Chapter 223 Opening Ceremony Of The Hunting Tournament Ii
The entrance of Crown Prince Gerhart and Prince Andrew was announced, and the opening ceremony finally began.
In the venue, thin glasses filled with cider were being handed out for the first toast. Sara thought there wouldn't be time to make special glasses for cider, but luckily, there were ready-made glasses that were similar to those used for appetizers, so she bought a lot of them.
After confirming that everyone except those who don't drink had received a glass of cider, the Marquis began to speak.
"I am very pleased that we can hold the hunting tournament in my territory again this year. This year, Prince Andrew from the royal family is participating, and we also have Crown Prince Gerhart from Roisen, who is visiting Avalon. I've heard that Your Highness have developed a friendship in the royal capital and will enjoy hunting together in Grandchester."
After the Marquis's introduction, Prince Andrew and Crown Prince Gerhart stepped forward. When the 17-year-old beautiful prince and the strong 28-year-old Crown Prince stood side by side, the young ladies all blushed and looked at them with dreamy expressions. Of course, Chloe was among them.
"I've finally reached the age where I can participate in the hunting tournament. I remember when I was little, my parents, His Highness the Crown Prince and Her Highness the Princess, brought me to Grandchester, and I threw a tantrum about wanting to join the tournament, causing everyone trouble. I might confuse everyone since I'm not used to this, but please, I ask for a little leniency."
Prince Andrew greeted everyone with a playful sense of humor. From the venue, I could hear the cute giggles of the young ladies.
"I'm Gerhart from Roisen. I feel very lucky to be able to participate in the famous Grandchester hunting tournament. I want to express my gratitude to Prince Andrew for inviting me and to Marquis Grandchester for welcoming me. Also, this is a chance to meet many noble families from Avalon. It would be great if we could become close, crossing the borders of our countries."
Everyone in high society already knows that Crown Prince Gerhart is looking for a political marriage partner. So, when he mentions 'the opportunity to meet noble families,' it means 'if you have confidence, make your move.'
Of course, to become the Crown Prince's wife, a certain level of family status is required. Daughters from Duke, Marquis, Margrave families, and some powerful Count families are candidates. The powerful nobles with daughters of marriageable age are watching with keen interest.
'Hmm. It looks like raw meat thrown in front of a bird of prey. Poor Crown Prince Gerhart.'
And then Marquis Grandchester stepped forward again, raising his glass.
"I think if I talk too long like an old man, I might be disliked, so I would like to propose a toast soon. But first, let me explain a little about tonight's drink."
'Here we go! I'm so super nervous!'
"The drink poured into this glass is a new type of alcohol called 'cider.' It's a low-malt beer, so it has a fizzy and refreshing taste. We're still experimenting with it, so we don't have a lot, but I wanted everyone to try it at least once. If possible, I would be grateful if you could share your thoughts on the taste. Of course, we have other drinks like wine prepared as well, so after the toast, feel free to drink whatever you like."
With the Marquis's signal, the participants all took a sip from their glasses at once.
Many people coughed and choked, but no one stopped drinking, and quite a few even asked for a refill.
"This is delicious!"
"It's nice and cold too!"
"I was surprised at first, but this smoothness is amazing!"
"I heard there's not much of it, but how can I buy this cider?"
Voices praising the cider filled the air, and Sophia let out a sigh of relief.
At that moment, Rebecca arrived, leading a group of noblewomen. Although they seemed to be around the same age as Rebecca, it was clear they were older ladies when standing next to Rebecca, who had the blessings of the fairies.
"Sophia, it seems the cider reveal was a success."
"Thanks to Lady Orson's support."
"Everyone, this is Sophia, the head of the Sophia Merchant Guild, which is selling the cider we just had."
"Wow, it's rare to see a female merchant guild leader."
"She looks very young. Could she be like Ms. Rebecca?"
The women called out to Sophia.
"Nice to meet you. I am Sophia from the Sophia Merchant Guild. I am still a beginner merchant, but I would be grateful for your support. Also, it is very presumptuous of me to say I am like Lady Orson's daughter."
"But your skin looks so fresh!"
"Actually, our merchant guild plans to sell 'skincare' products to improve skin and 'haircare' products to keep hair beautiful. That might be the reason."
"Does 'planned' mean you aren't selling them yet?"
"Yes, that's correct. Since these are delicate products for the skin, we are researching and developing them with great care to avoid any issues."
"But you will sell them in the future, right?"
"Of course."
'Ah, there are eagle-eyed people here too.'
"Is there any chance you will sell a little bit first?"
"We are considering letting our regular customers try a small amount..."
Suddenly, sharp gazes turned to Sophia.
'This is scary. Really scary.'
"Since I'm a friend of Ms. Rebecca, please let me have some!"
"Me too, please!"
"Me over here as well!"
'Um, maybe it would be better to make this members-only? Either way, we need to have multiple product lines that match different skin types, so it seems good to register the skin types of our members.'
It looks like Sara need to reconsider the sale of cosmetics.
"Everyone, you know I'm planning to host a tea party this time, right?"
"Yes, of course! When I heard that you were hosting a tea party at the Grandchester hunting tournament, I thought, finally, Sir Robert is really putting in the effort!"
That's right, at the Grandchester family's hunting tournament, no one outside the Grandchester family hosts a tea party. In other words, when Rebecca sent out the invitations, it was the same as declaring, "I'm a member of the Grandchester family," and it was assumed that she was engaged to Robert based on the situation.
"Actually, the souvenirs I'll be giving everyone at the tea party include hand cream from the Sophia Merchant Guild. It makes your hands feel so moisturized!"
"That sounds wonderful!"
"Well then, before you all leave, I'd like to come and explain our merchant guild's products."
"Since we're here, I'd love to see your shop too!"
"It would be an honor. Our entire staff will welcome you."
Once the conversation with the noblewomen ended, Baron Jilbafuchs, who had just parted ways, approached.
"Sophia, as you said, the new liquor was indeed wonderful."
"Thank you. However, we have 2 types of new liquor prepared. I believe the Marquis will introduce the other one soon."
"You are an amazing woman."
"Well then, I'll take that as a compliment."
Sophia smiled at Baron Jilbafuchs and gracefully walked away. The remaining Baron Jilbafuchs could only think, 'Even her back is beautiful...'
Sophia approached the Marquis. The Marquis was busy surrounded by many nobles, but he noticed Sophia and called out to her.
"Sophia, just in time. I was having trouble with questions about cider."
"Is that so? Can I be of help?"
"Everyone, this is Sophia, the guildmaster of the Sophia Merchant Guild that produces and sells cider."
Sophia bowed deeply.
"Such a gentle and lovely person handles such an innovative product?"
"Please, raise your head. I would love to hear more about cider."
As she was addressed, Sophia elegantly lifted her head and smiled sweetly. Then, the men who had been eagerly talking to her just a moment ago fell silent, staring at Sophia with flushed cheeks.
"Heh... Sophia, it seems they are captivated by you."
"Your Excellency, please stop teasing me. I apologize for the late introduction. I am Sophia from the Sophia Merchant Guild. I hope for your continued support."
"Oh, yes... Marquis Grandchester is right. Truly beautiful."
"Thank you. So, what would you all like to know about cider?"
Then, another man who had complimented Sophia spoke up.
"That drink called cider, what is it made from? I feel like I've tasted it somewhere before, but I can't quite remember, and it's bothering me."
The missing Sedrick's follower whispered his name in his ear.
'That person is Count Harrington. The Harrington territory is famous for its wine, so he must be curious about cider.'
"I'm truly honored to hear you say that, Count Harrington. Cider is made from Elma produced in Grandchester, so perhaps you are recalling the taste of Elma liquor?"
"I see! Elma liquor! I feel like a weight has been lifted from my throat. This flavor is definitely Elma liquor. However, when I think of Elma liquor, I picture a cloudy drink. There were some lightly sparkling ones, but nothing with such strong bubbles. I wonder what kind of magic was used."
'Indeed, this is a drink made with fairy magic, but in a few years, there will be ciders made solely by human hands.'
"Brewing is the pinnacle of human wisdom. While it may not compare to the wines produced in Harrington territory, this is also the result of the hard work of the Elma farmers and brewers in Grandchester."
'That's about half a lie. Of course, Ms. Tonia's Elma and Elma liquor are amazing, but it's hard to say that golems and fairies are responsible for the rest...'
"Oh, I see. You know that Harrington is a wine-producing region as well?"
"Of course. As a merchant involved in the alcohol trade, it would be unthinkable not to know about Count Harrington and the wines of Harrington territory."
'It's a lie. I just found out a moment ago.'
"Cider is made from Elma liquor, but it takes at least 3 years to become cider. Moreover, it's not just about aging; it requires careful maintenance because it's a delicate drink."
"I see. I definitely want to know the secrets of the production, but I feel like Marquis Grandchester would get mad at me."
"No, no, Count Harrington. Actually, all the information about the production methods is owned by the Sophia Merchant Guild. We have no choice but to buy it at their price."
"I see, is that so..."
The reason Count Harrington hesitated was that many nobles think, 'We can just order them to reveal the production methods.' In this world, there are no laws to protect intellectual property, so if someone copies the method and sells similar products, the Sophia Merchant Guild doesn't earn a single dollar. However, the nobles' arrogant behavior, ignoring the efforts of craftsmen and the investments of merchants needed for product development, is commonly accepted in this country.
"I understand what Count Harrington is trying to say. However, if we make unreasonable demands on the goddess who is resting her wings in Grandchester, she will fly away in no time. What we can do is to continue providing an environment where the goddess can feel comfortable."
The Marquis is saying that if they make unreasonable requests, Sophia will leave Grandchester, but on the flip side, this statement clearly shows that Sophia is not a merchant under Grandchester's control. In other words, it means there is no need to go through the Grandchester family for transactions with the Sophia Merchant Guild.
Noblemen and wealthy merchants who had the fortune to be invited to the opening ceremony listened closely.
"So, Sophia. If I say I want to buy cider, will you sell it to me?"
Count Harrington pressed Sophia.
"We need to discuss the quantity and delivery time, but you are correct. It is a product sold by our merchant guild. However..."
"However?"
"The quantity is very small. Most of what we are currently brewing has already been sold to the Grandchester family, so it would be at least 3 years before you could get any."
"What! Is it really that rare of a drink?"
Everyone around let out a collective sigh.
"If we have permission from the Grandchester family, it might be possible to sell it to you, so I suggest you consult with His Excellency Marquis Grandchester about that."
This statement strongly impressed upon everyone that the Grandchester family held a valuable card in negotiations with other families.
'Hehe. But this isn't over yet.'
Sophia smiled faintly and decided to watch how things would unfold next.
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