After the riverside picnic with Raphael de Baldessar, Ariadne remained ill in bed for two more days before finally getting up.
The situation in the Etruscan kingdom was improving day by day. First, bad news came from the Kingdom of Gallico.
There was news that Princess Auguste had died of the Black Death.
“It is said that Philip IV has abandoned all state affairs and is living in seclusion, howling like an animal.”
The outside news was reported by Caruso, the representative of Bocanegro, who was recently granted access again.
Petruchia, who had nothing to do because of that, sat next to him with her lips pouting.
“It’s not easy for grown siblings to be that close, but their friendship is amazing.”
Ariadne, who had known this since her past life, simply smiled wryly.
Because it wasn't something she should have said in front of a child.
“Thanks to you, all provocations in the border area have stopped.”
“Good.”
The situation in San Carlo wasn't bad either.
Thanks to the efforts of the Rambouillet Relief Center nurses, the number of plague patients in the capital was kept under control.
This was a remarkable achievement, considering that several of the provincial towns had been reduced to ruins to the point where their lords had fled and that Gallico territory and administrative power were being devastated.
Ariadne's personal situation wasn't bad either.
“Grain prices are going crazy. What is tenfold? They’ve already gone up close to thirtyfold.”
Unlike her previous life, when the Black Death stopped at the northernmost tip of the Etruscan kingdom, in this life the plague advanced without stopping across the Prinonyak Mountains.
Now it was not only the Etruscan kingdom that suffered a year of crop failure. Harvests throughout the central continent had stopped.
“It will continue to rise until next spring.”
“Yes. They are asking for it, but we are releasing it in minimal quantities. The amount sold so far is about 1/5 of the total stockpile.”
“Go safely. Loosen it a little more.”
If you hold out until the end and dispose of it just before harvest next spring, you will be able to sell it for the highest price.
But before that, you never know what might happen. The warehouse might catch fire, or an angry mob might try to loot it.
Of course, the most likely scenario was that the confiscation was attempted by an ignorant monarch lording over them rather than an angry mob.
To avoid risk, it would have been better to exchange some of it for gold in advance.
“My lady, in connection with that, a guest has requested to see you. I have been asked to ask when you would prefer to make an appointment.”
“Really? Who is he?”
“He is the ambassador of the Republic of Porto. And I have a letter for you to see.”
Ariadne received a letter from Representative Caruso.
“...It’s a letter from the Duchy of Assereto.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
CEO Caruso waited a moment for Ariadne to check the letter, then explained.
“Both, this is an inquiry to see if it is possible to purchase food.”
The recipient of the letter from the Duchy of Assereto was not CEO Caruso, but Miss Ariadne de Mare. Ariadne smiled faintly.
“Oh, the rumor has spread beyond the borders.”
“The merchant world speaks fast.”
“It might be easier to dispose of them in bulk overseas at once than to split them up and release them into the market...”
A glowing halo on his right hand, invisible to anyone, trembled.
It seemed as if it was shouting, "Don't send food overseas, you traitor!"
Ariadne did not want to give in to what the halo wanted—she was also tempted to do the opposite, symbolizing the tree frog—but as someone who had been very close to becoming the Etruscan Queen in her previous life, she did have some hesitation.
“...I’ll listen to the story. Please prepare the conditions and tell them to come visit soon.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Ariadne thought that her status had risen enough just by hearing the outside news that CEO Caruso delivered, but it was a world of difference when she actually went outside.
Ariadne was on her way to the Basilica of Saint Ercole to attend the monthly Mass.
The crowd gathered in the square in front of the cathedral gathered around the silver carriage of the de Mare family as soon as they discovered it.
"Lady de Mare!”
“The Saint of the Rambouillet Relief Home!”
“Bless the Saint!”
“Please bless me, please bless me!”
Isabella, who was riding on the opposite side of the silver carriage, pouted her lips as if she was dissatisfied, but did not dare say anything.
If Isabella had said anything, Ippolito would have kicked her in the shin.
“That’s great, Ariadne.”
Ippolito praised his half-sister with exaggerated leisure.
“You have brought honor to our family. Great job.”
Ariadne pursed her lips but answered with kind words.
“You flatter me.”
Ippolito now seemed to want to add to Ariadne's fame. It was not worth a penny.
Her conversation with Raphael made her think again about 'forgiveness' and 'generosity'.
Over the past few days, Ariadne has been thinking a lot about Isabella and Cesare.
She was struggling with how much she could forgive and how much she was qualified to condemn.
But Ippolito was not even included in the consideration.
It wasn't a matter of forgiveness or generosity, but rather that they were too petty and shallow to want to hang out with. They were the type of people who were hard to get close to.
“They all came.”
Ariadne, who wanted to stop talking to Ippolito, struck first before the coachman could even announce their arrival.
She got out of the carriage without looking back.
The crowd in the square was seen swarming towards the silver chariot of the de Mare family but was stopped by the guards of the Basilica of Saint Ercole and crowded into the doorway of the cathedral.
“Thank you for the food!”
“Mother of the poor!”
“Bless the Saint!”
Ariadne raised her right hand leisurely.
The relief work for the poor was originally started to raise her reputation so that the King would not touch her.
There was absolutely no need to spare one's body in such a case.
She was glad that the weather had gotten colder and that thick gloves didn't look out of place at all.
There was cheering and enthusiasm, and Ariadne left them behind and walked into the Great Hall.
The nobles within the cathedral were no different.
Although they didn't express their affection and interest as raw as the public, they looked at her with eyes of admiration.
“Hello, Lady de Mare.”
“It’s been a while.”
Anyone who had even a passing acquaintance in social circles rushed to say hello to her.
“It’s been a long time, Madame de Chibo. How have you been, Madame Romani?”
People who were acquainted with Ariadne greeted her and told others about their friendship.
“I taught Miss Ariadne the Gallico language! Yes, she was a very good student. Haha, don’t forget this teacher! Please? Yes, please, won’t you grant me one favor?”
Some people tried to greet her even though they were not close friends.
“No, who is this! Isn’t this Lady de Mare?”
Baroness Loredan, who was the maid of honor to Countess Baljo in the 'Silver Cross Ladies' Society', greeted Isabella in an overly friendly manner.
“Yes, Baroness Loredan.”
Isabella smiled faintly and greeted her. There was no way that woman would be this happy to see her.
As expected, Baroness Loredan blocked the passage to the Grand Palace with her body and gave Isabella a look.
“Your sister really lives up to her reputation! Please introduce her to me, Miss Isabella.”
For Isabella, it was a situation she hated more than death, but she had no choice but to refuse.
Isabella prayed to the heavens that Ariadne would not embarrass her in front of people and spoke to Ariadne in a voice like a nightingale.
“Ariadne. This is Baroness Loredan, whom I became friends with at the ‘Silver Cross Ladies’. She is a person with a broad mind and is very helpful in many ways.”
She was full of hints in her words that if Ariadne treated her badly, it wouldn't be good for her reputation either.
Ariadne clicked her tongue inwardly. She was contemplating forgiveness.
Of course, this included whether Isabella should be treated leniently or not.
But Isabella herself wasn't sincere.
'Can't you take a single breath without the intention of manipulating others?'
But Isabella's threat worked to some extent.
Ariadne also knew that Baroness Loredan was a famous big mouth in high society.
She sighed and greeted Baroness Loredan.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Baroness Loredan. My name is Ariadne de Mare.”
She didn't even think of adding an extra compliment like "I've heard a lot from my sister" or something. But the other person didn't seem to mind.
“Oh my, your voice is pretty too!”
Ariadne's voice was low and husky, and although it was pleasant to listen to, it was not the typical female voice preferred in high society.
But the desire to stand in line overshadowed all such trivial facts.
“Let’s see each other often from now on!”
Ariadne nodded just enough not to be rude and passed Baroness Loredan.
Isabella didn't say anything like thanking her for saving her face and just walked forward with her pride hurt. Well, she didn't expect it.
Their group pushed their way through the crowd toward the de Mare family section, the front row of the Basilica of Sant'Ercole, and after much difficulty, they finally reached their seats.
'At las.'
Now there was no one to talk to her anymore. Just being inside the cathedral made her feel dizzy.
But here, they can be quiet until the sermon begins.
But, despite her expectations, the crowd behind her was noisy.
“Oh my, isn’t that Lady de Mare!”
At the sound of 'Lady de Mare', Isabella instinctively turned around the fastest. But of course, it wasn't a voice looking for Isabella.
There stood the King, Leo III.
The stairs leading up to the royal family's throne were right next to the de Mare family's throne, and before they could climb the round steps, they spotted Ariadne and decided to pretend to recognize her.
Ariadne quickly got up from her seat and bent one knee to bow, despite the sigh that escaped her.
“I greet you, Your Majesty the King, the Sun of the Kingdom...”
“No, no, stand up. What kind of ceremony are you trying to set on this hard stone floor?”
Leo III approached her in a friendly manner and personally helped Ariadne up.
“I heard that Lady’s name is spoken of in the streets.”
“...You are flattering me.”
“No! That’s too much praise. Young Lady, who is still unmarried, is taking in and feeding the poor in places where the government cannot reach. It’s something I should be ashamed of, and Young Lady’s reputation should be raised even higher than it is now. What a beautiful heart!”
Leo III had Ariadne standing in plain sight and was gilding his face. It wasn't good.
“I'm sorry.”
Leo III did not bother to respond to Ariadne's words, "I am sorry." It seemed to be what he wanted to hear.
“That’s why I’m planning to call Young Lady to the palace soon.”
Ariadne, who had been worried that Leo III might invite her to the royal family seat in the Grand Palace, breathed a sigh of relief.
Now, beyond Leo III's shoulder stood Cesare, Duke of Pisano, the 'King's nephew.'
She was consciously trying not to look at him.
Since he was recognized as a collateral member of the House of de Carlo, Cesare was permitted to sit at the royal family's table in the absence of Prince Alfonso and Queen Marguerite.
If she were to be dragged up to the family table today, she would have to stick with Cesare throughout the sermon.
“Young Lady.”
Ariadne was suddenly surprised and bowed her head again before Leo III.
“I will send someone soon at a set date.”
“Thank you for your boundless glory, Your Majesty.”
If you think positively, you might receive congratulations, and if you're lucky, you might even receive a title.
But Ariadne was no optimist, especially when the situation involved Leo III.
It seemed that the moment had come to protect the grain.
The situation in the Etruscan kingdom was improving day by day. First, bad news came from the Kingdom of Gallico.
There was news that Princess Auguste had died of the Black Death.
“It is said that Philip IV has abandoned all state affairs and is living in seclusion, howling like an animal.”
The outside news was reported by Caruso, the representative of Bocanegro, who was recently granted access again.
Petruchia, who had nothing to do because of that, sat next to him with her lips pouting.
“It’s not easy for grown siblings to be that close, but their friendship is amazing.”
Ariadne, who had known this since her past life, simply smiled wryly.
Because it wasn't something she should have said in front of a child.
“Thanks to you, all provocations in the border area have stopped.”
“Good.”
The situation in San Carlo wasn't bad either.
Thanks to the efforts of the Rambouillet Relief Center nurses, the number of plague patients in the capital was kept under control.
This was a remarkable achievement, considering that several of the provincial towns had been reduced to ruins to the point where their lords had fled and that Gallico territory and administrative power were being devastated.
Ariadne's personal situation wasn't bad either.
“Grain prices are going crazy. What is tenfold? They’ve already gone up close to thirtyfold.”
Unlike her previous life, when the Black Death stopped at the northernmost tip of the Etruscan kingdom, in this life the plague advanced without stopping across the Prinonyak Mountains.
Now it was not only the Etruscan kingdom that suffered a year of crop failure. Harvests throughout the central continent had stopped.
“It will continue to rise until next spring.”
“Yes. They are asking for it, but we are releasing it in minimal quantities. The amount sold so far is about 1/5 of the total stockpile.”
“Go safely. Loosen it a little more.”
If you hold out until the end and dispose of it just before harvest next spring, you will be able to sell it for the highest price.
But before that, you never know what might happen. The warehouse might catch fire, or an angry mob might try to loot it.
Of course, the most likely scenario was that the confiscation was attempted by an ignorant monarch lording over them rather than an angry mob.
To avoid risk, it would have been better to exchange some of it for gold in advance.
“My lady, in connection with that, a guest has requested to see you. I have been asked to ask when you would prefer to make an appointment.”
“Really? Who is he?”
“He is the ambassador of the Republic of Porto. And I have a letter for you to see.”
Ariadne received a letter from Representative Caruso.
“...It’s a letter from the Duchy of Assereto.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
CEO Caruso waited a moment for Ariadne to check the letter, then explained.
“Both, this is an inquiry to see if it is possible to purchase food.”
The recipient of the letter from the Duchy of Assereto was not CEO Caruso, but Miss Ariadne de Mare. Ariadne smiled faintly.
“Oh, the rumor has spread beyond the borders.”
“The merchant world speaks fast.”
“It might be easier to dispose of them in bulk overseas at once than to split them up and release them into the market...”
A glowing halo on his right hand, invisible to anyone, trembled.
It seemed as if it was shouting, "Don't send food overseas, you traitor!"
Ariadne did not want to give in to what the halo wanted—she was also tempted to do the opposite, symbolizing the tree frog—but as someone who had been very close to becoming the Etruscan Queen in her previous life, she did have some hesitation.
“...I’ll listen to the story. Please prepare the conditions and tell them to come visit soon.”
“Yes, I understand.”
***
Ariadne thought that her status had risen enough just by hearing the outside news that CEO Caruso delivered, but it was a world of difference when she actually went outside.
Ariadne was on her way to the Basilica of Saint Ercole to attend the monthly Mass.
The crowd gathered in the square in front of the cathedral gathered around the silver carriage of the de Mare family as soon as they discovered it.
"Lady de Mare!”
“The Saint of the Rambouillet Relief Home!”
“Bless the Saint!”
“Please bless me, please bless me!”
Isabella, who was riding on the opposite side of the silver carriage, pouted her lips as if she was dissatisfied, but did not dare say anything.
If Isabella had said anything, Ippolito would have kicked her in the shin.
“That’s great, Ariadne.”
Ippolito praised his half-sister with exaggerated leisure.
“You have brought honor to our family. Great job.”
Ariadne pursed her lips but answered with kind words.
“You flatter me.”
Ippolito now seemed to want to add to Ariadne's fame. It was not worth a penny.
Her conversation with Raphael made her think again about 'forgiveness' and 'generosity'.
Over the past few days, Ariadne has been thinking a lot about Isabella and Cesare.
She was struggling with how much she could forgive and how much she was qualified to condemn.
But Ippolito was not even included in the consideration.
It wasn't a matter of forgiveness or generosity, but rather that they were too petty and shallow to want to hang out with. They were the type of people who were hard to get close to.
“They all came.”
Ariadne, who wanted to stop talking to Ippolito, struck first before the coachman could even announce their arrival.
She got out of the carriage without looking back.
The crowd in the square was seen swarming towards the silver chariot of the de Mare family but was stopped by the guards of the Basilica of Saint Ercole and crowded into the doorway of the cathedral.
“Thank you for the food!”
“Mother of the poor!”
“Bless the Saint!”
Ariadne raised her right hand leisurely.
The relief work for the poor was originally started to raise her reputation so that the King would not touch her.
There was absolutely no need to spare one's body in such a case.
She was glad that the weather had gotten colder and that thick gloves didn't look out of place at all.
There was cheering and enthusiasm, and Ariadne left them behind and walked into the Great Hall.
The nobles within the cathedral were no different.
Although they didn't express their affection and interest as raw as the public, they looked at her with eyes of admiration.
“Hello, Lady de Mare.”
“It’s been a while.”
Anyone who had even a passing acquaintance in social circles rushed to say hello to her.
“It’s been a long time, Madame de Chibo. How have you been, Madame Romani?”
People who were acquainted with Ariadne greeted her and told others about their friendship.
“I taught Miss Ariadne the Gallico language! Yes, she was a very good student. Haha, don’t forget this teacher! Please? Yes, please, won’t you grant me one favor?”
Some people tried to greet her even though they were not close friends.
“No, who is this! Isn’t this Lady de Mare?”
Baroness Loredan, who was the maid of honor to Countess Baljo in the 'Silver Cross Ladies' Society', greeted Isabella in an overly friendly manner.
“Yes, Baroness Loredan.”
Isabella smiled faintly and greeted her. There was no way that woman would be this happy to see her.
As expected, Baroness Loredan blocked the passage to the Grand Palace with her body and gave Isabella a look.
“Your sister really lives up to her reputation! Please introduce her to me, Miss Isabella.”
For Isabella, it was a situation she hated more than death, but she had no choice but to refuse.
Isabella prayed to the heavens that Ariadne would not embarrass her in front of people and spoke to Ariadne in a voice like a nightingale.
“Ariadne. This is Baroness Loredan, whom I became friends with at the ‘Silver Cross Ladies’. She is a person with a broad mind and is very helpful in many ways.”
She was full of hints in her words that if Ariadne treated her badly, it wouldn't be good for her reputation either.
Ariadne clicked her tongue inwardly. She was contemplating forgiveness.
Of course, this included whether Isabella should be treated leniently or not.
But Isabella herself wasn't sincere.
'Can't you take a single breath without the intention of manipulating others?'
But Isabella's threat worked to some extent.
Ariadne also knew that Baroness Loredan was a famous big mouth in high society.
She sighed and greeted Baroness Loredan.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Baroness Loredan. My name is Ariadne de Mare.”
She didn't even think of adding an extra compliment like "I've heard a lot from my sister" or something. But the other person didn't seem to mind.
“Oh my, your voice is pretty too!”
Ariadne's voice was low and husky, and although it was pleasant to listen to, it was not the typical female voice preferred in high society.
But the desire to stand in line overshadowed all such trivial facts.
“Let’s see each other often from now on!”
Ariadne nodded just enough not to be rude and passed Baroness Loredan.
Isabella didn't say anything like thanking her for saving her face and just walked forward with her pride hurt. Well, she didn't expect it.
Their group pushed their way through the crowd toward the de Mare family section, the front row of the Basilica of Sant'Ercole, and after much difficulty, they finally reached their seats.
'At las.'
Now there was no one to talk to her anymore. Just being inside the cathedral made her feel dizzy.
But here, they can be quiet until the sermon begins.
But, despite her expectations, the crowd behind her was noisy.
“Oh my, isn’t that Lady de Mare!”
At the sound of 'Lady de Mare', Isabella instinctively turned around the fastest. But of course, it wasn't a voice looking for Isabella.
There stood the King, Leo III.
The stairs leading up to the royal family's throne were right next to the de Mare family's throne, and before they could climb the round steps, they spotted Ariadne and decided to pretend to recognize her.
Ariadne quickly got up from her seat and bent one knee to bow, despite the sigh that escaped her.
“I greet you, Your Majesty the King, the Sun of the Kingdom...”
“No, no, stand up. What kind of ceremony are you trying to set on this hard stone floor?”
Leo III approached her in a friendly manner and personally helped Ariadne up.
“I heard that Lady’s name is spoken of in the streets.”
“...You are flattering me.”
“No! That’s too much praise. Young Lady, who is still unmarried, is taking in and feeding the poor in places where the government cannot reach. It’s something I should be ashamed of, and Young Lady’s reputation should be raised even higher than it is now. What a beautiful heart!”
Leo III had Ariadne standing in plain sight and was gilding his face. It wasn't good.
“I'm sorry.”
Leo III did not bother to respond to Ariadne's words, "I am sorry." It seemed to be what he wanted to hear.
“That’s why I’m planning to call Young Lady to the palace soon.”
Ariadne, who had been worried that Leo III might invite her to the royal family seat in the Grand Palace, breathed a sigh of relief.
Now, beyond Leo III's shoulder stood Cesare, Duke of Pisano, the 'King's nephew.'
She was consciously trying not to look at him.
Since he was recognized as a collateral member of the House of de Carlo, Cesare was permitted to sit at the royal family's table in the absence of Prince Alfonso and Queen Marguerite.
If she were to be dragged up to the family table today, she would have to stick with Cesare throughout the sermon.
“Young Lady.”
Ariadne was suddenly surprised and bowed her head again before Leo III.
“I will send someone soon at a set date.”
“Thank you for your boundless glory, Your Majesty.”
If you think positively, you might receive congratulations, and if you're lucky, you might even receive a title.
But Ariadne was no optimist, especially when the situation involved Leo III.
It seemed that the moment had come to protect the grain.
Comments
Post a Comment