Chapter 16

Their faces became even more puzzled when she said she was going shopping. What she wanted to do wasn’t just shop, but there was no need to explain. She tried to stay still, but her lips kept twitching, and a hummed tune escaped.

Her humming was a stark contrast to the stoic maids in front of her, but it was hard for her to keep still.

“Shall we go to the boutique you like, Your Highness?”

“I will also suggest visiting the jeweler.”

They seemed to think she was in a good mood because of some dresses. But unlike Amelia, she had no interest in luxury or alcohol.

“I told the coachman to go to Chester Merchantry.”

“Chester Merchantry?”

“Yes, the largest merchantry.”

Chester Merchantry was the largest and most famous merchantry in the Khalid Empire. The owner of the merchantry was unknown, but there were rumors that they were not from the empire.

“I heard there is one in Siegfried too.”

As the largest merchantry, it had everything and even made things if they were not available. Usually, merchantry were located in the capital city. But Chester Merchantry was different. It served as a base in Siegfried, which was located on the empire’s border.

Of course, they also operated on a large scale in the capital, but their headquarters were said to be in Siegfried. Because of this fact, rumors spread that the owner of the merchantry was not actually from the empire. There were also rumors that they were trying to avoid the empire’s jurisdiction.

“I also want to see that merchantry.”

“…….”

“All the merchants who have come to the castle so far were brought from Chester, right?”

The Chester Merchantry was so intimidating that even a small hole-in-the-wall shop would be under Chester’s control. It was truly a monopoly. Even the imperial family gave up imposing sanctions on Chester Merchantry. Attacking Chester now would have a tremendous impact on the economy.

It wasn’t for nothing that she had been holed up in the library for weeks. Her mind now contained both current and future information about the empire.

They were truly a walking business item.

“That’s what’s scary about monopolies.”

Chester Republic. It was her impression after learning about the Chester Merchantry. She didn’t know who the owner was, but it was clear that they had an incredibly sharp mind. There must have been a reason why they chose this place as their headquarters, even though its transportation and population flow were not as perfect as in the capital.

As long as they operated in the Khalid Empire, they had to abide by imperial law. But there was one person who was free from imperial law. Raphael Lloyd Siegfried. He had separate governing authority over the territory of Siegfried. On the surface, he followed imperial law, but everyone knew that he had the power to refuse at any time.

“But this merchantry…!”

“Knights are not allowed to enter.”

Weapons are prohibited, and knights were not allowed to enter the Chester Merchantry. There was a plausible excuse that it was to prevent any unforeseen accidents. But it was hard to believe that Raphael allowed such a merchantry in his territory, and it was also surprising that he let it be built as he pleased. Considering Raphael’s personality, he would never have accepted it.

Even the imperial family was cautious. There was no reason to listen to the words of a mere merchantry owner.

“Can’t we just wait outside?”

“That is not possible.”

“Why not. I’m going inside with you guys.”

So at first, she also thought that Chester Merchantry belonged to Siegfried. But until the end of the book, the identity of the merchantry owner was not revealed. Moreover, there were many points that contradicted Chester Merchantry as being Siegfried’s business.

There was a different owner when Prince Aaron visited as a customer and when Leonel commissioned something. At that time, Leonel was Grand Duke Siegfried. It was impossible for a family business to be run by a stranger.

“I’m really looking forward to it because they say it’s a merchantry that has everything.”

“Your Highness……”

“You guys too, right?”

Amelia felt relieved by the awkward smiles of the maidservants in response to her words. It was still good that she was seen as an innocent Grand Duchess.

“Oh, looks like we’ve arrived.”

Amelia smiled brightly as the carriage came to a stop. Outwardly, there was no problem with her outing. That’s why no one could stop her. If someone were to block her here, it would admit that she was being held captive.

“Your Highness, we have arrived at the merchantry.”

Amelia’s eyes slightly furrowed at the sound of clanking armor, but she quickly composed herself. She didn’t feel happy while being surrounded by guards.

“No need for an escort.”

“…… Yes, understood.”

Amelia coldly replied to the knight, who extended his hand, seemingly wanting to accompany her. Despite disliking her, he still wanted to protect her.

“Your Highness, even if it’s just us, we’ll catch you!”

“Right.”

“Wow, it’s so huge.”

Amelia used to be just an office worker who took buses every day. It shouldn’t be difficult for her to get off a mere carriage.

“Is this really the merchantry?”

In truth, no matter how much she heard that it was big, she was a modern person. It was hard to ignore the image that came to mind when she heard the word ‘merchantry.’ She had thought it would look like a moderately-sized store, but it was completely different.

“A department store…?”

What is this dazzling building? It resembled a glamorous department store more than the merchantry they mentioned. The luxurious building was so extravagant that it left one’s mouth open. It was even suspiciously lavish, to the point where one would doubt if commoners really used this merchantry and shared such a building with the nobles without any backlash.

“Yes, it’s the Chester Merchantry.”

“We’ve only been up here a few times.”

Judging from the maidservants’ words, it seemed like this merchantry was indeed the right place… Are there really no objections from the nobles about sharing this kind of building with commoners?

“Your Highness, we will wait in front of the merchantry.”

The knights, who I thought would cause a fuss about going inside, obediently stepped back. They even said they would wait in front of the building first.

“Please come in, Grand Duchess.”

“Welcome to Chester Merchantry.”

Even though she hadn’t properly entered yet, a man who seemed to be the manager rushed out and greeted her. Although the family crest was stamped on the carriage, it was surprising to see him come out like this to greet her.

“Did you know I was coming?”

“I saw the carriage of the Grand Duke’s family, so I rushed over. I am Howard, the manager of the Siegfried headquarters of the Chester Merchantry.”

***

Amelia was led to the VIP room, guided by the overly friendly Howard. Of course, as the Grand Duchess, she was an important person, but it felt odd how he was so attentive to her every move.

Is it because they have their headquarters at Siegfried? Is it because she was the Grand Duchess of Siegfried?

“Thank you for visiting the merchantry for the first time.”

“Is there a reason you came in person today?”

Of course, Amelia was a big spender. Not many people spend that much money on a regular basis every month.

“I just wanted to look around.”

“Should I bring the catalogs?”

“Bring the jewelry and dress catalogs, as well as the menu. I heard that the food at the Chester Merchantry is very delicious.”

The Chester Merchantry was not just a place for selling goods. They also operated restaurants and cafes, which were popular, so even people who had no business in merchantry visited frequently. In many ways, it was similar to modern department stores. Although she didn’t know who the owner of the merchantry was, she could tell that they were quite extraordinary.

“Oh, and you guys can choose something too.”

“Huh?”

“You must have been bored being stuck in the castle.”

Now that they’ve come this far, the only obstacle left were the maidservants. They were trying to keep an eye on her outwardly, but their excitement was obvious.

“I’ll take my time enjoying the food.”

“That’s fine with us.”

“Manager, can you also guide these maidservants? Don’t worry, I’ll pay for whatever they choose.”

“Yes, understood.”

At first, the maidservants refused, saying it was fine, but once they saw her flipping through the catalogs, they seemed reluctant and followed along.

“I will send the maidservants to a floor worth exploring on their own.”

Amelia pretended not to hear anything and acted as if she were looking at the menu. It was good that she had made it to Chester Merchantry. But the information she knew was only about ten years in the future. The way to access the interior of merchantry could be different now.

“Is this all you have on the menu?”

“Do you need anything else specifically?”

If the methods were different, she would have to find a way to get inside, even if she had to force it.

“I want to order something that’s not on the menu.”

“If it’s a possible dish, we will make it for you.”

What she wanted to order wasn’t food.

“What I want to order is not food, but rather the way to go straight to the House.”