Princess’s Struggle for Survival

"Compared to the refreshing unisex summer ocean scent, this perfume is more suitable for young girls."

Tristian gently removed the oak stopper from the glass bottle, and a faint fragrance wafted out, quickly spreading through the surrounding space.

At first, there was a distinct scent of jasmine, sweet and soft, followed by a delicate blend of osmanthus and lavender, accompanied by a hint of fresh orange.

It was gentle yet lively, as if a pure girl in a white dress, stepping on moonlight with her skirt slightly lifted, was approaching through swaying flowers and branches.

"Princess Astrid added jasmine... and osmanthus..."

As soon as Tristian finished speaking, Astrid added, "And a bit of orange essence, lily, and honey."

The ingredients needed to create this perfume weren't particularly secretive. Even if Astrid hadn't listed them all, even if Tristian knew all the materials, he wouldn't know the exact proportions or the method of blending, making it difficult to replicate the same perfume.

Moreover, Tristian wouldn't stoop to such a lowly act. After all, Astrid was an imperial princess, and since she had shown sincerity, the Velmont family would naturally treat her with the same respect.

"Princess Astrid, when do you plan to put this perfume into production?" Tristian set down the glass bottle and asked in a low voice.

Astrid gently tapped the back of her hand with her jade-like fingers, the lace-trimmed silk fabric making a faint rustling sound.

"That depends on your thoughts and opinions, Mr. Tristian. I'm only responsible for developing new products. The actual sales will rely on the Velmont family."

"You know the market, understand marketing strategies, and know when to hold back and when to push hard. As an outsider in this field, I won't offer too much advice."

When it came to making money, every member of the Velmont family was a shrewd expert.

Astrid didn't have the time or energy to oversee everything, and it wasn't her place to instruct professionals.

Hearing this, Tristian felt a bit complicated. After listening to Astrid's earlier remarks on market trends and her subtle promotional tactics, something even he hadn't known about, her claim of being an outsider gave him an indescribable sense of strangeness.

But since Astrid had said so, it indicated a strong willingness to cooperate, and the terms would likely follow the consensus they had reached earlier.

"Princess Astrid, what name have you decided to give this perfume?"

"Silver Petal Dusk."

This was a relatively famous perfume from her past life. Astrid had made some adjustments to better suit the tastes of the noble ladies in this world, while keeping the original name to make it more appealing.

What young girl, just beginning to experience love, could resist such a strongly feminine perfume, especially one packaged in a pink crystal bottle?

Silver Petal Dusk...

Tristian repeated the name in his mind, finding it unexpectedly fitting.

"It's a beautiful and apt name."

"You flatter me, Mr. Tristian."

After discussing some details about the product, Astrid handed over the prepared ingredient list and production process to Tristian, who took the parchment and prepared to return the perfume.

"There's no need to give the sample back. I remember you have a sister, Lord Tristian. You can give it to her as an early trial for an internal customer."

The sister Astrid mentioned was naturally Lina Velmont. Due to the original Astrid's intense pursuit of Tristian and her arrogant behavior, Lina had a very negative impression of her. After the incident with Lyra, the relationship between Lina and Astrid had further deteriorated.

What was this? Trying to win over her future sister-in-law?

The self-assured Earl Tristian didn't say much. Considering they were in the middle of negotiations, there was no need to delve into such trivial matters, so he calmly accepted the perfume.

After discussing the perfume sales, Astrid and Tristian quickly shifted their conversation to the newly established newspaper, which was the main purpose of Tristian's invitation to dinner two days ago.

Besides expressing praise, the next step was to consider how to maintain the newspaper's popularity, striking while the iron was hot, and getting every noble accustomed to ordering the Empire Monthly every half month.

......

The discussion and meal took nearly two hours. By the time Astrid elegantly picked up her silk napkin to wipe her mouth, the clock was almost pointing to eight.

"Let's end here for today, Lord Tristian. Is there anything else?"

Astrid set down the napkin, her pink lips parting slightly. Tristian, looking at the silver-haired beauty across the table, spoke calmly.

"Nothing else..." After a moment, he added, "...Was Princess Astrid satisfied with tonight's meal?"

Astrid nodded, her voice cool. "The dishes were quite good, especially the Ceylon tea before the meal. The tea was rich and smooth, truly a fine product."

Hearing this, Tristian smiled slightly, a rare occurrence.

"So Princess Astrid also enjoys black tea."

Previously, the two had little interaction. If not for Astrid's deliberate efforts, Tristian might not have met her more than a few times, let alone learned about her preferences.

"I drink it occasionally, but I add more milk than here, making it sweeter."

Astrid replied indifferently, then uncrossed her black-stockinged legs and stood up slowly, the slender heels of her shoes clicking softly against the floor.

"I have matters to attend to back at the palace. I'll take my leave, Lord Tristian."

"Not at all, Princess Astrid."

As soon as he finished speaking, Tristian watched as Astrid gathered her things, turned without hesitation, and walked to the door, pushing it open and leaving.

Listening to the rhythmic tapping of her diamond-studded heels on the tiles, Tristian watched the silver-white figure gradually disappear from view.

He lightly tapped the table with his fingers, his thoughtful gaze falling on the perfume and parchment in his bag.

This silver-haired princess, spoiled by the emperor, actually had so many shining points... He had underestimated her before...

Taking a sip of the black tea on the table, feeling the warm liquid release its aroma on his tongue, Tristian thought about the details of his conversation with Astrid tonight while leisurely straightening his collar.

If Astrid could give up her pursuit of him, perhaps they could become quite good friends.

On the other hand, as she walked down the corridor, Astrid didn't give a second thought to what Tristian might be thinking. Even if she knew, it wouldn't have stirred much emotion in her.

The original Astrid was a typical love-struck fool, and her actions had only served to move herself, leaving a deep negative impression on Tristian.

It wasn't wrong for him to think that way, given how fervently "Astrid" had pursued him. A sudden change would have seemed out of place.

As she reached the hall, only one of her two personal maids remained. Astrid looked at Lyra, who was staring at her in a daze, and coughed lightly.

"Lyra."

"Huh?"

Lyra, who had been lost in thought about what had happened in the private room, snapped back to reality and let out a soft "huh," her round shoulders instinctively shrinking inward.

Seeing this, Astrid's lips curved slightly as she looked at the flustered maid before her, speaking with amusement.

"Am I that captivating, Miss Lyra? To make you stare for so long."

The woman's cool voice entered Lyra's ears, making her shiver slightly, her gaze falling on the moist, tempting red lips so close to her.

Princess Astrid was indeed beautiful, but that wasn't why Lyra had been staring.

She had been wondering what Princess Astrid and Earl Tristian had talked about in the private room. Was it about business, or which dish tasted better?

Did they drink wine? Did Princess Astrid confess her feelings? Did Earl Tristian accept?

Every time a waiter carrying dishes passed by, Lyra's thoughts would grow more chaotic. She felt as if her limbs were gradually losing sensation, and every minute felt like an hour.

"Princess Astrid... is very beautiful..."

Looking at the silver-haired princess in her black lace dress, who seemed naturally alluring, Lyra swallowed softly and spoke in a whisper.

Not only was she beautiful in appearance, but her personality was also gentle. If she were a man, she would definitely want to marry Princess Astrid.

Wait... what was she thinking...

At this thought, Lyra's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head, not daring to meet Astrid's eyes. Her gaze inadvertently fell on the slender, well-proportioned legs encased in sheer stockings.

In an instant, her ears grew even hotter. Lyra's eyes continued downward, sliding past the exquisitely decorated high heels to her own small leather shoes.

Astrid, looking at the pink-haired maid who had lowered her head, suddenly felt a mischievous urge and spoke in a slightly cold tone.

"If I'm so beautiful, why are you looking down?"

"Or... are you lying to me, Miss Lyra?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Lyra, as if touched on a sensitive spot, instantly raised her head, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, her sky-blue eyes shimmering.

"I'm not lying to Princess Astrid..."

The gaze fixed on her face felt as if it could burn her skin. Lyra forced herself not to look away, but her voice grew softer and softer.

"Really?"