The interior of the shop was elegant and mysterious at the same time.
Tall shelves of dark wood covered the walls, filled with glass bottles of every possible shape — round, elongated, spiraled. Some contained golden liquids, others violet, blue, or completely transparent.
Small handwritten labels were attached to each vial.
Iron candelabras hung from the ceiling, their soft flames illuminating the room with a warm light.
At the back of the shop stood a large polished wooden counter, covered with delicate instruments: glass tubes, small silver spoons, open vials, and parchments filled with notes.
It looked more like a magical laboratory than a perfumery…
Vivienne walked slowly beside Odette, observing every detail.
The scent changed as they moved through the space, as if each part of the shop had its own essence.
— Okay… this is much more sophisticated than I imagined — Vivienne murmured.
Odette seemed completely at ease there. She looked around with a small smile.
— Lívia? — she called, her voice echoing softly through the shop.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, from the back of the establishment, came the faint sound of glass being set down on wood.
Calm footsteps approached. First appeared the tall, elegant black witch's hat rising above the shelves.
Then came the long, soft rabbit ears, slightly tilted at the tips, moving subtly as she walked.
And then she emerged fully.
Lívia Noctela.
Her black hair fell in soft waves down to her waist, shining under the shop's light, reflecting deep, discreet bluish tones.
Her brown eyes observed everything with calm intelligence from behind the small round glasses perched delicately on the tip of her nose. There was always a hint of curiosity and amusement hidden in that gaze.
Vivienne couldn't help but think quickly, almost instinctively: Wow… so bold dressed like that… and yet she maintains this elegant air, as if she knows exactly the effect she causes…
Lívia's pale skin contrasted gently with her dark hair and the outfit she wore.
Over her shoulders fell a short black cape, draped elegantly and fastened with small silver crescent-moon brooches, swaying lightly with each movement.
Beneath the cape, the black garment hugged her body, following the line of her waist and hips.
When Lívia leaned to pick up a vial, the fabric naturally outlined her curves, revealing the rounded shape of her bottom before the cape fell softly back into place.
On her legs, thigh-high black stockings completed the look, held by discreet garters that peeked out for a moment when she moved.
The entire ensemble blended charm, elegance, and a provocative touch.
Vivienne caught herself thinking, slightly flushed: How can someone be so provocative without saying a single word?
Every gesture Lívia made — adjusting her glasses, a subtle tilt, the sway of the cape — seemed calculated to draw attention without ever losing sophistication.
She adjusted her glasses with a small motion and smiled.
— Well, well… if it isn't my favorite customers.
Odette let out a small amused sigh.
— Still as dramatic as ever, Lívia.
The perfumer shrugged elegantly.
— Dramatic? No. Just honest. Some customers appreciate fine scents… others just buy expensive bottles to impress visitors.
Her eyes lingered on Vivienne for a moment longer than necessary.
— Fortunately, you two belong to the first group.
Vivienne maintained her elegant posture.
— That's exactly why we came.
Odette then spoke naturally:
— Vivienne's Fragrances are almost finished.
Lívia dramatically placed a hand over her heart.
— Almost finished? — She shook her head slowly. — That's practically a social tragedy.
Odette laughed softly.
— I thought you'd say something like that.
Lívia then turned to the shelves behind the counter. Her black hair swayed gently as she moved among the glass vials.
— Good thing some new essences arrived this week.
Vivienne observed the interior of the shop while Lívia searched for something. Tall shelves lined the walls, filled with bottles of every imaginable shape. Some were simple and elegant, others intricately detailed.
The scent in the air shifted subtly with each breath. It wasn't just perfume. It felt as though each fragrance had its own presence.
— Ah… found it.
Lívia returned carrying a small silver tray on which rested three bottles. She placed the tray on the counter.
— Let's start with something classic.
Her fingers touched the first bottle, translucent glass containing a rosy liquid.
— Rosée d'Aube — she said. — Light floral. Pale roses and magnolia. Perfect for elegant encounters or morning strolls.
Odette took the bottle and inhaled the scent. A small smile appeared on her lips.
— Very refined.
Lívia then pointed to the second bottle, golden, with the glass molded into the shape of a small flower.
— Solennité Dorée. Solar petals, a touch of saffron and soft honey. The nobility often wears it to evening receptions.
Vivienne tilted her head slightly.
— It sounds sophisticated.
— It is — Lívia replied. — But still discreet.
Finally, her fingers touched the third bottle. The glass was dark, almost black, reflecting faint violet tones under the light. A very fine mist moved slowly inside it.
Lívia didn't speak right away. She simply looked at Vivienne.
— And this one… — she said, a small smile playing on her lips. — I haven't sold it to anyone yet.
Odette tilted her head, curious.
— That's… very intriguing.
Lívia rested her chin on the tips of her fingers, watching Vivienne with an almost amused intensity.
— This is… Noctis Veil — she finally said. — Deep notes of black orchid, dark amber, and a touch of myrrh. It's not just a perfume… it's an experience. Use it carefully.
Vivienne raised her eyebrows, maintaining her impeccable posture, but feeling her curiosity grow.
— An experience? — she repeated, her voice calm, almost restrained.
Lívia gave a light, enigmatic smile.
— Yes. For those moments when you want to leave an unforgettable impression. It's not for everyone… but I believe you would know how to wear it.
Odette crossed her arms, tilting her head with interest.
— Sounds perfect for a special occasion.
Vivienne glanced at the dark bottle, intrigued. The liquid seemed to pulse with a hypnotic softness, as if it had a life of its own. For a moment, she felt a faint tension in her body that wasn't entirely hers — a reflection of Aiko's curious and cautious nature.
— I'll take all three — she said decisively. — Rosée d'Aube for everyday, Solennité Dorée for formal occasions… and Noctis Veil… for special moments.
Lívia leaned slightly forward, as if appraising Vivienne's choice.
— Excellent decision — she said, taking out a small parchment and beginning to note down the details. — Each one is prepared with care, and you'll notice the difference immediately.
While Lívia finished the record, Odette watched the dark bottle with a faint smile of curiosity and a hint of anticipation.
Vivienne maintained her elegant composure, but deep inside, Aiko felt excitement mixed with caution. The world she now inhabited might be aristocratic and controlled, but it still held surprises — and every scent seemed laden with history, magic, and possibilities.
Lívia carefully wrapped the bottles, placing them in a black velvet box and closing it with delicacy.
— Here they are. May each essence bring exactly what you desire — she said, raising an eyebrow slightly, as if casting a small silent spell along with the delivery.
Odette took the box with elegance, and Vivienne cradled it carefully in her arms.
— Always a pleasure — Lívia said, stepping back a few paces and observing the two with an evaluative yet satisfied look.
Vivienne nodded, keeping her composure, but deep down feeling a quiet curiosity: how each scent might change not only the atmosphere, but also the perception of those around her… and perhaps even herself.
— Let's go — Odette said softly, guiding Vivienne toward the exit. — I think we have everything we need now.
The carriage waited outside, the horses snorting softly as they noticed the movement.