly had to have it.

When the seasons change, I’ll use different tones anyway. I won’t be able to buy it later.

The price was slightly higher, but she didn’t hesitate to add it to her purchase.

I’ll use it someday — definitely!

“You have an excellent eye, my lady,” said a cute, short-haired clerk with a bright smile.
“These were crafted by master artisans specially for the Black Dia grand opening. Truly exquisite.”

Her conviction solidified.

“And this,” the clerk added, holding out a small box, “is a complimentary mirror — a Black Dia commemorative gift.”

It was black and pink, stylish and compact — perfect to slip into her clutch for a ball or tea party.
She’d always been self-conscious about crumbs or lipstick stains after eating, so this gift was absolutely perfect.

“Did you have a pleasant time, my lady? Please visit again when our main store officially opens.”

When she stepped outside, the sky had already deepened into twilight.
Her waiting escort approached and took the shopping bags from her hands.

“My lady, did you enjoy yourself?”

The young noblewoman smiled with deep satisfaction.

“Let’s come back next week!”

“Pardon?”

I have to come again and take my time — it’ll be gone in a month!



The cosmetics brand Black Dia, under Daijo Company, was a phenomenal success.

Every young lady and noblewoman in Lecera was talking about it — even wealthy commoners and girls from affluent families. There wasn’t a single person who hadn’t heard of the popup store.

“I told you! I knew putting our bets on this was right!”

Pinea grabbed me by the shoulders, shaking me with joy.

As someone who had been a corporate worker down to my bones in my past life, all I could think about was how big my special bonus would be.

But first… there’s something I can’t forget to deal with.



The headquarters was in full festival mode.

Executives walked around grinning ear to ear, and company dinners sponsored by the head merchant happened every night.
No one knew much about the Marquis’s daughter behind this project, but one thing was certain — her influence was immense.

Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

I entered the department head’s office, bowed politely, and took a seat.

“Well, if it isn’t the busiest woman in Daijo — what brings you here?”

It was rare for my boss to joke.

Money really does change everything.

The success of a project could even shift the entire company’s mood.

But instead of basking in the cheer, I remained calm. The department head quickly noticed that I wasn’t here for casual talk and straightened his posture.

“Don’t tell me another merchant group tried to scout you away? Say the word — I’ll talk to the master and make sure your position improves.”

I could almost hear the unspoken plea: Don’t you dare quit.

“No, sir. It’s not that. I just have something I need to report. Everyone’s been busy with the cosmetics business, so I didn’t get the chance to bring it up sooner — but it’s something important.”

I told him everything.
From the small clashes with Bator, to the incident with the burned presentation materials — all of it.
There were witnesses and clear evidence. It couldn’t be brushed off as a misunderstanding.

“I see…”

His expression darkened. He stayed silent for a long while before speaking again.

“First that senior… and now this. I’m sorry, Cornelia.”

“It’s all right, sir. I understand you can’t know everything that goes on below you. And I also know not everyone in a workplace will treat me kindly. But this… went beyond what I can handle. So I’m asking for help.”

Men like Bator act tough only toward those they think are weaker — and higher-ups rarely see it.

Given how much I’d contributed to the success of this project, it was impossible to sweep the matter under the rug.

“Thank you for coming forward, Cornelia. Don’t worry about Bator. The aides and his fellow seniors have already reported several incidents of his abusive behavior. I was planning to warn him one last time… but I don’t think that’ll be necessary anymore.”

A few days later, Bator was summoned by the company’s legal department for investigation.
It turned out that, in addition to workplace harassment and misconduct, he had also been involved in embezzlement alongside the former management head.

Wow. A full combo of corruption.

Apparently, he’d grown resentful when his income began to drop.

The result? Termination.
Every stolen coin was deducted from his salary and assets.
He was permanently banned from ever working at Daijo again.

Under the cold stares of everyone around him, Bator packed up his belongings.
Not a single person came to see him off — not even Gemini, his old teammate.

“Hey.”

But I came.

To watch his fall with my own eyes.

Bator turned toward me, his glare burning with anger.

“You reported me, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t bother hiding it.”

I shrugged. He gave a bitter laugh through his nose.

“Hah. You’ve even started talking down to me now. Lost your mind?”

“You’re not my senior anymore. Can’t you tell?”

“……”

Bator’s lips pressed tightly together. His eyes trembled, and then — suddenly — he lunged closer, his steps desperate and uneven.

“I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to ruin your work. I did it for the company’s sake, I swear! I’ll apologize properly, just… talk to the department head and the boss for me, will you? Please? I’m begging you! I’m saying sorry, aren’t I?!”

He flipped between panic, guilt, and rage in an instant — a pathetic wreck of a man.

I leaned closer and whispered in his ear.

“You’re disgusting.”

The hollow words of a man drowning in his own inferiority complex.
His excuses didn’t move me one bit.



With that annoyance gone for good, the official Black Dia store opened — and business was booming from day one.

Naturally, the special bonuses came rolling in.
Cheers erupted across Daijo Headquarters.

Even more than I expected.

The amount was roughly the same as what I’d earned from selling my hair earlier.
In other words, I’d just earned another six months’ worth of salary.

Maybe I should consider this as a side gig?

The thought came and went quickly.

Without Daijo’s capital, manpower, and expert backing, such success would’ve been impossible.
Working alone, I’d have to chase investors and negotiate deals by myself — no, thank you.
I wanted money, but not the kind that came with crushing stress.

Instead, I started wondering how I could qualify for the next special bonus.

That’s when I was suddenly called in by the Vice President.

Out of nowhere? Why…?

I took a deep breath and headed for his office, vowing not to blurt out “Me?!” like before.

But he wasn’t alone.
Sitting across from him was a middle-aged gentleman I’d never seen before.

“I am Fenel Mute, the butler of the Aurelius Marquis household.”

I blinked in surprise and greeted him politely.

“Hello. I’m Cornelia.”

“You’re much younger than I expected.”

“She may look young, but she is of age,” the Vice President said respectfully.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, the butler finally got to the point.

“The Marquis’s daughter wishes to meet with you, Miss Cornelia.”

…Wait. What?