Chapter 17 – Part 1

After leaving the Edith mansion and arriving at the shopping district, Kristin felt more refreshed than she had during the days spent at the mansion.

While being alone in the mansion was pleasant, the shopping district was adorned with vibrant red flowers in preparation for the upcoming festival.

The tall trees that lined the shopping street were also decorated with lights, making it seem as if the Empire’s citizens walking through the district were eagerly anticipating the Empire Festival that would take place at the end of the year.

Lenci and Cindy were no exception.

“My Lady, you will come to see the Margaret Festival this time, won’t you?”

Just as they were about to reach Oliver’s flower shop, Lenci carefully asked Kristin.

“Well, I’m not sure. I haven’t planned on it yet. As you know, Lenci, I’ve hardly ever participated in the Empire’s festivals before.”

“My Lady, please come with us. Of course, you can go with other noble ladies, but I would love it if you could join us.”

“Really?”

The Margaret Festival held for five days between mid- and late-December, was one that drew a large crowd even within the Empire.

It was an event where both nobles and commoners could come together and enjoy the festivities.

In the winter, when the temperature dropped below freezing, the number of visitors to the shops significantly decreased, worrying the merchants about their livelihood. In response, the Emperor created this festival a few years ago, and as a result, the merchants’ income increased during the festival period.

Additionally, during this festival, merchants brought in all sorts of goods, and events were held for the nobles.

However, Kristin had never participated in the Margaret Festival, unlike the other noble ladies.

She had only watched her stepmother and Elena go out.

In December, the servants would return home exactly during the festival period, so Kristin always had to hear about the festival from Lenci afterward.

Even when she married Raphael, she had never attended the Margaret Festival, so the thought of participating in the lively event felt very unfamiliar to Kristin.

“Yes, My Lady. During the festival, there’s a beautiful event where they create a flower path with blue Marguerite flowers that can only be seen in winter, and it’s said to be stunning. Of course, I’ve never walked that path myself. They say only couples should walk the blue Marguerite flower path because it’s believed that doing so will make their love last forever.”

“As Cindy said, I saw the blue Marguerite flower path up close last year and the year before, and many couples walked it. Especially in winter, it’s rare to walk a flower path, right? The Marguerite flowers are so beautiful that many people order them from the flower shop after seeing them at the festival.”

While Cindy and Lenci chatted excitedly, Kristin couldn’t find the time to think about the festival.

Just thinking about the future was overwhelming enough for her.

She simply smiled at Cindy and Lenci, who were buzzing with anticipation in front of her.

At that moment, Lenci spoke to Kristin again.

“Please make sure to come with us. The food made from baked dough dipped in honey is delicious, and there’s also bread served with melted cheese and strawberry jam that’s truly tasty. I hope you get to try it.”

“Alright. If I get some time, I’ll go with you.”

“Really? Yes, I’d love that!”

“Me too, I want to go as well!”

As they spoke, they soon saw Oliver’s flower shop through the carriage window.

“We have arrived.”

At the sound of the coachman’s voice, Cindy and Lenci quickly got off the carriage and held out their hands to help Kristin down.

Kristin carefully stepped down from the carriage and looked at Oliver’s flower shop.

Oliver’s flower shop seemed to have far fewer flowers and plants than before.

“Hello, Lady Kristin.”

Oliver greeted Kristin, who was observing the flower shop, and then exchanged a glance with his sister, Lenci.

After nodding a shy greeting to Cindy, who was standing beside Lenci, he turned back to Kristin and spoke again.

“Have you been well?”

At his words, Kristin replied.

“It looks like there are noticeably fewer flowers than before.”

“I’ll have to leave the shop unattended for a while. Since I won’t be able to fully focus on the shop while managing the mine, I decided not to bring in any new flowers. Except for the ones needed for the upcoming Margaret Festival, I’ve been selling off the remaining plants and flowers. I plan to keep the shop closed for at least a few months.”

“I see. It must be hard for you to dispose of all those flowers and plants.”

Kristin looked at Oliver, who was smiling at her.

After hurriedly wiping his hands on his light green apron, Oliver gestured toward the flower shop, inviting them inside.

“Please come in. I’ll make you a cup of tea.”

“Alright.”

* * *

As Kristin, Lenci, and Cindy entered the flower shop, they noticed that the terrace area, which had previously been cluttered, now had three chairs and a round table set up spaciously.

After Kristin sat down, Oliver, who had prepared the tea, placed a teacup in front of her first.

“I heard that you like milk tea, my Lady. Just in case, I prepared some extra milk tea.”

When Oliver was about to serve tea to Lenci and Cindy, they both hurriedly spoke up, flustered.

“Brother, I’m fine.”

“You only need to serve Her Lady’s tea.”

“It’s alright. Please let Cindy and Lenci have some as well,” Kristin said to them.

Following Kristin’s words, Oliver handed the tea to them.

“Here you go.”

At that moment, Cindy, who made brief eye contact with Oliver, suddenly looked flustered and unsure of what to do.

Seeing this, Kristin turned to Cindy and asked, “Cindy, are you okay?”

Cindy quickly waved her hands and responded, trying to sound composed.

“Of course! I’m fine, my Lady.”

Kristin, having known Cindy for a long time, could understand why she was acting that way.

When Cindy was flustered, she tended to stutter, and now, her expression clearly showed she was very embarrassed.

It was also evident that Cindy had developed feelings for Oliver, Lenci’s brother, which explained her behavior.

Not wanting to embarrass Cindy further, Kristin refrained from asking more questions. As the tea in her cup was about halfway finished, Kristin turned to Oliver and spoke.

“As I mentioned before, I will send Lenci to the academy. I think it would be good for her to have a friend to go with, so I plan to send Cindy as well.”

“I think this is the first time I’m meeting you, Cindy. You work at the mansion, right?” Oliver asked.

“Yes, I work at the Edith mansion as well,” Cindy quickly replied, making Kristin smile.

Cindy must have heard a lot about Lenci’s brother and likely admired his kindness in advance. Now, Cindy’s behavior showed that she had a fondness for Oliver.

“Ah, I see.”

“And regarding the position of Levi mine manager, I know of a place in the Empire where you can receive proper training,” Kristin said.

After marrying Raphael, Kristin learned a bit about his mining business through the grapevine.

Acquiring new mines and appointing the right managers—Raphael particularly enjoyed completing such tasks, and Levi Mine was one of those mines.

However, the difference between the past and the present was that when Raphael initially acquired the Levi mine, it had not collapsed. But now, upon her return, the mine had collapsed, unlike before.

The distinction was significant: one was intact, and the other was not.

Given this considerable difference, it was crucial to have a more competent manager this time.

Kristin had spent months trying to recall the name of the institution where Raphael had educated his managers in the past.

She had only vaguely overheard conversations about Raphael buying a mine, thinking it had nothing to do with her, so it was challenging to remember.

However, before coming to Oliver’s flower shop, Kristin had finally recalled the name of the institution.

It was the Megri Mining Specialist Training Institute.

This was the place.

At least, Kristin thought Oliver would be able to learn a lot there, even with no prior knowledge of mining.

Raphael Rodney had trained those who would become mine managers at this institution.

Kristin spoke to Oliver slowly.

“The Megri Mining Specialist Training Institute will provide the education you need, Oliver.”

“The Megri Mining Specialist Training Institute?”

Hearing Kristin’s words, Oliver paused for a moment to think, then spoke again.

“Yes, I understand. When should I start?”

Kristin answered, “I’ll check their schedule and let you know.”

After Kristin spoke, Oliver nodded with a determined look on his face.

“I’ll work hard, for both Lenci and myself.”

At his words, Lenci and Oliver exchanged smiles.