Episode 45. A Letter Like a Report
It's excessive. And it's self-righteous.
“You’re just like your father.”
Margot clicked her tongue and muttered at the sight of merchants surging in like a tidal wave.
Olivia, too, stared blankly at the procession, her expression bewildered. Yes, the word "procession" was fitting.
Meson said, "It will be early autumn when you arrive in Herod. You can choose the clothes you will wear on the ship and immediately after arriving in Herod," and disappeared.
“What the heck is this...”
The merchants had displayed so many of their wares that they filled one wall of the large reception room.
Margot shook her head as if she was tired, then called out to the noblewoman who seemed to be the leader of the merchant line.
“Look here.”
“Yes, Princess.”
“Do you know what the Prince sent you?”
“Did he leave it up to you?”
The lady paused for a moment, unable to fathom her intentions, but soon smiled and nodded.
“Yes, that’s right.”
Margot looked at her with a somewhat displeased expression, then gently patted Olivia's shoulder.
"Olivia. I have something to do. I'll go first. Take your time."
"Professor!"
At Olivia's urgent call, Margot turned to look at her.
“How many do I have to choose?”
Then Margot asked the lady waiting on the other side.
“Did the Prince pay in advance or did he say he would pay later?”
Then the lady bowed her head politely and answered gently.
“He paid the minimum amount in advance and was asked to pay for any excess.”
Margot nodded at Olivia, as if to ask if she had finally gotten an answer. Then she added.
"At least try to meet the prepayment amount. It's okay if it exceeds a certain amount."
Olivia nodded coolly at her words. It seemed like the proper way to do it.
As Margot left the room, the lady led Olivia to the sofa with a friendly smile.
“Come this way.”
Then she held out various catalogs in front of her and smiled so sweetly that it made her melt.
"Oh, there's a reason His Highness the Prince fell in love with you. My goodness, you're truly beautiful."
That's not it.
Olivia retorted inwardly. The sly compliment tickled her stomach.
The lady elegantly unfolded the catalog with its deep purple cover and showed it to Olivia.
"Since you'll be transporting it by boat, anything too bulky will just be a burden. As the saying goes, small, shiny things are more valuable than bulky ones."
The catalog she unfolded was filled with pictures of gorgeous jewels.
"Your skin is so pale and translucent, colored gemstones would suit you perfectly. But diamonds are the best, after all. Would you like to see the 10-carat diamond we recently acquired?"
The lady pushed Olivia hard, determined to make the most of this opportunity.
It seemed as if Herod's Prince was smitten with beauty. The noblewoman, examining her worn clothes, which must have been at least several years old, exclaimed inwardly.
Today, I'm going to have to completely destroy this innocent-looking girl's spirit. It doesn't matter if I choose the clothes last, right?
But Olivia, who had been listening to the explanation silently with a clean face, quietly pushed the catalog away and calmly opened her mouth.
“How much was His Highness advance payment?”
“...”
The lady was momentarily speechless.
Aristocrats, out of respect for their dignity, don't ask about money explicitly. If they were to ask about it in detail, they would likely be labeled vulgar.
But Olivia wasn't yet royalty or an aristocrat. Moreover, she had no intention of spending money like a madman, sending Prince Noah a massive bill.
"Oh, don't worry about the price. Aren't these things His Highness the Prince sent with love?"
The lady quickly controlled her expression and handed the catalog back to her.
But Olivia repeated the same thing with her usual calm face.
“Please let me know how much the prepayment amount is.”
“...”
“If you don’t remember, please check and let me know.”
“...”
The lady smiled awkwardly and blinked quickly.
This isn't it...
Noah enjoyed a leisurely day after Olivia left.
Tired of the stinging sunlight from the puddle, he turned the room to face north and slept soundly. Then he woke up, stretched out his long body on the bed, read a book, and looked through the puddle's newspaper.
When Meson returned, the long-suffering sunshine was finally beginning to set in the west.
Noah, who was drinking strong black tea while wearing a gown, glanced at him.
"Your Highness, I'm back. But you haven't smoked since you came to Pulder."
“Yes, back to the main point.”
"Yes! The letter has been sent. It should arrive in ten days at the earliest, or two weeks at the latest. I've also checked the departure ship."
Meson placed a piece of paper with the shipping information in front of Noah.
“Please check and select, and we will make a reservation right away.”
Noah put down the glass he was holding and picked up the paper he was offered. He wanted to go back immediately, tomorrow.
“How long do you think it will take for Olivia to be ready?”
“I’ll ask for more details tomorrow and report back, but I was told that the clothes she ordered today will take two days to be completed.”
Noah sighed and wiggled his eyebrows.
"I don't want to spend more than five days. Even if we can take the direct route now, I still need at least two weeks on board."
“Yes, I understand. Oh, and...”
Meson took another envelope out of his pocket and held it out.
“This is a letter from Miss Liberty.”
Noah opened the envelope without hesitation and added insincerely.
“If there is an additional amount charged, please pay it yourself.”
“No further charges have been made.”
“Really? I see how you got it just right.”
When Noah opened the neatly folded letter, the owner's neat handwriting caught his eye first.
But the actual content is very limited, and there are some catalogs attached to the back of the letter.
"What's this?"
Frowning, he flipped through the catalog, noticing the markings everywhere. Noah quickly read the letter she'd written, leaving the catalog untouched.
“...”
In neat handwriting, she asked him if the clothes she had chosen were appropriate and if there was anything she should add or leave out.
Noah opened his eyes dimly and flicked through the road catalog.
She chose a skirt, blouse, and mid-season jacket in the designs she usually likes to wear, and also chose a simple dress that felt elegant rather than flashy.
There was also a pair of beige low-heeled shoes, a pair of high-heeled shoes to match the dress, and a pair of pearl earrings, all checked.
“Did you only send boutique merchants today?”
“Yes, right?”
“My aunt probably had something to do.”
“I guess so... Ah!”
Meson sighed as if he had only just realized it.
“She must have chosen it by herself...”
With a merchant right next to you, trying to get as much out of you as possible.
For an adult noble, choosing such items on their own is a breeze. They've watched their mothers do it throughout their childhood, and they've also received guidance from their chaperones just before their debut. Otherwise, they'd be taught by a tutor.
To Noah, common sense was the common sense of aristocratic society. So, he unintentionally overlooked it.
He glanced back down at the catalog Olivia had marked with a cold gaze.
She chose just what she needed.
In particular, it was commendable that she chose a dress that wasn't too flashy without anyone's help and chose a blouse and skirt of the same design she usually wears.
Just because she was proposed to by a Prince doesn't mean she became royalty.
And that was something she had to remember even after becoming royalty. In other words, it was difficult to act like she was born royalty.
There was a possibility that they would be receiving an astronomical amount of overpayment, but the price was exquisitely matched.
As if she were asking the price and buying it at the right price.
"Meson. Go to the boutique now and shut your mouth. I'll buy her a decent necklace and a pair of earrings. A clean diamond, without any decorations."
“Yes, I understand.”
"And find a noble lady from Herod. Even if she doesn't expect royal etiquette, at least someone can teach her the etiquette of a noble lady."
“Yes. Then, to Miss Liberty...”
"Tell her she made a good choice. She has nothing more to add or take away."
“...Me?”
Noah then looked at Meson with a bewildered expression. But this time, Meson also looked at the Prince with a bewildered expression.
“No, the letter came, right?”
“Is this a letter? It’s a report.”
“...”
“You tell them.”
"... Yes."
Meson, who responded a beat late, bowed his head and turned away. Noah, annoyed by his attitude, added a sarcastic remark.
“I keep hearing nonsense like, ‘My proposal was like a creditor’ or something.”
“Your Highness, your mouth was not even open.”
Meson muttered to himself, his lips curled into a pout.
I just said what I saw, but why is it so long-winded?
It's excessive. And it's self-righteous.
“You’re just like your father.”
Margot clicked her tongue and muttered at the sight of merchants surging in like a tidal wave.
Olivia, too, stared blankly at the procession, her expression bewildered. Yes, the word "procession" was fitting.
Meson said, "It will be early autumn when you arrive in Herod. You can choose the clothes you will wear on the ship and immediately after arriving in Herod," and disappeared.
“What the heck is this...”
The merchants had displayed so many of their wares that they filled one wall of the large reception room.
Margot shook her head as if she was tired, then called out to the noblewoman who seemed to be the leader of the merchant line.
“Look here.”
“Yes, Princess.”
“Do you know what the Prince sent you?”
“He instructed us to present all clothing and necessary items and assist her in selecting them.”
The lady paused for a moment, unable to fathom her intentions, but soon smiled and nodded.
“Yes, that’s right.”
Margot looked at her with a somewhat displeased expression, then gently patted Olivia's shoulder.
"Olivia. I have something to do. I'll go first. Take your time."
"Professor!"
At Olivia's urgent call, Margot turned to look at her.
“How many do I have to choose?”
Then Margot asked the lady waiting on the other side.
“Did the Prince pay in advance or did he say he would pay later?”
Then the lady bowed her head politely and answered gently.
“He paid the minimum amount in advance and was asked to pay for any excess.”
Margot nodded at Olivia, as if to ask if she had finally gotten an answer. Then she added.
"At least try to meet the prepayment amount. It's okay if it exceeds a certain amount."
Olivia nodded coolly at her words. It seemed like the proper way to do it.
As Margot left the room, the lady led Olivia to the sofa with a friendly smile.
“Come this way.”
Then she held out various catalogs in front of her and smiled so sweetly that it made her melt.
"Oh, there's a reason His Highness the Prince fell in love with you. My goodness, you're truly beautiful."
That's not it.
Olivia retorted inwardly. The sly compliment tickled her stomach.
The lady elegantly unfolded the catalog with its deep purple cover and showed it to Olivia.
"Since you'll be transporting it by boat, anything too bulky will just be a burden. As the saying goes, small, shiny things are more valuable than bulky ones."
The catalog she unfolded was filled with pictures of gorgeous jewels.
"Your skin is so pale and translucent, colored gemstones would suit you perfectly. But diamonds are the best, after all. Would you like to see the 10-carat diamond we recently acquired?"
The lady pushed Olivia hard, determined to make the most of this opportunity.
It seemed as if Herod's Prince was smitten with beauty. The noblewoman, examining her worn clothes, which must have been at least several years old, exclaimed inwardly.
Today, I'm going to have to completely destroy this innocent-looking girl's spirit. It doesn't matter if I choose the clothes last, right?
But Olivia, who had been listening to the explanation silently with a clean face, quietly pushed the catalog away and calmly opened her mouth.
“How much was His Highness advance payment?”
“...”
The lady was momentarily speechless.
Aristocrats, out of respect for their dignity, don't ask about money explicitly. If they were to ask about it in detail, they would likely be labeled vulgar.
But Olivia wasn't yet royalty or an aristocrat. Moreover, she had no intention of spending money like a madman, sending Prince Noah a massive bill.
"Oh, don't worry about the price. Aren't these things His Highness the Prince sent with love?"
The lady quickly controlled her expression and handed the catalog back to her.
But Olivia repeated the same thing with her usual calm face.
“Please let me know how much the prepayment amount is.”
“...”
“If you don’t remember, please check and let me know.”
“...”
The lady smiled awkwardly and blinked quickly.
This isn't it...
***
Noah enjoyed a leisurely day after Olivia left.
Tired of the stinging sunlight from the puddle, he turned the room to face north and slept soundly. Then he woke up, stretched out his long body on the bed, read a book, and looked through the puddle's newspaper.
When Meson returned, the long-suffering sunshine was finally beginning to set in the west.
Noah, who was drinking strong black tea while wearing a gown, glanced at him.
"Your Highness, I'm back. But you haven't smoked since you came to Pulder."
“Yes, back to the main point.”
"Yes! The letter has been sent. It should arrive in ten days at the earliest, or two weeks at the latest. I've also checked the departure ship."
Meson placed a piece of paper with the shipping information in front of Noah.
“Please check and select, and we will make a reservation right away.”
Noah put down the glass he was holding and picked up the paper he was offered. He wanted to go back immediately, tomorrow.
“How long do you think it will take for Olivia to be ready?”
“I’ll ask for more details tomorrow and report back, but I was told that the clothes she ordered today will take two days to be completed.”
Noah sighed and wiggled his eyebrows.
"I don't want to spend more than five days. Even if we can take the direct route now, I still need at least two weeks on board."
“Yes, I understand. Oh, and...”
Meson took another envelope out of his pocket and held it out.
“This is a letter from Miss Liberty.”
Noah opened the envelope without hesitation and added insincerely.
“If there is an additional amount charged, please pay it yourself.”
“No further charges have been made.”
“Really? I see how you got it just right.”
When Noah opened the neatly folded letter, the owner's neat handwriting caught his eye first.
But the actual content is very limited, and there are some catalogs attached to the back of the letter.
"What's this?"
Frowning, he flipped through the catalog, noticing the markings everywhere. Noah quickly read the letter she'd written, leaving the catalog untouched.
“...”
In neat handwriting, she asked him if the clothes she had chosen were appropriate and if there was anything she should add or leave out.
Noah opened his eyes dimly and flicked through the road catalog.
She chose a skirt, blouse, and mid-season jacket in the designs she usually likes to wear, and also chose a simple dress that felt elegant rather than flashy.
There was also a pair of beige low-heeled shoes, a pair of high-heeled shoes to match the dress, and a pair of pearl earrings, all checked.
“Did you only send boutique merchants today?”
“Yes, right?”
“My aunt probably had something to do.”
“I guess so... Ah!”
Meson sighed as if he had only just realized it.
“She must have chosen it by herself...”
With a merchant right next to you, trying to get as much out of you as possible.
For an adult noble, choosing such items on their own is a breeze. They've watched their mothers do it throughout their childhood, and they've also received guidance from their chaperones just before their debut. Otherwise, they'd be taught by a tutor.
To Noah, common sense was the common sense of aristocratic society. So, he unintentionally overlooked it.
He glanced back down at the catalog Olivia had marked with a cold gaze.
She chose just what she needed.
In particular, it was commendable that she chose a dress that wasn't too flashy without anyone's help and chose a blouse and skirt of the same design she usually wears.
Just because she was proposed to by a Prince doesn't mean she became royalty.
And that was something she had to remember even after becoming royalty. In other words, it was difficult to act like she was born royalty.
There was a possibility that they would be receiving an astronomical amount of overpayment, but the price was exquisitely matched.
As if she were asking the price and buying it at the right price.
"Meson. Go to the boutique now and shut your mouth. I'll buy her a decent necklace and a pair of earrings. A clean diamond, without any decorations."
“Yes, I understand.”
"And find a noble lady from Herod. Even if she doesn't expect royal etiquette, at least someone can teach her the etiquette of a noble lady."
“Yes. Then, to Miss Liberty...”
"Tell her she made a good choice. She has nothing more to add or take away."
“...Me?”
Noah then looked at Meson with a bewildered expression. But this time, Meson also looked at the Prince with a bewildered expression.
“No, the letter came, right?”
“Is this a letter? It’s a report.”
“...”
“You tell them.”
"... Yes."
Meson, who responded a beat late, bowed his head and turned away. Noah, annoyed by his attitude, added a sarcastic remark.
“I keep hearing nonsense like, ‘My proposal was like a creditor’ or something.”
“Your Highness, your mouth was not even open.”
Meson muttered to himself, his lips curled into a pout.
I just said what I saw, but why is it so long-winded?
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