Chapter 31

The self-driving machine was named Pony and was equipped with a roof and frame for sun and rain protection.

It was painted the postal company's cobalt blue and first used for mail delivery.

Riding on the Pony for deliveries, the blue-uniformed postal workers became a well-known sight in the capital within a day. Not only children but even adults ran behind the Pony, following it.

The popularity was such that mounted guards had to be dispatched to caution the people, causing a commotion.

"I only used ten of them for mail delivery to let people know what they were, but it turned out to be quite a mess."

Katarina, the sales manager, sat down in a chair with a somewhat tired look. In her hand was a bundle of many order forms.

Her father, David, the company's representative, gave various instructions to the Pony's dedicated clerk before responding.

"We've hired as many blacksmiths and carriage makers as we could, but it doesn't seem to be enough. However, we can't hire just anyone without proper skills."

Marianne timidly interjected.

"We can't delay the coal delivery order for Lord Alexandre, can we? The Pony runs on coal, after all."

"No, His Highness has agreed to wait. His representative is a friend, so it's not a problem. The issue is elsewhere."

"Fifty-one patent applications. Just when I thought it was over, an inspection team from the neighboring country of Holland is coming. Isn't Holland's response a bit too quick? Marianne, please handle it with His Highness."

"Yes..."

Katarina's eyes were slightly scary, exuding a killing aura. The walking machine department had no spare capacity to handle the inspection team, but the king of our country was mediating the request from the king of Holland. Who could refuse?

While busy with paperwork and discussing the design of the large Pony (alias Pegasus) with the newly hired clerks, a maid rushed in.

"Miss Marianne, a messenger from the palace."

"I have a bad feeling about this."

The engagement schedule is all set. It must be something else.

"I'll go right away. To the reception room?"

The messenger from the palace was not from the royal family but from Harberry, the next queen.

It was a request for an urgent meeting.

She replied, "I will come this afternoon," and sent the messenger away.

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"It's about the Pony," Katarina, who had been biting her lip, declared.

"If so, the company's representative is Father. It's not right to call me, is it?"

"I'll go with you. Marianne can't handle the Twice family's tricks alone."

"Father, thank you. And I'm sorry for the trouble."

"I'll come too."

"Big sister, that's a great help."

"Harberry is my fiancée, but she's not yet a member of the royal family. I think it's inappropriate to send a palace messenger."

Ah, it's ominous even before we leave.

In the afternoon, the three of them went to the palace and were arguing with Harberry's maid.

"You were only called, Miss Marianne, so your family should wait here."

"Right. If it's a meeting between the royal family's fiancées, then that's fine. I misunderstood.

If it's about work, Marianne knows nothing about the business. She can't answer anything alone, so please understand. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Katarina smiled and made it clear. The maid retreated with a strained face.

Harberry Twice was sitting in a chair but stood up when Marianne entered, greeting her warmly.

"I know you're busy with work, so I'm sorry to trouble you."

"Thank you for your concern. I'm fortunate to be kept busy."

She took a sip of the fragrant tea but couldn't taste it due to the tension. What is this about? Is it that?

"Congratulations on your engagement. We'll be sisters. I'm very happy to be sisters with you. Let's work together to support the royal family."

"Yes, I look forward to it."

"Still, the walking machine you created is wonderful. It will eventually be larger, won't it? It can be used in many ways."

She's scary. This person, who looks straight into my eyes and doesn't miss any reaction, is scary.

"I'm honored to receive your praise..."

"Let's be more relaxed, shall we? We're still just fiancées. Can you talk more freely?"

"Then I will. I worked on it with the craftsmen, but any future changes to the product will be decided by my father and sister based on market research. I can't say anything about it."

"I see. You're worried that you might accidentally say too much, so you came with them..."

Harberry said it in a way that didn't require an answer.

"I heard the king allowed the inspection team from Holland. How much information will you provide? It could be converted for military use with future modifications. Don't you think that's very frightening? I'm worried."

"I can't say anything about that either."

"My family has long provided everything from carriages to tents and bows and arrows to the military. My father is very worried about valuable information leaking to other countries."

As expected. Lord Alexandre, just as you predicted.

Cold sweat ran down my back, making me feel uncomfortable.

"Of course, I am aware. However, Holland is the only coal exporter. Refusing the inspection could be a bad move. We intend to show them everything except trade secrets."

"Then, shouldn't all the mechanisms of the machine be trade secrets? Also, if you're short of manpower, my father has offered to help as much as needed. Our family has many skilled craftsmen and can definitely be of assistance."