Odette walked beside Vivienne down the long corridor of the mansion. The soft morning light filtered through the tall stained-glass windows, scattering delicate colors across the marble floor. The silence of the place was peaceful, broken only by the light echo of their footsteps.
After a few moments, Odette spoke naturally.
— Vivienne… we need to go out today.
Vivienne turned her face slightly.
— Go out?
— We need to buy some Fragrance — Odette replied calmly. — Yours are almost finished.
Vivienne blinked once.
— Fragrances?
— Yes. And we're going to Lívia Noctela's shop — Odette continued. — You know… the perfumer mage.
Vivienne kept her expression serene, though inside she was trying to process that piece of information.
So there really is a mage who makes Fragrances… and apparently I know her.
Odette paused for a moment and looked toward the large doors of the mansion.
— I'll have them call a carriage.
She made a small gesture to one of the servants passing through the corridor.
— Prepare a carriage for us.
— Yes, Lady Odette — the servant replied, bowing his head before hurrying away.
Vivienne nodded.
— Very well.
A short while later, the two of them were descending the grand staircase at the main entrance of the mansion.
Outside, the carriage waited in front of the property. The black wood was polished, reflecting the gentle morning light, and two horses with dark coats stood calmly.
The coachman stepped down when he saw them.
— Lady Vivienne. Lady Odette.
He opened the carriage door.
Odette climbed in first, with elegant movements, lightly holding the hem of her dress.
Then she turned to Vivienne.
— Come.
Vivienne entered right after.
The interior was comfortable, with red velvet seats and small curtains at the windows.
The door was closed.
Moments later, the carriage began to move.
The sound of the wheels on the stone rang out rhythmically as the city slowly passed by the windows.
Vivienne looked outside, absorbing every detail.
The streets were elegant, yet full of diversity.
Some people were ordinary humans, dressed in refined clothing.
Others made it clear that this world was far more varied.
She saw a couple of elves crossing the street, their long, delicate ears peeking through pale hair.
Farther ahead, a tall man walked with curved horns rising from his forehead, conversing calmly with a woman whose fluffy tail swayed behind her as she carried a basket.
A child ran along the sidewalk, laughing, small translucent wings fluttering on her back.
Vivienne watched everything in silence.
So… this world really is filled with different races.
Even if Vivienne's body seemed accustomed to it, for Aiko it was still astonishing.
Humans… elves… people with horns… tails… wings…
She took a slow breath.
I'm definitely not in my world anymore.
On the other side of the seat, Odette was also observing the city scenery.
After a few moments, she commented with a soft smile:
— Châtelune is a very beautiful city.
Vivienne kept looking out the window for a moment longer.
It really is… it looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Then she turned her face toward Odette.
Her green eyes met Odette's.
Vivienne answered calmly:
— Only not as beautiful as you.
As soon as the words left her mouth, a thought immediately appeared.
Okay… that is definitely not something I would normally say.
She maintained her elegant posture, trying not to show any hesitation.
For a moment, Odette simply observed her.
Then a faint smile curved her lips.
The carriage continued moving through the streets of Châtelune while the silence between them became comfortable, tinged with a light teasing.
Vivienne turned back to the window.
But one thought lingered in her mind.
We're going to meet this Lívia Noctela…
She breathed slowly.
I hope she's just a talented perfumer…
… and not someone who notices too much.
Some time later, the carriage stopped.
The coachman opened the door from outside.
— We've arrived, ladies.
Vivienne stepped down first this time, lightly holding the hem of her dress so it wouldn't touch the ground.
Odette descended right behind her.
In front of them stood the shop.
It was an elegant building, with light stone walls and large windows of ornate glass.
Inside, soft little lights illuminated shelves filled with crystal bottles of every shape and color.
A delicate sign hung above the door.
Noctela — Arcane Essences
Even from outside, Vivienne caught a gentle fragrance in the air — a delicate blend of night-blooming flowers, rare herbs, and something mysterious she couldn't quite identify.
As soon as they stepped inside, an enveloping aroma filled the space around them.
It was a complex, hypnotic mixture: night-blooming jasmine, dark roses, rare herbs, warm amber, and something deeper… almost magical.
Vivienne paused for a moment just after crossing the threshold.