Twisted Wonderland Book 5: A Beauitful Tyrant

Chapter 29: Skin Care Overview

Vil walks into the lounge, "How long are you all going to congregate in the lounge?" And notices the boxes on the floor, "...And what are these stacks of boxes?

"Epel's family sent him some apple juice, which he has been kind enough to share," Rook says.

"I-it doesn't have any added sugars! Or preservatives!" Epel confirms.

And says, "And, um, it's not going to last for very long, so...you're welcome to have some too, Vil. If you like."

"Hmm. Is that so? Perhaps if the mood strikes me," Vil says. "But it's just about 10 o'clock. That means lights out for you spudlings."

"You expect us to go to bed at 10 p.m.?! What are we, grade schoolers?" Ace asks, shocked.

"Perhaps so, if your mindset moves you to equate an early bedtime with being a child. You need a MINIMUM of seven hours of sleep a night to maintain lustrous skin and hair, "Vil explains.

Then says, "Speaking of which, I've been meaning to ask you... What products do you use for hair and skin care?"

"Uh, what do you mean, care?" Deuce asks.

"My hair tangles easily with repeat washes, so I use hair oil...but I don't put anything extra on my skin,"Jamil says.

"My attendants back home always slathered me in moisturizers, but I haven't done any of that since I started school here," Kalim says.

Suddenly, Vil reacts in shock, "You strip away your natural oils and then leave your skin gasping for hydration? Are you mad?!"

He then calms down soon after, "I'm giving each of you a set of my personally formulated skin care products. Apply them every morning and evening after you wash your face."

And with that, Vil brings out his shin care products and places them on the table.

"What are these?" Sereia asks.

"My cosmetics. I made them myself," Vil answers.

Kalim takes an interest, "Ooh, you make your own cosmetics? Neat!"

"I shouldn't be surprised. Of course the Pomefiore housewarden would be an expert in herbalism," Jamil says.

"Epel and I have been naught but smooth and supple since we started using Vil's products," Rook says.

"Yes, and he makes other things, too: sunblock, setting powder, lip balm, hand cream...

He dumped—ah, I mean, gifted me—a bunch of it," Epel explains.

"That's very impressive," Briar says.

Kalim looks at the bottles and says, "By the way, I see a lot of bottles here. How do you use all this?"

"Must I explain everything?" Vil says with a sigh.

Then says, "Fine. I'll start with the facial cleanser, "Kalim, you'll be my model. The rest of you, pay close attention."

Ace, Deuce & Jamil answer, "Y-yes, sir."

Vil then asks, "Kalim, what do you use when you wash your face normally?"

"Water!" Kalim answers.

"Out of the question!" Vil sternly says, "First, work up a lather with this loofah, then massage your face with the foam. NO hard scrubbing."

Soon, Vil begins to do just that.

Kalim laughs, "Aha ha! This tickles."

Vil then says, "Once you've finished washing, use a refining toner. Apply it gently to your skin with a cotton pad."

"You have to wipe yourself down again right after rinsing the foam off?" Kalim asks.

"This is a secondary step for removing dirt from your pores," Vil says, and continues, "Next comes the moisturizer. Rub it into your palms and press down firmly with it to ensure it permeates the skin."

"Ooh, it smells all flowery. This is nice!" Kalim replies.

Vil continues, "Next is the milky lotion. Boys our age secrete a lot of sebum, so applying too much could backfire."

Kalim laughs, "Aha ha ha! It's kind of funny when you say 'our age'."

"...Would you care to elaborate on that statement?" Vil questions.

"I just mean, you're so mature compared to all the other juniors I know," Kalim answers.

"Good. I was ready to come to blows if you had intended to call me old," Vil says.

And continues, "Anyway, moving on... What I just went over was the order of operations for your morning and evening care routine. This container here is a facial cream meant to be used once every three days for added care. Apply it before you go to bed. Work this oil into the ends of your hair before using a dryer. This body milk here is for use after showers. Apply it meticulously to your knees, elbows, and the heels of your feet."

"This is as hard as a Potionology practical," Deuce says, surprised.

"Ooh, my skin's already feeling silkier after getting the Vil treatment," Kalim says, impressed.

Then turns to the others, "See, guys? Feel my cheek."

Jasper gently touches his cheek, "Wow. you're squeaky clean."

"And kind of squishy," Sereia says, touching the other cheek.

Briar giggles, "Alright guys, that's enough."

And Vil cuts in, "Hey! Get your grimy hands off his clean face! Hands are a breeding ground for microorganisms."

"In some ways, our housewarden's got nothin' on Vil. This is nuts..." Ace whispers.

Deuce shushes him, "Shhh. He's right here."

Then Ace turns to Vil, "Hey, Vil? Question. You became housewarden because you're good at magic, right? Do you know any spells that can skip all this stuff and just magically gussy up our hair and skin?"

"Magicians like yourselves should understand that most spells and potions are not permanent," Vil answers, "Magic might create a temporary illusion of beauty and allow someone to indulge in a brief dream... But I have no interest in spells that fade when the clock chimes midnight. What I seek is genuine, authentic aesthetic perfection. Like the Fairest Queen who earned the Magic Mirror's recognition."

If that legendary mirror still existed, I have no doubt it would recognize your excellence, Vil," Rook says.

"...Perhaps," Vil replies.

Then turns to the others, "That talk ran a bit long. All of you, to your rooms now. And don't forget to follow the skin care routine before you go to bed!

"Y-yes, sir..." Ace, Kalim & Epel reply.

Author Note:

Hello readers, I apologize for the sudden message, but I want to let you know that the last day for votes will be on January 22 when I finish with Chapter 55 and 56. On January 23 for Chapter 57 and 58 is when a piece of the winning song is revealed. So if you haven't cast your vote there's still time. And hope you enjoy my Twisted Wonderland Stories.