Chapter 5

Hermitage is said to be the land where the Eisenburg ducal family originated.

It seems they take pride in the thatched-roof houses and the vast gardens where many medicinal herbs are grown.

In the old days, it seems the members of the Eisenburg ducal family lived quietly in the depths of the forest as apothecaries.

They were brought to the forefront due to an epidemic, and as a result of their contributions being recognized, they were rewarded with the title of duke and a vast fortune.

Even after their base of operations moved to the capital, it seems the members of the Eisenburg ducal family loved and cherished Hermitage.

To prevent anyone from entering, they set up a barrier on the land, locked it, and managed it themselves.

It seems the main manager was the head of the family at the time, but my grandfather entrusted me with the key to Hermitage.

Why me and not Eugen, who is the current head?

According to my grandfather, he cannot entrust the management of Hermitage to Eugen.

It is also written that if possible, I should look for the next manager of Hermitage.

It is even written that the candidate is not limited to the members of the Eisenburg ducal family; anyone who cherishes Hermitage is acceptable.

However, if no one is found, it is written that I should dispose of the key.

It seems that there are many medicinal beasts in Hermitage, and they do not neglect the maintenance of the mansion and the garden.

Therefore, even without forcing the search for a manager, it seems that Hermitage can maintain its beautiful appearance without deteriorating.

After inheriting the key along with the title of Duke Eisenburg, my grandfather visited Hermitage with my grandmother.

It seems that tending to the garden and enjoying the cake baked by my grandmother and the herbal tea were his greatest pleasures.

I heard from my grandfather that my grandmother died of puerperal fever after childbirth.

She was originally weak and was told that it would be difficult to bear a child.

It seems that her constitution was passed on to Eugen's father, who also died young.

It seems that Eugen's father had a considerable talent for magical potions and often devoted himself to compounding, forgetting to eat and sleep.

It is a rather ironic story that his passion eroded his health.

Eugen, on the other hand, was a healthy and energetic child, but he did not grow up to be a suitable member of the Eisenburg ducal family.

Surrounded by a sickly but talented apothecary and a healthy but untalented one, my grandfather must have been tormented daily.

I have strayed from the main topic.

In any case, my grandfather cherished Hermitage like a treasure and entrusted it to me.

To live up to my grandfather's expectations, I must manage it properly.

I had been thinking about staying at an inn and renting a house somewhere, but now that I have Hermitage, I am no longer worried.

The letter says that Guri knows the location of Hermitage.

It seems to be about an hour's ride from the capital on Guri, so it should be a quiet place to stay.

Certainly, my divorce from Eugen will be whispered about as a scandal in society.

I don't want to be chased by reporters, so I am grateful.

I carefully put the letter from my grandfather back into the envelope and held it to my chest.

I closed my eyes and thought for a moment.

Until I came here, I did not have a clear path forward.

But now, an idea has come to mind.

I want to use Hermitage as a base to make and sell magical potions.

The target customers are commoners who cannot visit a magical doctor.

Usually, apothecaries compound magical potions based on prescriptions from magical doctors, but most of the people who can receive a diagnosis from a magical doctor are nobles.

To save as many lives as possible, I have set a goal to open a small pharmacy in the lower town.

Until then, I want to sell them individually.

I don't know if it will work, but it feels like a light has shone on my future, as this is what I have always wanted to do.

First, I will go to Hermitage. I am already excited to see what kind of place it is.

Before that, I should buy some ingredients.

I rang the bell on the table, and the bank clerk, Bell, came immediately.

"There were no mistakes in the contents of the letter."

"That is a relief."

Even after withdrawing all my savings and confirming my grandfather's will, her attitude did not change.

Most bank clerks give the impression of acting based on profit and loss, so I was surprised.

"Um, Miss Bell, I have divorced my husband and am no longer a member of the main family."

"Indeed, that is the case."

She seemed to have guessed that I had divorced, despite her somewhat absent-minded impression.

Well, it might not be unusual for a divorced woman to withdraw all her savings.

"Why are you so kind to me, Miss Bell?"

"That is because I believe that Duke Eisenburg, with your talent as an apothecary, will bring great benefits to our bank in the near future!"

In a way, she is a proper bank clerk.

Still, it is unusual for her to trust me even before I have a clear business outlook.

But I don't mind.

"In that case, I will work hard so that Miss Bell can advance in her career."

"Yes! Please do!"

Miss Bell smiled and saw me off.

Then I stopped by a general store and bought a shopping basket, a coat, and a bottle of magic gemstones. I headed to the market and bought vegetables, salted pork, flour, butter, milk, eggs, the minimum necessary seasonings, and a freshly baked baguette.

After leaving the town, I called for Guri in a slightly open area.

She came running immediately.

Guri chirped, "Pii!" as if asking where I wanted to go.

I asked her if she could take us to Hermitage.

"We want to go to Hermitage. Do you know where it is?"

Guri chirped, "Pi!" as if to say, "Of course!"