The Latest Trend in Imperial High Society

A skilled merchant answers a customer's summons without delay.

Duke and Duchess Dantarg had a favorable impression of him so far. He wanted to maintain that.

Rather than showing up with too large a group, he left some people behind and headed for the duke's estate with just Orleans and Azu in tow. They were shown in immediately.

Orleans bowed her head repeatedly to various acquaintances.

Since she had left the duke's service, her treatment didn't seem too bad.

The meddling she'd endured had stemmed from her being too capable, making others feel their positions were threatened. So this outcome was only natural.

Working under a massive organization had its own difficulties, it seemed.

"My, that truly is a wonderful fragrance. This is exactly what I wanted."

He produced a set of the same fragrance and soap as before and opened one as a sample. She took it and dabbed a little on her wrist.

Duchess Lecreune seemed lost in bliss as the scent reached her.

"This time I've also prepared lavender and rosemary varieties. Both are very popular with women."

"I'll take everything you've brought. The previous batch was extremely well-received. I distributed them as gifts, and before I knew it, word had spread. For a while, attendance at my tea parties doubled."

"That's… wonderful to hear."

"I kept being asked when I'd get more every time we met. Now I can finally save face."

He never imagined their products would become trendy among nobles this far away.

The formula was a collaborative effort with Ramiza-san, so he'd had some confidence in it. The attention paid to the signet ring design to appeal to the wealthy had apparently paid off.

In the kingdom, the products had spread more among commoners instead. Perhaps that was a difference in national character.

"I'd like you to supply these regularly, if possible."

"If you wish, then of course."

Outwardly, he maintained his merchant's smile. Inwardly, he was pumping his fist.

The products had been priced appropriately, transportation costs included.

If she was willing to buy regularly, expanding their sales channels into the Empire was entirely feasible.

Sell fragrance and soap sets. Buy iron ore and return.

If this round-trip trade became reality, it would practically be hauling gold around, at least until circumstances changed.

If the products became too popular, imitators would flood the market, so the situation wouldn't last forever. But if they could establish their brand, it would become a long-lasting business.

They might even be able to open a branch store.

"How is Orleans doing? Has she gotten used to the work over there?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'm being treated very well."

"She's been a tremendous help. She might be even sharper with numbers than I am."

"She was such a hard worker that I was a bit worried. I'd come to think of her almost like a daughter… but it seems she's doing well."

Orleans bowed deeply at those words.

After that, he listened to Duchess Lecreune's lengthy conversation, nodding along at appropriate intervals.

It was mostly harmless small talk, all information safe to share outside, but given her position, he was able to learn plenty of things that others couldn't access even if they wanted to.

The Empire seemed to favor strong wives more than the kingdom did. The wife often held significant power.

It was less a cultural trend and more that women there tended to have strong personalities and resolute temperaments.

And apparently, women often chose their husbands rather than the other way around.

Watching Alexia, he could certainly believe it.

If he ever married Alexia, he'd probably be completely dominated.

By the time his stomach was sloshing from all the tea refills, the conversation finally wound down.

She had apparently made time specifically to check on Orleans.

"Thank you for your time despite how busy you must be. I've left the goods with your warehouse staff."

"Yes, I've already received word. I look forward to working with you again."

He received the payment.

The unit price and quantity were both substantial, so the bag of imperial gold coins had a satisfying heft.

"I noticed you're paving the roads."

"As expected, sharp eyes. Yes, we had a bit of a disagreement with the kingdom that reduced traffic for a while, but things have recently gone back to normal. And since there was already a road foundation in place, I decided to have it properly maintained."

If Alexia had been here, she probably would have smiled wryly.

She'd done it on her own initiative, so she couldn't very well claim credit.

Just as he stood to leave, the door swung open forcefully and a butler rushed in.

Clearly a breach of etiquette. Something must have happened.

"Madam, Marquis Arius has—"

The butler began to speak but spotted the visitors and hastily fell silent.

He was young and had let his haste get the better of him.

Duchess Lecreune silently rebuked him with her gaze.

"What a commotion. Our guest is leaving."

"My apologies."

Clearly, they didn't want him hearing any more.

Curious though he was, he decided to leave quietly.

Once outside the estate, he asked Orleans who Marquis Arius was.

"Marquis Arius is, how shall I put it, a man with a very strong desire for glory. He strongly covets a seat in the next Senate. Because of this, he doesn't get along well with His Grace the Duke, who is already a senator… I believe he's been backing someone other than Crown Prince Kelves for the throne."

A political rival to Duke Dantarg, then.

But a great noble who wanted into the Senate… where had he heard that before?

Back at the inn, he mentioned this to Alexia while she was filing her nails. The moment he said it, the file she was holding crumpled and warped in her grip.

Startled by the sudden event, he watched as she opened her mouth with a bitter expression.

"Marquis Arius is the man who goaded my father into attacking the kingdom."