Chapter 40

First, the greetings were exchanged between the representative of the Allied Nations, Lord Cecil, Lady Diana, and Prince Claudio. After that, the five of them continued their friendly conversation. However, with several maids and guards standing in the room, they had to be cautious about the content of their conversation, as it could be relayed to the Empress through any number of channels.

Prince Claudio listened to the conversation with a gentle smile for a while, then, gauging the right moment, he said to those standing by, "Please step back. This is a reunion after fifteen years between my mother and the Marquess Juan's daughter."

Then Cecil said, "I will go and see the palace gardens," and left with the guards from his own country. Cecil had judged that being together with the representative of the Allied Nations and the imperial concubine would invite unnecessary speculation.

As soon as they were alone, Berthine took out a thin, flat box from her bag.

"This is something I made. I made it while wishing for Lady Diana's happiness."

"What is it... Oh! What a beautiful necklace! It's a design I've never seen before."

"Mother, let me put it on for you."

Prince Claudio stood up and fastened Berthine's gift around his mother's neck. The necklace, which spread like lace around her chest, sparkled and reflected light in a complex pattern with even the slightest movement, catching the light from the window.

"It suits you very well, Mother."

"How luxurious. Amazing, Berthine. You can do such things too?"

"This design was created by women from the south. There are five other designs as well. If you wish, I can make them whenever you want. Also, regarding that crimson fabric, we can now dye it in navy, dark green, maroon, brown, burnt sienna, and purple."

"Oh, really?"

Suddenly, Lady Dalila's eyes brightened.

"Those colors would be desired by older ladies. No, depending on the design, even young women might want them. Berthine, can I place another order?"

"Of course. I consider Lady Dalila to be the only point of contact for that fabric. If Lady Dalila builds her network and gains more influence, Lady Diana and the Prince will be able to live more freely."

"Oh, Berthine... Why do you go so far for us?"

While being watched by Prince Claudio, Lady Dalila, and Lady Diana, Berthine said, "Actually," and recounted her journey from the Kingdom of Sanloren to this point.

"In short, I was told that I was not needed in many places. So I decided to create a place where I would be needed. But now there are people and places that need me. I have many goals and things to look forward to. This necklace is a token of my support for Lady Diana, given my experiences."

Prince Claudio, who had been listening intently, asked:

"Miss Berthine, I want to know. Why are you so strong?"

"Your Highness, it was when I wondered if my life had any meaning. Death is terrifying, and I was lost for a long time. I thought so much that the sunlight coming through the window moved considerably. During that time, my maid, Dorothea, stood there silently, watching me. I think she was too worried to say anything."

She took a deep breath and continued:

"If I died here, Dorothea would suffer for the rest of her life. Dorothea, who had always been there for me, whether I was happy or at the bottom of despair. My pride wasn't worth making her suffer for the rest of her life. I decided to discard my pride as if it were on the side of the road. Dorothea's loyalty was what gave me courage at the last moment."

"Loyalty of a maid, you say."

Prince Claudio was surprised by the unexpected answer.

"Death is something that is given equally to everyone from the beginning. There's no need to rush into it since we will all die eventually. I decided to do everything I could while Dorothea was watching, so that I wouldn't have any regrets."

Prince Claudio nodded several times, as if he had something to think about.

Eventually, it was time to leave the palace. Lady Diana repeatedly thanked Berthine for the necklace, but Berthine shook her head and said, "Your Highness, living a strong life is the price of the necklace."

When the time came, Berthine left the palace. When she had walked a little distance from Lady Diana and Lady Dalila, Prince Claudio ran up to her with a serious face and spoke in a low voice.

"My mother is hiding it from me, but I know. The more I achieve here, the more opposition my mother faces. I couldn't find the meaning of my efforts or my life here. But hearing your story made me realize what I should do. I will do everything I can for my mother."

Berthine also lowered her voice and quickly responded:

"Your Highness, there must be a path to hope. Even if it's a narrow and hard-to-find path, there must be a way for you and Lady Diana to live happily. You are only twelve years old. Take as much time as you need to find the right path. I am also exploring my own path. If you need advice, you can contact me through the manager of the Rose Hotel. He will relay the message."

She bowed with a smile to Lady Diana and Lady Dalila, who were watching her, and left the palace. Outside the palace gate, she met up with Cecil, and as they got into the carriage, Cecil spoke to her.

"It seems to have been productive."

"Yes, very much so. What brings you to the Empire, Lord Cecil?"

"We want peace, but the Allied Nations and the Empire need each other. There are many things to discuss with the Emperor."

"Lord Cecil always seems so busy."

"The Emperor of the Empire also seemed very busy."

The carriage, carrying the two of them, started moving towards the Allied Nations.

Berthine was thinking about Prince Claudio's words in the carriage. Prince Claudio would eventually become a Duke and be given a territory to manage. If his relationship with the Crown Prince didn't sour, he might also have a place on the political stage.

I wanted to send him the best encouragement I could, to prepare for the future.

Later, Lady Dalila placed an order for thirty pieces of the new colored fabric. The payment was a substantial twenty-one gold coins. Cecil and Ignacio had already set up a specialized department to protect the trees that produce the raw material for the crimson dye, prevent the over-harvesting of bark, and establish a system for payment and transportation of the bark.

Berthine decided to withdraw from this project and focus on the sale of Hiri and the preparation for building a hotel, receiving the remaining profit after paying a commission to the Allied Nations.

One night, Dorothea said, "The Lord's portrait in the city has changed from his navy military uniform to a white formal attire. It was very splendid and worth seeing."

"Yes, Lord Cecil's formal military uniform is truly beautiful."

After saying this, Berthine was surprised by her own words. Dorothea pretended not to hear but smiled inwardly, thinking, "Finally, she noticed."

About a month later, a letter from Lady Diana arrived for Berthine. The necklace Berthine had given her had become very popular among noblewomen due to its innovative and luxurious design. Lady Diana wanted to pay for it and requested more designs.

"I will make them. Please leave it to me, Lady Diana."

Berthine asked Isabelle to take on the task of making the new necklaces.

"Me? A necklace for the imperial concubine? No, I can't do it!"

Berthine took Isabelle's hand and encouraged her.

"Don't worry. I'll check the progress at the end of each day. Make them carefully, bit by bit. Your accessories are always well-made and have a good reputation. You can do it. Remember, I promised to give you 60% of the net profit once we start making high-value items."

"Oh, 60%? That's too much. I already receive a sufficient salary!"

"It's not too much. This job could be a step towards your advancement."

Despite her initial reluctance, Isabelle finally agreed. If the imperial concubine would wear a necklace she made, there could be nothing better. Such a glorious opportunity might never come again in her life. With this resolve, Isabelle began to study the design drawings Berthine had given her.

Wishing you a wonderful year!