Chapter 89

Ponkotsu wrote a letter!

The result was excellent!

Before she knew it, the servants and guards had kept their distance, standing quite far away.

Probably, they didn’t hear the latter part of the conversation? Kishutaria, who felt the piercing gaze of sympathy, waved her hand and left. I watched her go, stunned.

I really am a useless young lady... My encouragement is half-hearted. I’m overthinking and spinning my wheels, like a hamster in a wheel.

Kishutaria wasn’t being clingy. I think she was just being clingy to me. She’s doing it because I wanted her to.

I’m more of a child than I realize. And Kishutaria is an adult.

"Miss?"

"Piya!?"

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice Anna standing right next to me. Oh no... I let out a voice that’s not befitting a young lady.

Anna, looking worried, peered at my face. Uh...? I was so startled that everything slipped my mind.

"Are you alright? You seemed quite absent-minded..."

"The letter, that’s right! The letter!"

"Miss?"

"I’m going to send letters to Rattiche and the people involved in the guild. Can you prepare them, Anna?"

My sudden statement. But Anna, with a slight smile, bowed respectfully and said, "As you wish."

Indeed, the Rose Brand is nominally run by me, though Julius and the others are the ones actually managing it. I should also send letters to the merchants I know.

It might be unnecessary, and it might not be much help.

But I shouldn’t be completely useless.

After I acknowledged it, Uncle Clift, who had just arrived, took the letter with a "I’ll do my best" and seemed very enthusiastic.

Though he doesn’t get along with Kishutaria, he wants to make a good impression on me. He’s always wandering around, asking if there’s anything he can do or if I need anything. It was a good excuse to get rid of him. The bearded bear also wanders around a lot... but he keeps his distance.

...Ugh, it feels wrong to use his kindness. I can’t forgive myself for mocking Kishutaria, but maybe I felt sympathy for her desperate attempts to please me.

But Uncle Clift is very sweet to me. He’ll do it! He’s a high-ranking noble and has a lot of connections! And if things get tough, I can use him as a shield! Even just to buy some time!

For that, I even learned a secret technique from Anna... I wonder if it will work?

"A, ah, please... C, Clift Uncle!"

I stumbled over my words.

Embarrassing. I could die of shame. I’m sorry, Kishutaria. Your useless NEET sister was useless until the end...

But despite my blunder, Uncle Clift’s face lit up so much it looked like it was covered in mosaic.

"O, of course! Albertina! Leave it to your Uncle!"

Oh, be quiet! Don’t bring it up again!

Feeling regret inside, I glared, but Uncle Clift just seemed even happier.

He left in a state of extreme elation, almost skipping.

...Will he do it properly?

When I told Anna I had failed, she and Bella surprisingly said I did nothing wrong. No, I messed up badly.

"Excellent, Miss."

"I’ll make sure Clift doesn’t go overboard, so please rest assured."

A few days later, the effects would become apparent, but Albertina didn’t know that.

As the princess of the noble Rattiche family and the phantom top of the Rose Brand, the handwritten letter from the princess, called the treasure of Rattiche, had immense power.

Moreover, it was delivered by Count Fortuna, the next Duke of Fortuna, a pure-blooded noble with impeccable credentials and a candidate for Albertina’s guardian.

The letter, written in elegant and beautiful handwriting, was a very polite request to take good care of Kishutaria and Latine.

Nobles often make unreasonable demands and then back out, or complain if things don’t go as they expected.

Many of them look down on merchants and craftsmen as mere commoners.

But when they are thanked and apologized to for not being able to do something themselves, and then asked for help, they don’t feel bad about it. This is especially true for the guild, which has been plagued by the arrogant heirs of the Rattiche family.

Now, they have permission from the most powerful person to kick out those who don’t know better.

Albertina von Rattiche, whom no one has ever seen, is known for caring deeply about the treatment of servants, craftsmen, and shop employees.

The Rose Brand and the workshops she oversees have exceptional treatment. The demands are high, but the pay, holidays, and benefits are excellent. If someone asks for time off to raise a child, they can be rehired once the child is old enough. If someone is injured and can no longer work, they are given a severance package and enough money to live on.

There’s also a system of bonuses for employees, and many people are eager to join Albertina’s ventures. However, with the brand’s high reputation and good treatment, it’s a highly competitive field.

This is based on Albertina’s memories from her previous life. What is groundbreaking here is ordinary to her. It’s the result of Julius, who works too much, complaining about it. However, Julius finds it more meaningful and enjoyable to take care of the so-called "ponkotsu" than to take unnecessary holidays. Julius, who has read Albertina’s mind, has changed what he can within his reach. That’s why he’s so capable.

Incidentally, all of Julius’s bonuses are spent on commercializing Albertina’s ideas, which she reluctantly approves. She feels guilty about using him, but it mostly works out as Julius intended.

The elite servant is very proactive in Albertina’s product development. He’s so averse to delegating tasks that only he doesn’t realize it.

"I see. I thought the reports and inquiries from the guild had decreased recently. So that’s why."

The person with the most legitimate claim to the Rattiche bloodline is fully supporting Kishutaria. Those who rely on their bloodline and make a big deal of it can’t do anything if they’re not recognized by a more legitimate person.

Moreover, the person is at the top of the hierarchy of the guild and the Rattiche family. To most people, Albertina’s status is that of a court noble. A direct request from such a person.

"Moreover, the messenger is Count Clift von Fortuna.

A formal letter from Albertina herself, with her personal rose seal, handwritten and signed.

At this point, no matter how much the branch families protest, they can’t do anything. If they try to assert themselves, they’ll dig their own graves. They’ll be seen as opposing Albertina and will be looked down upon by the Fortuna family, who delivered the message with credibility— I wonder how much of this the young lady calculated."

"Maybe she didn’t think about it at all. She probably just wanted to help a little.

She knows the importance of her position but has never used it. She doesn’t know how much influence she has, so she sent handwritten letters to the craftsmen and merchants."

The gap between nobles and commoners is significant.

It’s rare for someone to send a letter in a form that leaves a lasting record, especially a handwritten one.

This letter had a significant impact in other ways.

Latine, who was initially puzzled by Clift’s visit to the Rattiche mansion, collapsed to her knees when she received the letter from Albertina.

No one could mistake the handwriting for anyone else, no matter who delivered it.

Clift also delivered the letter to servants like Sebastian and Julius, who don’t work at the Vayu palace, personally, not through representatives.

Many people, not all, but those in positions of authority, were deeply moved and even cried when they read the letter.

For those who had been dealing with the rude behavior of the branch family members, the letter was a great relief.

Especially for those who had known Albertina, who had been protected and cherished in Rattiche for years, the worry was constant.

Julius, one of the few servants to receive a personal letter, carefully opened the envelope with a letter opener, despite his calm demeanor. The care he took in opening it showed how happy he was.

"Well, I said it was fine. Does she not trust me?"

"More than trust, it’s probably that she can’t afford to lose it."

Julius’s words made Kishutaria realize.

Though she looked bitter, she seemed to understand. Losing her beloved father, and then having her important stepbrother and stepmother devoured by unknown branch nobles must have been terrifying.

Albertina’s love for her family, who she loves more than anyone, is unparalleled.

Even as she has grown into a young man, Albertina’s doting on Kishutaria hasn’t changed. She had said that she couldn’t trust anyone else with Kishutaria.

With limited information, Albertina might have made things worse.

"Then, let’s gratefully accept Albertina’s kindness and move forward."

"Please do. You’re still very busy."

The master and servant, with a sly smile.

Live for Albertina, die for Albertina.

These were the words spoken when they came to the Rattiche family. At first, it felt like a hopeless curse. But now, they accept it as a matter of course.

They can’t deny their personal feelings, but they are even proud of them.

Thoroughly eliminate Albertina’s enemies—this is the absolute mission of those in the Rattiche family.

Albertina, who wants Kishutaria as her successor, alone. This alone gives them strength and motivation.

"Let’s counterattack."

Though not related by blood, the young man, who has inherited the essence of the Demon King to the core, smiled a sinister smile.

Thank you for reading.