Chapter 11

"…Business, you say…"

Sebastian and Sei seem to be against it. Their expressions are a bit cloudy.

"There are many examples of families going bankrupt due to unfamiliar ventures. I think it would be better to avoid it."

Moneda, who used to be in the Commercial Guild, also seems to be against it. However, if we don't earn money, my plans will truly become nothing but a pipe dream.

Maintaining the manor, our unnecessarily luxurious clothes, and our meals… if we continue to allocate our budget to these, I would rather use that money for public road maintenance.

But considering the dignity of the duchy, we can't cut the funds for these things too much… That's why I thought of starting a business. I found something interesting during my inspection.

"Well, Moneda. Are you going to stop me before even hearing me out? There's a chance we could make a profit."

At my words, Moneda looks puzzled.

"Whatever, I'm just a noble's daughter. I've never stood on the battlefield of merchants, so it's natural for you to react this way when I suddenly talk about starting a business."

"…No, I apologize."

"It's fine. Anyway, to get to the point. I want to sell this product. Rémy, bring it out, please."

"Got it!"

What came out of the bag Rémy brought out was a brown fruit.

"…What is this…?"

Sebastian and Sei, who had never seen it before, stared at the unknown object.

"This is a cacao fruit. It's grown in the tropical regions of the south, and the locals sometimes crush it and drink it as a beverage."

Yes, cacao. Our territory stretches north to south, and while the capital is a city of eternal spring, part of the south has a subtropical climate. So, there are areas where cacao grows.

"…I've heard of it. But I thought it was too bitter to drink…"

Moneda, as expected, knew about such products, given her background in the Commercial Guild. …Actually, I was more surprised by what Rémy knew during the inspection. This child really knows everything… She even knew the process of making the beverage from the raw cacao to the finished product. It's quite impressive.

"Indeed, it hasn't been commercialized yet. I'm relieved to hear that."

"Y-Yes…"

You must be thinking, "Are you really going to sell this? And with such a confident expression?"

But I'm quite confident. After all, sweets are important among the nobility. …You know, there are tea times and such.

"…Tanya, open the door."

"As you wish."

When Tanya opened the door, there stood Merida, one of our household's chefs. By the way, Merida is one of the children I picked up when I was young. Tanya, Ryle, Dida, Moneda, Rémy, Sei, and Merida—these seven are all the children I picked up.

Merida became our household's chef because she wanted to cook. She makes my meals, and even though I'm on a diet and give her various requests, she always meets them beautifully.

"This is a sweet made from cacao by Merida."

What came out was, of course, chocolate. It's something I'm familiar with, but everyone looked at it curiously.

"Try it."

Everyone cautiously put the unknown food in their mouths.

"…It's delicious!"

But after one bite, they all praised it in unison.

"Is this made from cacao? Indeed, if this is the case… By the way, what about the price setting?"

"Since we're using sugar, I plan to set the price a bit higher. The target audience is the nobility, so I want to use plenty of high-quality ingredients. In the future, I plan to create products with lower prices to reach a wider audience. Merida, please bring out the other one as well."

"As you wish."

The first one she brought out was a plain milk chocolate bar. The next one was a dark chocolate bar and then some truffles and soft chocolates.

"These are also made from cacao beans, but the flavors are completely different. Try them."

This time, everyone ate them with less hesitation.

"Wow, it's delicious! I like the round ones."

"I prefer the slightly bitter ones, as they are easier to eat."

Everyone had different preferences, but overall, they all seemed to enjoy it, which was reassuring.

"Like this, there are various ways to arrange it. How about it, Moneda? Given your recent experience in the Commercial Guild."

"A new product… If we can market it well, it should take off quickly. I think it has that much appeal. The target audience is also clearly defined, which is a good point."

"Thank you. So, Sei, I want you to help me build the distribution channels for this product."

"…Me? With all due respect, I think Moneda would be more suitable…"

"I want Moneda to help establish a bank, as mentioned earlier. This will involve many negotiations with the Commercial Guild, so it would be better for her. Besides, if we target the nobility, you, who deal with our family in this duchy, should be able to adapt quickly."

"…Understood. I will do my best to meet your expectations."

"Then, let's start from there. First, Sebastian, draft a contract with the village that grows cacao beans. Then, Ryle and Dida, think about the number of people needed to maintain security on the road between the village and our manor. You remember the road from our recent inspection, right?"

"Understood. We will start immediately."

Sebastian, Ryle, and Dida stood up.

"Merida, please make more of these samples. I'll give you some other recipes I've thought of later. Tanya, prepare to write a letter to Mother."

"…To Lady Mother?"

"Yes. No one is better at marketing than Mother. If we send her the product, she will surely help us promote it."

"Understood."

"Moneda, handle the procedures for establishing the guild. Take Sei with you. If possible, secure a place to produce this product. …For the next three months, I want to focus on getting this guild off the ground, so I'm sorry, but could you help me?"

"Of course. I wouldn't miss such an interesting opportunity."

"Thank you. Rémy, I have a few things I want to confirm with you. You know the average prices of the main products in the market, right?"

"Yes. If you need the prices from the past 15 years, just ask."

"Then, everyone, please do your best with your tasks. If anything happens, report and consult with me immediately."