Chapter 36

It is often said that a lord's domain is easily influenced by the lord's will.

I think the direct territory of the Nashanda Marquisate is exactly as the Marquis wished it to be.

Well, I suppose as you get to the edges of the marquisate, things will change, but as I looked around, a sweet fragrance wafted from everywhere. There were roses everywhere.

Hedges were roses, store designs featured roses, goods had rose engravings, and even the cutlery in restaurants had rose patterns.

No, it's not overwhelming. The subtle, understated touch is really beautiful. I want one of these rose-patterned teaspoons. They're really lovely. I think they'd be great to bring out when guests come.

Hmm, I didn't plan to buy cutlery, but maybe I should check out the tableware too.

I tried to organize my thoughts, but hmm, maybe we don't have enough people.

I want to rely on Metabon for food... and I'll ask Regina to come along for a woman's perspective.

Since she'll be busy, I'll need to borrow someone else's help.

Maybe I can get an introduction to a workshop.

And finally, I realized that the marquisate seems to be very suitable for growing roses. I didn't know that. I thought it was just because the Marquis liked roses... I knew that the Marquis had a long-standing love for roses and was always working on breeding new varieties, and I had heard that he wanted to promote roses as a specialty product.

But when I thought that he had only recently started promoting roses, and that the cultivation and spread of roses had only recently begun, the scale of this was truly astonishing.

I must be quite naive...

I really felt that.

"Well, let's go into a few stores and try some things, shall we? I think they would deliver if we asked the Rizil Guild, but you have to taste these things!"

"It sounds fun..."

Today, I'm technically off, so I'm wearing a dress made by the old seamstress and a hair accessory given to me by Lord Aldar Saul. Yeah, I feel like I'm trying a bit too hard to look good for a tourist spot, but I don't care!!

The dress is a long A-line dress made of blue chiffon.

The hair accessory was a barrette with blue stones, so I thought it would match... I couldn't use it much at the palace because it would be rumored that I was given something that Lord Aldar Saul wore (and such topics often turn into romantic gossip, which many women enjoy at any age), but since I received it, it would be a waste not to use it!!

But, it's cute in a sophisticated way, with small flowers and such.

Lord Aldar Saul must be very experienced with women to be able to choose something like this on the spot.

Well, let's put that aside for now.

The original purpose was honey. And rose water and rose oil.

I'll probably use a considerable amount, and since they are specialty products of this domain, they won't sell inferior products here. The price will be reasonable, I think... but this is market research to convince the treasurer. And to consider whether to order them for my skincare, based on my budget!!

What? You think it's mostly for myself?

No, no, honey is the most important.

Yes, yes, I want to make rose jam that Lady Primera will enjoy!!

With delicious scones, jam, and cake and tea, I'm sure tea time will be something to look forward to. It's a maid's duty to prepare such times for important people.

But baking crackers and spreading jam on them would be nice, or adding it to a pound cake. Of course, it could be added to tea... the possibilities are endless!!

However, fresh roses and honey were for sale, but not jam.

Well, I was planning to make it myself, but if it were available, it could be one of the specialty products.

The rose tea I ordered at the store was very delicious. Such things do exist. In my previous life, rose-flavored tea was popular and came in many varieties, so I expected it to be available here. However, there don't seem to be many varieties. It's a bit disappointing... but this is quite delicious. It's a bit expensive, but not so much that I can't buy it for regular use. I'll add it to the list of things to have delivered regularly to the princess's palace.

While organizing my thoughts, I enjoyed the apricot jam and honey served with the scone. Delicious.

I was about to comment on how delicious the scones were when Metabon, who looked like a tough guy but wasn't, had a serious expression and muttered, "Hmm... I see, I see! This is...!"

Regina was eating the scones with plenty of honey without a care.

"Lady Yuria, I think the rose honey from Minas Village is delicious. I like its light fragrance!"

"If you say so, the honey from Chenna Village has a stronger rose flavor and color, making it suitable for use as is. I think it's good to dissolve it in tea to spread the fragrance."

"Well, I like this honey."

"However, I didn't expect a single restaurant to handle multiple types of honey... this is a pleasant surprise. First, we should investigate how many villages produce honey. Metabon, we'll be walking around the town today, but what do you think about buying a few small bottles?"

"I think it's a good idea. Walking around will make your stomach a bit heavy. I think you won't lose out on the taste, and it can be used in various ways."

I nodded at Metabon's words and picked up the bill, but Regina snatched it away in a hurry.

Oh, I can pay for this, I thought, but then I remembered that I have the highest status among us. In modern times, it's fine for the person with status to pay, but from Regina's perspective, she can't let her boss or someone of the same level pay.

This is the troublesome part of a class-based society.

Well, I decided to let it go and said, "Then, Regina, please take care of it."

But, I'm already full after just one scone and tea.

Hmm, what else is there with roses?

I came to the town to inspect and understand how much rose-related goods ordinary people use to determine the prices... and to discuss and plan with the Marquis based on that.

I know there are a few types of honey, so I can ask about that too.

But if I consult without knowing anything, the Marquis might go out of his way to provide everything, which is a concern. According to the head of the Jenda Guild, he is a very generous person.

No matter how much he is Lady Primera's step-grandfather, it's a different matter for a mere maid to be treated well.

I need to draw a clear line there!!

Hehehe... I'm not just being manipulated.

Well, as Regina finished the bill and Metabon held the honey, hmm, they look like a married couple.

I couldn't help but say that, and suddenly both of them turned bright red.

You two are still so innocent. A new discovery.