There are various words used to praise hair.

In the case of Seriana’s blonde hair, phrases like “shines like sunlight” or “glimmers like stardust” come to mind.

On this continent, one standard of beauty for women is long hair, so maintaining it is essential.

It’s not just about the length—it’s crucial to put in the effort to properly care for it.

Although it might be outdated now, there was a time when excessively elaborate hairstyles were all the rage in the royal capital. Apparently, such styles were seen as a reflection of one’s ability to afford the luxury of spending time on hair.

Investing time in something as non-essential as hair care is likely a status symbol among women of the upper class.

Even Seriana, who generally doesn’t prefer anything flashy, is rather particular about her hair.

This time, the results seem to have exceeded her expectations, as she’s been playing with her hair in front of the mirror and chatting excitedly with Elena, full of energy.

She seems quite pleased.

Watching the two from the sofa, well… I can’t blame them.

“…This is pretty incredible.”

Even I was surprised at the outcome.

Hair can reflect light so brilliantly?

While the rest of the body showed no visible changes, the hair was an immediate, impactful transformation.

“Your usual blessings are already remarkable, but this time it was especially dramatic. Princess, did it cause you any strain?”

As Teresa massaged my shoulders and neck, she asked if the treatment had been burdensome.

Indeed, the blessing’s effect was stronger than usual, but it wasn’t particularly exhausting for me.

At most, my arms and shoulders felt a bit sore from constant movement.

That’s about it.

“Well… I did concentrate a lot, so I’m a little tired, but that’s all. Honestly, it was more exhausting the first time I did this for Fiora. Hey, Fiora, it tickles—can you stop already?”

I said this to Fiora, who was sitting next to me. However, she was pressing and prodding the soles of my feet with a stick, her expression serious.

It was incredibly ticklish.

She had been curious ever since she saw me demonstrate the pressure-point stick for Seriana and the others. She probably found it strange that they reacted so painfully to it.

“Just a little more testing, please.”

Currently, I was sitting on the sofa with my legs stretched out.

Teresa was behind me, and Fiora was at my feet.

Satisfied after a while, Fiora finally released my feet.

But my soles hurt from being poked so much…

“…It’s intriguing. Where did you learn this?”

“Hm? Where was it…? Maybe from a merchant, a drunkard, or an adventurer—someone like that?”

“I see… Perhaps it’s a therapy known among commoners or adventurers but hasn’t been systematized yet. It might be worth having Zighart look into it…”

Though my response was casual, it seemed to spark some sort of idea in her.

She started murmuring to herself—probably considering researching it further.

I had a feeling Zighart might end up with more work because of this.

“Well, good luck… Hm?”

Seriana and Elena left the mirror and approached me.

Their expressions brimmed with confidence.

It was clear what they wanted—a compliment.

“Beautiful, beautiful.”

Clapping my hands softly, I said this as Seriana came closer, but she suddenly flicked my nose.

It wasn’t a forehead flick—it was a nose flick.

Apparently, my words didn’t meet her expectations.

“Your compliments are so shallow…”

She sighed in exasperation.

I groaned in frustration. Well, fair enough.

I don’t really know the kind of praise that works for noblewomen in this world.

I’ve been meaning to study it, but without someone to practice on, I haven’t been motivated.

Seeing me like this, Seriana sighed again—longer this time.

“Well, never mind. Sera, it’s magnificent. I thought the previous 【Mira’s Blessing】was already impressive, but this is something else.”

Seriana said this while stroking her hair, clearly pleased.

But…

“Glad to hear it. Still, it’s not just the hair, you know?”

While I hadn’t expected the hair’s condition to improve so dramatically, the treatment should have had other impressive effects too.

Perhaps my dissatisfaction showed on my face, as Seriana smiled faintly before flicking my nose again.

“It can’t be helped, can it? While the pain did go away immediately, and my body does feel a bit lighter, Elena says the true effects will become apparent tomorrow morning. Since there’s a party tonight, I might still have some alcohol lingering in my system by tomorrow morning. I might ask you for another session.”

“…Uh, sure.”

Although there are some immediate effects, it’s not something you can fully feel right away.

Still, I never expected her to ask for a second birthday gift…

—————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera ・【Hideout】+1 【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Raiment】・【Floating Orb】+1 【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・13 cards

Seriana ・【Range Identification】・【】・28 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Heavy Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・8 cards