Chapter 39

Inside the carriage running through the capital, an extremely awkward silence continued.

Well, even if the gaze directed at me was cold, since he offered to guard me, I thought I should at least be polite. So I greeted Ramis properly, saying, "Thank you for your help today, please take care of me."

The response I got was, "Since this was sudden, I might not be able to do my best, please bear with me (I'm really bothered by being asked to guard someone suddenly, at such a busy time)." He couldn't hide his irritated face. By the way, the part in parentheses is my imagination.

After leaving the royal castle, I was excited the whole time looking out the carriage window. "What kind of store is that? That's cute!" I was jumping around with excitement. After all, the first time I came here, I just passed through, and this was finally my wish come true for shopping and sightseeing. I hope you can forgive me for getting a bit carried away.

But Ramis seemed to find it particularly troublesome. To my questions, he only replied, "Huh? What kind of store is that?" or "I'm not really interested in places commoners go to..." with a bored look.

I was planning to have a fun shopping trip, but it felt completely ruined. He would occasionally snort or sigh dramatically... It was totally not fun. I don't need such a guard. How is a guard who wears down my spirit supposed to protect me?

My attitude made Kiri's alert level skyrocket. Kiri doesn't show it on the surface. My child is capable. He had a pasted-on smile.

The king had explained to Ramis that we were from a noble family related to the queen, and that we had come from a distant territory for the first time. Despite this, Ramis seemed unfriendly, even though guiding us around the capital was part of his job. What should I do? If I tell him to go home honestly, he probably won't listen.

During the carriage ride, I was thinking about how to get rid of Ramis, Kiri was silently maintaining his pasted-on smile, and Ramis was clearly annoyed and irritated, creating a tense atmosphere. Please stop the dramatic sighs.

After thinking for a while, I whispered to Kiri and decided to change our destination. We were originally planning to go to a clothing store recommended by the maids, but forget it.

"Please take us to the Zain Trading Company."

Kiri told the driver our destination. Ramis looked at me with a mocking gaze for a moment. I felt like he was saying, "A noble girl from the countryside shopping at the capital's top trading company? What a nouveau riche." Maybe it was just my paranoia.

The carriage arrived at the Zain Trading Company. Compared to other stores, it was a large building with an elegant and luxurious entrance. It had a "no first-timers" vibe. Born and raised as a commoner, I hesitated. It was my first time. Is it okay to go in?

"It's fine, Lady Shina. I've used this trading company a few times, so there's no need to be so nervous."

Ramis said this politely but with a mocking tone, as if to say, "This is what happens when a poor person tries to act high-class."

"Lady Shina, let me..."

Kiri, who was looking up at the building in surprise, reached out to open the door. However, before his hand could reach it, the door opened quietly.

"Welcome, Lady Ramis, Lady Shina. We've been expecting you."

A neatly dressed clerk opened the door and bowed deeply.

"We are honored by your visit. The chairman will be here shortly."

Ramis seemed to be acquainted with the clerk, and she and Kiri followed her inside quietly.

We were led to a spacious reception room and waited for a while before the chairman arrived.

"Thank you for waiting. I am the chairman, Najil Zain."

A man in his early 30s with a gentle demeanor greeted us with a smile. This is the eldest son of Grandpa Zain, whom I met for the first time.

"Today, we are here thanks to the queen's introduction... Thank you for choosing our trading company."

Najil followed the setup I had requested via messenger magic. It was worth the effort of writing the letter in the carriage. I'm glad my handwriting didn't get messy.

"No, no! I've always dreamed of shopping here once!"

I clasped my hands in front of my chest and spoke with exaggerated excitement. In truth, I prefer slightly cheaper stores.

"Lady Ramis, it's been a while. Thank you for coming again."

"No, no, thank you for today. They are not very familiar with the capital."

Ramis sighed and had a "what a hassle" expression. Yes, yes, dealing with country bumpkins is tough, isn't it? Good job.

"Today, to make your shopping experience more enjoyable, we have prepared a dedicated guide. If you wish, we can also show you around the capital and other trading companies. We have a few items not available in our store."

Najil signaled to a woman standing nearby. A cute clerk with a smile bowed.

"My name is Rona. Please take care of me today."

"Rona is close to Lady Shina's age, so she might be helpful."

Najil, still smiling, turned to Ramis.

"Since Sir Guardock is very busy, if you don't mind, we can take care of Lady Shina's tour."

On the surface, he seemed kind, but he subtly hinted at the trouble of guarding a country bumpkin. Ramis immediately broke into a broad smile.

"Oh! If you're introducing someone from the chairman, they must know the capital better than I do."

"Compared to Sir Guardock, I am inexperienced, but I will do my best to satisfy you."

"Oh, that's very kind. Lady Shina, I'm sorry, but I have to return to work."

Ramis said this with a seemingly apologetic but clearly delighted tone. Oh dear.

"Well, I'm sorry to trouble you. Please return to your work."

As I said this, Ramis left the Zain Trading Company with a quick bow. Hmm, good job.

"Phew. Finally gone!"

Slouching on the sofa, I was served a mountain of fruit, small pastries that looked like jewels, and a fragrant tea. Yes, it looks delicious. I straightened up immediately when Kiri gave me a look.

"That was tough."

Najil chuckled and comforted me.

"I was surprised when you asked me to use messenger magic to send the guide away. Just as my father said, you come up with unconventional ideas."

"I'm sorry for making such an unreasonable request on our first meeting."

I bowed deeply in apology. Although I had communicated with Najil via messenger magic a few times for business, I admit it was a bit much. I need to reflect on that.

"Not at all. I have my brother's family and important employees in Kailat. It's an honor to help the benefactor of Kailat. Besides, I enjoyed the act."

Najil winked playfully. He's older but somehow cute. The first time I met Chairman Najil, he didn't look much like Grandpa Zain. Maybe he takes after his mother. He has a gentle and kind face.

Grandpa Zain boasted that although Najil was still inexperienced, he would become a great merchant in a few years. He was also worried about when Najil would find a good wife. He's still single and doesn't have a girlfriend.

"Lady Ramis will probably be scolded when she returns. She might come back, so it's better to move to another store early. Rona will guide you, so please enjoy your tour of the capital."

"Eh? But, I want to shop at the Zain Trading Company..."

I felt bad about leaving without buying anything after all the trouble they went through.

"Lady Shina, you probably prefer more casual stores. You also want to visit the stores recommended by the castle maids, right? You can shop here with Prince Jinklett when he returns."

Chairman Najil's smile was dark. He's calling the royal family a wallet! And he knows I'm a commoner, and how does he know about the stores recommended by the maids? What a well-informed person. Chairman Najil is much better suited for intelligence work than Ramis.

"Lady Shina! I'll show you many fun places today!"

Rona grabbed my hands and smiled. We actually know each other. Rona used to work at the Zain Trading Company in Kailat, and Grandpa Zain liked her so much that he brought her to the capital. She's bright, cute, full of energy, and good at her job and fashion! The perfect guide for today! She quickly became friends with me and Kiri in Kailat. She's such a reliable and cute older sister, I love her.

It seems I'm not the only one who thinks so. The way Chairman Najil looks at Rona is... interesting.

"Rona, have you had any nice encounters in the capital?"

We talked about love in Kailat, so I asked her on purpose. She said she didn't have a boyfriend then...

"I'm still new here and just getting used to the job. I'm only starting to connect with other stores in the capital! Right now, it's all about work! Love can wait!"

"Is that so?"

I glanced at Chairman Najil, who was clearly disappointed. He's not even aware of her. Good luck.

When our eyes met, he smiled slyly, showing no signs of giving up. It's just a matter of time.

I'm looking forward to shopping, but I'm also excited to see how the romance develops.

Yay! I'm going to dig deep today!