Chapter 101

TLS : Shenks

The unusually cold winter has passed.

After the rainy season, the warm weather of early spring which heralded flowers began in earnest.

Not long ago, my 12th birthday has passed.

Today, Clerivan was visiting my house for a meeting under the disguise of a class.

"I think we need to increase the grain sales we have for the time being."

"Spring harvests will begin in the east next month. Go ahead, Clerivan."

"Yes, I'll present a final report on Eastern food sales soon."

As expected Clerivan is an excellent worker.

Even if I don't tell him what to do, he handles everything neatly and easily.

Sometimes I feel sorry that I don't do too much.

I want to be of some help too.

Suddenly, I thought of what Violet had said in our conservation not long ago, so I asked just in case.

"Grandfather, Crowley says he's cutting back on his workload because of arthritis..."

"Yes, that's why I've decided to bring two more of Crowley's disciples to the Imperial City and set up a workshop for them. The location is a luxury housing district near a jewelry store..."

Of course.

He had already taken all the necessary steps.

All I can do is,

"Estira ointment works well for arthritis pain. I'll get you some of it."

He only agreed to my words.

"I didn't think that far enough. As expected, Lady Florentia has a kind heart."

Clerivan was moved and admired me a little more.

"How's Bate doing these days?"

Bate signed a contract with us as a kind of partner.

We made a contract to sponsor some of the building and management costs and for him to provide us with some of the good information that is collected at 'Caramel Avenue'.

"He doesn't have to pay the rent so I think he's gotten a lot of room to breathe. The dessert shop staff he hired last time is all used to their work now and they like that they can now focus only on information gathering."

"Oh, I thought the quality of the information he was sending suddenly improved. That's what it's all about."

It was a good thing.

From now on, Bate and 'Caramel Avenue' will grow by leaps and bounds.

I'm so glad that I called dibs in advance, now I'm relieved.

"And I have one more thing to discuss."

Clerivan handed me a thick stack of papers and said,

"There's too much money in Pellet's Company that's playing around. Investing in Gallahan Clothing Stores is no longer considered efficient."

I can't believe I have a lot of money to play with.

Was I that rich?. (Give me some money tia)3

In fact, I've been busy opening new businesses but I've never checked exactly how much I've earned.

"Was I rich enough to say that, Clerivan?"

To my question, Clerivan nodded and answered succinctly.

"Including the profits from this Eastern trade deal, the Pellet Company has already become one of the Empire's top five."

"Already..."

"Diamond mines and the East. We've been focusing on businesses with high returns."

"Not only that, but we also have a stake in Gallahan Clothing Store and Lombardy's... As Lady Florentia has pointed out, investments in real estate are very expensive."

"Wow."

I didn't expect it to be that much.

As I stood there amazed, Clerivan tilted his head and said,

"It's all the work of Lady Florentia."

"Well it is but... You're right. Haha"

"You really are amazing."

It was a word full of pure goodwill and respect for me.

"To me, it's an honor to have Lady Florentia by my side."

Clerivan bowed his head slightly and said.

I was a little shy to hear this compliment right in front of me, but I was still prouder.

It feels like we're in a stable zone.

I feel a little relieved, so I think I have to deal with what I've been determined to do for the time being.

"Well, I'm going to have to get ready for my debut soon."

However, an unexpected reaction erupted from Clerivan who was quenching his thirst.

Clink!

The glass he was holding fell to the floor and broke.

Clerivan's wide eyes were stuck on me and couldn't move.

"...But, de, debut, the debut that I know..."

"Yes, that."

Is there another kind?

After a while, Clerivan, dazed like a man who received a big shock went somewhere.1

I was spending time before dinner, reading a book and suddenly I heard footsteps approaching urgently, so I raised my head.

"Tia!"

Boom!

With a loud noise, the door opened and my father ran in with a pale face.

"What's wrong dad?"

I don't know where he came from.

Barely breathing, my father said in a trembling voice.

"I-, I just heard a strange thing from Mr. Clerivan..."

"Something strange?"

"Tia is preparing her debut..."

Why is that a strange thing to say?

"Yes, that's right."

"Huh!"

My father shut his mouth like he heard the worst news in the world.

And the tail of his eyes drooped down and moistened.

"You're still young... Already?"

"We're going to have a debut between 12 and 15 years old. I can't wait to finish what I'm going to do eventually."

"But a quick debut is something like what the small aristocratic families do who has to hurry up and decide where to get married... Tia doesn't need to hurry right?"