[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-princess-s-struggle-for-survival":3,"chapter-princess-s-struggle-for-survival-princess-s-struggle-for-survival-chapter-53":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Princess’s Struggle for Survival",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1801203,2401,"Chapter 53 53: Buisness Deal","princess-s-struggle-for-survival-chapter-53",53,"\u003Cp>According to the book, the primary fire potion required a violent impact to ignite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid glanced at the crystal bottle in her hand and suddenly had a mischievous thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time a primary fire potion is used, a crystal bottle is shattered. It seemed like a ploy to boost sales, no demand, no profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amused by her own internal complaint, Astrid raised her wrist and hurled the potion bottle toward the testing area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next moment, the glass shattered, and the liquid inside burst into flames upon contact with the air, creating a small pool of dancing fire on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn't this just a less effective version of an incendiary bomb from my previous life?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid narrowed her eyes, her pupils reflecting the flickering flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She now had a rough idea of the primary fire potion's power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could certainly harm most fragile apprentices, but it likely wouldn't be as effective against knights, who trained rigorously to strengthen their bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the flames on the ground that could only sustain themselves as long as the liquid burned, Astrid's mind wandered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her head to glance at the wooden table nearby, her eyes quickly scanning the array of medicinal herbs before settling on a long, vine-like plant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mucus Vine—commonly used as a thickening agent in the preparation of certain oral potions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid thought for a moment, then retrieved the Sparkroot and Cotton Stone Grass that Lyra had prepared earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She repeated the refining process according to the previous steps, but this time, she added the juice extracted from the Mucus Vine in the final stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a quarter of an hour, the refining was complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The liquid Astrid obtained this time was markedly different from the previous batch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she poured it into the crystal bottle, she could feel its semi-gelatinous texture, a thick, viscous substance rather than a pure liquid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Astrid was about to smash the vial to test whether her adhesive primary fire potion had been successfully refined, a rhythmic knock sounded at the door behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be Elise? Back so soon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid shot Lyra a cool glance and motioned for her to open the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lyra obeyed, setting aside her broom and dustpan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the door opened, however, it wasn't the head maid Elise who stood there, but a short-haired woman dressed in a mage's robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lyra recognized her, she had seen her in her office at Elizabeth Academy of Magic the day before. It was Elowen Velmont, the Alchemy Professor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid, who had been curious about what kind of cat Elise might bring back, kept her eyes on the door and was equally surprised by the unexpected visitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Professor Elowen?\" Astrid spoke in a tone of mild astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman nodded politely and said, \"Good morning, Your Highness Astrid. It's a pleasure to see you again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen's eyes flickered slightly as she took in the room full of alchemy instruments and the table laden with potion materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised her head, her gaze quietly meeting Astrid's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What brings Professor Elowen to visit me so suddenly?\" Astrid asked, though she already had a vague idea of the other woman's intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen's lips curled into a faint smile as she replied in a calm tone, \"I've come to discuss a business matter with Princess Astrid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talking about business? Astrid crossed her black silk-clad legs, the hard soles of her heels clicking crisply against the floor tiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she remembered correctly, the only interaction she had with Elowen was regarding perfume-making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sudden proposal to discuss business likely stemmed from that connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What business?\" Astrid asked, already knowing the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of her nose and spoke deliberately, \"I am very interested in the perfume crafted by Her Royal Highness Astrid. I hope to establish a deeper collaboration with you to promote it among other nobles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Elowen's view, the perfume market in the Valeria Empire had significant untapped potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bottle of perfume Astrid had gifted to Charlotte was far superior to anything else available, and it was unlikely that a competitor could match its quality in the near future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the current trend of extravagance in aristocratic circles, high-end luxury items like this were precisely what noblewomen desired most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen's primary concern was Astrid's status as an imperial princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unclear whether someone of her standing, who likely lacked nothing, would be willing to mass-produce a perfume originally created as a personal gift for Charlotte.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid lowered her gaze thoughtfully, her porcelain hand resting lightly on her chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Professor Elowen, are you suggesting that I oversee the production of the same perfume I made for Lady Charlotte, while you handle sales and promotion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone carried no hint of impatience; instead, it conveyed genuine interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen nodded. \"Yes. If Her Royal Highness is willing, you could also instruct our workers in the production process, sparing you the need to handle it personally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once the venture is underway, the Velmont family will offer you a share of the profits. The exact percentage can be negotiated, and I will ensure you receive a fair deal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Velmont family had amassed considerable wealth over the years, who would turn down the opportunity to earn more?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen looked up at Astrid, the light reflecting off her glasses obscuring her dark brown left eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The family was a leader in numerous industries, and with the emerging perfume market, it was only natural to secure a foothold. Astrid Calliste Valeria, with her unique talent, was the key to achieving that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long pause, Astrid shifted slightly, her lace-trimmed black sleeves swaying, releasing a faint, fragrant breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does it have to be the same as the one I made for Lady Charlotte?\" Astrid inquired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Elowen insisted on that, the deal would likely fall through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid had promised Charlotte that the fragrance would remain unique, a personal gift not to be replicated or sold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen considered for a moment before shaking her head. \"I've only seen the perfume you made for Charlotte, and at the moment, it seems the safest choice for the market.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, if you have a similar or even better fragrance, that would also work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen wasn't certain of Astrid's full capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the perfume for Charlotte was a one-time success and her other creations were mediocre, Elowen would need to reconsider the partnership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corners of Astrid's lips curved into a faint smile, her delicate cheeks glowing softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's good... Otherwise, I would have had to find a way to decline your generous offer...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She continued, \"I can indeed create perfumes of similar quality. The question is, Professor Elowen, what type are you looking for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At its core, perfume was a commodity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To sell well, it needed to cater to the preferences of its target audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, if Elowen aimed to attract younger noblewomen, Charlotte's mature, sensual fragrance might not be the best fit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment, Elowen replied, \"I'm leaning toward a unisex perfume.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As their first product, Elowen wanted something versatile, capable of appealing to a broad market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goal was to introduce the perfume, and the Velmont family behind it, to as many small and medium-sized nobles as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's suitable for both men and women, appealing to a broad audience, and ideally affordable for the knights of prominent families,\" Astrid understood the meaning and responded softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, \"knights\" did not refer to the noble rank but rather to a segment of the minor aristocracy who owned land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, and a glimmer of appreciation flickered in her eyes as she regarded Astrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't behave like the typical sheltered princess, oblivious to the world beyond the palace walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand. I'll strive to create a perfume that meets your expectations within the next two days,\" Astrid replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The perfume she had crafted for Countess Charlotte was far from her best work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under less-than-ideal conditions, it could only be described as satisfactory, not exceptional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid was confident she could produce a perfume that would satisfy Elowen within three days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I'll await the good news and look forward to Her Royal Highness Astrid's next creation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As a gesture of sincerity, I will also have the eldest son of our family oversee this project. He will personally evaluate the perfume and participate in the subsequent contract negotiations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eldest son of the Velmont family… wasn't that Earl Tristan Velmont?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unaware of Lyra's momentary shock beside her, Astrid felt a flicker of curiosity upon hearing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wondered if Elowen had caught wind of some rumor and was attempting to leverage an intangible bargaining chip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But upon reflection, as the heir to one of the four ducal families, Tristian Velmont wouldn't stoop to using his charm for business gains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elowen's intention was likely as she stated, a genuine display of sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I'm ready, I'll arrange for the perfume to be delivered to your office as soon as possible. If convenient, we can schedule a detailed discussion afterward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Astrid felt no pressure about the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She harbored no particular feelings toward Earl Tristan Velmont, and as long as he remained unbothered, she saw no reason to be concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well, Your Highness Astrid. I look forward to a fruitful collaboration.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Elowen extended her hand, Astrid smiled, stood, and shook it firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pleasure working with you, Professor Elowen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps, this was how her connection with the Velmont family began.\u003C\u002Fp>",1583,"2026-06-09T04:47:04.076Z",1,"novelbin.me","a7aaec8ab398a7c40f2c6817eaf563550a1c830fc1ca3c003912689ed6915d9e","princess-s-struggle-for-survival-chapter-54","princess-s-struggle-for-survival-chapter-52",607,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fprincess-s-struggle-for-survival-cover.jpg"]