Chapter 54: Introduction

The servants of the Carlson household were one of the things I had worried about.
Even if I no longer bore responsibility toward that house, they were people who had helped me for two years.
It could be said that the reason I am where I am now is because they cooperated with me.

About half of them are now employed by the Albright Trading Company.
I had been worried whether they could manage working at a trading company, having previously been servants at a minor noble’s estate.
Then again, I myself had managed to live in various places, so perhaps I shouldn’t have been overly concerned.

“…Are they working properly at your company?”

“Yes, of course.
They weren’t used to it at first, but now they’re more than pulling their weight.”

“That’s good to hear.”

After thinking for a moment, I gave my answer to Lady Albright’s offer.

“Thank you for the generous proposal, but I must decline, Lady Albright.”

“…Oh?”

She wears an expression that seems to say she didn’t expect that.

“You don’t need to give an answer right away, you know.”

“I understand, but even if I take time, I believe my answer would still be the same.”

“May I ask why?”

I look at her straight on as I answer.

“There are several reasons, but first, I don’t want to change their current lives simply because I join your company.
Especially if they’re doing well where they are now.”

“They’re company employees, so transfers between workplaces do happen.
That wouldn’t be your responsibility.”

“Yes, that may be true.
Another reason is that I don’t know your company well enough.
I had no plans to start or join a business venture.
While I understand this may be a generous offer, to be honest, I’m bewildered.”

“…That’s my fault.
I acted on impulse, thinking this was a good opportunity.
I knew about you only unilaterally.
But if that’s the case, perhaps you could take some time to consider—”

I shake my head.

“There’s also the matter of factions.”

“…Factions.”

“I became the person responsible for this tournament because I had the support of the Duchess of Ryuswell.
For that reason, I owe House Ryuswell a great debt.
On the other hand, the Albright Trading Company is backed by the Duke of Pharmason, isn’t it?
I can’t lightly shift to your side just because it’s a good offer.”

“…The two ducal houses aren’t so fatally opposed to one another.”

“I know that.
As the two great ducal houses of the Kingdom of Lance, they cooperate while maintaining balance without becoming too familiar.”

“Then—”

“Even so, I am affiliated with House Ryuswell and its ally, House Grandra of the border marquisate.
On top of that, I have my duties with the church.
Your proposal would simply be too much for me to handle.”

I believe my healing magic should be used where it can be of most help.
There are surely many people I can save.
It’s not something imposed on me, but rather a sense of responsibility.
If my name becomes known, I might be able to save people in trouble, just like Sir Richard once was.
Thinking that way, I couldn’t bring myself to give up my work with the church.

“…Do you have no interest in running a business?”

“Interest?”

I wonder.
Managing a territory and running a trading company are different things.
I understand numbers well enough that it wouldn’t be impossible.
That’s likely why I was approached in the first place.
Doing business under my name and assessing its potential.
Being given capital and told to try it out is, in a way, similar to Lady Katalina’s approach.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I’ve already made one business venture succeed.

And letting others do business under one’s name is common enough among nobles.

The Vent viscountcy values both scholarly and martial pursuits.
Commerce and knightly arts were taught equally.
I’m not particularly suited to direct combat, but I was trained enough not to freeze before enemies or monsters.
The same applies to commerce.
I believe I’m reasonably knowledgeable.
My elder brother, Beltmas, who inherited the viscountcy, was trained so that he could choose either the path of a knight or that of a merchant.

Ah… that’s right.
My brother.

“…I have a proposal, Lady Albright.”

“Yes, what would that be?”

“It would still be difficult for me personally to work at your trading company.
However, if you’re looking for a new place for the former Carlson household servants to be active—”

Of course, they were hired because they were capable.
But more than that, it was likely also meant to put the Carlson household under pressure.
That was the Duchess of Pharmason’s intention.
So while the servants are capable, they may still be underutilized.
If that’s the premise, then this proposal makes sense.

“How about proposing this arrangement to my brother, Viscount Beltmas Vent?”

“…Your brother?”

“Yes.
My brother is well-versed in commerce and has long managed a viscountcy.
In terms of experience, he surpasses me.
Being my brother, I believe he could also earn the trust of the former servants.
If you believe my name has value, that influence would naturally extend to my family, House Vent.
What do you think?”

She hadn’t anticipated a counterproposal like this.
Lady Albright thinks quietly for a while.

“…It’s not a bad idea.
But would it really be acceptable for your family to partner with the Albright Trading Company?
What about the faction issue?”

“It would be an indirect relationship.
As you said, the two ducal houses aren’t in fatal opposition.
That level of involvement should be permissible.”

I still think I can’t do it myself.
But… a trading company.
Maybe I’m not entirely uninterested, as long as it’s within reason.
That realization surprises me.
Still, jumping in from the start with many employees without preparation would be reckless.
In that case, entrusting it to my brother, who is actively serving as a viscount, makes far more sense.
I’d also feel at ease knowing he was taking care of the former servants.

“…Very well.
Then I’ll speak with Viscount Vent.”

“Thank you, Lady Albright.”

“If possible, may I have a letter of introduction?”

“Of course.”

I write a letter introducing my brother.

“Thank you.
Within two weeks, I will definitely visit Viscount Vent.
Please inform him that I will present the letter then.”

Meaning she won’t misuse it.

“It’s a good proposal, so I believe it will be settled without much trouble.”

“…I see.
But it’s a shame.”

“A shame?”

“Yes.
I truly wanted to work together with you, Lady Electra.
At that house, the servants adored you.
For servants to be so devoted to the woman who married into the household, despite your former husband’s infidelity during those two years, speaks volumes about your charisma.
For a merchant, that kind of trust is a great strength.”

“Th-thank you…”

“Hehe.
That’s why it’s a shame.
I wanted to see their faces if we had worked together.”

Lady Albright.
This is the first time I’ve met her, yet it feels like a strange connection.
Once, she was ‘me.’
And she dealt with Lady Livia in my place.
Even if it was for her own reasons, that indirectly protected me.

“From your perspective, what kind of person was Lady Livia?”

“Lady Livia?”

“Yes.
Today, I saw a woman in the audience who I believe was her.
She was staring at me intensely.
I don’t understand what kind of feelings she was directing at me.
After all, I’m a wife she divorced long ago.
Is there really any reason for her to care now?”

It was something I’d wondered about for a long time.
Dreams aren’t reality.
I know nothing about the real her.
Lady Albright, who lived in the same mansion as Lady Livia for half a year, would know her far better than I do.