The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort
Chapter 540 - 540: The Merchant and The New Firm (5) [18+]

"You… you really are a bad girl," he whispered against her lips, his voice a low, husky murmur, tinged with affection and hunger.

Rhea's breathless giggle slipped free, a faint, trembling sound. "I know…" she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. Her silver-blue eyes sparkled, a mix of mischief and need. Her lips, still wet and warm, curled into a faint smile.

He leaned forward, pressing another gentle, lingering kiss to her forehead. A sweet, calming touch after the storm.

And then, they stepped out of the changing room. Estella stood waiting, arms crossed, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "What took you two so long?" she asked, her voice light but sharp, her emerald-green eyes tracing over them.

Mikhailis grinned, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish chuckle. "Oh, you know… quality control."

Rhea's cheeks flushed, but her silver-blue eyes remained calm, her expression perfectly composed. "Ensuring the fit is perfect, My Lady."

Estella's smile widened, a faint, playful spark in her gaze. "Perfect indeed."

Estella seemed completely unbothered by their brief delay. She merely gestured for them to follow, her tone brisk. "Quickly, both of you. We have a store to run. The rush will begin soon."

Rhea gave Mikhailis a last, lingering glance before straightening, her expression slipping back to composed calm. Mikhailis adjusted his new uniform, the crisp, elegant attire fitting perfectly—dark trousers, a fitted sapphire-blue vest embroidered with silver vines, and a soft gray shirt beneath. He looked every bit the dashing, sophisticated clerk, and even he had to admit the disguise was flawless. It fit too well.

Stepping out into the main store, the grandeur of Lumine Étoile spread out before them. The space was enormous—high, arched ceilings lined with silk drapes in shades of rose and violet, crystal chandeliers casting a warm, radiant glow. Glass display cases shimmered with an array of enchanted powders, shimmering lip oils, silken blushes that seemed to glow with faint, ethereal light, and perfumes in delicate glass bottles that sparkled like captured stars. Velvet-lined shelves showcased a rainbow of enchanted beauty products—each item a delicate masterpiece.

But it wasn't just the displays that stunned him—it was the people. A steady stream of customers flowed in through the grand double doors, and Mikhailis's eyes widened slightly at the sight. They were all women—noble ladies, elegant merchant wives, daughters of aristocrats. Each one stepped in with poise, their gowns a tapestry of silks, velvets, and lace, their dark, radiant skin glowing under the enchanted lights.

Silvarion Thalor's beauty was unique—rich, deep tan complexions, warm golden undertones, some with a hint of silver or bronze in the light. The faint, elven heritage of the kingdom was unmistakable—slender, graceful frames, elegantly pointed ears peeking through cascades of dark, silken hair. Their features were a harmonious blend of human and elven elegance, each woman a living masterpiece.

"Stars above…" Mikhailis murmured under his breath, eyes drinking in the sight. He couldn't help it. He was surrounded—no, engulfed—by beauty. Ethereal, earthy, a thousand shades of warmth and radiance. His heart gave a faint flutter, and he struggled to keep his expression professional. But beneath the calm, composed mask, a wild thrill pulsed.

Rhea gave him a side glance, and a faint, knowing smirk tugged at her lips. "You seem overwhelmed, Your Highness."

"I… I'm just admiring the customer base." He managed a crooked grin, pulling himself together.

But then he noticed something else—his reflection in one of the polished crystal mirrors. The disguise was flawless. The staff uniform suited him perfectly, and with his silver-blond wig slightly tousled, his striking silver-blue eyes, and his easy smile, he looked like a charming, mysterious new clerk. A young, handsome man in a store filled with noblewomen. And from the looks he was already receiving, it was clear he wasn't just another clerk. He was the only man in the entire store.

The realization struck, and a mischievous thrill stirred within him. His charm was his weapon, and here, surrounded by curious, elegant customers, it was time to wield it.

"Welcome, my lady." He turned to one of the first noblewomen who approached, her deep bronze skin glowing beneath a cascade of jet-black curls. Her dress, a deep emerald green, accentuated her radiant complexion, and a delicate silver circlet adorned her brow. "How may I assist you today?"

The woman's eyes widened, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I… I was looking for something to enhance my eyes—perhaps a new shadow…"

Mikhailis leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "With your radiant complexion, may I suggest our moonlight shimmer powder? It would create a beautiful, ethereal contrast, highlighting your gaze."

The woman's blush deepened, her lips parting slightly. "Oh… yes, that sounds lovely…"

"And perhaps a touch of rose-gold on your lips?" Mikhailis's smile was warm, his voice a soft, inviting murmur. "It would draw attention to your lovely smile."

The woman nodded, her fingers brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze fixed on him. "Yes… please. I'll take both."

And that was just the beginning. He moved smoothly from one customer to the next, his silver-blue eyes warm and attentive, his voice a soothing melody. Noblewomen leaned closer, their laughter growing softer, their smiles widening. He demonstrated products with a delicate touch—brushing shimmer powders across a noble's cheek, gently applying a hint of lip oil to another's wrist, his fingertips a soft, ghostly touch.

The room grew warmer. More and more women gathered around, their whispers and giggles filling the air.

"Such a charming clerk…"

"Look at his eyes—like silver under moonlight…"

"I wonder if he's single…"

The enchantment was working—but not just the beauty products. It was Mikhailis himself. His charm, his playful smile, the way he seemed to see each woman as though she were the only one in the room. They pressed closer, their gowns rustling, their delicate perfumes mingling.

But amid the warm, murmuring crowd, Estella's green eyes narrowed, watching the growing throng around Mikhailis. Her lips tightened. "Rhea."

Rhea's silver-blue gaze flicked to Estella. "Yes, My Lady?"

"Hide him. Before they devour him."

Rhea smirked faintly, but she moved quickly, sliding through the crowd with the practiced grace of a dancer. She reached Mikhailis just as another noblewoman leaned close, her dark, golden-brown skin shimmering with enchanted powder. "Are you sure this shade suits me?" the woman whispered, leaning so close her lips nearly brushed his cheek.

"It's perfect on you, my lady. But if I may—" Mikhailis's words cut off as Rhea's firm grip caught his arm.

"Excuse me, my ladies." Rhea's voice was clear, cool, yet polite. "This clerk is needed elsewhere."

The women murmured in disappointment, but Rhea pulled Mikhailis away, guiding him toward the rear of the store. But more noblewomen crowded forward, curious, enchanted by the sight of the charming young clerk. Some even reached out, brushing his sleeve, giggling, whispering.

"Oh no…" Mikhailis whispered, excitement and panic mingling in his chest. "They're multiplying!"

"They're going to bury you at this rate," Rhea hissed, pulling him faster.

But as they rushed toward the rear, they passed the clothing section—elegant gowns, shimmering robes, dresses lined with silver-thread embroidery. Rodion's designs. His and Mikhailis's. The unique, refined patterns, the flowing silks, the daring cuts that whispered of a world beyond Silvarion Thalor's borders. They were a treasure trove of beauty and elegance, and the noblewomen noticed.

"Look, that new design!"

"The star-stitched gown!"

"I must try it!"

Noblewomen surged toward the racks, a wave of elegance and hunger. Mikhailis and Rhea darted through the sea of silk, the air growing warm with perfume and laughter. But with each step, more followed.

"Rhea, hurry!" Mikhailis whispered, his grin wide even as his heart raced.

"Stop smiling, you fool!" Rhea hissed, though her voice carried a faint, breathless amusement.

They reached the back of the store, but the changing rooms were full—dozens of delicate curtains swaying, noblewomen calling for different sizes, laughter and murmurs filling the air.

"Here!" Rhea pulled him to the wall of tall, human-sized lockers meant for staff. She wrenched one open, wide enough for them both, then yanked Mikhailis inside.

The door clicked shut just as the wave of noblewomen surged past, their voices growing louder. "Where did he go?" "The clerk with the silver hair!" "I saw him come this way!"

Inside the cramped locker, Mikhailis pressed against Rhea, his back against the cool metal, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Rhea's soft, slender form was pressed tightly against his, her breath warm against his collarbone, her silver-blue eyes wide, their noses nearly touching.

"Perfect hiding spot," he whispered, voice a faint, breathless chuckle.

Rhea's cheeks flushed faintly. "Only because you couldn't stop flirting."

"Not my fault they're so eager." He grinned, but then he noticed her expression—faint, lingering warmth, the way her breath quickened.

He opened his mouth to whisper something else, but then he felt it—a firm, heated pressure against her thigh. His pulse spiked. Rhea's eyes widened, her breath catching.

Her gaze dropped, and there, pressed against her thigh, the unmistakable, growing heat of his arousal.

"M-Mikhailis…" she whispered, barely a breath.

He swallowed. "It's a… natural reaction."