Chapter 79

* * *

The sale of pads had officially begun.

We had planned to start a pilot sale in the eastern district where the guild was located and then observe the market's reaction, but the response was already enthusiastic.

People seemed to highly appreciate the convenience of the pads, which were absorbent and easy to attach and remove.

They were amazed at how such a product could be made, and Jerit smiled silently.

I deliberately didn't mention that it was made with Heron.

Borrowing the guild's name would guarantee a high purchase rate, but any flaws would also be entirely the responsibility of the guild.

'In that sense, Jerit is an excellent candidate.'

The current owner of the guild was Duke Shwartz. Despite this, Jerit, as one of the duke's retainers, had started his own business.

Anyone interested in commerce would understand the implications.

'Of course, Heron's involvement in this matter must remain a secret.'

In any case, the pads had captivated both Heron and the commercial potential.

Things are going smoothly. I was humming a tune in satisfaction when Duke Shwartz spoke.

"You're not touching your dessert today."

At the familiar voice, I shuddered.

The duke was looking down at me with a tilted head.

"Are you just looking at those documents again?"

"U-um, because Heron-sama gave it to me as homework."

I tried to laugh it off, but the duke reached out and pushed a small chocolate into my mouth.

'Delicious!'

Feeling the sweetness, I belatedly looked up in surprise.

"They say you'll gain weight if you eat too much. Even so, everyone says you've gained weight..."

My words made the duke frown.

"I need to check if your eyes are working properly. Where exactly do you look fat?"

'If you eat this much, anyone would gain weight...'

I just wanted to report on the class.

I sighed deeply.

While Damian and Heron's classes were ongoing, I reported on the class content in the duke's office.

It was more like boasting to the duke, but that's what it was.

Fortunately, there was a lot to talk about, such as the pad business and the increased time I spent with Jerit and Heron.

"Last time, Jerit-sama gave me a delicious tart as a gift! It was really good!"

I added various stories to avoid talking only about business.

Then, desserts started appearing on the table one by one, leading to the current situation.

"You don't even get to taste the pie. Where did all that food go?"

He began poking my cheeks with a displeased look.

Anyone could tell where the food went just by seeing how his fingers pressed into my cheeks. At that moment, the door opened, and a servant entered.

"Your Grace, Jerit-sama and Heron-sama have arrived."

Jerit came to report the sales figures to the duke once a week, and I and Heron listened to his report under the pretext of a class.

Damian, unfortunately, had to go straight to sword training and couldn't join us.

"Ah, hello, Your Grace!"

Jerit greeted him with a nervous voice.

Despite his usual smooth talk with the headmaster and others, he still seemed tense in front of Duke Shwartz.

"Jerit-sama!"

I showed my delight and patted the seat next to me, and he sat down as if I had thrown him a lifeline.

"Hmm..."

The duke, sitting opposite, looked at Jerit with a displeased expression.

Is he still not confident in the timid and introverted Jerit?

"Um, um, I will report on our side now."

Thus, Jerit began reporting the sales figures and trends to the duke, trembling.

"The purchase rate within the guild is also very high."

As he spoke, Jerit seemed to relax, and his voice became steadier.

"The price reduction for employees seems to have had a significant impact."

"Gender ratio of buyers?"

"Men are higher, but the female purchase rate is also high."

"I see."

The duke nodded slowly.

"To be honest, I'm surprised. We provided a certain quantity to female employees, but I didn't expect the purchase rate to be this high."

"That means it's a useful product."

I felt Heron glance at me, silently sipping his tea. He seemed as surprised by the steady increase in sales as I was.

Especially since the guild provided the pads for free to female employees, it was unexpected that it would lead to additional purchases.

'Besides, there are far fewer female employees in the guild.'

But in terms of ratio, the purchase rate among female employees was significantly higher.

'Indeed, giving them out for free was a good decision.'

No matter how comfortable a product is, people wouldn't buy it without trying it first.

'Now that its usefulness is proven...'

The next step was to spread the word even more.

"Um, I have something to say about this matter, Your Grace."

At that moment, Jerit, with a pale hand, spoke with a determined voice.

I knew what Jerit was going to say.

"Um, well..."

But he seemed hesitant to voice his opinion in front of the duke.

After a moment's thought, I offered him a chocolate. Jerit looked puzzled.

"It's a chocolate to boost your energy."

"..."

"I feel energized when I eat this! So, big brother, you can do it too!"

I shouted, raising my hands high, and Jerit, moved, reached out with a "Uh-huh."

But he withdrew his hand, intimidated by the duke's fierce gaze.

Again! Again he does this!

I glared at the duke.

"Your Grace, you have a lot of chocolates."

"Yes, I do."

"Then why are you trying to take Jerit-sama's?"

"Because it's sad when someone offers to feed you and you don't appreciate it."

What does that mean?

I tilted my head, and in the meantime, the duke quickly took the chocolate from my hand and put it in his mouth.

"Sweet."

Despite his words, his expression twisted, indicating he really didn't like sweets.

'If you don't like it, why take it? That's just spiteful.'

I pouted.

"Then, I will share my opinion."

Meanwhile, Jerit struggled to speak.

"To increase the purchase rate, we need to expand distribution."

"Distribution. Where specifically?"

"More donations, please."

The duke's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"Places other than orphanages and shelters?"

"Yes."

At Jerit's words, I clenched my fist inconspicuously.

The duke asked.

"Where?"

"The academy."

'Right!'

I barely suppressed a cheer.

"Most students at the academy live in dormitories. Providing pads to female students would be beneficial."

"The academy. That won't necessarily increase the purchase rate. Why?"

"Children will grow up eventually."

"..."

"If we can make a good impression on them, the perception of these children when they become adults will translate into purchase rates."

The duke tilted his head silently, his gaze landing on me. I fidgeted with the chocolate wrapper, perking up my ears.

"Th-that's why I mentioned the academy."

Despite his confident start, Jerit's voice faltered at the end, typical of him.

Heron silently raised his cup and sipped his tea, a sign of agreement.

When he put the cup down again:

"Not bad."

The duke gave a positive response.

"R-really?"

"Let's see if your hypothesis about the purchase rate holds true."

"Thank you!"

Jerit's face lit up as if he had gained the world.

"But if it turns out to be a wrong judgment, you'll have to take responsibility."

However, his face darkened as if he had just taken on all the despair.

'At least the duke has given his permission.'

Satisfied with the smooth progress, I peeled a chocolate and offered it to the duke.

"What is it?"

"A gift."

I had just seen his face contort with sweetness, but...

'This is all I can give.'

Half-jokingly, half-spitefully, I shook the chocolate in my hand.

'You're not going to eat it?'

I looked at him with that expression.

Instead of telling me to put it away, the duke calmly took and ate the chocolate.

"Sweet."

He frowned, and I smiled brightly.

"Of course, I gave it to you on purpose."

The duke chuckled at my smile and gently pinched my cheek.

* * *

"Your Grace."

At that moment, Heron, who had been silent, spoke.

Eli and the duke's gazes turned to Heron.

"Perhaps it's time to start preparing for the marriage of the young master and Eli-sama."

Marriage.

At Heron's words, Eli's eyes widened like a rabbit's.

"Rumors are likely already reaching the emperor. To protect both of them, it would be best to move quickly."

"Hmm..."

Heron's words made the duke look slightly displeased as he looked down at Eli.

Watching this, Jerit felt uneasy.

Eli-sama is a brave person who can smile confidently even in front of Duke Shwartz, who can intimidate even adults.

Moreover, how sharp she is.

Just as Jerit was about to speak out of concern, the duke asked:

"Eli."

He looked down at her.

"What do you think?"

"About what?"

"Your marriage to Damian."

"I love it!"

Eli answered immediately, without a moment's hesitation.

"I like Damian. So I want to marry him!"

Her enthusiastic response made Jerit smile warmly.

But the duke frowned, seemingly displeased with something.

After a moment of silence, he sighed and nodded.

Eli's face brightened.

"So, I'm really going to marry Damian?"

"Yes."

"Wow!"

Eli was overjoyed, her eyes sparkling like a rabbit with a carrot in front of it.

Unable to contain her joy, Eli jumped off the duke's lap.

"I'll go tell Damian!"

She left the room without giving anyone a chance to stop her, not forgetting to bow politely.

'How can she be so cute?'

Jerit, who had been smiling, shuddered at the sudden surge of killing intent.

"Y-your Grace...?"

The duke's face was incredibly fierce.

Could he be opposing the marriage of Eli-sama and the young master at the last minute?

'But she was so happy...'

That can't happen. As a big brother, I must protect Eli-sama.

Just as Jerit was about to speak up, the duke muttered:

"Useless."

Huh? Jerit blinked in confusion.

"Raising a daughter is useless. She left so coldly."

"..."

"Isn't that right?"

Heron nodded as if used to it, "Yes."

Jerit, who had been gaping like a fish, replied, "Y-yes..." and fell silent.