After eting the guests, the Queen made her way toward the perfu-making candidates.
Natalie watched as the Queen approached. The previous night, she had only seen her from a distance, but today, she was going to see her up close.
The closer the Queen ca, the more Natalie noticed the striking resemblance between her and her mother. For the first ti, she was eting her grandmother—another person with whom she shared a blood tie.
anwhile, Charlotte had already inford her grandfather about Natalie’s comnt regarding the possibility of a new princess appearing. She and Howard, who were watching the Queen walk toward Natalie, held their breaths in suspense.
"Grandpa, she’s not going to tell Grandma about her, is she?" Charlotte asked in a low, anxious voice.
"Don’t worry. Just her saying anything won’t prove a thing," Howard reassured her, arrogance evident in his tone. "To prove it, she’d have to run a DNA test. And don’t forget—your grandpa holds the power here. Everything runs according to my will."
Charlotte finally felt relieved.
On the other hand, as the Queen greeted each participant one by one, she finally reached Natalie, who bowed respectfully.
Like with the others, the Queen’s assistant introduced her. "Your Majesty, this is Ms. Natalie from the Imperial City."
The Queen smiled warmly, just as she had with the others. "Glad to have you here."
"It’s my honor to be here, Your Majesty," Natalie replied politely.
The Queen moved on to greet the next participant but couldn’t help glancing back at Natalie once more. Their eyes t, and both exchanged a small smile before the Queen finally turned away.
After eting everyone, the Queen took her seat.
The arrangents for the perfu-making session were ready. The Queen and all the esteed guests were eager to see what unique creations these top perfurs had prepared in her honor.
All the participants took their places at their designated tables. As they began crafting their perfus, every gaze in the hall was fixed on them.
Jas Harper watched Natalie, who was engrossed in her work—focused, steady, confident, and skillful. As he observed her, mories from the past, ones he had long buried in his heart, began to surface. Watching Natalie create perfu reminded him of Caryn.
Jas, so many tis, I told you not to enter my lab for the next few days until I allow you to, a familiar voice echoed in his mind, accompanied by flashing images.
I’m sorry. Caryn, but I just couldn’t wait to see what has you so occupied. It’s been a while since you’ve been busy, and I can’t help but miss you, his own voice responded—young, teasing, playful.
Stop being cheesy and stay there, beyond that boundary. I’m almost done.
"What is it?"
A surprise for you, she replied, handing him a box. I created this perfu especially for you. Try it.
Oh, it’s unique. I like it.
That’s because I made sothing compatible with your own unique scent.
Is that why you kept sniffing so often these past few days? I was starting to wonder if you had been possessed by the ghost of a dog. Good to know you are still a normal human.
Stop teasing ...
The voices and images began to fade, dissolving into the depths of his mind.
Jas’ gaze remained fixed on Natalie, his thoughts unreadable.
After a while, everyone finished making their perfus and carefully packed them into small bottles. Each perfu was identified by a number assigned to the perfur, but the creator’s identity was kept secret. Only the participants and organizers knew which number corresponded to whom, ensuring that the judging remained impartial and based solely on the perfu itself.
Along with the Queen, the VVIP guests had the opportunity to test the perfus as well, though the judging was ant to be solely for the Queen’s preference.
One by one, the Queen slled each perfu. Each new scent seed better than the last, making the decision increasingly difficult. But then—one perfu caught her attention, and she froze in place.
After so many years—so many decades—she was experiencing this particular scent once again. A fragrance she had long forgotten. Yet she was certain—this was the sa scent. The one only she and her daughter had ever known.
It brought back an overwhelming flood of mories—sweet, cherished monts spent with her only daughter.
Her eyes turned moist as she wondered who had created this perfu. She scanned the perfurs, trying to guess, but no one stood out. Swallowing her emotions, she composed herself.
After testing all the perfus, there was no doubt in her mind—she had made her decision.
The Queen’s assistant announced the winning number.
"...The Queen’s most preferred perfu is number eight."
A brief pause followed as the assistant opened an envelope to reveal the creator’s na.
"...And the perfur behind number eight is Ms. Natalie from the Imperial City."
Applause filled the hall as everyone congratulated Natalie—while certain individuals fud in silence.
"Ms. Natalie, please step forward and accept your reward," the assistant announced.
Natalie walked toward the Queen, who greeted her with a warm smile, her gaze filled with deep emotions.
She could not help but ask, "Ms. Natalie, may I know what inspired you to create this perfu?"
Natalie offered a light nod and said, "Honestly, my mother was the one who taught how to make this perfu. I’m not sure what inspired her to create it, but I always felt that this perfu signifies motherly affection. When I t you today, I felt that sa warmth from you, and I believe this perfu was truly ant for you."
"Mother’s affection," the Queen repeated softly. "This is indeed ’Mother’s Affection.’"
She rembered—this was the very na given to the sa perfu long ago, when she and her daughter Carn had created it together. It as a secret between them.
"May I know who your mother is?" the Queen asked, her mind filled with the unknown expectations, but she had to control herself from showing any of her emotions.
"Caryn Shaw," Natalie answered. "She was the one who taught how to create perfus when I was young."
"She has indeed taught you well," the Queen replied with a gentle smile. "One day, I would love to et her."
"She would be delighted to hear that," Natalie responded.
The Queen studied Natalie for a few monts before saying, "Would you like to have tea with later? Perhaps we can talk more about perfus then."
"Of course, Your Majesty. It would be my pleasure," Natalie replied politely.
"I will have my assistant inform you of the ti."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
anwhile, Charlotte grew increasingly anxious. "Grandpa, what are they talking about?" she whispered.
Howard didn’t answer. His fists clenched tightly as he thought, I need to get rid of this girl soon.
Reviews
All reviews (0)