Chapter 62

Opal waved to the people lining the road and let out a small sigh.

Everyone had their heads bowed, so they probably couldn’t see Opal.

Although she hadn’t announced her visit to the duchy in advance, it seemed the news had spread.

Even though she had expected it, she hadn’t anticipated such a grand welcome.

(I need to let them know that such a welcome isn’t necessary as soon as I arrive at the manor.)

While a welcome was possible, the current state of the duchy couldn’t be hidden, and she was able to see the true conditions of the land. Thus, this sudden visit could be considered a success.

She didn’t suspect that the person managing the land was acting improperly, but most people tend to hide issues when land management isn’t going well.

In this case, it was clear from the prior reports that the poverty here wasn’t the fault of the manager.

That’s why Opal had come to correct these issues.

Of course, she didn’t expect to solve everything, but she knew that nothing would change if she didn’t start.

(However, I’m concerned about the fear I see in everyone’s faces...)

It wasn’t fatigue or apathy from poverty, but a clear fear of Opal—of the duchess, the wife of the lord.

Some people were also hiding their resistance, suggesting that her plans wouldn’t be easy to implement.

As Opal entered the grounds of the Botselli duchy, she was surprised by the sight of the manor in the distance.

Naja’s mouth was wide open.

"I’ve never seen such an impressive castle!"

"Yes, they call it the 'Palace of the North' for good reason."

She had heard about it, but she hadn’t imagined it would be so grand and beautiful.

The Botselli duchy’s manor, also known as the "Pearl Castle," was called so because several generations ago, the duchy held power that rivaled the royal family.

This manor, built during that era, was constructed to display that power, using a large amount of milky white stone that couldn’t be quarried locally.

It was called the Pearl Castle not only because of its color but also because the stone was transported by sea.

(It would be difficult to transport this much stone overland from the quarry.)

Opal thought about the quarry’s location in her mind.

The northern region, including the Botselli duchy, had many mountainous areas, and transporting stone from other regions would have been a significant labor and financial burden.

Therefore, the minerals mined from the duchy’s mines were mostly exported to other countries, such as the Kingdom of Sosyue, via sea routes.

Conversely, many imports also came from other countries.

(The stone was probably transported from the Kingdom of Sosyue...)

Opal’s lands, Mantes, were further north, where there was a large quarry.

That region also had a major port, and imports and exports were frequent.

Most of the silver mined from the duchy’s silver mines was exported and transported to that port.

Eight years ago, this silver was a significant source of funding for the anti-royal faction.

The Botselli duchy, being far from the capital and separated by mountainous regions, had its own trade routes and had always been a threat to the royal family.

This was evident eight years ago.

Yet, King Alessandro didn’t make this land a direct territory, either because Claude was trusted so much or because the royal family lacked the power to manage it.

(Probably the latter.)

Thinking of the astute King Alessandro, Opal sighed.

This land was too difficult for the young princes to govern.

For the past few years, it had been managed by a proxy, but no significant reforms had been implemented.

According to the previous manager’s report, the people here were quite closed off and didn’t accept newcomers.

That’s why it was likely decided to hand everything over to Claude.

Moreover, the timing was too perfect, suggesting that Alessandro knew about Opal’s capabilities and financial resources after she had revitalized the MacLeod duchy.

(Bring him back by force, if necessary...)

Even Alessandro’s casual words seemed to hide various intentions.

The reason Opal came alone this time was due to Alessandro’s sudden summons to Claude.

(How terrible, the king is making my newlywed husband work so hard. I’ll definitely make this land prosperous and return it to the royal family!)

Opal was seething with anger at Alessandro.

This land was an important strategic point and would likely be exchanged for a safer royal territory in the future.

While this was a natural move and didn’t bother her, she had no intention of slacking off.

Filled with determination, Opal clenched her fists.

Naja’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Madam, your face is very scary. Everyone is trembling."

"Oh, I’m sorry."

It seemed she had furrowed her brow and stiffened her expression.

When Opal responded in a deliberately haughty tone, the maid and the lady-in-waiting sitting opposite her giggled.

Both had come with her from the Luselle Marquess’s residence.

Before she knew it, the manor, which had been visible in the distance, now loomed before her.

At the main entrance, the servants were lined up in front of the wide-open doors.

"Will we be able to manage?"

"Of course we will! We have you, Madam."

The maid, who had spoken with uncertainty, was encouraged by Naja’s confident words.

Opal smiled and nodded, and the lady-in-waiting also seemed relieved.

Eight years ago, at the MacLeod duchy, Opal had fought alone.

But being alone also gave her freedom.

(Can I protect everyone...)

Thinking this, Opal rejected her doubts.

Naja had learned the etiquette and manners of a lady-in-waiting to support Opal.

The other two had also volunteered to accompany her and take care of her.

They were undoubtedly on her side.

(Well, it’s not certain that the servants here are hostile, but I can’t let my guard down.)

Even though she was the duchess, this was still enemy territory.

Opal took a deep breath and smiled.

"Shall we go?"

"Yes!"

In response to Opal’s calm call, the three of them answered energetically.

The carriage door opened, and Opal slowly descended to the grounds of the Botselli duchy.