Episode 12: The Noblewoman and the Brutally Honest Mirror

The bell above the shop door tinkled gently — a stark contrast to the usual dramatic entrances. This time, a tall, elegant noblewoman stepped in, her posture impeccable, her dress adorned with more lace than a royal wedding cake. Behind her, two servants struggled to carry an ornate, gilded mirror wrapped in velvet.

Felix glanced up from tuning a self-playing violin that only knew sea shanties. He raised an eyebrow. "Well, this looks expensive."

The noblewoman lifted her chin. "I am Lady Evangeline du Rosethorn, and I require your services. This mirror," she gestured delicately, "was enchanted by a so-called 'expert' to always tell me the truth. But…" Her lips pursed tightly. "The truth it gives is… unbearable."

Felix leaned on the counter, intrigued. "Unbearable how?"

Lady Evangeline's eye twitched. "I asked if I was the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. It told me I was 'definitely in the top 20, if the lighting is right.'"

Zira burst out laughing from her perch. "Ouch. That's rough."

Lady Evangeline shot her a glare sharp enough to cut glass. "I demand you fix it. I want the truth, but... a nicer truth."

Felix scratched his chin. "So… you want a mirror that lies, but politely?"

"No!" she snapped. "I want a mirror that tells me the truth — but, you know, the flattering version of the truth."

Felix grinned. "Ah. You want diplomatic honesty. Got it."

---

Thirty Minutes Later…

Felix unveiled the mirror. He had adjusted the enchantment, adding what he described as "a touch of courtly charm and a sprinkle of ego management." The mirror hummed softly, its glass shimmering like moonlight on a lake.

"All set, Lady Rosethorn," Felix said, gesturing grandly. "It'll still tell the truth… just with a little more tact. Go on, give it a try."

Lady Evangeline approached, her reflection already admiring itself. "Mirror, mirror, am I the most beautiful woman in the kingdom?"

The mirror's surface rippled, and a smooth, velvety voice responded:

"My lady, beauty is subjective, but you possess an elegance that could make a statue weep… assuming it had eyes. Truly, among mortals, you shine like a particularly radiant moonbeam."

Lady Evangeline's smile returned, smug and satisfied. "Much better."

Felix nodded. "It won't lie — it'll just phrase things... diplomatically."

Lady Evangeline tilted her head. "And what if I ask about someone else's beauty?"

Felix hesitated. "Well… give it a try."

She smirked wickedly. "Mirror, mirror, is Duchess Morgana more beautiful than I am?"

The mirror hummed thoughtfully.

"My lady, comparing your radiant splendor to the Duchess is like comparing a rose to a very… ambitious dandelion. Both have their charm, though yours involves far fewer weeds."

Zira nearly fell off her perch again, wheezing with laughter. Felix covered his mouth to stifle a snort.

Lady Evangeline beamed. "Excellent. I'll take it."

As she sashayed out, Felix leaned over to Zira. "How long before the mirror runs out of nice metaphors?"

Zira grinned. "I give it three days before it's comparing people to potatoes."

Felix chuckled, already imagining the inevitable return visit.