Chapter 9
Ron nodded without denying it.
“First, I have a question for both of you. Will we be able to secure a stable supply of Blue True Root moving forward?”
“Yes, don’t worry about that.”
“In that case, I propose selling Starlight Cream in two versions: one for commoners and one for nobles.”
Claire and Franz considered this unexpected suggestion carefully. While targeting a specific demographic was common, pursuing both simultaneously was unprecedented.
If done poorly, they could lose both markets.
Having already calculated everything in his head, Ron eagerly persuaded them.
“Due to the fallout from the Galaxy Cream incident, there’s currently a strong aversion to cream-based cosmetics among the nobility. I’ve heard other trading companies have pulled their creams from the market.”
At the time, Galaxy Cream was a luxury cosmetic used exclusively by nobles, so all the victims were from the upper class.
As a result, the backlash had engulfed the entire noble community.
“So, I believe it’s best to first sell the cream to commoners and create a trend. Once it becomes widely known, we can use Franz’s name to promote it to the nobility.”
“Hmm…”
“I don’t think trends always trickle down from the top. Sometimes, truly good things rise from the bottom.”
“…That’s not wrong. Besides, we won’t know unless we try.”
Claire smiled, and Ron’s face lit up with relief.
Franz looked fondly at the two as they consolidated their opinions.
Thus, while the second phase of research proceeded, the first sample was named Midnight Starlight Cream and prepared for sale.
Claire spent her days growing Blue True Root with her blessing power. Franz focused on refining the formula, while Ron busily organized the demonstration event.
The demonstration event was Ron’s idea for targeting commoners first.
Nothing drew attention like firsthand experience, and nothing promoted a product better than word of mouth.
However…
“We need someone to play the role of attention-grabber to draw in the crowd.”
Ron wanted a faster, more effective way to spark interest.
“We could hire someone for the job, but I think it would be more intriguing if one of you demonstrated the cream.”
“Hmm, you’re saying one of us should apply the cream?”
“Yes, if possible. Both of you are quite attractive, so it would have a stronger promotional effect.”
Understanding his suggestion immediately, Claire smiled and placed her hand on Franz’s shoulder.
“You can do it, right, Dad?”
“…Me? You want me to demonstrate the cream?”
“Yes, Franz Ravello.”
Her calm yet confident tone caused Franz’s gentle green eyes to widen and dart around nervously.
“W-why me…?”
“Then should I do it?”
The hidden daughter of the eccentric magician, whose face had yet to be revealed to the public?
Claire’s deepening smile conveyed that unspoken point clearly.
Feeling the silent pressure, Franz reluctantly replied.
“Fine, I’ll do it…”
“You made the right choice. With your face, people will definitely be interested.”
“Absolutely. Franz, you’ll be the perfect spokesperson.”
Ron chimed in with a thumbs-up.
While Franz sighed in resignation, the other two shared satisfied smiles.
The day of the demonstration finally arrived.
Minerva Trading Company set up a tent in one corner of Meissen Market Square on 6th Street, a popular spot for commoners.
As Franz sat in a chair, the passersby cast curious glances at his face, while Ron began confidently calling out to the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen! This isn’t just any ordinary demonstration! A magical cream that hydrates your skin, erases blemishes, and leaves you glowing! Come and try Midnight Starlight Cream!”
A few people passing by glanced at the cream in his hand.
Not missing the opportunity, Ron pointed to the youngest-looking woman among them.
“You there, miss! Your skin looks a bit dry. Why don’t you try this?”
“What? Oh, no, I’m fine—”
“Oh, come on. I’m not asking for money or anything. It’s free! Just stop by and take a look.”
With a charming smile, Ron persuaded the blushing woman, who hesitantly approached.
Claire wasn’t surprised by how easily Ron attracted attention; after all, he had a striking presence.
“So, what kind of cream is this…?”
“Ah, it’s a nourishing cream made from Blue True Root, a rare plant infused with starlight.”
Ron gestured theatrically with exaggerated politeness toward Franz, who was standing beside him.
“This noble here originally made the cream for his personal use because it was so good! But he thought, ‘Keeping this to myself would be selfish,’ so he decided to sell it to everyone!”
Franz was inwardly surprised by Ron’s slick salesmanship, but Claire remained unfazed.
She already knew how Ron could adapt his persona while selling. Sometimes he was lively, other times cold, or even charismatic. Today, he was proactive and unabashed.
“So, this noble uses the cream?”
“Of course! Franz Ravello owes his amazing skin entirely to this cream. Isn’t that right?”
Ron subtly signaled to Franz.
Franz awkwardly held up the cream and joined in clumsily.
“Haha, yes, that’s right. Without this cream, my skin would look like an earthquake-stricken land. Haha.”
He nervously dabbed a small amount of cream on his cheek, applying it in a thin layer.
Seeing this, Claire stepped in.
Like a shadow, she approached, lifted Franz’s bangs, and evenly applied the cream across his entire face before disappearing again.
As expected of someone once considered the most beautiful woman in the empire, Priscilla’s twin shone through in Franz’s youthful, innocent features. A crowd quickly gathered to see him.
“Look at that glow! That’s what we call radiant, dewy skin!”
“Wow, it’s real!”
“Ooh—!”
“But isn’t it just because this noble is young and naturally has good skin?”
When someone skeptically raised an objection, Ron snapped his head toward them.
“Sir, how old do you think this noble is?”
“Uh, early to mid-twenties?”
“Wrong! The correct answer is thirty-five.”
The crowd murmured in disbelief. Riding the momentum, Ron spoke again.
“Show off your face a little more.”
What does that even mean? How do I do that?
Flustered, Franz glanced at Claire, who gestured for him to sweep back his bangs.
Following her silent instructions, Franz awkwardly pushed his bangs back, unintentionally enhancing his delicate yet melancholic beauty. The mesmerized crowd stared as Ron continued.
“You all know, right? Good skin is the foundation of a youthful appearance. Even you, sir, should take care of your skin to look younger.”
“Well, I suppose that’s true…”
“Here, take one of these!”
Ron cheerfully handed a sample box to the man.
“We’re not here to sell anything today. We’re just here to show you how amazing Starlight Cream is and let you try it for yourselves.”
“So, you’re giving it out for free?”
“Of course! I said that from the start. If you’d like a sample, line up quickly!”
Hearing this, people exchanged glances and began forming a line.
As the area in front of the tent grew crowded, curious onlookers joined in, creating a bustling scene.
The hundred jars of sample cream they had brought disappeared in an instant.
Ron reassured those clamoring for more that they would return the next day, sending them off with a kind smile. Then, with an excited expression, he turned to the others.
“The demonstration was a success! So many people asked when the cream would officially go on sale.”
“Ha… that’s a relief.”
Exhausted from helping with sales, which wasn’t his forte, Franz smiled weakly. Claire patted his shoulder.
“You did well.”
“You and Ron worked hard too…”
“No, starting tomorrow, we’ll hire temporary staff. You two should take a break.”
Although reluctant to leave Ron to handle things alone, Franz and Claire eventually accepted his insistence that he worked better solo.
Meanwhile, they focused on preparing for the official launch of Starlight Cream, securing inventory, registering the product, and obtaining certification from a cosmetics evaluation agency.
Everything progressed smoothly—almost too smoothly.
***
A few weeks later, Starlight Cream became one of the most anticipated new cosmetics among women in their twenties and thirties.
The generous distribution of samples at the demonstration had been an excellent marketing move.
The product registration was complete, and it passed the evaluation agency’s safety tests, earning an official certification mark.
Minerva Trading Company further fueled anticipation by announcing the official release date in the newspaper. By the night before the launch, people were already lining up outside their building.
“Tomorrow, Starlight Cream will finally be available to the world. With the positive interim results from the second phase of research, there’s nothing to worry about anymore.”
“Let’s hope it’s as successful as the effort we’ve put into it.”
“It will be, Claire.”
Even late at night, the three of them were wide awake with excitement.
But on the morning of their eagerly anticipated launch, a shocking headline made waves.
“Breaking: Midnight Starlight Cream Samples Cause Side Effects! Blue True Root is Fake!”
The article claimed that one user of the cream had experienced a severe rash and hives. The cause was allegedly the fake Blue True Root used in the product.
“That’s ridiculous! It’s real Blue True Root. How could there be side effects?”
Claire fumed as she read the article.
The people who had been waiting to purchase the cream dispersed, and not a single customer came to their door.
“Ron, has anyone else reported side effects since the article?”
“No, no one.”
Claire spread the newspaper across the table, folded her arms, and furrowed her brow.
“The timing of this article… it feels like more than just a coincidence.”
“Do you think someone is deliberately trying to sabotage us?”
“If there’s someone who wants us to fail, it’s certainly possible.”
Franz’s expression grew serious. Listening to their conversation, Ron ruffled his hair with a dark look on his face.
“…What should we do now?”
“First, we’ll find this supposed victim and figure out what really happened.”
Claire’s eyes gleamed with calm determination. She refused to let everything fall apart like this.
—
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