Chapter 25

"Excuse me... Miss, it's about time for your meeting with Sei."

Tanya spoke to me amidst the awkward atmosphere. ...It's already that time, huh? I couldn't relax with Bern's appearance.

"Mother, I'm going now. Please take your time."

"Yes, do as you please. Ah, Iris, could you take this foolish son of mine with you?"

"...Eh?"

This foolish son must be Bern, right? Why...?

"Show me your work and silence that foolish son. If he still complains, you can kick him out. Tanya, I'll leave it to you then."

"...Understood."

Tanya will definitely do it. Well, if he's a nuisance, just kick him out... that's fine.

"If that's the case... I'll go, Bern."

"...Eh? Big sister...?"

Bern looked at me in surprise. He must have forgotten what I look like, right?

"Yes. Who else would it be? We don't have time, so let's go."

I immediately went to the study. Sei was already waiting inside. Sei frowned when she saw Bern, who had followed me, but quickly switched her focus and handed me a report.

I also read through it.

"...The confectionery line is down a bit."

"More stores are gradually starting to handle the same products. They seem to be selling at lower prices than us."

"...There's no need to lower prices easily. Consumers will buy if it's truly a good product."

"There's also a proposal to lower the cost of raw materials..."

"Rejected. Looking at the purchase price, this price is reasonable. It's better to maintain a good relationship with producers and ensure a supply of high-quality materials rather than damaging our relationship by lowering prices further."

As long as I run the merchant guild, I must pursue profit. However, I don't want to pressure the producers as a lord. If they were overcharging, that would be one thing, but I think this is a fair price.

"Instead, investigate if there are any other reasons. Look into the product lineup of other companies and re-evaluate ours. Also, how's the progress on the cakes starting next week?"

"Preparations are in place to start next week as scheduled. The challenge was how to popularize birthday cakes among the common people... but thanks to cafes, cakes were already well-received, so the promotion went smoothly. We're currently getting a lot of inquiries."

The promotional slogan was "Special cakes for special days," like birthdays or wedding anniversaries. We take reservations, let customers choose the shape and cream from several samples, and offer custom decorations.

"That's good. Bring the inquiries to me."

"Here they are."

I quickly read through the documents.

"...The content is mainly about the reservation method and when sales will start. ...If this starts, the confectionery line's sales should improve. How about inventory management?"

"Following your instructions, we are gradually discounting the older designs and remaining inventory."

"Good. ...The ideal is to avoid inventory buildup. Continue to monitor sales figures and reduce production as much as possible. Especially for seasonal items, it's best to keep them limited to create a sense of rarity."

"Understood."

"The cosmetics line is still doing well. The previous hair pack is in short supply...?"

"Yes. All stores are sold out..."

"Prioritize the production of cosmetics. How about the series expansion?"

"That's also progressing steadily. Currently, we have the honey and rose series. Next are lily and lavender."

This series means that each product, such as the serum, shampoo, and conditioner, uses the same ingredient, like honey for the honey series and roses for the rose series. We also pay attention to the packaging and containers.

"Right. Thoroughly promote that different products suit different skin types and advise customers to stop using them if they don't suit their skin."

"Understood."

"Bring the reports from all stores to me later. Both the financial and regular reports. I'll review them tonight."

Sei bowed as if to say, "Understood," and left the room.

...By the way, Bern has been quiet... When I turned around, I saw that Tanya had already gagged him with a cloth. But I think that wasn't necessary. He's been staring with wide eyes, looking dazed.

I looked at Tanya with a gesture to take it off, and she immediately understood... but she took off the cloth reluctantly.

"What's with that dazed look?"

"...Big sister is running the merchant guild?"

"I came up with the idea and established it."

Just as I said that, there was a knock on the study door.

"...Come in."

It was Moneda. Moneda also frowned at the sight of Bern but quickly ignored his presence.

"I have a few things to discuss. Tanya confirmed that this time would be fine..."

"It's fine. What do you want to discuss?"

"The current price levels in this territory. As you can see, prices are gradually rising."

"Minimal. The currency value is gradually declining, causing prices to rise."

"Yes. The question is when to raise interest rates..."

"I think it's not necessary yet. Although prices are rising, it's minimal. Right now, stabilizing the prices in the market is the priority. The trend is for businesses to borrow money from the bank to expand. Raising interest rates could dampen the momentum of the expanding businesses."

"I see... That's a good point."

"Reconvene the meeting and discuss it. If you still want to raise interest rates, explain your reasons to me."

"Understood, thank you."

"...Big sister..."

"What is it?"

"The bank is a financial institution recently established in our territory, right? Why is the top person coming to you..."

"Wouldn't you get an answer if you asked? You should be able to guess by doing a little research... You shouldn't be unaware of this in your position. Do you really intend to succeed the dukedom?"

Moneda's words made me want to yell at him for being impolite, but he didn't argue because it was a valid point.

"Well, I'll make an exception and answer your question this time. The person who came up with the idea of establishing the bank is your big sister... Iris. So, it's natural for me to come here. ...Well, Iris. I'll report the current content at the meeting. Is that okay?"

"Of course. I look forward to your report."

After Moneda left, Sebastian entered the room.

"Miss. I will report the results of the recent meeting on the territory's administration."

"Yes, I've been waiting. First, how is the financial adjustment going?"

"Discussions have progressed regarding the impact of easing tariffs. First, regarding our territory's products. Currently, our main products are grains, livestock, cocoa, and some fruits. Cocoa and fruits are not produced as much in other territories, and grain production has improved due to the research of the higher school, ensuring a substantial reserve. Even if tariffs are eased, it's unlikely to cause a significant decline."

"...I see. What are the benefits?"

"Our territory lacks a steel production line. Being able to import these at a lower cost would be a significant benefit. Also, following your instructions, we are actively promoting maritime trade. There are many foods not produced in our country, and selling them domestically would increase the profits of our territory's businesses."

"...Understood. First, bring me the report on the income tax draft from the meeting. I'll give instructions on when to implement it later."

"Understood."

"Also, for the civil department. If the household registration is complete, start the land survey. I want to clarify who owns which land. This will also be a legitimate record of the territory, so do it thoroughly."

"Yes. We have already informed the people in the civil department and asked for their cooperation as an official policy of the territory. We will start the actual survey soon."

"Good. How about the attendance rate at the primary schools in various regions?"

"It has increased significantly. After all, it's free. There are still some areas where schools haven't opened yet, so that will be a challenge."

"Let the engineering department handle the adjustments. What about the textbooks?"

"We have several levels. Currently, we are teaching the same classes to children aged 7 to 12, but there are discussions about dividing them by age or proficiency level."

"How about unifying the entry age at 7 and allowing students to advance to the next grade after a year? However, we could hold exams at the beginning and end of the year to allow for skipping grades based on performance?"

"I'll propose that immediately."

"Then, bring me the documents on the income tax draft. ...Ah, right. Mother told me to show Bern some work... When you go to the finance department, take him with you and have him help with summarizing the tax revenue reports from various regions."

I've been tired of his intense gaze for a while now. I want him to leave this place as soon as possible. Besides, he's always the top student in his class, so he should be able to handle calculations.

"...So, Bern. Let's go. ...Show your brilliance as the top student."

He stood up listlessly and followed Sebastian with lifeless eyes.

...Finally, some peace.

"...Was that good?"

Tanya asked me while making tea.

"What do you mean?"

"Letting that man be involved in the administration."

"It's fine. I don't intend to control information in the administration. Sebastian is with him, so nothing strange should happen. Of course, I can't show him much about the Azuta merchant guild. That's why Sei only discussed publicly announced content."

Even though he's my brother, I don't trust him at all. That's why I can't let him touch the Azuta merchant guild. ...The administration is generally transparent, except for some military and confidential matters.

"Besides, Ryle is coming soon. Even though it's the guard, military matters are very sensitive. If that brother accidentally leaks what we discussed here to the second prince or his cronies, it would be a problem. This is a good excuse to get him out of here."

"You're right."

Knock knock... Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Thank you for your feedback.

I'll consider revising the early part once things settle down a bit.

Your feedback is very encouraging. I've also received some questions and concerns, but I think some of them will be addressed as the story progresses.

Thank you for your continued support.