Chapter 17

"Feel free to copy it," Meira said. Bertine sat down opposite her, leaning in to explain.

"It's not that simple. The design you came up with is yours. You might think there's nothing wrong with giving it away for free, but it's better to accept payment. Even the ideas you think up in your head are legitimate works. The strange house Evans is designing is a fine and unique product that only Evans could come up with."

Meira tilted her head, thinking, "Is that so?"

"I know you're trying to compliment me, but I get upset when my necklace is compared to Evans' weird house."

"Hey! Don't be so rude, Meira."

"Well, your house looks like something out of a fairy tale, doesn't it? My necklace is a practical and useful shape."

Despite the blunt exchange typical of old friends, Bertine almost laughed but thought, (I need to make this clear.)

"If we show the design to merchants from the Empire or people from Sanloren, they will likely take it as their own without paying. I understand that the generous attitude of not being too concerned about money is a nice trait of people from the south. However, if you have money, you can pay for the latest medical treatments when you get injured or sick, and it opens up possibilities to achieve your dreams."

"Dreams?"

"Yes. If you get married and have a child with great talent, you might want to nurture that talent. But without money, that child would have to work at a nearby job just to eat, right?"

"That's true, but..."

Unbeknownst to Bertine, the people around her were listening to her explanation, but she was too engrossed in her talk to notice.

"Lord Cecilio set the minimum price for wheat to ensure that the children of this country have a future where they can dream of many different paths, not just one. I think he wants the people who grow wheat in this country to receive a fair price for it."

Meira asked with a puzzled look, "Why are you so worried about me, whom you just met today?"

"More than for you, I think it's for the children and young people who will support this country in the future."

Only then did Bertine realize that everyone was listening to her.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I've been saying too much as a newcomer to this country. Please forgive me."

"No, that's interesting. Your ideas are unfamiliar, but they make sense. We don't starve thanks to the sun and soil of this country, so we look down on the Empire's people who talk about money. But you're right; money can help achieve dreams."

The clan leader Bruno agreed.

"My mother's country, the Kingdom of Sanloren, could only sell salt and seafood until about eighty years ago. But the Empire can also get salt and seafood. So, they were often underpaid. The land was too small to grow enough vegetables for export, and people would go out to sea to find food during bad weather, often losing their lives."

"Really? The wealthy Kingdom of Sanloren?"

Despite the term "wealthy" used by Bruno, Bertine continued with the historical knowledge she had learned.

"Yes. The king at the time couldn't bear to see so many young people lose their lives at sea and others forced to work in dangerous jobs in the Empire. This led to the country's focus on tourism. Thanks to this, most Sanloren citizens now live long lives, and even those who work in the Empire don't have to take such poor jobs anymore."

A man who had been drinking next to Bertine asked, surprised, "We used to mock the Empire as a bunch of money-grubbers. So, the Kingdom of Sanloren has such a history?"

"Yes. The generation that experienced the hard times is almost gone, so the current Sanloren might be a bit too focused on money. The wish of the king three generations ago to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens has been forgotten. I, too, thought that being able to indulge in luxury was happiness before coming to this country."

The old man who had explained the dance earlier asked with interest, "So, your thoughts have changed?"

"Yes. Living in this country has changed me. I've experienced the kindness and warmth of my neighbors in the capital, and I've come to appreciate things that money can't buy. This place feels like a paradise to me."

The guests, who had been listening quietly, burst into laughter.

"Ah, you noticed. This country is indeed a paradise. We don't starve, and even in a dilapidated house, we don't freeze to death. We may not have much money, but we consider this a paradise."

Everyone nodded and started drinking and eating. They began to talk to Bertine.

"Our country is a paradise. Yet, the people from the Empire mock us and leave as soon as their business is done, without enjoying our dances or emu meat."

"You're different, miss."

The drinking party grew more lively with laughter. Bertine realized she was relaxing.

In the Kingdom of Sanloren, social gatherings were also a battlefield.

How fashionable one was.

How refined one was.

How beautifully one danced.

How cleverly one conversed.

All of these were compared to others. She didn't dislike it, but she never truly relaxed.

But here, no one compared themselves to others. It was about enjoying oneself.

"Bert, yes?"

"Yes, what is it, Meira?"

"I'll sell the necklace design. There are six types, so it will be six large silver coins. Are you sure it's okay?"

"Yes, please sell them."

Meira sighed, "I work in my family's orchard."

"Yes."

"I've never received a fixed amount of money."

"Is that so?"

"In this country, you can get by without money. When you need it, you just ask my father for a reason and get the money."

Bertine thought this was a bit inconvenient. There must be things you want to buy but can't ask your father for. Things that might not be necessary for survival but would enrich your life.

As if reading Bertine's thoughts, Meira smiled wryly.

"But, there are things I find hard to ask my father for when I'm over forty. With six large silver coins, I can buy what I want without hesitation."

"Yes. Things that aren't necessary but make you happy can be a source of motivation! Perfume, cosmetics, accessories."

"Or high-quality, luxurious undergarments."

"Yes, that's true."

"I've always wanted to try on Empire-made, lace-filled undergarments."

Indeed, those things can charm young women across countries, she thought.

"I'll pay you tomorrow. Please let me sketch all six types of necklaces."

"Thank you, Bert. I never thought that something I came up with in my head could become money. It's the first time I've earned money on my own. It feels like I've grown up."

Bertine firmly held Meira's hand.

"Thank you for the business opportunity!"