“Now I understand why Baron Lotte held out for five years without mining.”
Jacqueline shrugged hia shoulders in agreement.
“...Is there a solution to this?”
“It’s not a solution, but there is definitely an end. Even though he's managed to hold out for the past five years, I think even Baron Lotte is reaching his limit.”
"Why?"
“The Imperial bill of exchange is usually for six years. According to my separate research, Baron Lotte borrowed quite a bit of money for initial facility investment. To pay it back, whether you like it or not, you have no choice but to mine sapphires.”
“...”
“It seems that Baron Gisborne is aware of this as well, and has been leaving it alone without pressuring it lately.”
“Whether he mines or not, Baron Lotte will not be able to avoid bankruptcy.”
“Yes.”
My head was in a tangle. There was only one way to resolve this matter. Transfer the mining rights of the Belcruz mine to Baron Gisborne at a high price and settle the overdue bill.
No matter how much I thought about it, that was the only way to prevent bankruptcy. But would Baron Lotte actually accept it?
The Belcruz mines were clearly a precious legacy that the Lotte family had protected with their lives. But Baron Gisborne, from what I've seen, was a merchant at heart.
Instead of having reverence for the land and gratitude for ancestors, it was clear that he would be the kind of person who would uproot the mountain if it meant money. It was a gap that was hard to bridge. Perhaps even now.
I jumped up from my seat.
“I must meet Baron Lotte right away. You take the lead.”
“They said you can’t come in right now.”
This time, too, I was blocked. Baron Gisborne at least gave me the reception room, but I had difficulty even entering the Baron Lotte mansion.
There were people who looked like gatekeepers surrounding the front of the mansion, but they didn't seem to be hired by Baron Lotte. They seemed to be simply preventing outsiders from entering rather than guarding the mansion.
Jacqueline, who had gotten out of the carriage to check on the situation, returned after a good thirty minutes.
“It will be difficult to meet Baron Lotte today.”
"Why?"
“It seems that the merchant association that issued the bill has come to urge collection.”
“Are they urging him? Isn’t there still some time left?”
“Even if there is time left, I guess they think you won’t be able to repay the note since you are not mining. For Your Highness to enter, um, it’s a bit crowded inside...”
He seemed to be wondering how to say it so that I wouldn't be shocked. I appreciated it, but it was not a ticklish consideration.
“Who are the merchants inside?”
“Green Anchor, Blue Hawk, Three Guides... I think there are three or four more, but that’s what I heard. They are all merchants who make a living in the eastern region. Since the sapphire vein itself is of good quality, the amount on each bill seems to be quite large.”
We heard something breaking in the distance. We opened the window in surprise, not even talking.
There was a faint sound of something breaking, something being thrown, and something being screamed.
Even though it was a baronial estate, it was a nobleman's mansion. There was quite a distance between the main gate and the mansion, but judging by the sound that could be heard, it was obvious that there was chaos inside.
But since I had come this far, I couldn't just give up and leave. I had to find a way to get in somehow.
Pushing into the ranks was, frankly, um... incredibly tempting, but not a good idea.
I'm not a real Princess, so I don't need to get used to this kind of thing. And even if I were a real Princess, I wouldn't think it's a good idea to solve everything with class.
There was no need to become like the son of Lord George. I frowned at the memory that came to mind after a long time. Seriously, I was a person who had no luck with food.
“Isn’t there any way to get in? But since we’ve come this far, we need to see Baron Lotte.”
"Your Highness."
The answer came not from Jacqueline, who was sitting across from me, but from outside the window. Enoch spoke from near the window.
“I found Princess Veronica.”
“Princess? Where is she now?”
“She is staying at an inn in the city of Belcruz. Would you like to come and visit?”
“Show me the way, and send someone swift of foot to tell the princess that I'm coming.”
Even in the East, Belcruz was a poor estate. I knew it as soon as I arrived in Belcruz.
There was no hope on people's faces, no house had smoke rising from its chimney, and everyone's clothes were shabby from having been washed many times.
It was natural, considering that all the major cities in the East developed along the coast. Belcruz was located in a mountainous area with no sea access.
Aside from sapphires, there were no special products that stood out, and even those were rarely visited by outsiders as mining ceased.
The people of the estate, who had renovated their houses and opened inns, believing that the boom would continue, were just making a killing.
I arrived at the deserted town of Belcruz with a bitter feeling.
The inn Veronica chose was one of the larger ones, but its only advantage seemed to be that it was clean.
The stairs were still covered in dirt, so perhaps the Princess had done a quick cleaning before staying there.
"Your Highness."
Veronica, who had received the message, was waiting for me at the entrance to the inn.
When I saw her elegant face, I felt happy all over again. Even though we were competing.
“Lady Veronica. It’s been a while.”
She smiled faintly.
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet. I’ve reserved a table at a famous restaurant in Belcruz. Do you want to go with me?”
“I have rented the kitchen of this inn. Our family’s chef will cook for you. If it is alright, I will serve you.”
Jacqueline shrugged hia shoulders in agreement.
“...Is there a solution to this?”
“It’s not a solution, but there is definitely an end. Even though he's managed to hold out for the past five years, I think even Baron Lotte is reaching his limit.”
"Why?"
“The Imperial bill of exchange is usually for six years. According to my separate research, Baron Lotte borrowed quite a bit of money for initial facility investment. To pay it back, whether you like it or not, you have no choice but to mine sapphires.”
“...”
“It seems that Baron Gisborne is aware of this as well, and has been leaving it alone without pressuring it lately.”
“Whether he mines or not, Baron Lotte will not be able to avoid bankruptcy.”
“Yes.”
My head was in a tangle. There was only one way to resolve this matter. Transfer the mining rights of the Belcruz mine to Baron Gisborne at a high price and settle the overdue bill.
No matter how much I thought about it, that was the only way to prevent bankruptcy. But would Baron Lotte actually accept it?
The Belcruz mines were clearly a precious legacy that the Lotte family had protected with their lives. But Baron Gisborne, from what I've seen, was a merchant at heart.
Instead of having reverence for the land and gratitude for ancestors, it was clear that he would be the kind of person who would uproot the mountain if it meant money. It was a gap that was hard to bridge. Perhaps even now.
I jumped up from my seat.
“I must meet Baron Lotte right away. You take the lead.”
***
“They said you can’t come in right now.”
This time, too, I was blocked. Baron Gisborne at least gave me the reception room, but I had difficulty even entering the Baron Lotte mansion.
There were people who looked like gatekeepers surrounding the front of the mansion, but they didn't seem to be hired by Baron Lotte. They seemed to be simply preventing outsiders from entering rather than guarding the mansion.
Jacqueline, who had gotten out of the carriage to check on the situation, returned after a good thirty minutes.
“It will be difficult to meet Baron Lotte today.”
"Why?"
“It seems that the merchant association that issued the bill has come to urge collection.”
“Are they urging him? Isn’t there still some time left?”
“Even if there is time left, I guess they think you won’t be able to repay the note since you are not mining. For Your Highness to enter, um, it’s a bit crowded inside...”
He seemed to be wondering how to say it so that I wouldn't be shocked. I appreciated it, but it was not a ticklish consideration.
“Who are the merchants inside?”
“Green Anchor, Blue Hawk, Three Guides... I think there are three or four more, but that’s what I heard. They are all merchants who make a living in the eastern region. Since the sapphire vein itself is of good quality, the amount on each bill seems to be quite large.”
We heard something breaking in the distance. We opened the window in surprise, not even talking.
There was a faint sound of something breaking, something being thrown, and something being screamed.
Even though it was a baronial estate, it was a nobleman's mansion. There was quite a distance between the main gate and the mansion, but judging by the sound that could be heard, it was obvious that there was chaos inside.
But since I had come this far, I couldn't just give up and leave. I had to find a way to get in somehow.
Pushing into the ranks was, frankly, um... incredibly tempting, but not a good idea.
I'm not a real Princess, so I don't need to get used to this kind of thing. And even if I were a real Princess, I wouldn't think it's a good idea to solve everything with class.
There was no need to become like the son of Lord George. I frowned at the memory that came to mind after a long time. Seriously, I was a person who had no luck with food.
“Isn’t there any way to get in? But since we’ve come this far, we need to see Baron Lotte.”
"Your Highness."
The answer came not from Jacqueline, who was sitting across from me, but from outside the window. Enoch spoke from near the window.
“I found Princess Veronica.”
“Princess? Where is she now?”
“She is staying at an inn in the city of Belcruz. Would you like to come and visit?”
“Show me the way, and send someone swift of foot to tell the princess that I'm coming.”
***
Even in the East, Belcruz was a poor estate. I knew it as soon as I arrived in Belcruz.
There was no hope on people's faces, no house had smoke rising from its chimney, and everyone's clothes were shabby from having been washed many times.
It was natural, considering that all the major cities in the East developed along the coast. Belcruz was located in a mountainous area with no sea access.
Aside from sapphires, there were no special products that stood out, and even those were rarely visited by outsiders as mining ceased.
The people of the estate, who had renovated their houses and opened inns, believing that the boom would continue, were just making a killing.
I arrived at the deserted town of Belcruz with a bitter feeling.
The inn Veronica chose was one of the larger ones, but its only advantage seemed to be that it was clean.
The stairs were still covered in dirt, so perhaps the Princess had done a quick cleaning before staying there.
"Your Highness."
Veronica, who had received the message, was waiting for me at the entrance to the inn.
When I saw her elegant face, I felt happy all over again. Even though we were competing.
“Lady Veronica. It’s been a while.”
She smiled faintly.
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet. I’ve reserved a table at a famous restaurant in Belcruz. Do you want to go with me?”
“I have rented the kitchen of this inn. Our family’s chef will cook for you. If it is alright, I will serve you.”
...As expected, Veronica. The scale of her movements was extraordinary. To think that she would bring the family chef over just for food. It was something I could never have imagined.
In George, they just ate 'anything' as long as it was cooked and seasoned appropriately. I don't know, but there might be soup made with old buttons.
“Yes. Oh, this is Prince Reston.”
Veronica held out her hand. Jacqueline took her hand in polite company and kissed it above her glove.
“It looks like you’ve returned from the North.”
"Yes."
“Is it okay for me to consider that you have decided on a master?”
“Please tell me that I have chosen a master. I have another master.”
I burst into laughter as I watched the two of them fighting.
I can't live without it, really. If it was the owner, it was clear that he was talking about that pirate named Rosetta or something.
Veronica simply nodded briefly.
“I will guide you.”
I was led straight to this floor. Despite the poor appearance, the closer I got to where Lady Veronica was staying, the more well-maintained it felt.
The soft red carpet on the floor and the table with the pure white tablecloth were strikingly beautiful. But somehow, I felt a little uneasy.
"Enoch."
“Yes, Your Highness.”
As soon as I sat down at the table, I called out to Enoch softly. When I gestured, he bent down and put his ear close to me.
“Let’s pay the full price to the owner of the restaurant where we made the reservation.”
“Yes, I will do that.”
Only then did I feel a little better. My meager wallet felt lighter, though.
When I raised my head and placed the napkin on my lap, Veronica was staring at me.
"Why?"
“...It’s nothing.”
As soon as Jacqueline sat down, the food started coming out.
Freshly baked bread and salad topped with yuzu, seasoned grilled sea bass... Overall, it seemed like a meal with a good combination of seafood, meat, and vegetables.
The food was fine, but the portions seemed a bit too much for one person.
It was only about twenty minutes ago that I sent a message saying I was coming, so it was probably prepared for three or four people from the beginning.
So, Veronica knew from the beginning that I was coming.
"Your Highness."
I came to my senses because Jacqueline kicked my leg under the table.
Wow, when did you call me your lord? Now he was kicking my legs. It didn't hurt or offend me, but it was funny.
They said I didn't look like royalty... I guess I should just leave. Just as I was about to say something, Veronica appeared.
I felt her looking at me with strange eyes. I picked up my fork again quietly.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I was just thinking about something else for a moment.”
“What I said earlier...”
“I didn't hear it.”
Jacqueline rubbed his forehead, and Veronica just smiled. She spoke again.
“If you came here because of the sapphire mines, I told you there was no need to bother anymore.”
It was an elegant tone. It was a long and rambling sentence. If you break it down piece by piece, you will see the meaning.
The Sapphire Mine, no more trouble. This meant that something was over either for Baron Lotte's benefit or for his disadvantage.
“How does the Princess know that?”
“Just before Your Highness arrived, I received a promise from a servant to transfer the sapphire mining rights.”
What? I opened my eyes wide. Jacqueline's expression was no different from mine. Princess Veronica was the only one who was calm at this table.
“You already know that Baron Lotte cannot pay his bills. Before I came along, Baron Lotte had only two choices: either die embracing the sapphire mine or hand over his ancestral legacy to his enemy.”
“...Instead of those options, he sold the mine to Kairak, who could pay off the promissory note?”
"You're right."
Veronica looked at me with faint, appreciative eyes.
“I arrived in the East five days before Your Highness. I reached this conclusion three days before you. I spent those three days trying to convince Baron Lotte, and this is the result.”
Veronica placed the half-crumpled letter on the table.
The mining rights were transferred to the Duke of Kairak. Baron Lotte's fingerprints and family seal were imprinted on the simple sentence.
Veronica is not the kind of careless person to crumple up precious documents, so it would be fair to assume that Baron Lotte crumpled them up from the start.
It must have felt like choosing the lesser of two evils. It was a decision that was no different from selling off the legacy left by your ancestors and barely managing to survive.
“But, Your Highness, did you know that Baron Lotte had another option at his disposal?”
“...What does that mean?”
“It is a choice to offer the mine as a token of loyalty to the royal family.”
I bit my lip shallowly.
In George, they just ate 'anything' as long as it was cooked and seasoned appropriately. I don't know, but there might be soup made with old buttons.
“Yes. Oh, this is Prince Reston.”
Veronica held out her hand. Jacqueline took her hand in polite company and kissed it above her glove.
“It looks like you’ve returned from the North.”
"Yes."
“Is it okay for me to consider that you have decided on a master?”
“Please tell me that I have chosen a master. I have another master.”
I burst into laughter as I watched the two of them fighting.
I can't live without it, really. If it was the owner, it was clear that he was talking about that pirate named Rosetta or something.
Veronica simply nodded briefly.
“I will guide you.”
I was led straight to this floor. Despite the poor appearance, the closer I got to where Lady Veronica was staying, the more well-maintained it felt.
The soft red carpet on the floor and the table with the pure white tablecloth were strikingly beautiful. But somehow, I felt a little uneasy.
"Enoch."
“Yes, Your Highness.”
As soon as I sat down at the table, I called out to Enoch softly. When I gestured, he bent down and put his ear close to me.
“Let’s pay the full price to the owner of the restaurant where we made the reservation.”
“Yes, I will do that.”
Only then did I feel a little better. My meager wallet felt lighter, though.
When I raised my head and placed the napkin on my lap, Veronica was staring at me.
"Why?"
“...It’s nothing.”
As soon as Jacqueline sat down, the food started coming out.
Freshly baked bread and salad topped with yuzu, seasoned grilled sea bass... Overall, it seemed like a meal with a good combination of seafood, meat, and vegetables.
The food was fine, but the portions seemed a bit too much for one person.
It was only about twenty minutes ago that I sent a message saying I was coming, so it was probably prepared for three or four people from the beginning.
So, Veronica knew from the beginning that I was coming.
"Your Highness."
I came to my senses because Jacqueline kicked my leg under the table.
Wow, when did you call me your lord? Now he was kicking my legs. It didn't hurt or offend me, but it was funny.
They said I didn't look like royalty... I guess I should just leave. Just as I was about to say something, Veronica appeared.
I felt her looking at me with strange eyes. I picked up my fork again quietly.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I was just thinking about something else for a moment.”
“What I said earlier...”
“I didn't hear it.”
Jacqueline rubbed his forehead, and Veronica just smiled. She spoke again.
“If you came here because of the sapphire mines, I told you there was no need to bother anymore.”
It was an elegant tone. It was a long and rambling sentence. If you break it down piece by piece, you will see the meaning.
The Sapphire Mine, no more trouble. This meant that something was over either for Baron Lotte's benefit or for his disadvantage.
“How does the Princess know that?”
“Just before Your Highness arrived, I received a promise from a servant to transfer the sapphire mining rights.”
What? I opened my eyes wide. Jacqueline's expression was no different from mine. Princess Veronica was the only one who was calm at this table.
“You already know that Baron Lotte cannot pay his bills. Before I came along, Baron Lotte had only two choices: either die embracing the sapphire mine or hand over his ancestral legacy to his enemy.”
“...Instead of those options, he sold the mine to Kairak, who could pay off the promissory note?”
"You're right."
Veronica looked at me with faint, appreciative eyes.
“I arrived in the East five days before Your Highness. I reached this conclusion three days before you. I spent those three days trying to convince Baron Lotte, and this is the result.”
Veronica placed the half-crumpled letter on the table.
The mining rights were transferred to the Duke of Kairak. Baron Lotte's fingerprints and family seal were imprinted on the simple sentence.
Veronica is not the kind of careless person to crumple up precious documents, so it would be fair to assume that Baron Lotte crumpled them up from the start.
It must have felt like choosing the lesser of two evils. It was a decision that was no different from selling off the legacy left by your ancestors and barely managing to survive.
“But, Your Highness, did you know that Baron Lotte had another option at his disposal?”
“...What does that mean?”
“It is a choice to offer the mine as a token of loyalty to the royal family.”
I bit my lip shallowly.
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