(hilda/lys) apartment AU snippets #4; prologue 02

The tour started from the overview of the business. Hilda’s melodious voice explained a brief history (in which, she cuts effectively as she mentioned the row of hair care treatment), then swiftly to entail about hair care, manicures, massage and spa, also the fragrance area. Apparently, most of their income and fame came from their personal care products, with their custom-made perfume becoming the top of the list.

When rounding every corner, Hilda greeted everyone by their names, never missed anybody even though one of the server is busy inside the closed doors of massage area. Everyone greeted her back with equal cheerful vigor.

As much as Lysithea wanted to spare a moment to take notes on her phones, she didn’t want to miss any explanation as Hilda is practically fluid with her hand movement and speech. Lysithea made a mental note to jot down a summary later – if and only if she is able to remember everything after this rollercoaster.

“So, what would you like to sample today, Miss Lysithea?”

Hilda cracked her fists, a movement that might be cathartic after a long rundown of information, also the thing that made Lysithea thought that Hilda is the one who will tend her over anything she picked, yet each stations has its own server.

Though, straight to first name basis. Lysithea wanted to object, but Hilda didn’t seem to wait for her to react.

“I would recommend our hair stylist.”

“That seems long. I’d try something faster, I don’t want my boss to wait.”

Hilda tapped on her chin, contemplative. But it didn’t take too long for her to go for a Eureka.

“Then, nails? Our newly-crafted formula is quick to dry.”

“… Alright.”

The pinkette was elated, somehow. And her smile was somewhat contagious that Lysithea couldn’t help but to smile as well while Hilda is beaming as her suggestion is accepted.

Hilda guided her to the nail care area, letting Lysithea sit at one vacant counter. She was wondering what kind of staff (her own mental list of staff evaluation is ready) whom she will face, when it is Hilda who’s sitting at the opposite side of the counter, prepping the nail polish box.

“You will tend to me?”

“Of course! I’m a beautician here, remember?”

“Well, I mean, is nail art your specialty, or …?”

The corner of Hilda’s lips curved deeper as a smirk forming. “Leave it to me.”

“Oh, okay.” was the only expression Lysithea could muster. She didn’t want to give too much good impression for Hilda to let on. Also, Hilda might be bluffing just to make a face.

“Would you like to pick the color or will you trust me to it?”

“Just make it simple.”

“Your wish is my command.”

There is another blinding smile before Hilda focused solely to the work at hand. It didn’t take long for her to pick a polish bottle from an array of colors - a lilac purple is her pick. She cautiously took Lysithea’s long fingers on hers and started painting, her eyes glinted in concentration.

Hilda explained about color dye and coating midway, yet Lysithea could only focus on how meticulous Hilda is in her job. The streak of small brushes is intricate. There’s no hint of tremble to give out whether she is nervous or too focused. She tackled nail per nail as if the brush is an extension to her body; as fast as snapping fingers—the base coloring, reapplying, coating, and finishing.

It might only be simple block of color as Lysithea requested, but with her shown skill, she might be able to whip any complicated shapes with ease.

One thing that Lysithea is sure: Claude got it great in his business with excellent manpower.

“There, done!” Hilda tapped on the countertop, her eyes twinkled as she peered to Lysithea’s framed eyes. “Is it of your satisfactory?”

Lysithea shrugged. “We’ll see after I submit my report to my boss.”

“Aww, not even a tiiiny bit of spoiler?” Hilda made a pinching gesture with her thumb and index finger.

“No.”

“Well, fine, then.” The beautician threw her head back and laughed. “Next for the tour and maybe the last since you wanted a brief trip, we are going for the fragrance section!”

They walked to the back of the perimeter, descending stairs then through a glass door and to an expanse of what Lysithea could describe as a neat, underground lab. It is detached from the bubbly exterior of the saloon area, totally looking like an actual science lab out of the research and development channels.

“The company made its own fragrance? But isn’t everyone here is a beautician or something?”

Hilda spared a wink, “Scientist first, beautician later; at least that’s for me.”

“You … you know how to operate these tools too?”

Hilda tapped on her shoulder playfully.

“If you’re looking for a leeway to make me spill company’s secret, you’re not getting it, missy!”

“That’s not-“

Tables with siphon, Erlenmeyer flasks, and several hot and cold distilling apparatus expanded in orderly manner. Two women whom dressed like Hilda, operating and checking the apparatus there reminded Lysithea that she is still in a beauty parlor, not a factory visit somewhere.

“Wait. Should I be worried that I’d be abducted in next second to be used as guinea pig?”

“Nice joke there, Miss, but no, Claude will fire me if I do that,” A pause. Hilda wasn’t looking to her way but to one of the translucent pipes filled with greenish running liquid. “Though likely no one will pass up to take such an adorable woman like you if there’s a chance.”

Lysithea tilted her glasses up, half of her mind was lost to the server who filled the labeled jar with finished product, “Huh?”

“Oh, you heard nothing!” Hilda corrected. “What kind of perfume would you like to bring home? We can give you a free sample just for this tour.”

The snow-haired woman approached the table where big jars of perfumes were put out on display. The label on the table said ‘fresh batch’, meaning it was just finished from distillation. Lysithea hummed in thinking as she browsed the names of the source plants on the jar’s body. The flower names are written in Latin, not something she is well-versed of, though she won’t mistake simple ‘rose’.

Lysithea turned to Hilda, who’s now crossing her arms over her chest while waiting for her verdict.

“How about the one you’re wearing right now? You smells nice. Sweet, not too faint nor overpowering.”

For once, Hilda was blinking a beat too long.

“… Is it one of company’s secret?”

“Well, no,” Hilda shook her head vehemently. Her reply is fast. “If you like it, then, I, I can give one.”

Lysithea watched as Hilda scrambled for a sample bottle. She didn't saying another word while wondering if she had said something wrong.