C4 The Gilded Metamorphosis

January 21, 2015, 7:58 PM

Ginza Building, 7th Floor, L'Étoile De Beauté Spa:

After being pampered for hours with every kind of body treatment, leaving my light brown skin feeling unbelievably soft, Elodie now led me to a private salon for a complete hair and makeup transformation.

Inside the elegant gold-themed room, a stylish man with flawless makeup was already waiting for me in front of a large mirror. He was Judy, the spa's professional makeup artist.

"Oh là là! What deliciously exotic skin! Put that lovely little bottom in this chair, sweetheart, and let these magical hands turn you into a goddess tonight!"

Judy greeted me with his playful manner, guiding me into the chair before gently cupping my chin with delight.

"Judy, please choose the best combination. In your opinion, which shades, eye shadow, lipstick color, and hairstyle would best highlight Miss Reika's natural features?"

Elodie asked as she stood beside the chair, carefully studying the structure of my face.

"Listen, ma chérie, she has beautiful, wide dark brown eyes, and her lips are naturally full. We'll use a warm-toned foundation that blends perfectly with her light brown complexion. As for her wavy black hair, we'll simply trim the ends slightly and add some volume to frame that adorable face with its charming dimples. And for the finishing touch, a glossy nude-brown lipstick to make those full lips look even more elegant, perfectly complementing a young woman who's about to turn twenty!"

Judy explained enthusiastically, raising his signature makeup brush into the air.

"A perfect choice. I agree. Get started right away, Judy."

Elodie nodded in satisfaction at the recommendation.

"Ah... I've never worn makeup this elaborate or luxurious before."

I smiled awkwardly, glancing shyly at my reflection in the mirror as I tried to follow every instruction from Judy's graceful hands moving across my face.

However, since I wasn't used to wearing makeup and felt so self-conscious, my head instinctively pulled away every time a brush or mascara wand came close to my eyes.

"Oh, sweetheart, stay still for just a moment, will you? Don't keep wiggling around! Hold her neck, ma chérie. Her head keeps swaying like a snake dancer. I can't create a masterpiece like this!"

Judy complained playfully as he gently steadied my chin and head over and over again, keeping my face pointed toward the mirror.

"S-Sorry..."

I replied with flushed cheeks, trying my best to stay calm and focus on watching the transformation of my face and wavy hair in the mirror.

"That's better. Good girl, stay nice and still..."

Judy returned to his work, his fingers moving with remarkable skill and precision as he expertly applied one cosmetic after another to my face.

In the middle of the makeover, there was a soft knock on the salon door. A staff member entered carrying several large boxes from famous luxury designers. Elodie accepted the boxes containing elegant gowns, then, after reading a brief message on her phone, she looked up and gave me a meaningful smile.

I could only return Elodie's smile politely through the reflection in the mirror before sitting quietly once again so Judy could finish working his magic on my face. Yet deep inside, I couldn't help wondering whose luxurious gowns those were... and what all of this was really for.

***

January 21, 2015, 8:38 PM

Ginza Building, 7th Floor, L'Étoile De Beauté Spa:

After the lengthy makeup and hairstyling session was finally complete, Judy and Elodie guided me into a spacious private room. Inside, rows of luxurious evening gowns from the world's top designers hung neatly on display, shimmering beneath the glow of crystal chandeliers.

"A... These... These gowns are far too luxurious!"

My eyes widened in disbelief as I stared at the rows of silk, brocade, and sparkling beadwork, each one undoubtedly worth several years of my salary.

"Nothing is too luxurious for you, Miss Reika. Every one of these pieces was personally selected from this season's newest collection exclusively for tonight."

Elodie smiled gracefully, waving a hand to signal Judy to begin choosing the perfect outfit.

"Hmm, let these sharp eyes of mine do the work! Your exclusive light brown complexion will absolutely shine in either emerald green or deep wine. And just look at these proportions! Such a slender waist, yet such beautifully full hips and curves... Ah! This backless mermaid-silhouette gown will embrace your figure perfectly! Paired with these nine-centimeter gold stiletto heels... perfezione!"

Judy excitedly sorted through the gowns before pulling out a luxurious emerald green silk dress along with a pair of high heels.

"This...? The back is rather revealing... and so is the neckline...?"

My cheeks flushed crimson as my eyes widened once again at the daring cut of the gown that boldly accentuated the curves of my body.

"Trust Judy's sense of style, Miss Reika. Come, allow me to help you put it on in the fitting room."

Without giving me the chance to argue, Elodie gently led me into the luxurious fitting room and carefully helped me change into the gown.

The cool silk clung perfectly to my body, tracing every curve with astonishing precision. Once the gown and heels were perfectly in place, Elodie and Judy led me outside and asked me to stand before a large mirror that reflected my entire figure from head to toe.

"Ahh... Wh... Who is that...?"

I froze in stunned silence, my lips slightly parted as I stared at the reflection of the unfamiliar woman in the mirror. She looked nothing like the disheveled food courier I was used to seeing.

The woman in the reflection looked absolutely breathtaking. My light brown skin glowed with a healthy radiance beneath Judy's warm makeup, highlighting my wide brown eyes and full lips now coated in a glossy nude-brown shade. My wavy black hair cascaded elegantly over my shoulders with graceful volume. The luxurious emerald green gown hugged my body flawlessly, emphasizing the striking contrast between my slender waist and the full curves of my hips, buttocks, and thighs, making them appear alluring yet undeniably elegant.

"Absolutely stunning... You look truly magnificent, Miss Reika. I'm certain Master Sousuke will be very pleased with tonight's result."

Elodie looked at me with sincere admiration shining in her eyes.

"Oh, my darling! Just look at this masterpiece of mine! You look like an exotic goddess ready to conquer the world! Throw away that insecurity, sweetheart. Lift your chin, straighten your posture, and walk with elegance!"

Judy squealed excitedly, clapping his hands with delight, immensely proud of the dramatic transformation he had created.

"S... So... Sousuke?!"

I jolted in shock, my eyes widening as my heart pounded the moment I heard Elodie mention that name.

"That's right, Miss Reika. He personally arranged your entire schedule for today."

Elodie smiled politely before stepping aside and giving Judy a subtle signal.

With an exaggerated theatrical flourish, Judy immediately pulled the velvet cord and drew back the large curtain beside the salon.

The heavy silk curtain parted, revealing a hidden VVIP waiting lounge.

There, Sousuke Hayama was already seated on a black leather sofa, his legs casually crossed. He wore an impeccably tailored black formal suit of unmistakable luxury, exuding an overwhelming aura of absolute dominance.