Chapter 28

I'll translate the text into English, maintaining the original structure and formatting:

Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the pound cake. Then, as a finishing touch, place a mint leaf on top, and serve it with a cold cup of tea. The ice clinks in the glass, creating a refreshing sound that can be enjoyed by the ears. When these are served to the guests, their expressions brighten, and I feel happy seeing their joy—though it would be nice if it weren't for the business talk!

Peace, come to me.

I wonder if there's a spell like that. Something that could bring peace just by saying it... No, there isn't.

"Wow, wow! Is this the dessert from Lady Yuria? This baked good is quite common, but this white, round thing must be the dessert that has recently become the Prime Minister's favorite, right?"

"You know a lot, don't you? He wouldn't say such things out loud."

"Hehe, well, sometimes it's better left unsaid. Let me try... Wow, it's so cold and smooth! It's a delightful dessert for the summer."

Does it just seem to me that flowers are flying around the old man who is squinting and smiling happily? This guy is the best merchant in the country, right? Well, he's a bit plump, but he has a charming face and seems like a good person at first glance. However, I think he's quite a sly fox. But it's nice to see him enjoy the dessert so much!

But that's not the point. What are you trying to do by binding me?

"Shall we discuss business while we eat?"

"Of course, how much tea leaves do you need? I'll bring a few varieties from the high mountains."

"Thank you."

"Then, shall I deliver them in three days?"

"Yes, I'll write up the order form right away. Please take care of it."

I stand up, take a document from the desk, and start writing. The format for order forms is already set, so I just need to fill in which merchant I'm using, how much of what I'm buying, and which department will receive it. It's a carbon copy, so one copy goes to the financial officer, and the other is submitted by the merchant when they deliver the goods to receive payment. So, if I buy unnecessary things or items for the maids, the financial officer might say I'm wasting money... But our princess is frugal, and there's no longer the practice of buying unnecessary things under the authority of those who serve her. After all, a few generations ago, there were so many concubines that their fingers couldn't count them all, which is why the financial officer's oversight is still effective. In this generation, only the Empress, the Crown Prince, and Princess Primera are frugal, so there's no need for a large staff... Well, there are a minimum number of staff, of course.

But back then, with so many concubines and their children, more staff were needed to manage everything. Anyway, this carbon copy system is very efficient. I didn't invent it; it was already in place when I became a maid. Carbon paper is amazing. The name is different, of course.

"Please take this."

"Understood. ...By the way, could I have a little more of your time?"

"Of course."

Is this the real topic? Are you trying to shorten my life? I can only feel the days of peace and tranquility logging out! You're such a petty person!

Of course, I'm a capable adult woman inside, so I sit back down with a cool face. I'm not stiff because I'm scared; it's just my posture when dealing with guests. Really.

"Still, I was surprised by your actions. I thought you were just a young lady content with serving the princess..."

"…What do you mean? That's exactly what I am."

"Ha ha! Yes, you are certainly devoted to the princess! My choice of words was incorrect."

He clapped his hands and laughed heartily, then gave a sly smile. Ah, this might be his true face. Maybe this smile is just to put me at ease. Not that it would do much if he did. Just because I'm the head maid doesn't mean I get special treatment. The only thing is that Princess Primera likes me...

"Jenda Trading Company"

"Huh?"

"I was impressed that you would turn to them. The Tarbott Trading Company won't last much longer. I never thought you would have such a strong connection with the Jenda Trading Company, especially in the financial sector. The Empress doesn't have a good impression of moneylenders, and especially not of the Jenda Trading Company, given the background of the concubines."

"…I don't understand what you're saying."

"Don't be modest! The Jenda Trading Company is a financial specialist that even the Rizil Trading Company respects. The chairman is a bit old-fashioned and difficult, but he seems to feel indebted to you. Of course, the Tarbott Trading Company has been expanding using questionable methods, so this was a welcome opportunity. The lion would ignore a mouse unless it bit its foot."

Wait, what?

I only contacted the Jenda Trading Company to learn about the Tarbott Trading Company. I thought I might get a biased opinion from the Rizil Trading Company alone. Maybe there's a misunderstanding?

"Sorry, but there seems to be a misunderstanding..."

"No, no, of course it's natural for you to visit the Jenda Trading Company. The princess is undoubtedly one of their grandchildren. However, the social gap is so great that even speaking to them is not allowed... Your devoted attitude in bridging that gap is truly admirable. The king's favoritism was a bit problematic, even from my perspective as a friend. I felt sorry for the chairman of the Jenda Trading Company, who has done a lot for us..."

"Still, I don't—"

"However, I naively thought you wouldn't risk the Empress's disapproval by forming such a strong connection with the Jenda Trading Company. But you've shown that connection by relying on them this time!"

No, wait. I didn't do anything that grand...

When I went to the Jenda Trading Company, they didn't allow much direct conversation. We just had casual conversations about the health of the royal family... Of course, I knew they were concerned about Princess Primera, and I focused on that topic. It was a bit sad not to be able to openly acknowledge the relationship with her grandparents...

I didn't do anything grand... I didn't even know the Jenda Trading Company was an old financial institution. Really, I didn't. I just thought of them as a traditional candy store. I'm sorry!

"So, about the gold... It will be settled soon. It might even return with a profit! After all, it's the Jenda Trading Company!"

"Ah..."

"Ha ha, I underestimated you as a woman. I'll admit defeat here. You remain calm even when our branch manager approaches silently. You are truly a professional as a maid. I wonder if I should be glad you're not ambitious, or if I should be concerned... It's a dilemma!"

I looked at the old man, who was laughing loudly and spouting ominous words, as if I had discovered an unbelievable creature. What is he saying? He seems to have a major misunderstanding, and my explanations aren't getting through at all.

Besides, even if the loan was at a high interest rate, if it returns with a profit, isn't that a problem...?

He said a lot of things I didn't understand after that.

Something about not wearing the hair ornament given by Lord Aldar Saul... I just can't bear to wear it. About being the one who improved the relationship between the Crown Prince and Princess Primera... They were already good friends. About the Prime Minister's good mood and successful business... I probably had nothing to do with it.

In any case, the chairman of the Rizil Trading Company said a lot of things I didn't understand and left.

...I don't know, but I feel really, really tired.

I want to take a bath. I want to go to a hot spring.

The protagonist, unable to clear the misunderstanding, decided to escape into reality.