Chapter 68

The news that the Duchess had helped with the mowing spread quickly.

At first, no one believed it, but as Opal appeared in the fields that needed mowing, wearing a straw hat, the number of doubters gradually decreased.

Even in areas where Opal could not go herself, people simply believed when large scythes were distributed.

Everyone rejoiced at the large scythes, which could cut grass twice as fast as traditional scythes, and Opal was welcomed with joy wherever she went.

Compared to when Opal first arrived in the duchy, the fear on people's faces had disappeared, and smiles were now visible.

While walking Claude, her dog, Opal thought about what she should do next.

"---You seem to have persuaded Duncan well?"

"Yes, thank you, Conally. It's rare to see you outside."

"It is my duty to keep an eye on the entire duchy, not just the mansion. I must at least walk around the grounds of this palace."

"So when you can't walk around, you send someone else, like Julian?"

Conally's words were polite, but his face showed that they were not heartfelt.

Claude, who was usually friendly, also seemed to dislike Conally, hiding his tail between his legs.

"Is Her Ladyship actually going out? Do you really intend to go to Passma Port?"

"Yes, I do. I'm leaving tomorrow. Didn't I tell you?"

"But is it really necessary for Her Ladyship to go there herself?"

"Why not?"

"Passma is not a safe place. The people who work at the port are rough, and there are many vagrants. Therefore, it would be better to send someone in your place."

"...I won't be alone. Of course, I'll bring guards."

When Opal answered, Conally shrugged slightly and then bowed deeply.

"I spoke out of turn."

"It's fine."

Opal easily forgave him and, while walking Claude back to the mansion, thought about the future.

The agricultural machinery from the Kingdom of Sosie was about to arrive at Passma Port.

Opal planned to oversee the unloading and then inspect the northern region from the port.

Most of the minerals, which were the main source of income for this duchy, were transported to Passma Port via the river and then exported. However, the railway only ran to a station near the duchy's office.

The river's water level was inconsistent, and its basin was limited, so it was only slightly more usable than land transport, making it an unstable means of transportation.

Therefore, connecting the mines by railway and improving Passma Port were goals that Opal and Claude had set alongside agricultural reform.

While Claude was more knowledgeable about the railway business, Opal could also contribute.

She wanted to prepare so that they could start working on it as soon as Claude finished his current tasks.

(And I want to close the lead mine in the north if possible...)

Considering the production volume and the risks associated with mining, it was barely profitable now, but it would likely turn into a loss soon.

Opal and Claude agreed to close the mine.

However, they had to consider the lives of the miners and nearby residents, and whether they could continue living in the area after the closure or would need to relocate.

Regarding the handling of the agricultural machinery, Opal had dispatched one of Omar's personal subordinates, so her role was minimal.

She had secured an agreement with Duncan to accept the new machinery, and Opal planned to give a brief situation report to the dispatched people at the port before heading to the mine.

Thanks to the railway, the journey to Passma Port wouldn't take long.

The problem was the journey from there to the mine.

Traveling by carriage was faster than going up the river, but it would still take at least two days.

(Transporting supplies to major cities is important, but it's so inefficient...)

Opal, entering her study, looked at the map and thought.

The only railway connected to Passma Port was laid before the epidemic spread.

For a while, this land was in chaos, but nothing had been done in the four years since the civil war ended, probably due to a lack of funds.

There were countless places that needed to be developed by the state, and it made sense that this rebellious land was put on hold.

In that case, four years ago, it wasn't the right time to send engineers to Mantes. ---Under normal circumstances.

(I was sold a favor...)

King Alessandro's permission to send engineers abroad was also a future investment.

With the successful development of Mantes and the significant revenue it generated, investors must have considered investing in the Botselli Duchy as a new investment opportunity.

At the very least, Alessandro must have judged that Hubert would feel grateful and invest, having met him in person and realized his naivety.

Claude probably knew everything and helped her anyway.

(Well, no matter what their intentions were, the fact that I was helped is undeniable, and I can't thank them enough.)

However, what neither Claude nor Alessandro could have predicted was Opal's divorce from Hubert.

Still, it seemed to have been used to their advantage.

Opal had ample funds to invest in the development of the Botselli Duchy.

(Well, it can't be helped...)

Even if Opal had no money, she believed Claude would still propose to her.

If she said she didn't like this land, he would accept it.

But she wouldn't test Claude's love like that.

She would use what she had and do what she could.

Without overthinking, Opal returned her attention to the map.

The lead mine she was considering closing, the Lead Mine, clearly wouldn't be profitable if the ore had to be transported all the way to Passma Port.

It was surprising that it had been profitable so far.

Building a port closer to the mine and transporting the ore from there would have been more cost-effective.

Although it was just a map, there seemed to be a suitable location for a port nearby.

"Is it a problem with the ocean currents...?"

Muttering to herself, Opal looked at the map seriously, marking the various mines.

She frowned.

"Could it be...?"

Although she thought it was unlikely, she slowly moved her finger over the map.

Various ideas came and went in her mind, but they were all just guesses.

Opal suddenly stood up and took the Noble Directory of the Kingdom of Taisei from the bookshelf, looking at the entry for the Duke of Botselli.

As expected, the previous duke was related to the noble family of the Kingdom of Sosie, the Earl of Seams.

However, there was a connection she hadn't expected.

(No, His Majesty must know about this...)

Although Opal, who had come from another country, was still learning, King Alessandro, as the king, must know the relationships among the nobles of his own country.

Still, Opal hurriedly wrote letters.

One to Claude, one to Omar, and another.

Just as she sealed all of them, Julian knocked and entered the study.

"I've come to light the lamps."

"Thank you. I'm going back to my room, so please take care of the rest."

"Understood. I'll take these letters as well, shall I?"

"---Yes, please do."

Noticing the letters on the desk, Julian answered, and Opal stood up.

Julian stepped back to let Opal out and bowed.

Glancing at Julian, Opal left the study.