[3rd Person POV]

Nightfall.

Most busy streets of the royal capital had begun to calm as the sun set, replaced by the softly shining moon in the darkened sky.

In contrast, the center of the royal capital, where most set their businesses due to its strategic location, became livelier as many gathered after their day of work to enjoy the city as the day came to a close.

In the last few weeks, rumors have begun circulating within this area amongst shop owners and the people going through the area. News of a shop with a product that impresses the queen herself and plenty of other high-ranking nobles and is supported by the crown, yet also provided products that even commoners could afford without breaking their pocket was spread amongst them. And its location seemed to be on the edge of the noble's district, where any business would thrive due to being extremely accessible by both nobles and commoners.

It was obvious that its owner was an extremely influential and powerful member of high nobility, and judging by the trend, most couldn't believe that it would cater to the commoners as well. And while most of the excitement died down due to the fact, many were still curious about the product that managed to impress the queen and many members of high nobility who were known to have extremely high standards, especially shop owners who focused their business

on dresses, jewelry, and beauty products.

It was impossible for them to do anything about it as it is owned by a high ranking member of the nobility who also received the crown's support. But they still keep a keen eye on it so they could come up with any sort of plan that would keep them in business against it.

And a week ago, they could finally give a name to the rumored shop.

"Eden"

The name of a mythical garden of the Goddess who created this world. Most knew of the name, even commoners as it was written and depicted in many children's books, stories, and religious books. And it immediately created a deep impression.

This rumored shop didn't brand itself with the name or last name of its owner, which was mostly practiced as a way to lend the shop itself the influence and popularity of the name or, vice versa, to further elevate the popularity and influence of their owner if successful.

But through its name, an impression and imagery of what it could appear to be like and what product it might provide immediately appeared in their minds. The imagery of a heavenly garden, filled with flowers and nature and all that is beautiful in the world.

Excitement began to rise once more amongst the masses as days passed, nearing the day of its opening.

And finally, it was the night before the grand opening of the highly awaited shop.

As they walked around the streets in the center of the royal capital, many noticed escorted carriages, beautiful and grand in their appearance, making their way towards the rumored shop, "Eden".

And from within, nobles dressed impressively stepped down from their carriage and into "Eden", welcomed by staff dressed in impressive suits and dresses.

Many stopped in their treks and began to watch as several more impressive carriages arrived one after another and high-ranking nobilities alighted from it and entered the shop.

And finally, escorted by several companies of royal knights, they saw the carriage of the royal family heading to "Eden" and stopping before it. And from within, both his and her majesties the king and queen, and his and her highnesses the crown prince and princesses alighted from the carriage and entered "Eden".

On that night, rumors that "Eden" was supported by the royal family and high-ranking nobilities were confirmed, and the name spread throughout the entire royal capital.

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[Alterisa's POV]

Uwaaaahhh!!! T-They're here!!!

Evelyn's family, Celine's family, Valerie-chan's family, Illya's family, Noir's family, Mellissa's family, Stella's family, even Keith and Wilhelm's family, and the royal family...

U-Ugh... Even though it was the usual people, I still couldn't help but feel very nervous!

This private celebration is meant for me to thank everyone who had helped and supported me all this time. Since they're all extremely high profile nobles, I can't very well have them come during the grand opening tomorrow, which will be opened to the public, so I had to prepare this little event for the night before.

It was more like a little gathering between family friends and for me to celebrate my own shop finally opening with my friends. But I can't help but be very nervous!!!

"Are you okay...? You look like you're constipated."

"Wha-?! Lu-nii!!! How can you say that to a lady!!! U-Ugggh... I-I just feel a bit nervous... I didn't expect all of them to come!"

I raised my voice and slumped back down to my seat in the dressing room where I would be waiting for my turn to enter the venue along with Anne and Maria-chan.

I was already dressed in a beautiful, pure-white dress and my hair was also already done in a flower braid, ready for the party.

I did expect the royal family and my girl friends' families to come, but I really didn't expect Keith and Wilhelm's family to come too?! Was it because they're close with dad?!

"You don't need to worry. They're all your friends and everything will be fine. Just have fun, okay? This is meant for you to celebrate with your friend, isn't it?"

Lu-nii petted my head a few times before he waved his hand and exited the dressing room.

Hah... That's easier said than done, Lu-nii...

"...Alterisa-sama, would you like some more tea? There are still a few minutes until the master called for you for your speech."

"Uhn. Thank you, Anne."

I picked up the cup of tea and took a sip as I rehearsed my speech over and over in my head.

And finally, a knock came from the dressing room door and opened, revealing Rosaria, mom's personal maid.

"Alterisa-sama, it is time."

"U-Uhn! Thank you, Rosaria."

I sat up and followed after Rosaria with Anne and Maria-chan in tow.

Soon, we arrived in the main hall where the majority of the displays and products will be sold during the business. There are several tables added for refreshments and some of the displays moved to a different location for the night, but most of the products have been displayed to showcase our product line to our guests.

As soon as I entered the main hall, everyone immediately turned their focus on me. I could see all of my friends beaming a smile and waving at me, and their parents also giving me soft, gentle smiles, slightly relieving me of my nervousness...

Alright! You can do it, Alterisa!!!!

I took a deep breath and switched my mentality to that of the drama club prince.

"Good evening, dear and honored guests! Thank you very much for accepting my invitation to this private celebration for the opening of my very first shop, "Eden"!

Tonight marks a special night for me. This is the first milestone I have ever achieved in the world of business, and while I am still new and inexperienced, I am blessed with wonderful family and friends who support me and people who helped me make this a reality. So I will do my best to meet those expectations and beyond, reaching new heights and continue to innovate and create.

Tonight's event isn't meant to simply celebrate, but to convey my sincerest gratitude for everyone who has supported me as well. So, as a token of gratitude, I have prepared a special set of my greatest creation of shampoo and conditioner contained in a beautiful crystal glass and accompanied by a personal letter from myself for everyone here. Thank you very much for all the trust, support, efforts, and kind words you have given me. Let us enjoy this night of celebration!"

Resounding applause filled the entire main hall after my speech as the staff began handing them the special set I had prepared for the guests.

I couldn't help but sigh inwardly in relief...

Pheeew~ That went... better than expected. I was projecting my voice quite well, and it sounded pretty nice~

Haaaaahhhhh... I feel so relieved~ Now that the hard part's done, it's time to have fun~!!!!

"Good evening, Alterisa. You did very well in your speech. I was very impressed."

Just when I was about to dive into my desserts, a familiar voice quickly brought my attention back.

"Your words are wasted on myself, your majesty. Thank you very much for accepting my invitation despite your busy schedule."

Well, as expected... I should greet the royal family first, right...

"Hahaha, I would not miss it for the world. Congratulations, Alterisa."

"I thank you very much for your kind wo-"

As I was curtsying, something extremely soft suddenly hit my face, turning my world dark as I was brought into an embrace and lifted up from the ground.

"Kyaaaaa~ Congratulations, Risa-chan~!!! I'm so proud of you~!!!"

"Umph-! S-Sonia-sama! T-Thank you... very much..."

"Oh my~ Dear mother, Risa won't be able to breathe if you keep embracing her that tightly, you know~"

"Oh my~! I'm very sorry, Risa-chan. Are you okay~?"

"I-I'm fine. Thank you very much, Sonia-sama."

Sonia-sama let me go from her embrace and gently put me back on the ground.

Ah~! Thank you Lily~! You literally just saved my life~! I am used to being suffocated by heavenly mountains, but it took me by surprise that I didn't have much time to take in any air~ It was a close one~

"Congratulations on the opening of your shop, Risa-chan~ It's really amazing~ I can't wait to buy your things~"

"Hehehe~ Thank you~ I'm so glad you can come~"

"Of course~ How could I not~"

I hugged Lily tightly and nuzzled my face to her neck. Despite our height difference, both in this life and our previous one, we'd always do this even though I was taller than her. I feel... so happy and safe with her holding me like this.

Ehehehe... Guehehehe~ Aaaaahhh~ I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, LILY~!!!!!!

As we separated from her hug, Alex approached me and took my hand softly in his.

"Congratulations, my dear Risa. I'm very happy and so, so proud of you. You've gone beyond my expectations yet again..."

"Thank you, Alex~ But, it is not solely my efforts alone. Everyone here and the staff who had helped me had also supported me tremendously. I still can't thank you enough for the mana potion and sweets you gave me~"

"I'm glad you enjoy them."

Alex smiled and brought my hand to his lips, giving it a soft, gentle kiss, before smiling at me once again.

"Once again, congratulations, Risa."

"U-Uhn... Thank you..."

Luke-sama, Sonia-sama, Lily, and Alexus then excused themselves and returned to talking with my dad, mom, and Lu-nii as to not hoard my attention and let me greet the other guests.

A-Ahh... That made my heart skip a little... Ugh, h-he doesn't have to hold and kiss my hand like that in front of his parents and everyone like that, does he...? I-I mean, I know it's just a greeting, but it's still very awkward if he does it in front of everyone!

Hah... I really don't understand him. He's never like this with anyone else...

Just as I was wandering in my own thoughts, my friends and their family all began to come one by one, congratulating me.

Evelyn and Celine's parents, who I have had the pleasure of meeting during the tea party Evelyn's mom hosted before, were all extremely excited about my shop. Their mothers, especially, couldn't wait to try out the special edition shampoo and conditioner set I gave to them the moment they return home.

Valerie-chan and Lawliela-sama were also excited to try out my shampoo. Lawliela-sama told me how much she had been interested in it after seeing her daughter's hair after she returned from a sleepover in my house.

Ahh... If Lawliela-sama's burning crimson hair were to be upgraded even more... I-Isn't she going to be too strong?! I really look forward to it!!!!

Noir, Mellissa, and Stella who also came with their family told me how excited they were to try my shampoo and conditioner as well. They've been really looking forward to this ever since I told them about it, and none of them could wait to use it.

Illya also came, though only with her father... It seems like after Illya became even more popular and her father began to focus his attention on her more, his second wife and daughters began to bully Illya even more. It took a while for her father to realize it since Illya never complained and kept her head up and strong.

But when he caught his second wife and daughters bullying Illya red-handedly, their relationship began to sour...

I knew about this from a letter Illya sent a month ago... I've been sending her encouraging messages ever since, but she hasn't told me what the situation is in her home so I have no idea...

But... I'm glad that she's here now. I can also see that she seems fine. She's still a bit timid, but I can see the happiness in her eyes...

Now that I'll begin to have more time to myself, I should invite her to my house more.

After I finished talking with Illya, Keith and his family came to greet me.

I greeted his parents courteously since they're good friends of dad, but Keith seemed... nervous for some reason...

Oooiii, are you okay? You're not supposed to be the shy type, you know? Where's the playboy I know?

I looked at him confusedly, but the more I stare at him, the more he began to curl up and avert his eyes...

Hmmm~ Now that he's acting like a kid his age, he's actually quite cute~ Well, Keith is a character with a gap moe. He'll act like a charming playboy to other girls, but when he's with the heroine, he'll become super cute, shy, and timid. Just like a shy puppy.

I still can remember how shocked I was when I first saw his redly blushing face when the heroine suddenly wiped some cookie crumbs off his cheeks... It was amusing.

I really wanted to tease him about it, but unfortunately, his parents are here so I need to maintain my beautiful, elegant, ladylike self so I can't do it.

At least, not now.

After Keith stutteringly congratulate me and run off somewhere in a hurry, Wilhelm and his parents also came and greeted me.

Since it was our first time meeting, we just greeted each other formally and I introduced myself as the daughter of Lorya as well as a student of the great magus, Lawliela-sama.

"I've heard of your prowess in the realm of magic as well, Lady Alterisa. I have to say, I am quite impressed when I heard you bested my son in a duel."

Ah... A-About that...

"It is an honor to receive your praise. However, I am still but a student of Lawliela-sama, eager to learn just like your son. He is also a talented magus himself, and I believe it would be even more of a challenge for me to achieve victory once more over him if we dueled once again."

Well, unless he comes up with a countermeasure against my ice skating and his weakness against my flash-freezing water, I'll be enjoying myself beating him up every time he acts like a brat~!

His father nodded slowly with a soft smile.

"I hope you can continue to become his goal and make him push himself even further in his path to becoming a royal court magician. Congratulations, once again, on the opening of your shop. My wife has been extremely excited to come when she heard of her majesty's impression of your product."

"It is my honor, Orythium-sama."

Ah~ His parents are so pleasant. His father is kind and soft, while his mom, Bella-sama, is also very beautiful~!!! I love her curvy, emerald hair and eyes~

I wonder where this broccoli got his attitude from...

As I finished greeting the guests and enjoying myself with my friends, the night of celebration soon came to a close.

Everyone left after excusing themselves at the end of the night, and I begin my preparations for the grand opening to the public tomorrow morning.

Yosh! This is the last spurt!!! Let's gooo!!









AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please vote and comment your thoughts~!