Emilie was about to close up shop when, a peculiar guest entered. It was a blue faced finch, with a rather portly figure, floating in a teapot. It wore an elegant white robe with long sleeves.

"Hello, Emilie," it spoke in a sweet voice. "My name is Tubby. I'm an adeptus who serves Aether."

Hearing that name brought a smile to her face. Any friend of Aether's was a friend of hers, even if they looked kind of strange.

Emilie curtsied politely. "Hello, Miss Tubby. Are you here to buy perfume?"

The adeptus gave a wry smile. "No, not quite. I wonder, might I interview you?"

"An interview?"

"Aether invites all manner of people to his home. I like to know them thoroughly so I can anticipate any potential problems before they happen. You know, allergies, conflicting personalities, temperaments, that sort of thing."

"I see. You're a very efficient helper, Miss Tubby. Would you like some tea while we talk?"

"That would be lovely, thank you."

Emilie brewed a pot for them both. Tubby accepted gratefully.

Then they got down to business. Tubby asked her a number of questions about herself; birthday, favorite foods and furnishings, occupation, and her hobbies. There were some odd questions. Emilie had no clue why Tubby wanted to know if she had fennecaphobia but whatever.

Tubby wrote down her every word meticulously. So efficient. If only she had an assistant like Tubby.

"Last question," said Tubby, "how do you feel about Aether?"

"Hmm," she sipped her tea, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. "I think he's brave, kind, and clever. He lives up to his reputation."

Tubby nodded, hastily jotting down what looked like a profile. She couldn't read much of it from across the table other than a few words: introspective, intelligent, and mostly wholesome.

Tubby lowered her pen.

"Thanks for your honesty. Now then, have you heard of the UHA?"

"The United Harem of Aether, right? Chevreuse mentioned it. I take it you're inviting me to join?"

"Only if you're interested."

"I am."

"I thought as much. However, the ladies have become more hands on with recent admissions. Aether and I will approve you, but I suggest you win them over as well."

"Win them over? What do you mean?"

"Demonstrate they benefit by accepting you into their ranks. These women have immense power and resources. Show them you can offer something unique, something they need."

"I can do that," she said with a chuckle.

Tubby departed.

She went to her lab and locked the door. The next two days she spent perfecting the recipe, until at last, she had it. Emilie held the bottle by its nozzle. Golden liquid swirled in the bottle. Its fragrance subtle and sweet wafted about. This would be her masterpiece.

Emilie sent a letter to the Iudex's office requesting a patent on her creation. It arrived a week later. Then, she packaged the perfume into a box along with a letter. All this letter said was: Please enjoy this free sample of Gold Star. The time will come when I need a favor. Don't let me down. – Emilie

She handed the parcel over to Kirara and watched her race down the street. Emilie settled into her chair with an excellent cup of chamomile. As the taste melted on her tongue, her lips curled into a smile.

All the pieces were now in place.

Technically, Tubby had the sole power to admit newcomers into the UHA so the hearing was more of a formality. Nonetheless, each girl took it quite serious. The entire congress assembled in the mansion to personally interview the applicant.

"So, tell us," said Miko. "Why should we admit you to the UHA?"

Fifty women glared at her from the benches. Their eyes rife with equal curiosity and suspicion.

Emilie was well aware she paled in comparison to every lady present. They had more wealth, more intelligence, more beauty, and more power than she ever would. But she had one thing that they couldn't replicate.

Emilie reached into her bag and produced several bottles of premium perfume.

"I can teach classes on perfume. How to apply it on your skin, what type best suits each of you, and where you can get the most for your Mora."

"Well, she's got my vote," said Dehya.

"Mine too!" Furina added.

"Beauty products, hm?" Lisa grinned. "I'm interested."

Several others chimed excitedly. Low toned conversations were whispered. Someone who could hook them up with beauty products? Yes, please!

Yae Miko listened to the buzzing conversations. Well played, Emilie, she thought.

Appealing to the girls' fashion sense would garner her plenty of support. Miko surrendered an amused smile. In that moment, the shrine maiden knew she was going to like this one.

"Pardon my impudence," said Ayaka. "But we could all buy perfume from any vendor. What makes yours special?"

Emilie adjusted her glasses.

"I don't just sell them; I make them. I have all kinds of unique products that I designed myself. That includes a little miracle perfume called 'Gold Star.' I hold the patent on it, and I'm the only person who can make it."

"And why is this perfume so special?"

"Because this stuff is catnip to Aether. One spray, and he's helpless."

"Just one spray?!" Ayaka scowled in disbelief.

They chattered amongst themselves. Could it really be? A miracle aphrodisiac for Aether? It seemed too good to be true.

"Can anyone verify that this Gold Star works?" asked Yelan.

"It's true," said a voice. Everyone turned to Arlecchino. "Miss Emilie offered me a free sample. Aether quite literally threw himself at my feet."

"At your feet…" Ayaka swallowed. "Okay, I'm interested."

Remarkable, the shrine maiden mused. Emilie obeyed the UHA constitution by not bribing any judges. Bribing a UHA member was certainly skirting the law, but not outright violating it. Clever girl.

Miko chuckled. This Emilie really had done her homework. This one would certainly be a lot of fun.

The time came to vote. Everyone gave their stamp of approval. Thus, the UHA welcomed its newest member.