Volume 1 Chapter 36 The Villainous Young Lady, Progressing As Planned
"I never thought I'd receive a visit from the Grand Duke Casunat's daughter..."
"No, Mr. Guccini. Since you are to be newly ennobled, and I also own a perfume and soap workshop, I wish to strengthen ties with those who have business talent."
Vittoria said this gracefully and smiled at Yoash's father, Miguel.
Miguel pondered the hidden motives behind this unexpected visit from such a prominent figure, most of which seemed tied to the earlier mention of a "perfume and soap workshop."
(Could she be approaching me to expand her market? No, they must have their own merchant. We run a broad business and take pride in our achievements, but it's unthinkable for a noble young lady to visit a commoner's place.)
Miguel, who had risen to success through his own efforts, was adept at recognizing danger. Even if he got involved in risky ventures, he always managed to extricate himself before things turned too dangerous. If it cost money to leave, he paid without hesitation.
Given that those who continued faced either excessive back taxes or execution, his choices had been wise.
Yet, even he couldn't predict the purpose of this visit. In his imagination, a noble young lady was a spoiled daughter.
He had braced himself, expecting her to demand something impossible, perhaps even a dragon's treasure, but Vittoria chuckled softly.
"Please don't be so tense. I've come to discuss your son. I hear he's become quite close with a certain girl lately~desuwa, yes?"
"Well, my foolish son keeps talking nonsense about wanting to marry a commoner, but once he receives his title, a proper—"
"That girl is my friend's maid."
Miguel's face froze, and a croaking sound like a frog escaped from his throat.
"That is... well..."
"Yes, she's a commoner, but she's received an education from my friend and can read, write, and do arithmetic. She works diligently, and I think VERY highly of her."
As Vittoria emphasized "very," sweat began to pour down Miguel's face like a waterfall.
It was a cruel thought to imagine the Grand Duke's daughter taking the side of a commoner, but now that the words had been spoken and the young lady was exuding an unpleasant atmosphere, it was as though the executioner's axe was already at his neck.
"Well, well... as expected of the upper-class nobles. To think that even a commoner's maid would be taught not only reading and writing but also arithmetic—truly remarkable. Good talent is not something you wait for but something you create yourself, isn't it?"
Vittoria, who seemed to smile, raised her hand to stop Miguel, who was bowing repeatedly with admiration.
"I shall make a proposal that will also benefit you."
She snapped open her fan, hiding her mouth, and only her eyes were visible, smiling.
"How about adopting the maid into the Baron Vidilva family and having her marry your son? I've already approached Baron Vidilva with this matter."
(Who could possibly say no to this!)
Miguel bowed deeply, recalling information about Baron Vidilva. He was a noble from the northwest of the kingdom, known for fighting bandits and mercenaries crossing the border.
And now, adopting a commoner girl? The other party would likely refuse, as they had only a daughter to inherit and had already taken a son-in-law.
"Actually, her master has a close relationship with the Baron family and owes them a debt of gratitude. They will [happily] accept her."
"I see..."
Miguel's throat tightened as he nearly shouted, Who is that commoner's master?! He forced a smile and began calculating the benefits of this marriage in his head.
(They'll undoubtedly ask for money, as military equipment costs. But what are they offering in return? Soldiers, I suppose.)
If they could manage on their own, they wouldn't even have brought up this proposal. However, from another perspective, it could be seen as being invited under the Grand Duke Casunat, the largest faction after the royal family.
For a newly risen noble like himself, it was an extraordinary backing, and real soldiers—as opposed to the thugs he was currently hiring—would be much more reassuring.
"Then, how much would we need to pay..."
"That is not for me to decide. Please discuss it thoroughly with the Baron."
He clicked his tongue inwardly, thinking she wouldn't mention a specific amount. If the price had been low, he would have accepted it right then, and if high, he could have negotiated it down later. It was a slight inconvenience, but overall, it wasn't a bad proposal.
"Then, I will discuss the details with the Baron later."
"Yes, please do."
Vittoria, in a good mood, relaxed in her room inside the mansion. One of the troublesome matters she had been worried about was coming to a close, but what to do next was written down in Japanese on a piece of parchment.
(The remaining matters are the priest apprentice and the new teacher dispatched from the church; politically, they have little power, so it's fine to ignore them if necessary. The biggest problem is His Highness the Crown Prince..., the best solution would be for him to die somewhere, but that itself would cause problems during the war.)
The war section where Crown Prince Fabiano also showed his power as a target of conquest was repelled by the prayers of the Saint and the power of the route conquest target who received it, but Fabiano skillfully manipulated the army and repelled Louis' army.
If he were alive, she would be exiled and die in misery, but if he were gone, the kingdom itself would perish.
(Even if Fabiano were killed before the war, the next Crown Prince would be the weak second prince, and if that is skipped, the still 12-year-old third prince. Ugh! Can this be repelled!?)
During the war, the king fell ill, and the Crown Prince temporarily led the army.
Even so, Fabiano could do that, but the other princes were unknown.
To bet, or to turn against.
The bet was her life, and making a mistake was not allowed.
"Ah... I wonder if there's a commander who could lead the army and defend the country even if there are no princes around?"
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