Chapter 161 Unspeakable Anxiety - Side Kojimo -
When I heard that the female guild master of the Merchant Guild had arrived at the reception, I instructed them to lead her to one of the smaller, yet lavishly decorated rooms among the several reception rooms available. The opulence of this room would be enough to intimidate even a commoner.
I myself changed into extravagant attire, and also instructed my subordinates to dress accordingly.
The woman who entered was younger than I had imagined. Her face seemed familiar, but I couldn't quite place her. I used to be good at remembering people's faces when I was younger, but nowadays, it's a struggle to recall faces and names.
"I'm Sophia from Sophia merchant guild. I'm here to apply for membership in the Commerce Guild today."
Her demeanor was dignified. She didn't bat an eye at the luxurious decorations of the room or our attire. It was likely that she was of noble birth or had close ties to the nobility, just as I had expected.
Even when the servant poured tea from the pot right in front of her, she didn't dare touch it until we had taken a sip. This subtle gesture revealed that the person before us had received proper etiquette training.
"By the way, what kind of business do you plan to do?"
My subordinate asked, as I had instructed beforehand, about the nature of her business. However, the woman before us didn't flinch, and with a gentle smile, she began to talk about handling small, dainty items that women would love as merchandise.
It's not unnatural that a lot of women like Elma liquor, a local specialty of Grandchester, since it's well-known that many women enjoy it. Maybe she's from around here and has a taste for it.
I thought for sure she was in the fashion business, but I was way off. My family's business is centered around fashion, so it's not surprising that noble-backed merchants and merchant guilds would show up.
I wonder who's backing her, though. The registration process for the Sophia merchant guild was handled by a guy close to Sir Robert, but according to intel from our spies, Sir Robert just got engaged to someone he's had a crush on for years.
But Sir Robert is also a guy who's always rumored to be involved with women. Hmm... maybe this woman got the merchant guild as a consolation prize from Sir Robert instead of a breakup fee. But if that's the case, there's no reason for her to come all the way to Grandchester. Especially if Lady Orson finds out, it could ruin the engagement.
I wonder if she's a mistress of the Marquis or the Young Marquis. It's not impossible that she's a secret child of the Marquis, considering her age.
"Still, it's surprising that someone as lovely as you would move all the way from the capital city, which means you must have a deep connection with your acquaintance."
"I don't know. I wish to be close to them in the future, but I can't read their mind. However, they helped me when I was in trouble and assisted me in moving here, so I'm grateful to them."
I tried to make sense of it, but it's a remark that's hard to judge. When I hear "future," it sounds like someone's mistress, but the woman in front of me is beautiful, yet somehow pure and innocent, lacking the seductive aura that many mistresses have.
Well, it seems like a noble or someone related to a noble is starting a business half-heartedly. And yet, the main store they've prepared is in a location where a big dressmaker used to have a shop, which is a prime spot. For this kind of business, the building is excessively grand, but if they have a patron, it's not surprising.
Asking any more questions would probably offend the noble who's backing this woman. I should stop here. In fact, the guard standing behind the woman is glaring at me with an angry gaze. I don't want this man's master to give them an extra report.
I ordered my subordinate to bring the application form for joining the Sophia merchant Guild's Commerce Guild and had it signed by the Guild Manager right in front of me.
However, the moment I saw Lady Sophia smile after signing, I was suddenly hit with an indescribable unease. For some reason, I felt like the woman in front of me was radiating a fierce, beast-like aura, and I got a chill down my spine.
...This is a ridiculous conversation to be having with someone as young as this. I must be getting old.
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