Chapter 28

The other day, I was left exhausted by the reality that the head of the Rizil Chamber of Commerce couldn’t correct the huge misunderstanding of the state of affairs.

Yeah … no, the misunderstanding would be resolve in time. Because I was just doing a simple job. I just ran away from living life as a nobleman’s daughter. I was just trying to be friendly and make small talk so that people don’t hate me.

The only things I’m good at were being a serious person and making sweets. If I had a computer, I would be good at typing things out, but not in this world. I’m not as good at making sweets as a pro, to be honest. It’s just that thanks to the memories from my past life. I could make unusual sweets here…there were baked goods but no fried foods, that kind of thing. I thought I’ll make doughnuts for today’s snack.

With that in mind, after I finished greeting Primera-sama in the morning, I took the morning off and came to the Jenda Chamber of Commerce. If the Rizil Trading Company was a modern and stylish building, then Jenda Trading Company was an old-fashioned, log cabin-like building with a lot of things for sale inside. I didn’t think it’s small, but I didn’t think it’s particularly spacious either.

Inside there was a maid who was cleaning. An old man and an old woman, who was the head of the association, sitting in the building. Customers were scarce. They sell fresh food, snacks, and clothing, and so on…I didn’t know if I was a financial specialist or not. I just don’t know.

Did you know I was a regular customer or something? Or maybe it’s not that tough to figure out that I was naive. There’s no denying it. I started out as an apprentice at a young age. I’ve been living in the castle since then, and although I do come from the castle to do some shopping, I’ve been able to make most of my living in the living areas of the castle…In short, I’m just a naive person.

“Yo, little girl. It’s been a long time!”

“It’s good to see you. It’s good to see you both looking well.”

“Aah, my wife and I are fine. Look, I’ll go inside with my guest. You go take care of business.”

“Yes, yes. You should take your time, Julia. I want you to go check out the new candy later.”

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

Oh, a new candy!

The candy here tasted great. The shape was beautiful and it’s the perfect reward for the maids. Of course, I also ate them when I’m taking a break or when I get a little hungry at night…They’re nice and sparkly!

Of course, snacking in the middle of the night can do a lot of damage to you weight-wise!

So, just sometimes!

I’m still doing my best to stay in shape with this one. But there are days when I need to rely on sweets…like the misunderstanding yesterday, or the debut the other day…I’m fighting the stress every day.

Working at the Royal Palace doesn’t change that, does it?

Working was not easy.

While I was pondering these things, the lady served us cold tea and cold fruit in the reception room.

Well-chilled peaches were delicious!

“Alright, well then, let’s get on with it, shall we? About the Talbot Company, I think we got a pretty good handle on it.”

“Eh–.”

“What, you think I’m an old man and I would take much longer? The young lady is counting on me. I’m on the verge of retirement, but I don’t think I’m inferior to the young ones yet. The Talbot Trading Company was overkill, so this was a good opportunity for me.”

”

”

“No-, no, that’s not what I had in mind. As for me, I didn’t expect you to help me with things like these…”

“As I said, I’m happy to be my little girl’s help.”

The old man’s mouth was twisted into a crooked smile. He’s an old man, but he’s a very cool old man. I almost had a crush on him for a second.

I mean, no, no, no, I don’t.

I just wanted to ask him for information on the Talbot Chamber of Commerce, but what is it? I’m thankful if you say it’s all settled. That means my life was getting closer to normal again.

But I don’t know… after hearing the head of the Rizil Chamber of Commerce speak yesterday, he said, “This is a good opportunity! ” or something like that. That may mean something different… no, no, no, I’m sure he did!

I don’t get it!

I’m not trying to compete with him, though.

“You tell me my daughter’s story and occasionally tell me how she…is doing on a normal level. It’s only natural that we should be indebted to you for that. I’m sure you’re not the only one who’s concerned about the future of this country, but you’re also worried about what’s going to happen to the Talbot Company. You’ve come to rely on me, right?”

“Eh, no, I mean…”

“You can’t fool everybody like that. You smell like clean water (honest person)! I’ve been in that business for a long time and I’m still in it but I know it’s not always pretty in this business. Especially when politics is involved, there’s a lot of money and people involved. Of course, if I thought she might reach out to me, I’m bound to go on the move — do you want to know the secrets of Talbot Trading Company?”

“No-, no. I don’t want to go that far…”

“You are a modest girl.”

No, no, no, no. He’s not looking for that.

Honestly, I just wanted to know what kind of business was the Talbot Trading Company!

It’s funny, I’ve always thought of the old couple from Jenda as gentle and slightly rough-tongued ordinary citizens. But I can’t help but think that they may have misunderstood me just like the head of the Rizil Trading Company.

“No, I just wanted to learn about the Talbot Trading Company.”

“Is that so, maybe I’ve gone a little too far out on a limb there?”

“Oh, no, I know and appreciate your concern for me! I’m just sorry for bothering you, or perhaps it was a matter that I had to act more on my own. It’s something that my father is responsible for.”

“…You’re a good kid.”

The way he softened his eyes and smiled, he must have been reminiscing about his late daughter’s side of the family.

Seeing this expression on his face, I couldn’t offer any more excuses and forgot what I was going to say next.

“I can’t recommend the idea of standing up to the rogue merchants for your father’s sake, but it must be a long story. The merchants appreciate your willingness to find out what’s wrong with them while paying them, and not knocking them down,” he said, “It wasn’t just citizens and noblemen’s masters who were troubled by the Talbot Trading Company, it was us, merchants, as well.”

“E, I’m not trying to find out if they’re cheating.”

“Well, there are consequences to that. You’re not going to continue to pay your bills in tears, and instead of getting involved with the Rizil Corporation and our company, you’re going to get a reputation as a strong individual person. But it’s a good thing because the Queen doesn’t like us.”

“Such a thing! I come here because I love this Jenda Trading Company!”

That’s right, the candy bars were delicious!

There’s more variety than you’d be able to find in any other trading company, and it’s reasonably priced, and it’s in a good quantity!

He’s really on the side of the people!

But I was a little too embarrassed to say why I did that. I was like a child, right?

“Fufufu…You’re the one who can really help her. Of course, the Jenda Trading Company will continue to support you as much as you desire. You can always count on us.”

“No way…There may be some misunderstanding, but please take care of yourself first. I’m sure that’s what she would want you to do as well.”

“Oh. Oh…..that’s right. We can’t afford to be weak just yet, you know. You’ll need the energy to do something about those bud-eating insects.”

“E? Did you also start a landscaping business?”

“That’s okay. I’m not going to give you a handout in public. I’ll be ready to move whenever you ask.”

“Haa…”

”

”

“I got a beautiful orange rose for you to take home with you and your candy.”

The old man laughed, and had the face of a gentle grandfather, without any traces of the sharpness of moments ago.

Of course, I would buy the candy, but the roses – I’ll let you decorate your bedchamber with them, Primera-sama. Of course, the chief stewards will have it go through the screening process, but I’m sure they’ll be happy to see it.

I’m sure she would be very pleased to see me.

By the way, could it be that those bud-eating insects were raised by the chairman himself?

I’ve heard a lot of stories about grandparents trying their best for their cute grandchildren, and maybe they were!

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