"Just how poor is the Marquis of Rodrian? His employees would tremble if he bought his wife a single outfit."
At this point, Vanessa may have hated the people of Ronheim so much that she ended up taking my side by accident.
'I think it would be better if I paid for the clothes myself.'
I looked at the teddy bear and cushion with pride, praising myself for the dangerous adventures I had taken in the past for moments like this.
'Secretly send Lamia on an errand to pay the price with jewels...'
...I was thinking about doing it, but then I changed my mind.
I asked around just in case, when only Lamia was left in the room.
“Lamia, when are you leaving?”
Lamia protested dissatisfiedly.
“Why do you keep pushing my back?”
“No, it seems too peaceful for a fugitive.”
“No~! I have a plan too~! Why are you trying to kick me out~! After all the good things I’ve done for you~!”
Lamia rolled on the floor and denied it.
It was a voice like that of a child who was forced to do an errand he didn't want to do.
I squinted my eyes and asked.
“If you had money, would you leave?”
"Oh, of course! Don't worry! I told you not to! I'll figure out my own path. I have no intention of clinging to you like a beggar! Don't worry, don't worry."
"I see..."
I appreciate you being honest, but it leaves me feeling a little bitter.
'You're so determined to leave.'
I felt like Lamia would leave right away if I gave her the gold piece, so I quietly sent her away and called Granada over and secretly gave her a ring I had taken out of the teddy bear.
“What is this?”
“Pay the merchant with it.”
"Yes?"
Granada's stone-faced expression cracked slightly. She seemed bewildered.
“Please do so.”
I didn't give much explanation, but added something brief.
“Please take care of it quietly without my maids knowing.”
Granada stood still for a moment and looked down at the ruby ring in my hand.
It was a ring called the Dragon's Eye, and it was a ring with a large ruby of the highest quality, surrounded by small diamonds.
It was a one-of-a-kind ring, the last piece made by a world-renowned jeweler before his death.
I don't know the exact value, but it must be quite expensive, considering that Kavala kept it in her treasure vault.
If I were to get paid properly, I would have more than enough to cover the cost of the clothes.
Of course, even if I didn't get paid properly, the calculations couldn't have been wrong.
Even if you don't know the true value of that ring, any jeweler would know that the ruby set in it is a rare and top-quality gem.
'So, please, I hope it doesn't sell for its full price.'
It was safer and better for me now that the ring passed from hand to hand without anyone recognizing it, and its origin was forgotten.
“That should be enough. Is there a jeweler in Ronheim?”
"No."
Fortunately, the merchant wouldn't have to entrust the gem to Ronheim for appraisal.
If he goes abroad to sell jewels, Kavala will not be able to track me down too quickly.
The more I sold my jewels for cash, the more I knew that Kavala would soon discover that I was the real thief.
Because if the tail is long, it will get caught.
'We need to build a safety net before that.'
With that thought in mind, I pushed Granada's back.
"I'll guarantee it. Go abroad and appraise the gem. If the calculations don't match up, have them come back. But that's unlikely to happen."
Despite her clumsy legs and advanced age, Granada, who is incredibly quick and diligent, was uncharacteristically slow at the door.
Then, as if she had made up her mind about something, she turned back towards me.
“...What is it?”
“Why are you suddenly paying with your own money?”
"Ah..."
I scratched my cheek, feeling a little embarrassed.
"I didn't realize clothes were so expensive until just now. It's just now."
“Did you hear what the employees were saying?”
I didn't hear it myself, but rather from Vanessa, who had no credibility, so I felt awkward answering that question.
Because Vanessa may have been upset and distorted the story.
I just gave a vague smile.
“Let’s go quickly before the merchant leaves.”
Seeing me not giving a definitive answer, Granada seemed to have decided that I had been gossiping about my employees.
"I will enforce stricter controls to ensure our employees don't speak carelessly in the future. It's my fault for being careless. I apologize."
I couldn't pretend not to know any longer.
“...Can we really say it’s all the maid’s fault? It’s also because I’m still not familiar with the internal affairs of the castle.”
“How could that be your fault, madam?”
Granada stood there with her mouth shut for a moment.
Then she spoke as if she had made up his mind about something.
“I have something to tell you.”
"Hmm?"
“After you finish your meal, please allow the people below you to eat the remaining food.”
I was so confused that I just blinked at Granada.
“Leftover food...?”
"Yes. We consider it a privilege for those who work at the castle to enjoy the fine food left over from the Master and Lady's meals. In Ronheim, there aren't many opportunities to enjoy such fine food."
“...!”
It was something I never thought of.
Granada, seeing my dumbfounded expression, smiled faintly, as if somewhat relieved.
“I told you just in case, but you really didn’t know.”
“Is that true?”
"Yes."
"Oh my god."
Now I realize why the chef asked me what to do with the leftovers after breakfast.
“I thought the chef was testing my character...”
After muttering, I explained to Granada.
"At Arrental, sharing someone else's food is considered a sin. So, of course, I was instructed to throw away what I was eating."
“I see.”
Granada nodded with a brighter face.
"It's my fault for not paying attention. I should have explained the difference sooner. It's my fault."
“It seems like I have a lot to learn from now on.”
“I will tell you everything without leaving anything out.”
Granada left the room only then, saying she would go see the merchant.
Is it just me, or does her limping gait seem lighter than usual?
Granada was a very honest person.
'To tell such a story so openly to your enemy's daughter.'
It wasn't because she liked me after only seeing me for two days, but because she couldn't stand the awkwardness that had intruded on her own feelings.
Right now, I desperately need someone as honest as that.
'He said she was a good person. Callius was right.'
Callius, who judged her to be a good person, must also be a good person.
At first glance, Callius and Granada seemed like very different people, but upon closer inspection, they had similarities.
'I just feel that way.'
Now, just a little bit, I've gained confidence in my ability to judge people.
After Granada left, the thought of employees considering it a privilege to share their employers' leftover food kept lingering in my mind.
'There's so little food.'
If the castle's employees are like that, it means that the people's lives are even worse.
I called Mainz and asked.
"I heard from the Uttar chieftain the other day that the northerners rarely cultivate crops due to the climate and environment. Is the situation similar in Ronheim?"
Mainz seemed puzzled by my sudden question, but answered kindly.
"That's right. It's cold all year round, so farming is practically impossible. We do grow some cold-hardy crops like potatoes and barley, but the quantities are woefully inadequate."
“Then how do we procure the food we need?”
"Most of the people in the territory rely on hunting for food. By doing so, they can sell byproducts like leather to other territories, providing a small income for their households."
It was said that Lhasa, the home of the Uttars, had plenty of meat, but was short of bread made from grain.
“Don’t you import food from other places?”
Mainz's expression darkened.
"Honestly, Ronheim doesn't have that kind of money. We can't afford to collect enough taxes."
He didn't look at me directly, perhaps because he wasn't happy to tell the new bride that her husband was not well off.
“Is money the only problem?”
“Yes. I guess so.”
“If you have money, the people of the territory won’t have to starve, right?”
I smiled brightly.
“I can easily solve your money problem.”
"Yes?"
Mainz blinked widely.
I was confident. Making a lot of money was what I had originally come to Ronheim to do.
'Let's start with something that doesn't require initial capital.'
I was more confident in starting a business and building a fortune than in changing clothes and taking a bath on my own.
It was thanks to Count Pelsus and Andrea, who, in my past life, treated me like I was invisible and sat next to me, talking loudly.
Why don't I just pass on the information I gleaned from them to someone else, my agent?
Viscount Pelsus and Andrea also only exchanged information, leaving the actual execution to their agents.
'I already have a capable agent.'
Montril Piraeus, the lord of the upper Szeged, received as a wedding gift.
In my past life, after my mother, who was the head of the upper house of Szeged, passed away, the upper house was left without anyone to care for it and was on the verge of ruin.
It was Montril who overcame that crisis and greatly expanded his upper ranks, making them as influential as the upper ranks of the Viscount Felsus.
'He's a great person.'
What I really wanted wasn't the top of Szeged.
Montril, the viceroy of Szeged, was exactly what I needed.
In my past life, Viscount Pelsus had tried his best to overthrow him as a rival, but Montril had shown tremendous skill and overcome Viscount Pelsus's schemes.
'I remember Viscount Pelsus drinking for days on end, shouting Montril's name.'
According to Viscount Pelsus's babbling, Montril was hostile to Andrea and the Viscount Pelsus, and was a man who took the easy way out by disobeying the unjust orders of the royal family.
What a suitable opponent to join me in my quest for revenge.
Besides, I had something to personally thank Montril for.
'He never came to see me, but strangely enough, he always sent me a present on my birthday.'
I had a strong desire to meet him in this life.
"If I tell Montril what I'm going to do from now on, he'll be interested. The upper class is in a difficult situation right now, so he'll definitely help me."
I told Mainz.
“Bring me some paper and a pen. I’ll show you how to solve the food problem.”
At this point, Vanessa may have hated the people of Ronheim so much that she ended up taking my side by accident.
'I think it would be better if I paid for the clothes myself.'
I looked at the teddy bear and cushion with pride, praising myself for the dangerous adventures I had taken in the past for moments like this.
'Secretly send Lamia on an errand to pay the price with jewels...'
...I was thinking about doing it, but then I changed my mind.
I asked around just in case, when only Lamia was left in the room.
“Lamia, when are you leaving?”
Lamia protested dissatisfiedly.
“Why do you keep pushing my back?”
“No, it seems too peaceful for a fugitive.”
“No~! I have a plan too~! Why are you trying to kick me out~! After all the good things I’ve done for you~!”
Lamia rolled on the floor and denied it.
It was a voice like that of a child who was forced to do an errand he didn't want to do.
I squinted my eyes and asked.
“If you had money, would you leave?”
"Oh, of course! Don't worry! I told you not to! I'll figure out my own path. I have no intention of clinging to you like a beggar! Don't worry, don't worry."
"I see..."
I appreciate you being honest, but it leaves me feeling a little bitter.
'You're so determined to leave.'
I felt like Lamia would leave right away if I gave her the gold piece, so I quietly sent her away and called Granada over and secretly gave her a ring I had taken out of the teddy bear.
“What is this?”
“Pay the merchant with it.”
"Yes?"
Granada's stone-faced expression cracked slightly. She seemed bewildered.
“Please do so.”
I didn't give much explanation, but added something brief.
“Please take care of it quietly without my maids knowing.”
Granada stood still for a moment and looked down at the ruby ring in my hand.
It was a ring called the Dragon's Eye, and it was a ring with a large ruby of the highest quality, surrounded by small diamonds.
It was a one-of-a-kind ring, the last piece made by a world-renowned jeweler before his death.
I don't know the exact value, but it must be quite expensive, considering that Kavala kept it in her treasure vault.
If I were to get paid properly, I would have more than enough to cover the cost of the clothes.
Of course, even if I didn't get paid properly, the calculations couldn't have been wrong.
Even if you don't know the true value of that ring, any jeweler would know that the ruby set in it is a rare and top-quality gem.
'So, please, I hope it doesn't sell for its full price.'
It was safer and better for me now that the ring passed from hand to hand without anyone recognizing it, and its origin was forgotten.
“That should be enough. Is there a jeweler in Ronheim?”
"No."
Fortunately, the merchant wouldn't have to entrust the gem to Ronheim for appraisal.
If he goes abroad to sell jewels, Kavala will not be able to track me down too quickly.
The more I sold my jewels for cash, the more I knew that Kavala would soon discover that I was the real thief.
Because if the tail is long, it will get caught.
'We need to build a safety net before that.'
With that thought in mind, I pushed Granada's back.
"I'll guarantee it. Go abroad and appraise the gem. If the calculations don't match up, have them come back. But that's unlikely to happen."
Despite her clumsy legs and advanced age, Granada, who is incredibly quick and diligent, was uncharacteristically slow at the door.
Then, as if she had made up her mind about something, she turned back towards me.
“...What is it?”
“Why are you suddenly paying with your own money?”
"Ah..."
I scratched my cheek, feeling a little embarrassed.
"I didn't realize clothes were so expensive until just now. It's just now."
“Did you hear what the employees were saying?”
I didn't hear it myself, but rather from Vanessa, who had no credibility, so I felt awkward answering that question.
Because Vanessa may have been upset and distorted the story.
I just gave a vague smile.
“Let’s go quickly before the merchant leaves.”
Seeing me not giving a definitive answer, Granada seemed to have decided that I had been gossiping about my employees.
"I will enforce stricter controls to ensure our employees don't speak carelessly in the future. It's my fault for being careless. I apologize."
I couldn't pretend not to know any longer.
“...Can we really say it’s all the maid’s fault? It’s also because I’m still not familiar with the internal affairs of the castle.”
“How could that be your fault, madam?”
Granada stood there with her mouth shut for a moment.
Then she spoke as if she had made up his mind about something.
“I have something to tell you.”
"Hmm?"
“After you finish your meal, please allow the people below you to eat the remaining food.”
I was so confused that I just blinked at Granada.
“Leftover food...?”
"Yes. We consider it a privilege for those who work at the castle to enjoy the fine food left over from the Master and Lady's meals. In Ronheim, there aren't many opportunities to enjoy such fine food."
“...!”
It was something I never thought of.
Granada, seeing my dumbfounded expression, smiled faintly, as if somewhat relieved.
“I told you just in case, but you really didn’t know.”
“Is that true?”
"Yes."
"Oh my god."
Now I realize why the chef asked me what to do with the leftovers after breakfast.
“I thought the chef was testing my character...”
After muttering, I explained to Granada.
"At Arrental, sharing someone else's food is considered a sin. So, of course, I was instructed to throw away what I was eating."
“I see.”
Granada nodded with a brighter face.
"It's my fault for not paying attention. I should have explained the difference sooner. It's my fault."
“It seems like I have a lot to learn from now on.”
“I will tell you everything without leaving anything out.”
Granada left the room only then, saying she would go see the merchant.
Is it just me, or does her limping gait seem lighter than usual?
Granada was a very honest person.
'To tell such a story so openly to your enemy's daughter.'
It wasn't because she liked me after only seeing me for two days, but because she couldn't stand the awkwardness that had intruded on her own feelings.
Right now, I desperately need someone as honest as that.
'He said she was a good person. Callius was right.'
Callius, who judged her to be a good person, must also be a good person.
At first glance, Callius and Granada seemed like very different people, but upon closer inspection, they had similarities.
'I just feel that way.'
Now, just a little bit, I've gained confidence in my ability to judge people.
***
After Granada left, the thought of employees considering it a privilege to share their employers' leftover food kept lingering in my mind.
'There's so little food.'
If the castle's employees are like that, it means that the people's lives are even worse.
I called Mainz and asked.
"I heard from the Uttar chieftain the other day that the northerners rarely cultivate crops due to the climate and environment. Is the situation similar in Ronheim?"
Mainz seemed puzzled by my sudden question, but answered kindly.
"That's right. It's cold all year round, so farming is practically impossible. We do grow some cold-hardy crops like potatoes and barley, but the quantities are woefully inadequate."
“Then how do we procure the food we need?”
"Most of the people in the territory rely on hunting for food. By doing so, they can sell byproducts like leather to other territories, providing a small income for their households."
It was said that Lhasa, the home of the Uttars, had plenty of meat, but was short of bread made from grain.
“Don’t you import food from other places?”
Mainz's expression darkened.
"Honestly, Ronheim doesn't have that kind of money. We can't afford to collect enough taxes."
He didn't look at me directly, perhaps because he wasn't happy to tell the new bride that her husband was not well off.
“Is money the only problem?”
“Yes. I guess so.”
“If you have money, the people of the territory won’t have to starve, right?”
I smiled brightly.
“I can easily solve your money problem.”
"Yes?"
Mainz blinked widely.
I was confident. Making a lot of money was what I had originally come to Ronheim to do.
'Let's start with something that doesn't require initial capital.'
I was more confident in starting a business and building a fortune than in changing clothes and taking a bath on my own.
It was thanks to Count Pelsus and Andrea, who, in my past life, treated me like I was invisible and sat next to me, talking loudly.
Why don't I just pass on the information I gleaned from them to someone else, my agent?
Viscount Pelsus and Andrea also only exchanged information, leaving the actual execution to their agents.
'I already have a capable agent.'
Montril Piraeus, the lord of the upper Szeged, received as a wedding gift.
In my past life, after my mother, who was the head of the upper house of Szeged, passed away, the upper house was left without anyone to care for it and was on the verge of ruin.
It was Montril who overcame that crisis and greatly expanded his upper ranks, making them as influential as the upper ranks of the Viscount Felsus.
'He's a great person.'
What I really wanted wasn't the top of Szeged.
Montril, the viceroy of Szeged, was exactly what I needed.
In my past life, Viscount Pelsus had tried his best to overthrow him as a rival, but Montril had shown tremendous skill and overcome Viscount Pelsus's schemes.
'I remember Viscount Pelsus drinking for days on end, shouting Montril's name.'
According to Viscount Pelsus's babbling, Montril was hostile to Andrea and the Viscount Pelsus, and was a man who took the easy way out by disobeying the unjust orders of the royal family.
What a suitable opponent to join me in my quest for revenge.
Besides, I had something to personally thank Montril for.
'He never came to see me, but strangely enough, he always sent me a present on my birthday.'
I had a strong desire to meet him in this life.
"If I tell Montril what I'm going to do from now on, he'll be interested. The upper class is in a difficult situation right now, so he'll definitely help me."
I told Mainz.
“Bring me some paper and a pen. I’ll show you how to solve the food problem.”
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