Chapter 45

That’s why, it’s not his fault, so don’t worry too much about it.

However!

The Imperial family visits to see the cherry blossoms every year, the three great dukes are amazing!

I never dreamed that such a thing would ever be possible!

I feel like I’m losing my mind at this very moment!

Did he tell you if I needed to prepare anything?

Preparation?

What am I supposed to do, what am I supposed to do? I have no idea what to do!

[3rd POV]

“Don’t be so nervous, young lady. It happens every year, so we all know what to expect. All you need to do is prepare your own attire.”

Novak called out to her, and thus Ekaterina returned to her senses.

Well, you’re absolutely right. It’s a regular event for everyone but me!

“Well, it’s a relief for me to say it out, but I’m sure it will be fine. The duke himself is accompanying us, and Mikhail-sama will also be there.”

Flora says, patting Ekaterina on the back encouragingly.

[Ekaterina’s POV]

Ah…I see. Indeed.

I’ll be safe if I hide behind my brother. Even though they are an imperial family, one of them is the prince.

…The rest, however, are the Emperor and Empress…..! Nuoooooooo!!

“And don’t worry about your clothes. As long as it’s not too elaborate, we can rush it and have it ready in time. Fortunately, tomorrow is the weekend, so you can return to the Duke’s residence and get ready.”

Halil says with a smile. You’re a man, how would you know how long it takes to prepare a dress? Oh, right, you’re a merchant.

I can’t believe how shocked I’ve been that everyone is so encouraging…… I have to recover quickly!

“Thank you, everyone. Thanks to that, I’ve calmed down.”

But the clothes. The dresses……

I’m sure there are trends and fashions to be considered too.

“If possible, I would like the young lady to wear an outfit that is different from the current fashion for ladies.” (Aaron)

[3rd POV]

Ekaterina was surprised when it was Aaron who said this with a sigh.

She was surprised that the young mine manager, who had the appearance of a scholar, would have an opinion on dress and fashion.

“The Yurinova territory produces gems, but in recent years, the ladies have not been looking for luxurious gems, so the prices of gems have been dropping.”

Aaron says.

“For several years now, the fashion trend has been for luxurious silk fabrics imported from beyond the Mountains of the Gods and has been the mainstay fabric for clothes with beautiful patterns woven into it, and large jewels have been thought of as nothing more than a distraction or being looked down in poor taste.” (Aaron)

The Mountain Ridge of the Gods is a large mountain range that towers in the middle of the continent, dividing the east from the west.

[Ekaterina’s POV]

It resembles the Himalayas in my previous life, but it is much steeper and seems to run through the continent like a spine. As a result, trade between the east and west is limited almost entirely to sea routes.

“We have been mining for the finest one, and it would be the best time to advertise it…Gems are the flowers of minerals. It’s a shame to just let them deteriorate like this.” (Aaron)

Aaron is certainly sad about it.

……Aaron-san, you are a mineral enthusiast? It’s amazing that your passion for minerals grew to the point of becoming a mine manager.

However, did you say even after mining the “finest”?

“Um, so far you’ve been able to mine good gems, but you can’t sell them?”

When I asked a simple question, a delicate air passed through the office.

Why?

I wondered, and Alexei told me bitterly.

“Grandmother forbade me to sell such things to others, saying that they belonged to her.” (Alexei)

“It was better than being meddled with…in the iron mines, so I let her do as much as she liked.” (Alexei)

……Ah, I see, of course, it’s because of the freak old hag!

You’re not just bullying mother, you’re also doing that!