Chapter 51
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 51
Physical labor was the invisible line that separated the commoners from the nobility. Publicly admitting to such work was akin to confessing that one had fallen from grace, sinking to the level of a mere peasant.
However, Harriet showed no hint of shame.
“Of course, it was difficult. But stirring the vats of melted soap for days on end allowed me to reflect on the Holy Word. I realized the depth of my foolishness and truly repented.”
The guests were visibly moved by her candid confession. To speak so openly about something most would desperately hide was a testament to her sincerity. It seemed they finally accepted that Harriet had truly changed.
Harriet paused for a moment, then offered a bright, disarming smile.
“Oh, my apologies. I’ve strayed from the topic. My point is that I personally witnessed the entire soap-making process. Every ingredient is sourced from the convent’s own farm; not a single unknown chemical is added.”
With that, she picked up a nearby butter knife and sliced a thin sliver from the soap’s surface.
“Like so.”
Then, she popped it into her mouth.
“Oh, heavens! Lady Harriet!”
“What are you doing?!”
A collective gasp rippled through the room, but Harriet merely maintained her faint, serene smile.
“It’s perfectly edible, you know. Though I wouldn’t recommend it as a meal replacement, of course.”
“Goodness...!”
“You’re all so surprised. But the sisters at the workshop always taste the soap like this to ensure the quality is consistent. They say properly made soap has its own unique flavor and scent.”
Harriet had been prepared to be mocked as uncouth, or even beastly. But she knew she had to go this far to leave an indelible impression.
“In any case, please try the soap I’ve given you. I even used it to wash my hair, and my scalp has never been healthier. The toner that comes with it contains lavender oil; it’s wonderful for cleansing the skin, and if you spray a little on your pillow before bed, you’ll sleep like a babe.”
The guests nodded, opening their toner bottles to catch the scent. They couldn't help but smile; the fresh, floral aroma of lavender had a way of softening even the sharpest mood.
They’ll smile even more once they use it themselves, Harriet thought. And then they’ll desperately want more.
She was confident that word of mouth would do the rest. She knew this because she had experienced the same shock herself.
By the time their supplies ran low, they would be frantically searching for a way to replenish them. And a few days later, once the anticipation reached its peak, the soap would officially go on sale in Genoa.
*
“What? You’re telling me everyone went to Harriet’s tea party?”
Caroline nodded, watching Bella’s eyes widen in shock.
“It must have just been temporary curiosity. Or maybe they went to see if Harriet was spouting more of her usual nonsense.”
“Don’t talk rot.”
Bella let out a hollow, disbelieving laugh.
How could her friends—the girls practically known as Bella’s Entourage, the very ones who used to gather just to tear Harriet apart—attend Harriet’s tea party? This was nothing short of betrayal.
Is that bitch planning to steal my friends?
Just as Bella had stolen Harriet’s friends so long ago.
The thought of Harriet being left entirely alone, losing her social circle piece by piece, had once given Bella a thrill. Now, the roles felt dangerously close to reversing.
“There are so many tea parties being held these days, why that one of all places? Have they lost their minds? Are they even my friends?”
Caroline had no choice but to tell the enraged Bella the truth.
“Harriet apparently claimed she would reveal the secret to her improved complexion.”
“Ha! And was there some grand secret?”
“She said her skin improved after using soap made at the convent. She gave a bar to everyone as a gift.”
“Trying to buy favor with trinkets? Tsk. Still as foolish as ever.”
Bella shook her head.
While it was ‘praiseworthy’ in a cunning sort of way that Harriet had lured them in with a boast about her beauty, the attempt to curry favor with soap was both pathetic and reassuring.
“What could she possibly achieve with mere soap? The girls who went must have been terribly disappointed.”
“Y-yes, that must be it. So don’t worry too much. They were just swept up by Harriet’s words because they envy your skin; they’re probably already feeling guilty for going.”
“Right. That must be it.”
Bella decided to let it go, just as Caroline advised. After all, the world was overflowing with soap. Soap made at a convent wouldn’t possibly hold the interest of young ladies for long.
However, reality unfolded in the exact opposite direction of Bella’s expectations.
*
“That soap... wasn’t it absolutely divine?”
“Lady Viviana, you too? I thought it was truly excellent!”
Viviana Delus, one of Bella’s inner circle, was among those who had seen a miracle.
“Lady Harriet also told me to cut down on greasy and sweet foods—which is a bit difficult, I’ll admit—but with just the soap alone, my skin has improved this much. Can you see?”
She tilted her head, showing her friend the area beneath her chin where acne scars usually lingered. Her friend, who knew Viviana typically wore thick layers of powder to hide the blemishes, was stunned to see her in lighter makeup with significantly reduced redness.
“Wow! At this rate, it’ll be completely clear in a month or two.”
“Right? But the problem is, I’m running out. If you’re not using yours, would you consider selling it to me?”
“Ah... I’m sorry. I’ve been using mine quite a lot as well, so...”
Viviana nervously bit her lip. She had been using it sparingly, but the bar was dwindling. It would be gone in a matter of days.
Bella seemed upset that I even attended that tea party...
It had only been two weeks since she’d made excuses to Bella. But she couldn't just sit by any longer. If she could finally rid herself of this dreadful acne, she was willing to do anything.
Viviana first tried to pester her father.
“Father! That soap—they said it was made at Saint Clarissa Convent. Please, you must get me some.”
“There are plenty of luxury boutiques on Peyton Street or Seviol Street. Why that specific one?”
“It has to be the convent soap. It’s urgent!”
Viscount Delus, though annoyed, eventually indulged his daughter’s whim. I’ll just make a suitable donation and collect the soap, he thought.
However, the servant he sent returned with a letter of refusal.
“Our convent’s products are already under an exclusive contract, so we cannot provide them freely. They will be available for purchase in Genoa soon, so please wait a little longer.”
It was common for consecrated items from famous cathedrals to be sold in the capital, but news of products from a small convent—known only as a place of exile—being sold under an exclusive contract was unheard of.
In any case, it was good news.
“Vivvy, they’ll be selling it in Genoa soon. Just be patient.”
But if she were capable of patience, she wouldn't have begged her father in the first place.
Using my old soap again makes my skin sting and itch.
It was the first time her acne had shown real improvement since it first appeared. The thought of it regressing made her feel like she was losing her mind.
Anxious about being caught by Bella but desperate for a solution, Viviana eventually sought out Harriet.
She worried she might be turned away at the door, especially since she had picked a fight with Harriet at the Vanderbilt ball, but Harriet surprisingly granted her an audience immediately.
“Welcome, Lady Viviana. How have you been?”
“Yes. Thank you for... your hospitality.”
Viviana offered an awkward smile and sipped the tea. If she were visiting any other house, she would have complimented the gardens or the decor, but since Harriet was a guest in this mansion, such praise felt like it might be taken as an insult.
Viviana fidgeted, wondering how to begin. She glanced at Harriet, who sat patiently, waiting for her to state her business. Finally, she managed to speak.
“Um, about... the soap you gave us at the party.”
“The Saint Clarissa soap?”
“Yes! That one. I was wondering if... I could get some more. I’ll pay a fair price, of course! My father sent someone to the convent, but they said they couldn't sell it because of some exclusive... something...”
Harriet smiled faintly. Finally, the fishing line she had cast felt a tug.
“An exclusive contract. It means the convent’s products will only be sold through one specific merchant.”
“Y-yes, that’s it. But we don’t know where it’s being sold. Come to think of it, Lady Harriet, how did you get your hands on it?”
Had someone finally appeared to question her source?
Harriet felt no guilt. It wasn't a sin to provide a solution to those in need, even if she stood to gain a small profit from it. Of course, there was no need to reveal the entire truth just yet.
“I received a generous supply from the Mother Superior when I left the convent.”
“What? Are you saying even you don’t know where to buy it, Lady Harriet?”
“Actually, the company with the exclusive contract did contact me after hearing I’d given the soap out as favors. But I’m afraid I can’t disclose the location until the official launch.”
Viviana looked absolutely devastated.