Chapter 29

The other day, I was utterly exhausted by the reality that I couldn't correct the misunderstanding of the head of the Rizil Chamber of Commerce.

Well... No, the misunderstanding will probably clear up eventually. After all, I'm just working diligently. I just ran away from living as a noble lady. I just try to be sociable enough not to be disliked by others.

I wonder where and how the misunderstanding started... My only strengths are being serious and making sweets. Well, if I had a computer, I would be good at typing, but that's not the case in this world. Even though I'm good at making sweets, to be honest, I'm not as good as professionals. Thanks to my memories from my previous life, I can make some rare sweets here, like baked goods and fried snacks. But that's about it. Oh, I'll make donuts for today's snack.

While thinking about such things, I finished my morning greeting to Lady Primera and, after taking the morning off, I came to the Jenda Chamber of Commerce. While the Rizil Chamber of Commerce is a modern, stylish building, the Jenda Chamber of Commerce is an old log cabin-like building that sells various items inside. It's not particularly small, nor is it particularly large.

Inside, there are maids cleaning, and the elderly head and his wife are sitting. There are few customers. After all, they sell fresh food, cheap snacks, and clothing... I mean, it's hard to understand why they are called financial specialists. I don't know. Do regular customers know? Maybe I'm just naive. I can't deny it. After all, I started learning etiquette at a young age and have been living in the castle ever since, where most of my life is taken care of within the castle's living area... Trends are brought to us... Hmm, am I really naive?

"Hey, it's you, girl! It's been a while, hasn't it!"

"It's been a while. I'm glad to see you both are well."

"Yeah, my wife and I are doing fine. Hey, I'm going to take a guest inside, so I'll leave the shop to you."

"Sure thing. Yuria, take your time. I'd like you to look at our new candies later."

"Sure, I will."

Oh, new candies! The candies here are not only delicious but also beautifully shaped, making them perfect as a reward for the maid girls. Of course, I eat them during breaks or when I'm a little hungry at night... They're so shiny and nice... Of course, midnight snacking can be detrimental to my weight! But only occasionally! I do try to maintain my figure. But there are days when I want to rely on sweets... like yesterday's misunderstanding or my recent debut... I fight stress every day. Even working in the palace is no different. Working is tough.

While I was thinking about such things, the lady of the house served me cold tea and chilled fruit in the reception room. The well-chilled peaches are delicious!

"Alright, let's get to the point. I think the Talbot Chamber of Commerce issue has been resolved nicely."

"Huh?"

"What, did you think it would take longer because I'm old? Since you asked me, I'm close to retirement, but I'm not ready to be outdone by the young. The Talbot Chamber of Commerce was overstepping, so this was a good opportunity."

"No, that's not what I thought. I just didn't expect you to go so far as to resolve the issue..."

"I told you, I was happy to be asked by you."

The old man, with a crooked smile, is a cool, handsome old man. What should I do? I almost swooned for a moment.

But no, that's not it. I just wanted to know about the Talbot Chamber of Commerce. But... I don't know. Since I heard the head of the Rizil Chamber of Commerce's story yesterday, "this was a good opportunity" seems to have a different meaning... No, that's not it. He must have been advising his junior. That's it! I can't lose! I'm not competing with him.

"You listen to your daughter and occasionally tell me about him in a non-intrusive way. Just for that, we feel indebted to you. Moreover, the Talbot Chamber of Commerce's methods were a concern for the country, so I'm sure you were worried and came to me for help, right?"

"Um, no, that's not it..."

"Don't say any more, it's too formal! I know this business isn't all about pretty words. Especially when politics is involved, a lot of money and people move. Of course, if something happens to him, I have to act—knowing that, you came to me for advice about the Talbot Chamber of Commerce, right?"

"No, that's not it. I didn't expect that much..."

"You're too modest, girl."

No, that's not it. I didn't expect that much.

I just wanted to know what kind of chamber the Talbot Chamber of Commerce was!

It's strange, I always thought the old couple at the Jenda Chamber of Commerce were just ordinary citizens with a slightly rough tone... And like the head of the Rizil Chamber of Commerce, they seem to have a huge misunderstanding about me.

"No, I just wanted to know about the Talbot Chamber of Commerce."

"Is that so? Then maybe I overstepped."

"Ah, no, I appreciate your concern and am grateful! I just feel bad for troubling you and think I should have taken more action myself. After all, it's because of my father."

"...You're a good girl."

He smiles gently, probably thinking of his deceased concubine.

Seeing such an expression, I felt uncomfortable and forgot what to say next.

"Standing up to a corrupt chamber for your father is not something I recommend, but it's a noble deed. Merchants highly value your attitude of trying to find wrongdoing without defaulting on payments. The Talbot Chamber of Commerce affected not only citizens and noble gentlemen but also us merchants."

"Um, I wasn't trying to find wrongdoing..."

"Well, it's a matter of results. By not just accepting the situation and involving the Rizil Chamber of Commerce and us, your reputation has soared. But it's a good thing, as the Queen Consort dislikes us."

"What? I come here because I like the Jenda Chamber of Commerce!"

That's right, the candies are delicious!

There are so many varieties that you can't find in other chambers, and they are reasonably priced and in large quantities!

They are truly the ally of the common people!

But I was a bit embarrassed to say that. It sounds childish, doesn't it?

"Hehe... As expected of the head maid, you have a strong spirit. I can really entrust him to you. Of course, the Jenda Chamber of Commerce will continue to support you as much as you need. Please come to us whenever you need help."

"Um... There seems to be some misunderstanding, but please take care of your health. I'm sure he would want that."

"Ah, yes... You're right. I can't afford to be weak. I need to be strong to deal with the bugs that eat the buds."

"Huh? Did you start a gardening business?"

"Don't play dumb. It's fine. You didn't ask me to help openly, but I'll be ready whenever you need me. Come again."

"Ha..."

"I have a beautiful orange rose for you, so take it with the candies."

The old man, who smiled, had lost the sharpness from earlier and looked like a kind grandfather.

I will buy the candies, of course, but the rose—I will decorate Lady Primera's bedroom with it, of course, after it goes through the butler's inspection.

I'm sure she will be happy.

Still, did the head of the chamber grow the rose himself, as he mentioned the bugs eating the buds?

I often hear about grandparents working hard for their grandchildren, so maybe that's the case!

The protagonist is not dense but an ordinary person.

An ordinary person who is often misunderstood.