Chapter 43 Future Plans
"Uncle, since we've talked about the merchant guild, can we also discuss our future plans?"
"I think that's the real issue here."
"Well, the thing is, it's hard to move forward without the merchant guild from this point on."
"Hmm?"
Robert tilted his head.
"I'm sure you're aware that the Grandchester territory needs to make money. And we want to earn that money in foreign currency, meaning we want to generate income from other territories and the royal capital."
"Yeah, I get that."
"As I mentioned the other day, I'm thinking of making 'Elma Brandy' by distilling Elma liquor with the maidens. After distillation, we'll need to age it in barrels, which will take at least 3 years. It's not something that will bring in immediate cash, and we're not even sure if it will be successful."
"You talk about it as if you've already tasted it."
'Gulp'
"Of course, we'll leave the tasting to you, Uncle. I won't even be of legal drinking age in 3 years."
"Well, that's obvious."
"I'm sure Miss Sara's concoction will be delicious, Rob."
"I've heard it's strong, so I'm looking forward to it in 3 years."
'Oh, seems like the guys are enjoying this.'
"But we can't just wait around for 3 years, so I'm thinking of selling Elma liquor in the royal capital. As I mentioned before, we'll package it in high-quality bottles that won't break, and we'll ensure strict quality control during transportation and sales."
At that moment, Benjamin chimed in.
"Pollux also pointed out that it will bounce back in terms of cost."
"Yes, I agree. That's why we're considering having the newly established merchant guild manage all the processes, from production to transportation, sales, and after-sales service, to eliminate the middle margin. We're also considering selling Elma liquor as a special product to differentiate it."
"I think Elma liquor is more of a commoner's drink, though..."
"Elma liquor at a reasonable price and high-quality Elma liquor will be sold separately. The high-quality version will be sold in limited quantities each year, and there will be no additional production. It might be a good idea to put a serial number on the bottle and label."
"Will it sell as a high-quality product?"
"It is important for the high-quality product to be recognized by others. We need to prove the selection of materials, reliable manufacturing processes, quality control during transportation and sales, and differentiate it from other Elma liquors. Oh, could you please introduce the expert who brews Elma liquor to Mr. Pollux?"
In short, Sara is aiming for the branding of Elma liquor from Grandchester.
"Come to think of it, Uncle, you mentioned that Elma liquor is also easy for women to drink, didn't you?"
"Yeah, because it's slightly sweet and easy to drink, many women like Elma liquor."
"I won't ask which women enjoyed Elma liquor, but do you think it would be accepted by noble women?"
"There seem to be some misunderstandings, but... there are quite a few noble women who like it."
'Yeah, that's right. There were surprisingly many women in the previous life who liked cider. I had a friend who liked the carbonation... Huh? Carbonation?'
"Uncle, is there no Low-malt beer made from wine?"
"From wine? I've never heard of that."
'So, there is no Low-malt beer in this world!'
"Then let's make sure to sell Elma liquor with carbonation. It might be good to pack it in cute bottles for women."
At this point, Sara's mind flashed back to a conversation from a few days ago.
(What, she made this vase herself?)
(Her father is a glass craftsman, and she's been making all sorts of things since she was a child. Maybe it's a bit too much for a hobby, though.)
'That's right, James's fiancée is the daughter of a glass craftsman!'
"Mr. James, please introduce your fiancée and her father!"
"Huh? Oh, glass bottles!"
"That's correct. If possible, I would like to hear the opinion of your fiancée as well, as I want to make decorative items that are well received by women."
"I see. Understood."
With that, Sara ended the conversation and looked around before dropping a bombshell.
"So, I will be very busy with studying with Miss Rebecca, managing the merchant guild, and developing products with the maidens. Therefore, I think it will be difficult for me to assist with future duties."
"""Whaaat?!"""
Robert and the bureaucrats exclaimed in surprise.
"I told Uncle this morning, didn't I? Why are you surprised again? Administration was never my job, and it's not something I need to continue behind Grandfather's back. Of course, I'm open to discussion, but it's more important to get the merchant guild up and running."
"But isn't it too sudden?"
"Well... In that case, I'll accompany you until we finish creating this quarter's financial report. But I can't do more than that."
"Oh, come on..."
"I'd like you all to remember, Uncle and the bureaucrats are 'elite academy graduates,' right? And I am truly an 8-year-old girl!"
That's a valid point. The men looked disappointed, but all the women nodded in agreement.
Sara added fuel to the fire for Robert and the bureaucrats.
"Oh, by the way, Paracelsus' laboratory and the Secret Garden are private property of the Grandchester family, but the guild will pay for their usage. As for the plants in the Secret Garden, can the guild purchase the harvest in bulk? It was originally an abandoned place, so if you permit it, we can consider it as a transfer."
"Well, real estate transfer can't be done without Father's permission."
"That's right. "For now, they will pay with promissory notes, but please don't ask for cash until profits are gotten. Oh, of course, depending on the amount Uncle is willing to invest, we might be able to pay in cash immediately."
"Sara, are you planning to empty my pockets?"
"No. I will work hard on product development in the laboratory and garden, and I intend to give Uncle a proper dividend based on your investment to keep your pockets warm."
"Well, I'll keep my expectations high then."
'Hmm. I'm being underestimated a bit. Well, I can't help it since I don't have any experience.'
"There's something I need to ask you properly, Miss Rebecca."
"What is it?"
"I understand that there's no end to learning, but how far along am I in my education? How much time can I spend working?"
"Honestly, you have enough education for your age. When it comes to math and management, you might even be at the same level as the academy professors. However, when it comes to the general education that a noblewoman should have by the time she becomes an adult, you might be lacking in areas like literature and history. Of course, as the 'Marquis' daughter, you might not need that if Ms. Sara were to live as a commoner."
"I see. Then I'd like Miss Rebecca to continue to help me improve. In this country where most people don't have access to education, I've been given the opportunity to learn unconditionally. It would be a waste not to learn. And you'll teach me horseback riding too, right?"
There are many things that Sara can't make up for with her past life memories. If she doesn't eagerly absorb knowledge and develop skills, it will be difficult for Sara to achieve the freedom and standard of living she desires. She should develop as much ability as possible while Marquis Grandchester allows her to.
"Yes. Ms. Sara and I should go for a ride together. I don't think you'll need most of the basic lessons, so I think you'll have some free time. Besides, you can't memorize literature and history all at once, so let's take it slow."
"Yes, Miss Rebecca!"
Thus, the secret meeting in the study room ended. Robert and the bureaucrat seemed to want to talk a little longer, but the 8-year-old body's sleep limit had been reached, so it was forcibly ended.
As Robert carried the drowsy Sara to her room, he muttered, "I think I might not be able to get married. Would you really not become my daughter?" But his words went unheard.
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