Chapter 44

A few days after the Franz couple arrived at the Allied Nations.

"Franz, you say you've already recovered," Franz insisted, and the five of them—Bertine, Franz, Elise, Dorothea, and Diego—boarded a river boat. The distance to travel was as long as ever.

"Mr. Franz, I want to use a hammock at my hotel too."

"Sure, a hammock really shows its charm and strength in the tropics."

"Swinging gently while reading a book."

"A side table for drinks is a must, Ms. Bertine."

Franz and I exchanged glances and couldn't help but laugh.

Why is it so enjoyable to talk about dreams?

After that, Franz, Elise, and Bertine joined different groups and played poker. They were secretly competing to see who would win the most, but Elise, who seemed timid and kind, was apparently a master at making her opponents let their guard down. Bertine, who was determined to win, muttered, "It's a good lesson..." Franz laughed and said, "Thinking Elise is just as she looks will get you burned. I'm a witness."

The boat trip passed with poker and talk of the hotel plans.

When they reached the deepest part of the Bilba region, they saw tropical fruits hanging heavily from the trees, tamagusa rabbits scurrying through the forests and fields, and emus being led by an old man. Franz and Elise both widened their eyes, saying, "It's like a paradise."

"Ms. Bertine, this is a great find. The nobles of the Empire will surely be delighted. Especially the nobles from the north, who will find it irresistible. The sun is strong, but the air is dry and the humidity is low, which is a plus."

"Isn't it? I thought it was a paradise when I first saw it!"

Franz turned back with a bright smile.

"So, when do you plan to open the hotel? You'll need to gather and train staff in time. It takes quite a while to choose and install wallpaper, flooring, furniture, and plumbing."

"I'll contact Evans. It's only been a year since he left for the capital to study, but I'll see how he's doing."

I wonder if Evans is studying hard and learning about architecture.

That night, they were warmly welcomed at Bruno's house, and the Franz couple were moved by the softness and deliciousness of the star fruit wine and tamagusa rabbit meat.

During the banquet, Bruno and Cassandra, the tribal leaders, deeply thanked Bertine.

"Thanks to the cash from the bottled goods, we can now buy medicine and books. We can even see a doctor. Thanks to you, schools and hospitals were built in the deepest part, but without the money for consultations, we couldn't have been treated. Now, thanks to the bottled goods, we can be treated. If we get injured or sick, it's different from before. Thank you, Bel."

I'm glad, from the bottom of my heart. I was able to help the people of this country.

"Money can be a medicine or a poison for the people here, depending on how it's used. But I believe the people of this region will use it for the better."

A boy who had been waiting his turn to speak approached Bertine.

"When my sister got sick, Mr. Bruno took her to a doctor in a big town. We could afford the treatment because of the money from the bottled goods. My sister was saved. Thank you, Ms. Bertine."

"I'm glad the bottled goods were helpful. How are your parents?"

"My father is gone. My mother is still at home because my sister is bedridden. I came to thank you on her behalf."

I almost cried.

Bertine held the boy's hand and said with a smile, "Thank you for telling me."

Franz, whose face was slightly red from the wine, came over.

"Ms. Bertine, this is a great opportunity. As an imperial citizen, I knew nothing about the charm of this country. Most imperial citizens are the same. They will surely be surprised. But we need to do something about that boat."

"We have plans for the boat. The Duke introduced us to a shipbuilder, and we plan to build a boat that will satisfy the nobles soon."

"You're well-prepared."

"Hehehe. Thank you."

During the week they spent in the Bilba region, the Franz couple were very active.

They talked to the locals about whether they were interested in working at the hotel, what fruits grew where, what animals could be seen where, and which water was safe to drink. They diligently gathered information and wrote it down on their homemade map. Elise was recording what local dishes were available.

On the night when they were about to start packing to leave, the Franz couple said something surprising with a smile.

"We want to stay here a bit longer."

"What? The river boat only comes once a week. Are you staying until next week?"

"No. We plan to live here for at least six months. It might even be one or two years. We like it here, but we also think we need to know more about this land to build a charming hotel."

One or two years. I was taken aback by those words.

They probably don't have financial worries, but there are things in this region that money can't solve. (They will face physical inconveniences) I was worried, but then Mrs. Elise said, "Franz's mind works when it comes to the hotel."

"We've arranged for a couple to work as servants in our home. We plan to have them learn the manners and common knowledge needed to serve imperial nobles. They will be the first and second employees of the hotel."

"Hmm... Mr. Franz, Mrs. Elise, I'm really glad you came. I couldn't have handled all this on my own."

"I was asked by the Marquis to help. Please leave it to us."

I thanked the Franz couple many times before parting ways.

The presence of strong allies warmed Bertine's heart.

(I must reach the opening of the hotel. And I must lead the hotel to success.)

Bertine returned to the capital, Ibit, with a strong resolve. She was greeted by Isabelle, the manager of Ursula's shop, with a worried expression.

"Ms. Bertine! It's terrible! A letter with the imperial royal crest has arrived. It's been here for ten days! I've been so worried!"

Hearing Isabelle's report, (Ah, it's from Prince Claudius. He sent it directly without going through Luca) I thought, but how did he know this address?

"Ah, it says Erenfrit. He's the imperial prince, right?"

Without changing or unpacking, she hurriedly opened the envelope and read it.

Dorothea and Diego, looking worried, waited to see what it was. When Bertine finished reading, she shouted, "What day is it today? What day is it?"

Diego calmly answered, "It's the 13th," and Bertine's face changed.

"Prince Erenfrit is coming here tomorrow! He wants to talk to me."

"Miss, what is the purpose written in the letter?"

"It's not written, Dorothea. It just says he wants to talk to me. He says it's a private visit, so don't make it too formal."

Dorothea started unpacking without a word.

"Dorothea, this isn't the time to unpack. The imperial prince is coming here tomorrow!"

"That's why. First, we need to unpack, then clean the house, go shopping, and prepare snacks!"

"Oh, right. What should I do, then?"

"Miss, please take care of your skin. You're completely sunburned and your skin is dry!"

"Dry... Okay, I understand..."

"Diego, you start cleaning the house!"

Without a moment to rest from the journey, the three of them kept moving. Dorothea gave orders one after another, and the house was polished and tidied up. By night, they were all exhausted and decided to go out for dinner.

"Miss, I feel like I've worked a month's worth with Dorothea."

"Diego, me too."

"Please go to bed early tonight. I'll check for any oversights before I sleep."

"Yes."

"Got it."

Thus, they spent a busy day back home, and morning came.

It was the day of the imperial prince's visit.