The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort-Chapter 415: Signed in Silence, Felt in Ashes (End)

Mikhailis braced himself as he stepped forward, each footfall against the worn stone seeming to echo louder than it should. The air between Elowen and Estella felt thick, a silent tension that gripped his chest tighter with each step. Rodion's data streams flared brightly in his vision, flooding him with overlays of facial microexpressions, heart rate fluctuations, and emotional deviation graphs.

<Emotional spike detected. Initiating countermeasure protocols. Probability of diplomatic incident currently 68% and rising. Suggest immediate intervention or withdrawal.>

She's definitely going to say something, Mikhailis thought, jaw tightening slightly. I've seen that look in her eyes. Calm on the surface, storm beneath.

His pulse quickened. He felt the rapid beat in his throat, a drum sounding an urgent alarm. A dozen scenarios ran through his mind: each worse than the last. Was she angry? Had she realized something inappropriate had occurred between him and Estella? Did Estella accidentally reveal their... involvement?

He paused, breathing sharply through his nose as panic rose hot in his veins.

But then Elowen did something completely unexpected. She didn't shout, didn't accuse, didn't even glare in anger. Instead, her gaze fixed intensely on Estella's face, breath catching in a manner so subtle yet unmistakably noticeable. Her voice slipped out, soft as the faintest whisper of silk brushing against stone.

"Unbelievable..."

Mikhailis froze instantly.

The entire world seemed to pause around him. The voices of the crowd, the rustling leaves, everything faded into background static. His mind spiraled in frantic circles.

Unbelievable what? What exactly did she mean? Did Estella betray our secret? Did I leave something in her room? No, impossible—I was careful… right?

His lips parted, dry and unable to form words, fear gnawing at his nerves. He felt exposed, trapped under Elowen's piercing golden gaze. Her eyes finally turned toward him, wide with astonishment, curiosity blazing like the moment a scholar unlocks an ancient mystery.

"You didn't tell me you made a cosmetic formula," she said softly, awe mixing with gentle accusation. Her expression was one he'd never seen before—pure, genuine intrigue. "What is that blush? That shade is impossible with natural mica pigments!"

Mikhailis blinked slowly, confusion momentarily overriding his panic. He opened his mouth, closed it again, feeling remarkably like a fish thrown from the water onto dry land.

…Wait, cosmetic? That's what's unbelievable?

"You… care?" he managed to say finally, voice thick with disbelief.

Elowen's eyebrows arched elegantly. Her delicate arms folded across her chest, a teasing smirk curving the corner of her lips.

"I am still a woman, Mikhailis."

She tilted her head slightly, her gaze flicking expertly from Estella back to him. "You thought I wouldn't notice that contouring technique? That highlight blend? This is alchemical-grade pigment work—I've rarely seen such subtle transitions even among the finest artisans."

Behind Elowen, Vyrelda coughed discreetly into her palm. Mikhailis noticed the court advisor's usually composed expression was barely concealing an amused smile. Clearly, Vyrelda found his stunned expression deeply entertaining.

Mikhailis turned cautiously to Estella, still completely baffled by this unexpected turn.

Estella gracefully inclined her head, her movements fluid and respectful. Her voice held a practiced serenity, smooth and diplomatic. "My Queen, I sincerely apologize for any theatrics. It was never my intention to provoke competition—only to highlight the subtlety and brilliance of Mikhailis's design."

Elowen narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression unreadable as she studied Estella. The tension seemed ready to creep back into the air again, but then Elowen surprised them all yet again. Her eyes lit up with genuine interest as she leaned in slightly, a hint of girlish curiosity brightening her features.

"Where can I get some?" she asked.

Estella's lips twitched in suppressed amusement. Her hand moved smoothly, dipping into the small silk pouch at her side. "Fortunately, I always carry samples."

She drew out a delicate compact mirror crafted from polished silver, adorned with intricate carvings. She handed it to Elowen, who received it with the care of someone handling an ancient artifact.

"This is the Dewkiss Blush prototype," Estella explained proudly, the faintest hint of excitement breaking through her formal demeanor.

Mikhailis's mind felt as though it had abruptly turned upside down. He watched, stunned, as Elowen opened the compact mirror with reverence, gazing with fascination at the soft, shimmering powder within.

Estella continued calmly, her voice rich and confident. "Its unique properties derive from local ingredients, combined with techniques provided by Mikhailis and his... creative associate. It's specially formulated to withstand magical auras without smudging or discoloration."

Elowen gently dabbed a finger into the blush, applying the faintest amount onto her wrist. Her eyes widened in delight as the powder spread flawlessly, the delicate sheen catching sunlight and sparkling subtly. She lifted her wrist, inhaling the fresh, aromatic blend gently wafting upward.

"Amazing," she murmured appreciatively, genuinely surprised by the silky texture and gentle fragrance. "It smells wonderful—herbal, with a refreshing hint of citrus. This isn't mere makeup. You could weaponize charm itself with a product like this."

Estella's smile widened, her eyes briefly meeting Mikhailis's in shared excitement before she smoothly produced a leather folder, opening it deftly with practiced ease. Inside were meticulously arranged samples of different products, each bearing small, elegant labels in carefully scripted handwriting.

"We prepared more," she began, her voice tinged with eager confidence. "Alongside Dewkiss Blush, we also created Arcane Liner and Starshade Lip Tint. All meticulously tested under magical stress conditions and rigorously assessed for marketability. The results have far surpassed our expectations."

Elowen's gaze moved slowly across the products, clearly impressed. "What exactly are your plans?"

Estella leaned forward slightly, enthusiasm warming her professional composure. "We intend to present these prototypes at the upcoming Festival Market Showcase to gauge public response before committing to larger-scale production."

Elowen's eyebrows rose thoughtfully, genuine respect evident in her features. "Do you already have a booth registered?"

Estella smiled, a subtle pride in her eyes. "Under the Silvarion Pavilion license, naturally."

At this, Mikhailis's expression went blank. He tilted his head slowly, confusion returning like a slow-moving wave. "Wait, when exactly did we approve that?"

Rodion's voice cut crisply into his mind, tone flat and slightly disdainful. <When she asked, and you responded with an indistinct 'mmm-hmm' while half-asleep two nights ago. I efficiently filed the required paperwork on your behalf. You're welcome.>

Mikhailis stared blankly at the horizon, blinking slowly as the revelation settled.

Right. Of course, I did. He sighed internally. Why am I even surprised at this point?

Estella closed the leather folder, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. Elowen glanced between them, clearly pleased with the entire development. Tension melted away entirely, replaced by an excited hum of potential.

Mikhailis let out a quiet breath, feeling a mix of relief, astonishment, and oddly, pride. He never imagined cosmetics could spark such enthusiasm in Elowen—particularly cosmetics made from simple, local ingredients, designed on a whim with Rodion.

He turned his gaze briefly to Estella, who seemed genuinely proud of their shared creation, openly respectful and excited to introduce it to Elowen, without a trace of hidden rivalry or tension. Estella's respectful demeanor and clear professional boundaries reassured him, easing away lingering anxieties.

Returning his gaze to Elowen, Mikhailis saw the bright, intrigued spark in her eyes and felt his heart flutter softly. Witnessing this side of her was refreshing—a rare glimpse of unguarded curiosity and genuine joy, free from political calculations.

For a moment, he simply stood there, absorbing the warmth of this unexpected scene. A soft, incredulous chuckle bubbled quietly in his chest, his mind finally catching up to the unbelievable reality unfolding before him.

She genuinely loves it.

In that instant, all his tension drained completely away. The fear of confrontation, misunderstanding, and anger vanished entirely, replaced by a quiet satisfaction, warmth, and amusement.

Mikhailis felt his brain do a loop-de-loop.

<Ingredient analysis active. Glowcap derivative stabilizes color. Nightshade starch boosts adherence. Ironvine oil creates hydrophobic barrier. It is biocompatible and… apparently royal-approved.>

Elowen's lashes lowered for a moment as she took the delicate mirror from Estella's open palm. The polished silver surface felt cool against her fingertips, and a soft cascade of light reflected off the compact as she carefully flipped it open. Inside, the pale pink blush gleamed with a fine shimmer that seemed almost alive in the sunlight. A gentle breeze brushed across the courtyard, carrying the scent of jasmine and damp stone, reminding everyone present that time was slipping by, even as they paused in silent anticipation.

Taking her time, Elowen dipped her fingertip into the blush, then gently pressed the powder onto the inside of her wrist. The resulting sheen was subtle yet radiant, a faint rose hue that seemed to illuminate her skin rather than cover it. She rotated her hand, letting the sun catch that glimmer so she could see it from different angles. Beyond her fascination, Mikhailis noticed how her expression quietly softened—a stark contrast to the tension that had ignited the courtyard mere moments before.

"Smooth,"

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