Chapter 16

It had been about half a month since Laila started living in Julius's mansion.

"Rai, this is a letter from your parents."

Julius, who had been sorting through letters, called out to Laila, who had brought him some baked goods as usual.

Previously, he often left the task of replying to letters from various places to Verneli. However, Julius seemed to be in good spirits lately, and he had started not only replying to letters but also writing to acquaintances at the magic research institute and relatives of the Balthschech family.

(Ah, that's right, Verneli mentioned this morning that a letter from Father had arrived.)

Since it was addressed to Julius, it was likely taken to him first. Curious about its contents, Laila handed the tray to Helka and headed towards Julius's desk.

"Father... What does he say?"

"He's checking on how you're doing and mentions the Kilka Trading Company. Why don't you read it?"

Encouraged by Julius, Laila took the thin sheet of paper. For a moment, she thought she caught a whiff of the laundry soap used by the maids at her home.

The letter inquired whether Laila was causing any trouble for Julius and mentioned that Isabella had informed them that the Kilka Trading Company was going to add a jewelry workshop they were dealing with to the Balthschech family's list of retainers.

"Lady Isabella..."

"Yes, it seems so. The Kilka Trading Company is well-versed in jewelry and furnishings, and they excel in connecting small-scale workshops and markets within the country. Aunt was interested in this, having heard about their contributions."

As Julius said, the Kilka Trading Company mainly formed partnerships in the daily goods sector. They didn't directly engage in business or production but signed contracts with craftsmen who opened workshops in the capital and provincial cities, helping to bring their products to market.

From rings affordable for town girls to grand wooden closets used in noble households, they acted as intermediaries between producers and buyers, taking a commission.

There were many such trading companies, but the Kilka Trading Company was known for its principle of "honoring the pride of craftsmen and meeting the needs of buyers." While they didn't make flashy profits, they steadily built a solid reputation, and as a result, they were now invited to prestigious family parties.

"Your parents were at the ball the other night, right? Aunt was already favorably inclined towards the Kilka Trading Company, and with Laila's engagement to me, she seems to have decided to form a more formal partnership."

"...R-Really?"

Julius said this calmly, but Laila's heart was pounding, and she felt like she might crumple the letter in her hand.

The Kilka family had several personal contracts with nobles, but they didn't have a business partner on par with the Balthschech family. At most, they had contracts with newly established viscount families, and the Balthschech family, a renowned magic family, was an exceptional partner.

If Isabella not only purchased the heartfelt works of craftsmen through the Kilka Trading Company but also acknowledged the Kilka Trading Company, it would have a tremendous effect. The prestige of having a connection with a noble family like the Balthschech family was a significant reason why upper-class citizens like the Kilka family sought such ties.

(Suddenly, I feel the gravity of marrying Lord Julius...)

Laila had been living in Julius's mansion primarily to maintain his health, so when she heard about such negotiations at home, it felt like something happening far away.

"…I can't thank Lady Isabella enough."

"Hmm… I'm not sure about that. Even if making you my fiancée was a condition, Aunt wouldn't have moved so quickly if the Kilka family were incompetent."

Julius took the letter from Laila's hand and gently enveloped her empty hand with both of his. Her hand felt a bit more plump than it did half a month ago.

"This result is due to the hard work of your parents and employees. Aunt merely brought the talents of the Kilka Trading Company and the craftsmen to the forefront. What happens from now on will depend on the company's skills."

The last statement could be taken as a threat, but Julius was smiling. He wasn't saying, "It might fail depending on your skills," but rather, "It will be fine depending on your skills, and the Kilka Trading Company can do it."

(Julius's words give me strength...)

Feeling as if her body was being enveloped by Julius's large hands, Laila squirmed a little, feeling ticklish.

"…Yes, that's true. But I believe everyone will be fine."

"Right, if you face forward with determination, your parents can work with peace of mind. I can also give good news to my future in-laws."

"…Y-Yes, that's true."

When Julius mentioned his future in-laws, Laila suddenly realized that they would eventually get married. For now, they were just engaged, so their physical contact was limited to holding hands and sleeping together at night.

But if they got married—

Laila's cheeks turned red, and Julius tilted his head in curiosity.

"…Your face is red. Did you eat something strange?"

"N-No! It's nothing… Ah, right! I baked some pastries, let's eat them!"

"Ah, right. What did you bake today?"

Julius quickly shifted his attention to the pastries, and Laila felt relieved. It seemed he had a sweet tooth and a love for meat. Since he started sleeping with Laila and overcame his insomnia, he had been eating heartily, much to Verneli's delight.

However, if he wasn't careful, he might consume too much sugar, so Laila, as his health manager, had to be cautious.

"Today, I made tarts. I let the dough rest overnight."

"Tarts… That's great. What flavors are they?"

"Hehehe… Ta-da!"

Laila gestured for Julius to sit on the sofa and removed the cover from the tray she had been waiting to present.

On a glass plate were four tarts, each about the size of an ink bottle. The colors of the jams in the center of the tart crusts were different.

"I prepared four flavors so you could enjoy a little of each!"

Making four different jams was challenging, but once they were done, the rest was just baking the tarts.

One was strawberry jam, with chunks of strawberry left intact. The berry jam next to it also had a textured feel. Another was filled with custard, and the last one had a jam the color of a sunset.

All of them smelled sweet, and Julius's eyes sparkled as he looked at the four tarts in turn.

"They look delicious… and they're beautiful too."

"Presentation is important in cooking. …Since they're all small, it's fine if you eat all of them, Lord Julius. Right, Verneli?"

Turning to ask, Laila saw Verneli, who was preparing tea, nodding firmly.

As the person responsible for the meals of the four people living in the mansion, Verneli was also mindful of preventing Julius from consuming too much sugar. These tarts had already passed Verneli's inspection.

…And actually, these tarts had a certain "trick" planned with Verneli and Helka—

"Here's your tea, Lord Julius."

"Thank you. …Come, Laila, let's eat together."

"Thank you. I'll join you."

Although she had made all the tarts for Julius, he preferred to enjoy them with someone, often inviting Laila to join him.

Sitting down and smoothing her dress, Laila and Julius were about a fist's distance apart. It was neither too far nor too close, making it a comfortable distance for having tea together.