The sweet venom Chapter 23: 22

Read chapter 23 of The sweet venom by aspa201 on NovelPedia.

That evening, upon returning to her room, Helia placed her coat over the back of a chair and gently let herself sink into the seat near her vanity. She was exhausted, but it was a pleasant kind of exhaustion, the kind that follows a well-spent day. Shortly after, Lucille entered. She approached her and, with precise movements, began undoing the carefully tied hair from earlier that day. Thick, wavy locks cascaded down her back, freed from their restraint. The mirror before them reflected an image of a woman lost in thought, her gaze slightly unfocused. After a moment of silence, she took a discreet breath before asking, "Lucille, what do you truly think of my style ?" Lucille paused, her fingers momentarily still on a hairpin. She reflected for a brief moment, weighing her words carefully, before resuming her task and answering calmly. "My Lady, my opinion matters little as long as you feel comfortable in what you wear." Helia frowned slightly, her eyes lingering on her reflection. That answer, though honest, only confirmed what she had already suspected. "So, you do not actually like the way I usually dress, do you?" She asked, her tone tinged with nervousness. Her maid set a hairpin down on the vanity before responding with frankness. "I would not go so far as to say that, but... it is true that some outfits do not truly highlight your natural elegance," she added, her voice soft, almost hesitant. The remark stirred a wave of memories in Helia's mind. She recalled the countless times Lucille had subtly tried to suggest other cuts and styles, advice that her dearest friend, Elysia, had always dismissed with a mere wave of the hand. Helia had never paid attention to Lucille's opinions, always siding with Elysia's imposed tastes. As Lucille delicately brushed her hair, Helia focused on her reflection, an exercise she often avoided. Her eyes traced over her features: high cheekbones, pale complexion, and the fringe that fell across her forehead. That simple introspection awakened in her a familiar sense of derealization, as though she were observing a stranger. After a moment, a question escaped her lips almost of its own accord. "And… my hair? What do you truly think of it?" Lucille paused mid-movement, letting the brush rest for an instant. She observed her lady attentively through the mirror and, for the first time, began to understand the true meaning behind the young woman's questions. Helia, who had always neglected her appearance due to a glaring lack of self-confidence, now seemed to be seeking change, to break free from the image that had been imposed upon her. This unexpected realization touched Lucille, who responded with a sincere expression and palpable gentleness. "My Lady, you are beautiful, no matter what you choose to do. But since you ask for my opinion…" She allowed a faint smile to cross her lips before continuing, "I have always thought that this fringe does not flatter you. You have such a harmonious face… You should accentuate it rather than conceal it." With care, she pushed the fringe aside, revealing Helia's face so she could see for herself. The latter scrutinized her reflection, studying this unfamiliar image. It was not that she found herself beautiful, but rather that she was discovering herself in a new light. Her face seemed brighter, more defined, almost… more confident. That fringe had also been Elysia's suggestion. "Could you arrange for a hairdresser to come this week?" Helia asked after a long silence. Lucille responded with a radiant smile as she resumed braiding her hair. "Of course, my Lady. It will be done. Anything else?" She met her gaze in the mirror before adding, this time with newfound confidence. "Yes. Please find me a new tailor as well. I believe it is time to renew my wardrobe." Lucille inclined her head slightly, her smile growing wider. "An excellent idea, my Lady. I shall take care of it first thing tomorrow." As she finished braiding her hair, Helia tur