Chapter 39

"Anna, the renovation of the workshop for ointment manufacturing is complete. We've received the notification."

"Oh, it's earlier than I thought. I'll go and see it today."

"Make sure to bring a guard with you."

"Yes, I will."

Since Will Zachary and Ory invaded, Jeffrey has been on edge about my and Nonna's outings. Personally, I think it's easier to move without a guard if something happens, but I go out with a guard for Jeffrey's peace of mind.

"Riley, Lewis, please be my guards."

"Leave it to us, madam."

Among the guards Jeffrey hired, Riley excels in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat, while Lewis is skilled in swordsmanship and dagger handling. I hope they will eventually become practice partners for Nonna and me, but Jeffrey says, "I can't have them lose to you and Nonna and lose confidence, so we'll wait a bit longer," and won't give permission.

Nonna frowned at this and whispered to me.

"Mom, what's the point of having such guards?"

"The point is to show everyone that we have guards. It helps to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Jeffrey's thinking is correct."

"Shouldn't we use the money for unnecessary guards for something else?"

"No, Nonna. If you and I go out without guards, we'll be targeted. It's a hassle to deal with them every time."

"Hmm."

Unaware of this conversation, Riley and Lewis are enthusiastically guarding the carriage. Riley is in his thirties and married, while Lewis is in his twenties and single.

After arriving at the convent, Nonna and I toured the workshop and discussed the number of people and their treatment with the convent's head.

"Let's start with the ten people recommended by the head. We can increase the number based on sales."

"Madam, this is a great help. For women who have fled their husbands and don't want to be seen, this will be a safe workplace."

The renovated workshop has light yellow walls and a white ceiling. It is divided into four rooms, providing ample space for ten people to work.

After greeting the head, we headed to the planned sheep farm. The fence surrounding the large farm was complete. The sheep shed where the sheep return at night was also finished, and only the sheep were missing. A small building for the farm workers was built next to the sheep shed.

"Mom, don't you really want to live here?"

"Yes, but it's fine for now. I'm thinking of enjoying it when Nonna is grown and I'm with Jeffrey."

"I don't need to get married, you know."

"Hehe."

"What is it, Mom?"

"I used to think the same. 'I don't need to get married.' But Nonna, you might one day meet someone you want to marry."

Nonna suddenly hugged me.

"I want to be with Mom forever."

"I feel the same, but one day someone more important than me might come along."

"No one like that will come."

"Is that so? Then, let's enjoy the spoiled Nonna while we can."

"Okay!"

We started walking back to the carriage at the farm entrance, looking back at the farm. The farm was covered in soft green grass, sprouting from the seeds. Imagining the sheep grazing here made me feel content. Shearing the wool, spinning it into yarn, dyeing it, and knitting it—thinking about these happy times to come gives me a sense of purpose in life.

The carriage was moved to the farm entrance, and two guards were supposed to be waiting, but there were three men. I squinted, surprised, and Nonna seemed to notice at the same time.

"Mike!"

Nonna, dressed casually, ran over quickly. I walked forward, tense, wondering why Mike was here.

"Nonna, Victoria, it's been a while."

"Mike, how did you know we'd be here?"

"Gathering information is my job. I heard that the Asher Viscount family started a business and came to see what it was like. This is a great place."

Mike smiled, looking around the farm.

"Mike, did something happen? For a busy person to come all the way here..."

"Indeed, you are perceptive. Actually, Prince Conrad is hosting a ball soon. Sir Jeffrey, who is a favorite, will surely be invited. I think it's certain that he will be asked to bring his wife, who has never appeared in society."

"Ah, I see. That makes sense. A viscount's wife who never appears in society is unheard of."

Mike looked troubled.

"But, I have a plain appearance, so I could claim to be someone else, like 'Anna.'"

"His Majesty, the Prime Minister, and Prince Conrad might accept that, but Duke Sedric is also expected to attend."

"Ah."

Sedric and I have been in close proximity, spoken to each other, and even fought. There's no way I can pass as someone else.

"Sir Jeffrey might say he will skip the ball, but my superior believes that would raise suspicions with His Majesty and Prince Conrad."

"Then what should we do?"

"My superior's proposal is..."

The proposal explained was somewhat risky.