Chapter 30

In the deepest part of the Southern Federation, at the home of one of the tribal chiefs, Bruno.

"Master Bruno, Master Kurt has arrived."

"Kurt himself? What for?"

"He only said he wants to see you, Master Bruno."

Bruno, whose back pain had finally subsided, slowly stood up and entered the reception room. Sitting comfortably in a wicker chair was Kurt, the tribal chief of a neighboring district.

"Hey, Bruno! I heard you were bedridden, but you look well enough."

"You knew I was bedridden? Yet you never sent any get-well wishes. So? What do you want?"

"Here, I brought this as a get-well gift."

Kurt lifted two large wild birds, freshly caught and tied with a string.

"Is that a gajé?"

"Isn't it your favorite?"

"Suspicious. For you to bring such a gift. What's your game?"

"I heard you're making preserves. The women in my district are eager to learn how to make them too."

"Hmm. So the news has spread. I learned from Miss Bertine. She taught me in detail how to prevent mold in preserves."

"That girl from Sanlouan! I see. She's a sharp-tongued one, but she has skills too."

Bruno thought about teasing Kurt a bit, but he had received a message from Lord Cesilio to teach the other districts how to make preserves and the precautions to take. Bertine had sent a mountain of glass jars and sugar, so the inventory was ample.

"I expected you to ask, so I prepared detailed instructions. I have plenty of jars and sugar. Take them. I'll also send someone experienced with you. Miss Bertine says, 'Let's all become prosperous together.' She pays 60% of the profit to the makers after expenses. She's willing to accept as many preserves as we can make, so you can produce with peace of mind. The finished products will be sent to Ibit by us."

"That's a relief. Medicines for infants and children are more effective than herbs, and it's reassuring to be able to buy them with cash."

Kurt and Bruno had been rivals since their youth, and even as tribal chiefs, they often clashed. However, since Bruno started interacting with Bertine and Lord Cesilio, he found it increasingly silly to butt heads over petty things.

"The young ones are working hard in the wider world. It seems a bit ridiculous for us old folks to bicker and hinder the younger generation."

"You have a point..."

"Want to try some of the preserves I've been keeping for myself? I know you have a sweet tooth."

"You remember? I love forest fruits, but I've heard that the preserved fruits are as sweet as candy and smooth. I've been wanting to try them."

Bruno's wife, Cassandra, who had been listening nearby, quietly left the room and, with the help of a servant, brought out many small plates filled with preserves, along with bread and tea. There was also buffalo milk cheese.

That day, Kurt ate heartily and enjoyed the preserved fruits and jams.

"I'll have the syrup-cooked fruits from my district delivered as soon as they're ready. Thanks, Bruno."

"No problem, Kurt."

Kurt's district also began harvesting the abundant fruits and making syrup-cooked fruits and jams. The women, who had been using the excess fruits as animal feed, were delighted to turn them into cash and worked diligently. The items collected at Kurt's house were transported to Bruno's house.

Before long, Bruno and Kurt started sharing a drink once a week, and the exchange between their villages became more active.

"Miss, Master Bruno has sent the fruit preserves. There's no damage this time. Master Kurt's district has started making syrup-cooked fruits, and the quantity is 50% more than usual."

"Great! It seems we've received a large order from the northern part of the empire. Luka asked us to send a thousand bottles as a precaution. It's a relief that there's no damage. It seems the people packing and transporting them have become more skilled."

At first, many bottles broke during transport due to insufficient cushioning. Washing the sticky, syrup-coated bottles was a hassle, but it was even more frustrating to see the products go to waste. The detailed instructions in the letters finally paid off.

"From a noble in the northern part of the empire?"

"The preserves are delicious, but I bet they'd be amazed by the ripe fruits from there. I want them to be surprised by the taste."

"Sure, Miss. One day, they'll get to taste them."

"Yes. One day, I'll definitely build a hotel that people in the empire will dream of."

She said this while looking at the nearly completed necklace.

"Miss, where will you sell this necklace? In the empire?"

"This necklace is an offering to give courage and strength to a certain woman."

Dorothy's lips curved into a smile.

She was overjoyed to see Miss Bertine so lively and vibrant.

Mr. Sanlouan had been very strict with Miss Bertine. And Miss Bertine had always risen to the challenge and worked hard. The reduction in Mr. Sanlouan's guidance began around the time the first engagement fell through, and Miss Bertine had seemed lonely. For her at the time, studying was the only point of contact with her busy husband.

However, the knowledge imparted by Mr. Sanlouan is now being put to full use.

The crimson fabric, the preserves, the accessories sold in Ursula, and the imperial language classes are all centered around Miss Bertine. It's already impressive, but Miss Bertine has even bigger plans.

Dorothy was proud as if it were her own achievement.

"Hey, Dorothy. I'm thinking of entrusting the management of the Ursula store to someone. I'm swamped with making necklaces, preserves, the imperial language classes, and selling fabric. I want to ask Mrs. Isabelle, David's mother, but I'm not sure if it's too much to ask."

"The issue is the salary. If it's more than what she earns at the tavern, she might accept."

"Should I ask how much she earns and if she's willing to take on the role?"

"I think she'll be happy to accept."

Isabelle invited Bertine, who had come to her house with "something to discuss" before going to work, inside.

Isabelle's home was the same as when her husband was alive, with cute cushions on the long sofa, a small round table, and various fruits and oddly shaped stones collected by her children displayed on the dresser, creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere.

"Right to the point, but I was wondering how much you earn at the tavern each month. If I can match the amount, I'd like to ask you to be the manager of our store."

"My salary? About eight large silver coins a month. Plus, half of the tips from customers go to me. Altogether, it's around nine large silver coins."

While sipping the tea Isabelle had made, she nodded and listened. Then, she quietly placed the teacup down and looked at Isabelle.

"I can pay you one small gold coin. Additionally, all the profits from the accessories you make will go to you. The working hours will be from the ninth bell in the morning to the seventh bell in the evening. Your children can play in the store, and if you tell them not to touch the merchandise, they'll be good. What do you think?"

"Such good conditions would attract many others. Are you sure you want me?"

This was a dream come true for Isabelle.

"I really like how responsible and hardworking you are, Isabelle. You're diligent and serious. I want to secure someone as good as you before other stores do."

"Please! Let me work at Ursula."

Thus, the embroidery and accessory shop Ursula came to be managed by Isabelle.

The necklaces and earrings made by Isabelle were well-received, and recently, even wealthy residents of Ibit had started to visit the shop.

As a result, offers to poach her began, but Isabelle turned them all down and resolved to continue working at Ursula.