Chapter 39

After another journey by carriage heading north, Bertine and her guards arrived at the imperial capital. First, they took lodgings at the Rose Hotel, where Luca served as the manager, and took a moment to rest.

"Miss, you must be tired."

"A bit tired, yes. But I need to inform Lady Dalila of our arrival in the capital and arrange a meeting with Lord Cecilio."

Diego took on the task of reporting to Lady Dalila at the earl's residence. Luca, the manager, soon came to the room.

"Hey, Bert. Good work. I received the bottles. You've managed to meet the order of a thousand, haven't you?"

"We now have two districts making the bottles. Plus, everyone has gotten used to it. I hope the cash income can be of some use."

"It's already of use. The southern confederation will inevitably be swept away by the tide of the times, whether sooner or later. Money is something you can never have too much of."

For a moment, Bertine's face stiffened.

"But, Luca, the beauty of the south can't be created with money. Neither can the people there. You'd see it if you saw them. It's a beauty that can't be bought. I want to cherish that paradise. Oh, I haven't thanked you yet. Thank you for selling so many bottles. And at quite a high price, too. You didn't take a commission, did you?"

Luca shook his head.

"The thrill was enough. Our customers are all wealthy, so even at that price, they sell well. I haven't felt the blood of Sanlouan stir in a long time. Handling a product that sells well is exhilarating. To come up with such a product, you really are an alchemist."

"Don't call me that. By the way, I brought something good. Here!"

Bertine rummaged through her luggage and took out two bottles filled with white and black hiri.

"Is this some kind of seed?"

"Yes, crush them finely and use the black ones for meat dishes and the white ones for fish. The more finely you crush them, the stronger the effect. Try one, starting with the white one. You'll be surprised."

Luca took a white hiri and put it in his mouth, crunching it.

"Wow! It's spicy. But it's a new flavor. It's not poisonous, right?"

"It's not! It's a new specialty of the confederation. It doesn't grow in the empire. I'd be happy if you could use it here."

"Thank you. The head chef will be delighted. How much do you plan to sell it for?"

"Just a small amount is enough for cooking, so one bottle will last a long time. I plan to sell one bottle for five small silver coins."

Luca smiled.

"Sounds good. It's efficient and profitable. And since it doesn't grow in the empire, it will sell. No doubt about it."

"That's great. But I don't want to push the people of the confederation too hard. They are different from the citizens of Sanlouan."

"Different how?"

"The confederation can live happily even without much money. I plan to build my small hotel in that paradise and spend my old age there."

Luca looked puzzled.

"Old age? Do you not plan to get married?"

"I don't plan to. Come on, Luca, take these hiri to the head chef."

"Ah, okay."

Luca left the room with a worried look, as if he wanted to say something.

Bertine, unaware of his expression, headed to the bathroom, saying, "It's so nice that hot water comes out when you turn the tap."

Dorote, listening to their conversation, remembered how Cecilio had brought the drunk Bertine home.

(Lord Cecilio seemed to treat the deeply drunk young lady with great care. Could it be that he has feelings for her?)

But she decided not to say anything.

(The young lady has suffered enough. Even now, she needs to be careful when sending letters to her family. I mustn't say anything unnecessary that could damage their relationship. I need to nurture the egg and help it hatch.)

So she said nothing.

Bertine, unaware of Dorote's concern, was in a good mood and filled the bathtub with hot water, using it quickly.

When Bertine came out of the bathroom, Diego returned.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Diego. What did Lady Dalila say?"

"She said that as promised, we should go to the palace with her tomorrow. Lady Diana wants to thank you for the red fabric. Lord Cecilio, who is staying at the palace, has already been invited to join us if he wishes."

"I get to meet Lady Diana! It's been years, hasn't it? Fourteen? Fifteen?"

The next day, Bertine visited Lady Dalila's residence and headed to the palace in her carriage. On the way, Lady Dalila talked about how many women wanted the fabric and had sent letters to her house, making Bertine happy.

The palace of the Centaur Empire is built on either side of an ancient castle. The castle is made of dull white stone, but the palace is made of marble. The palace gleams white and has several tall, slender towers reaching towards the sky. The castle and palace are surrounded by high stone walls, designed not only for defense but also to intimidate those who see them. As a child, when her father took her there, she thought it was a beautiful and magnificent building. Now, thinking of the lush green land, she felt a desire to return. The voices of emus, monkeys, and wild birds echoed in her ears.

(I've become a person of the confederation, haven't I?) Bertine smiled wryly as the carriage crossed a narrow stone bridge and headed towards the palace. Soon, a flower bed overflowing with roses came into view, and in front of the palace, Cecilio, dressed in white, and a slender boy stood, guarded by soldiers.

"Oh, it's the prince!"

Lady Dalila, who hadn't seen her grandson, the second prince, in a long time, had tears in her eyes and covered her mouth.

"Is it hard to see him?"

"Yes, it is. He's grown so tall!"

Cecilio, dressed in formal attire, looked even more handsome and brave than usual.

(Men look 50% more manly in formal military uniforms) Bertine thought. If Bianca, who adored Cecilio, were here, she would surely be squealing.

The carriage stopped, and as Lady Dalila was about to get out, Cecilio offered his hand. The second prince offered his hand to her.

"Welcome, Lady Juan. Welcome to the palace. My mother is looking forward to seeing you."

"Thank you, Your Highness. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm looking forward to meeting Lady Diana and you."

The boy, though physically twelve, had a very mature expression. His smile was purely social, and Bertine wondered if he had ever had a carefree childhood.

"Bert! Bert! Oh, you've grown so tall! You're all grown up!"

The excited voice was familiar. Turning to the source of the voice, she saw Diana with her reddish-gold hair intricately styled.

"Di!"

Without thinking, Bertine called her by her old nickname and ran to her. Diana opened her arms and embraced her. They hugged each other and teared up.

"Come in, please. I couldn't sleep last night, I was so happy. Oh, Bert, I've missed you so much!"