Chapter 42

The ointment workshop began to operate.

"The abbot asked me to come up with a good name," I said, suggesting, "How about 'Ointment Workshop'?" But Nonna and Elizabeth immediately rejected it.

"It's too lacking in explanation."

"Mom, I agree."

"What about 'Asher Ointment Workshop'?"

"Oh, Elizabeth, that might be good. It's clear that it's ours."

"Isn't it?"

The name 'Asher Ointment Workshop' was decided quickly by the conversation between the two girls. I thought the name was fine since the effectiveness of the medicine was more important than the name.

"I'll have the signboard made by the signboard craftsman we use at home. The signboards for the shoe store and bag store that my father invested in have good reputations."

"Wow, Elizabeth's father does things like that?"

"Yes, Father invests in a wide range of businesses."

I had been listening to the children's conversation, but then a letter arrived from Lord McGrath, Elizabeth's father. It said, "Since the workshop is being started by the family of my daughter's best friend, I would like to present the signboard as a gift."

"Hey, Jeff, do parents usually give gifts when their children's friends start a business?"

"Probably Lord McGrath knows about the ointment's reputation. He seems to be a shrewd businessman who wants to be involved. I've also been told by a few people at the castle, 'You're finally going to produce the famous ointment in large quantities, so we can easily get it for ourselves.'"

"The knights?"

"Yeah, it's not just for chapped hands and skin problems; it's also known for healing cuts quickly and cleanly."

"The Enrocam family's medicine is really effective."

"Indeed, the medicine from that country, or rather, that family, is truly excellent."

"I'm surprised they taught me how to make it. If they had said it was a secret, I would have had to give up."

"The medicines our country buys are so expensive. For a country that buys in bulk like ours, teaching the basic method of making ointments is probably not a big deal."

The signboard for the Asher Ointment Workshop arrived the day before the workshop started. It featured a relief of medicinal herbs and a pot, and the words 'Asher Ointment Workshop' were embossed in gold.

The signboard clearly showed the effort and money that had been put into it.

The women working there looked delighted as they looked up at the signboard.

"This is our new workplace, Mrs. Asher."

"Everyone, please be kind to us."

In front of me were ten women wearing matching white aprons, all of them full of enthusiasm.

I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. I never imagined I would be doing something to help others. In the Haggle era, I thought my existence was only justified by perfectly completing the tasks I was given.

"Madam, it's about time to return to the mansion."

"You're right. I need to get back before the dress shop people arrive."

I was unsure about what dress to wear for the royal-sponsored evening party, so Jeffrey consulted Lady Brides, the wife of Lord Edward.

Today, Lady Brides introduced me to the dress shop she usually uses.

"Welcome, Lady Brides."

"I'm intruding, Anna. I've been looking forward to this. Since my daughter got married, I haven't had such pleasures."

Lady Brides had her shiny black hair elegantly tied up and was wearing a deep green dress with a high collar, the same color as her eyes. It was educational.

Nonna was also there because Lady Brides, with whom we don't usually interact, was coming. For some reason, Elizabeth was there too.

The owner of the dress shop, Daphne, was a commanding presence, a woman in her fifties with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a curvaceous figure. Even the mole at the corner of her mouth added to her charm. Her voice was slightly low and commanding.

"Mrs. Asher, please take a look at the design sketches."

"There are so many."

"Mrs. Asher, you are enviably slender. We can either emphasize your slenderness or go for a design with so much volume that no one else could wear it."

"Which one would be less noticeable?"

Lady Brides and Daphne both looked surprised.

Oops. I answered too quickly, driven by my strong desire not to stand out or draw attention.

"I'm not used to evening parties, let alone one hosted by the royal family. It's too much for me. Since this is my first time attending, I want to avoid any mistakes and not draw attention to them, so I prefer something understated."

"No, that won't do!"

Daphne looked at me as if I had committed a mortal sin.

"A dress is meant to bring out the maximum charm of the woman wearing it. Its purpose is to make a statement."

"Yes, Anna. How about emphasizing that slim waist?"

"Is that what it's about?"

"That's exactly what it's about, Mrs. Asher. The first impression is crucial. You can't let yourself be underestimated."

Wow.

I've lived my life with the motto 'not to stand out, not to be remembered.' And now, as Mrs. Asher, I have to live this way for the rest of my life. I have to stand out and be intimidating.

"Then, how about this one?"

"Let me see. Yes, yes, that's it. The color could be a vivid red."

"Vivid red..."

Please forgive me for zoning out for a moment.

Lady Brides, seeing me in a daze, suggested a compromise with a dark maroon color. The design was tight-fitting up to the waist and then flared out luxuriously from the thighs.

"I've never seen you in such a flashy dress, Mom."

"You're still young, I think it would look good on you. Mrs. Asher prefers understated styles, but this is a royal-sponsored evening party!"

Nonna was surprised, Elizabeth was entranced, Daphne looked satisfied, and Lady Brides smiled wryly at me. As she left, she leaned in and whispered to me.

"My husband and I will also be attending, so please don't worry."

"Thank you. That's reassuring."

The evening party is next week. I'm already mentally exhausted.

Can I survive the evening party, or rather, the scrutiny of the royal family?