Chapter 38

The idea of meeting the Marquis seems incredibly daunting.

Well, if you think about it normally, a common citizen wouldn't be granted a direct audience. I am technically a viscountess, but I am currently just a lowly maid serving in the palace. I have no connection to the Marquis family, and the only reason I am here is because of Lady Primera. I am not in a position to speak to him directly.

Then why was I granted an audience?

It's largely due to the letter of introduction from the head of the Jenda Trading Company. He shares a common point with the Marquis as a concubine, and is also a personal friend. He wrote to vouch for my character and to request that he offer me advice. What a wonderful opportunity. What should I bring as a gift?

By the way, I should also prepare something for Lord Aldar Saul and Lord Dean Dain. Especially for Lord Aldar Saul, I should give him not only thanks but also a gift for the hair ornament... However, as a baroness and a current active guard knight, I can't think of a good gift to give him. Still, this hair ornament is quite good.

For Lord Dean Dain, I'll give him honey. He must be tired from training to become a knight, and I remember that honey with lemon has a fatigue recovery effect.

"Thank you very much, Marquis, for taking the time to see me today."

"Of course, I read the letter from the head of the Jenda Trading Company. Personally, I want to do as much as I can for someone who serves the princess with such dedication. Please, have a seat."

"Thank you."

Gentle smiled warmly. As expected of Gentle.

The chair he offered was very comfortable. Wow, it's as good as the ones in the palace.

The guest chairs of the Fandied Viscount family? They're not bad, but I think they could be a bit better!

"So, what can I do for you? Do you want me to be the guardian of your brother, Merle Ravie, or do you need some kind of assistance to ensure a smooth succession of the viscount title?"

"Um, no, I don't need that."

That's already been arranged, and more importantly, my stepmother and brother and I agree that we shouldn't trouble others any further since my father caused problems for everyone. My stepmother is also working hard to support my brother, and I don't have a role to play in this. Fortunately, my brother has made good friends, so he won't be overwhelmed by the pressure of becoming a viscount.

By the way, did they have a sleepover? I should ask about that next time.

When I immediately denied it, the Marquis seemed confused.

Hmm? Did he think I was seeking power?

No, no, I'm not asking for anything that grand. What I want is roses, roses.

"What I would like to ask about is the Marquis's roses."

"Hmm... Do you want to enter them in a rose show?"

"No, not that."

"Then what?"

He seems genuinely puzzled by my purpose.

Well, I want to explain my purpose, but when a high-ranking person speaks first, I can only listen.

Finally, when prompted, I spoke.

"Actually, I have a few things I'd like to try. I heard from the head of the Jenda Trading Company that the Marquis has developed 'edible roses.' I would like a small sample. Also, I would like to know about the types of roses with a strong fragrance and thin petals..."

"You want to know? Not just to have them? What do you plan to do with them?"

"Actually, I'm thinking of making jam from rose petals."

"Jam?"

"Yes, when I came to this territory, I was deeply moved by the beauty of the roses. As you may know, I make pastries as a hobby... I thought it would be wonderful if I could make rose jam."

"That's... hmm, I've never thought about it, but it does sound wonderful."

"That's why I would like to know about the types of roses with thin petals and try making some samples... As for the edible roses, I'm currently discussing with our cook, but I want to use them in a new cake. It's not ready yet, but when it is, I would like the Marquis to try it..."

"Of course, the princess as well?"

"Yes."

Of course! It's for Lady Primera.

Hehe... Wouldn't it be beautiful to mix rose jam with soda water?

I can imagine Lady Primera getting excited!

If I prepare an edible flower cake and rose jam soda, Lady Primera will look like a fairy! It will be a perfect picture!

Oops, I shouldn't be daydreaming.

"..."

"Hmm... I heard from the head of the company that you are truly dedicated to serving her... I see..."

"Huh?"

"There are maids who serve power. Especially for those with noble titles, being favored means their family and themselves can benefit from that power. It's inevitable, but some talented people have been favored by the powerful and have achieved positions commensurate with their abilities. However, those who seek power beyond their abilities often flatter the powerful, and young or naive powerful people may not recognize such flattery..."

I repeated the Marquis's words in my head.

In other words, some people see me as a maid who uses Lady Primera's power.

That's why, considering that my family was saved because I served Lady Primera, it makes sense.

The Marquis might have wanted to see for himself what kind of person I am, as the head of the Jenda Trading Company probably only wrote good things about me.

Well, I don't need power. I need money to live, but if Lady Primera is cute, I might be able to work for less pay. Not that I want a pay cut!

I would be happy if I could get a raise!

But if it's too much, it might make my stomach hurt. I'm a bit of a coward.

...Yeah, I feel a bit sad that I came to that conclusion.

But then the Marquis smiled. Did I pass?

"You remained calm and thoughtful despite my harsh words. I made a comment that could be interpreted as the princess being young and naive, but you understood my intention. You seem to be as intelligent as the rumors suggest."

"Um, that's not true..."

Hmm, I see... I guess it could be interpreted that way.

To me, Lady Primera is so intelligent that I can't understand it!

But I don't really have a reason to be angry, and what he said was just a fact. I was so surprised that I couldn't react... If the Marquis interpreted it positively, that's fine...?

I need to correct the part about the rumors, though.

"I don't know what the rumors are, but I am far from intelligent. Lady Primera is the one who truly deserves the title of intelligent."

"Modesty?"

"I am just an ordinary maid."

How's that! That's the best correction I can make.

I'm good at paperwork, but I can't match the speed of the Chancellor. I'm proud that my documents are rarely rejected because they are clear and well-organized.

Other than that, I'm ordinary. I'm happy with my job. It can be tough sometimes, but I have great colleagues, excellent benefits, and I serve someone adorable. It's the best.

"..."

"Hehe, I see. Let's go to the types of roses, shall we? Shall I escort you, Lady?"

"Of course."

Wow, wow, wow.

I was called 'Lady' by a distinguished old gentleman with a romantic gray aura!

This is such an honor!