Episode 25: The Noblewoman and the Beauty Curse

The shop door slammed open with a bang, nearly knocking the bell off its hook. Felix didn't even flinch anymore.

In strutted a woman dressed in silk so expensive it probably required a kingdom's worth of taxes to afford. Her hair was done up so tightly it looked like it might snap off.

Zira leaned over to Felix and muttered, "Bet you five silver she's here for a vanity enchantment."

"Ten says she's got 'Baroness' in her name," Felix whispered back.

The woman cleared her throat, radiating aristocratic arrogance. "I am Lady Baroness Eliza Evermere von Argenthal the Third, esteemed daughter of the —"

Zira stuck out her hand to Felix without looking. "Pay up."

Felix grumbled, dropping ten silver into her palm.

Eliza shot them a withering glare. "I require an enchantment. One to make me the most beautiful woman in the kingdom."

Felix raised an eyebrow. "Define 'beautiful.'"

Eliza scoffed. "You know perfectly well what I mean! Flawless skin, radiant hair, eyes that captivate anyone who looks upon me. I want everyone to see me as the most stunning creature alive."

Zira smirked. "Everyone, huh? Sure you want that?"

Eliza looked at her like she was a piece of dirt that learned how to talk. "Of course. What else would I mean?"

Felix sighed. "Alright. You want 'beauty that no one can resist?' You got it."

---

One Hour Later…

Felix handed over a small silver locket. "Wear this. The enchantment activates once you put it on."

Eliza snatched it up, muttering about "peasants taking their sweet time," and clasped it around her neck.

A wave of shimmering magic washed over her. Her skin glowed like moonlight. Her hair shimmered in perfect waves. Her eyes sparkled like jewels.

Zira whistled. "Okay, that actually worked. She looks gorgeous."

Eliza preened, admiring her reflection in the shop window. "Finally! Perfection!"

Then the first scream echoed from outside.

They all turned to the window. A passerby stared at Eliza, went pale, and ran for his life.

Another looked her way — and fainted on the spot.

A third, a burly blacksmith, pointed, shrieked like a little girl, and dove into a barrel.

Eliza blinked. "What's wrong with them?"

Felix scratched his head, trying not to laugh. "Well… you said you wanted to look beautiful to everyone, right?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Obviously!"

Felix shrugged. "So, the enchantment makes you appear as the most beautiful thing each person can personally imagine. To each person, you look different — like their idea of perfection."

Zira grinned. "Buuuut that also means… if someone's biggest fear is pretty people — or if their idea of 'beauty' is, say, a shiny fish or their grandma — that's what they're seeing."

Eliza's face turned red. "What?! You mean —"

Felix nodded. "Yup. That guy outside? Probably terrified of dolls. You look like a porcelain nightmare to him."

Zira smirked. "That baker who fainted? Maybe his 'perfect woman' is his dead ex-wife. Awkward."

Eliza stared, mouth open in horror. "Fix this immediately!"

Felix sighed, trying to suppress his laughter. "I mean… technically, you are the most beautiful woman in the kingdom now. It's just subjective."

Eliza turned beet red, then stormed out the door. The moment she hit the street, more screaming erupted.

Zira leaned on the counter, giggling. "Think she'll be back?"

Felix grinned. "Nah. But I bet her husband will be here by sundown asking for a reversal charm."