Chapter 41: Beauty Underneath the Foundation

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Opening 4

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Four days would pass since the role-playing Marechaussee Hunters adventure as Lucius is roaming Vasari Passage in the Court of Fontaine, having just finished another commission for the guild.

Lucius: ("This shop is rather busy today... must be a sale happening.")

He says as he arrives in front of the shop that is catching multiple customers.

Lucius: ("Ah, Butterfly Dew cosmestics, now on sale. So I was right.")

???: Ah, if it isn't Lucius.

A cutesy voice speaks from behind as he turns around and comes across Sigewinne.

Lucius: Yo, Sigewinne. Been a while.

Sigewinne: Indeed. I hope you're keeping yourself fit and healthy while you were in Natlan.

Lucius: ("Ah... ignoring that I was a transformation away from death... yeah, I'll just emit that.")

Lucius: Yep, for sure. What brings you here, by the way?

Sigewinne: The Duke insists I take regular vacations in the Court of Fontaine. This one just so happened to coincide with a promotion for a new skincare product, so I came over to take a look. I like to keep up with the latest industry developments when I can, to help me with my magazine articles.

Lucius: You write for a magazine?

Sigewinne: It's called "Beautes en fleurs," and it's run by the Fontaine Beauty Association. I've done lots of articles about skincare for them, using the pen name "Romaritime Flower."

Lucius: Fontaine Beauty Association... oh yeah, I recall that you're one of the leading figures.

Sigewinne: Yeah, I really like this role. The staff at cosmetics shops are always so polite, and as long as I wear a big smile on my face, I always get the best customer service.

Lucius: What got you interested in beauty products, Sigewinne? If you don't mind me asking.

Sigewinne: The truth is, I study this field because I cherish my own appearance. It has nothing to do with being beautiful or not.

Lucius: So... you're saying natural beauty is the highest form of beauty?

Sigewinne: Not really... Actually, Melusine aesthetics are very different from human ones. We don't view humans based on their appearance. If I had to describe our approach, I'd say it's based on... "cuteness."

Lucius: Really?

Sigewinne: Yep. Still, I really value my current appearance, and in the process of taking care of it, I've ended up learning quite a lot about skincare and stuff. Turns out my knowledge and experience is pretty popular with beauty product lovers. It came as a big surprise to me though.

Lucius: I see, I see.

Looking at Sigewinne and her appearance, a question then pops into his head.

Lucius: ("Would this count as rude? I don't wanna pull a Paimon.")

Lucius: In a non-offensive way... How come you look human with Melusine features?

Sigewinne: No offence taken, Lucius. For starters, I'm not mixed. I made a decision to turn myself into this form, a very long time ago... If you're curious, I could tell you the story.

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