One Holiday Afternoon
Around midday on a holiday, Martina left the royal palace with Nadia to enjoy some shopping while also grabbing lunch.
Having spent her morning engrossed in books at the royal library, Martina looked up at the clear, sunny sky and took a deep breath of the refreshing air.
“Ahh, it feels so nice,” she said.
“The air in the library has its own unique feel, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, but I like that too,” Martina replied with a smile.
Nadia, smiling softly in return, pointed a little ahead.
“Let’s head over there today. There’s a delicious spot I’d like to recommend.”
“If it’s your recommendation, I’m sure it’s great. It’s been so long since I’ve eaten outside, though…”
Typically, Martina would wake up at sunrise, have breakfast in the palace dining hall, head straight to the library, skip lunch or eat quickly in the palace, and then spend the rest of her day buried in books until nightfall.
For Martina, going out just because it was a holiday wasn’t even an option—unless, of course, someone like Nadia invited her.
“Let’s make the most of today, then. It’s rare for you to spend time on anything other than reading,” Nadia said.
“Yeah!” Martina replied with enthusiasm.
(Despite me always being holed up in the royal library, Nadia never judges me. Instead, she invites me out every now and then. She’s truly such a good friend.)
Feeling the pleasant breeze against her cheeks, Martina’s steps grew lighter, and honest words spilled from her lips.
“I’m so glad I became friends with you, Nadia. Thank you so much.”
Hearing this, Nadia’s eyes widened slightly in surprise before she quickly smiled warmly.
“I feel the same. I’m so happy we’ve become close,” Nadia said.
With that, the two friends walked towards the lively street ahead, filled with people.
At a charming café Nadia had recommended, Martina enjoyed a sandwich for lunch and followed it up with a slice of cake for dessert, leaving her thoroughly satisfied.
“That was absolutely delicious. The sauce on the sandwich was incredible,” Martina said.
“Isn’t it? It’s a flavor you don’t often find elsewhere,” Nadia replied.
“Yeah, it had a hint of spiciness—something you don’t really get at the palace dining hall,” Martina noted.
“It’s a seasoning that’s only just starting to become popular. I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of it soon,” Nadia explained.
“Wow, really? You’re amazing, Nadia,” Martina said, absorbing the name and origin of the seasoning along with the taste of the sandwich, committing it all to memory.
“Thanks to you, I’ve been learning more about trends lately,” Martina added casually.
Nadia tilted her head slightly, her smile growing playful.
“Oh, but what I’ve told you is just a fraction. Trends change so quickly, you know.”
“Just a fraction? There’s so much out there!” Martina exclaimed, surprised yet thrilled at the thought of so much new information.
However, there was one thing that disappointed her.
“I wish someone would compile all these trends into a single book,” she said wistfully.
“That would be wonderful. If such a book existed, I’d buy it immediately,” Nadia agreed.
“Yeah, gathering all that information must be so hard,” Martina mused.
As they chatted idly, they finished their tea and decided to leave the café.
“Next is shopping time! Let’s find some great things, Martina,” Nadia said.
“Yeah! By the way, what are we shopping for today? I didn’t ask,” Martina said.
“Oh, didn’t I mention? I’m planning to look at cosmetics. I’m almost out of a few things,” Nadia explained.
“Cosmetics… Maybe I should buy some too,” Martina said.
Though she had already stocked up on the basics like a comb to maintain her appearance, she had yet to venture into the world of cosmetics.
Hearing Martina’s uncharacteristically positive remark, Nadia’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
“I think it’s a great idea! Martina, I’ll recommend some high-quality cosmetics that will be perfect for you! Oh, by the way, do you have enough money? What’s your budget like?”
“Well, I haven’t spent much of my salary, so I have some extra. But I didn’t bring much today.”
As Martina responded, a little overwhelmed by Nadia’s enthusiasm, Nadia leaned forward even more and said:
“Then, we’ll be able to get all the basic cosmetics! Today, I’ll pay for everything, and you can just note down the total and pay me back when we get back to the palace. How about it? Want to give it a try?”
“…If you’re okay with it, then I’ll go ahead and accept.”
“Got it! Leave it to me!”
With that, Martina, along with the enthusiastic Nadia, headed to a cosmetics shop. This shop had a price range that was accessible to servants working in noble households, so there was no hesitation for Martina to enter.
“If you’re a beginner, I think this kind of store is perfect. First, you absolutely need to get the basic skincare products. Your skin is so beautiful, so you don’t want anything too heavy—something that enhances your natural beauty…”
Nadia seemed very familiar with the cosmetics in the store and quickly picked out products that she thought would suit Martina. The female shop assistant also joined them, supporting Nadia.
“Would you like to try this one as well?”
“Yes, please. Martina, if a product doesn’t suit you, you’ll feel itchy right away, so if it seems off, just let me know honestly. Long-term use can sometimes be hard to judge.”
“Understood. But I think everything will be fine.”
Martina looked at the inner part of her arm, which was covered with several types of cosmetics, checking for any redness or irritation.
“Your skin seems to be quite strong. In that case, I think you’re free to choose whatever you like.”
“That’s good. It’s nice to have more options. Now, Martina, pick one of these three. They’re all for lightly applying all over your face before you start your makeup.”
“Are they all exactly the same in effect?”
“Not exactly the same, but the basic function is similar. There are small differences…”
From there, Martina, with advice from both Nadia and the shop assistant, picked out several products that she felt drawn to.
In the end, she purchased five different types of cosmetics. As a bonus, she received a simple pouch to store them in, and Martina took it with a smile.
“Please be careful carrying this back.”
“Thank you. And thank you, Nadia.”
“Don’t mention it. I had so much fun.”
Nadia smiled with a sense of accomplishment, and Martina couldn’t help but smile in return.
“I had fun too.”
“Then I’m glad. Once you get used to using the cosmetics you bought today, let’s come back again to buy more.”
“Yeah, I’ll ask you for help again when we do.”
With that, the two of them left the cosmetics store, their spirits lifted, and began their journey home. As they walked side by side towards the palace, Nadia suddenly seemed to remember something and spoke up.
“By the way, I heard that some new books are coming to the royal library soon.”
“What?!”
Martina interrupted Nadia, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Nadia chuckled softly at her reaction and continued.
“I only heard it casually, but there might be new books. I happened to be working on a task related to the royal library and heard about it then.”
“Wow… That’s exciting!”
Just knowing there was a chance of new books coming in was enough to make Martina want to jump for joy, though she held it in and grinned broadly instead.
“I wonder when they’ll arrive. What titles will they be? I can’t wait to read them!”
As Martina muttered this, her steps unconsciously quickened, her mind already racing towards the royal library.
Seeing this, Nadia also picked up the pace and called out to her.
“Shall we hurry back and go to the library? I just finished the book I was reading, so I’d like to hear some new recommendations from you.”
“Of course! What should I recommend next?”
With Martina in such a good mood that she almost seemed ready to skip, and Nadia enjoying the moment with a slight, fond smile, the two of them returned to the palace.
At the royal library that afternoon, many of the officials secretly felt comforted by the cheerful scene between the two friends.
