Chapter 88

Since it seemed interesting, I thought they might have become friends. But what was she saying?

“Money?”

Surprised by my reaction, Marian burst out laughing. She seemed to have expected it. I calmly took a sip of tea and responded hesitantly.

“Did I not give you enough money?”

“No, you gave me enough to never worry about money again. But Lady Shina talked about how to become the richest person in the world. Stories that would make your eyes widen.”

Marian then told me about one of Lady Heira’s business ideas.

It was a magical device that would help with agriculture. Once developed, it could regulate moisture automatically, reducing the chances of famine during droughts or floods, ensuring that this land wouldn’t suffer from food shortages.

“Is that even possible?“

“It’s already been verified by a wizard, so I believe it will work.”

Marian spoke confidently as if this were her own project. Her attitude showed just how close she and Lady Heira had become.

“Is it okay to tell me something like this?”

When I asked cautiously, Marian covered her mouth and laughed again.

“Of course. In fact, there’s one final step for that magical device. It requires a tiny, rare mana stone.”

“So, she wants to buy it from Duke Zan’s family, and that’s why you can tell me.”

Marian quickly nodded.

“Yes.”

I rested my chin in my hand, deep in thought. If it was such a beneficial invention, it might be worth giving them the rare mana stones. It would also provide a good reason to seek the Emperor’s approval. However, one crucial concern remained.

“Will the farmers be able to afford it?”

“We won’t sell it to the farmers. Lady Shina plans to sell the device to the state.“

“To the state?“

“Her goal is to sell it to the state and gradually install it in every region. She says that once agriculture flourishes, the economy will revive, and commoners can engage in cultural activities, which will make business even more interesting.“

“Wow.”

I was genuinely impressed. It was astonishing that such a young girl had such a broad vision, even if it seemed almost too grand to be true.

“Amazing, right?“

“I’m not sure if it’s possible, but… honestly, it’s incredible.“

“So please consider selling the rare mana stones to Baron Heira’s family.”

That was the main point, after all. Although I smiled, I avoided giving a direct answer. While I was pretty inclined to agree, this decision had to be made with Julian. I looked at Marian closely and asked.

“You look so much better. You must really enjoy helping Lady Heira.”

Marian shyly touched her cheeks and said, “Yes. Honestly, I love it. It’s amazing to think that a job that started because of money could bring prosperity to the world.”

It was a grander and more admirable reason than I had expected. I once again felt a sense of pride for sending Marian outside the capital.

“So, how did you make it here today? It must be dangerous with the demonic beasts…“

“I told you, Baron Heira’s family wants to start a business with Duke Zan’s family. To do that, they had to make the first move. Baron Heira’s family heard Count Winsley’s troops weren’t properly receiving supplies. And, of course, they also heard that you were here.”

I didn’t expect such news to spread so quickly. Even if there were rumors, this happened at a remote military camp far from the capital.

Especially considering this was during wartime, for such news to leak meant that the people transporting the supplies had been talking or a spy was planted among us.

Baron Heira’s influence seemed more incredible than I had anticipated. I covered my mouth in thought, then lowered my hand and grabbed Marian’s hand instead.

“Marian, did you bring us supplies?“

“Yes, I came because of that.“

“But they said all the supply routes were blocked because of the demonic beasts.“

“Lady Shina doesn’t spare any expense on things like this. And skilled mercenaries will do anything if the pay is high enough.”

After we finished our tea, we went back downstairs. Marian had brought a carriage packed with goods.

Thick blankets, high-quality meat, new weapons, and armor… At this point, it was more lavish treatment than even the imperial army received.

As Marian unloaded the items one by one from the carriage, the soldiers who were watching cheered with excitement.

I didn’t stop them from enjoying themselves. They had been so stifled for so long that it made sense they would shout with such enthusiasm.

“Long live the Grand Duchess!”

Someone caught up in the moment, shouted out. Another soldier beside him was about to do the same when I waved my hand.

“What are you saying? I haven’t done anything. Please, don’t.”

“But, Your Grace, what are you talking about? We know how hard you’ve been working for us!“

“Exactly! Don’t try to deny it—we got the whole story from Hella!“

“Long live the Grand Duchess!”

Startled, I turned to look at Hella. She apologized with her usual calm voice.

“I apologize, Your Grace. I just felt a little uneasy because you didn’t say anything…“

“Please don’t scold Hella, Your Grace! We really did threaten her!“

“No, that’s not it. I just thought everyone should know what Your Grace has done.“

“No, Your Grace! We tied Hella up and threatened her!”

One side was calm, while the other was highly excited, only saying what they wanted to say. Embarrassed and overwhelmed, I finally gave in.

“Alright, alright! I won’t scold Hella, so everyone, be quiet! Hurry up, take these supplies inside, and get them organized! And don’t forget to thank Marian!“

“Yes!“

“Thank you, Lady Marian!”

Marian covered her mouth with both hands and giggled. Unlike me, she didn’t seem embarrassed by the soldiers’ sweaty attention.

We spent quite some time laughing and chatting as we organized and distributed the supplies. I could feel the soldiers’ morale rising, and because of that, I finally felt a deep sense of relief that I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

* * *

Marian decided to stay here for a few more days. I arranged her room close to mine and often visited her to chat. I couldn’t talk freely with Hella, so Marian was a welcome friend.

“How is His Grace the Grand Duke?“

“According to his letters, he’s doing well—except for missing me.”

When I shyly said this, Marian gasped in admiration.

“You two always pretended to be in a marriage of convenience, but I knew it all along. You seemed too close.“

“Did we?”

I would have vehemently denied it in the past, but I no longer wanted to. Julian and I had become a couple who shared body and soul. He was a good husband who respected and trusted me.

“Aren’t you dating anyone, Marian?”

At my question, Marian grinned and whispered in my ear with a playful expression.

“Now that I have money, handsome men are following me around. I’m debating whether to accept one of them.“

“Really?”

We pressed our foreheads together and laughed like young girls. Marian’s carefree, happy laughter made her look fantastic. Because of that, I had no regrets about the decisions that had changed the future.

We laughed and talked like that when a knock came at the door. After receiving permission, a soldier quietly entered and delivered a message.

“The young master of Marquis Eriant wishes to see Your Grace.”

It had been such a pleasant moment, but as soon as I heard his name, I felt discomfort. I frowned but quickly responded that I understood. The soldier left to deliver the message.

As I let out a long sigh, Marian asked curiously.

“Are you not on good terms with the young master of Marquis Eriant?“

“We were on good terms, but not anymore. Now, he’s the worst.“

“The worst? What happened?”

Marian knew to some extent about my dealings with Shuan. In fact, she was one of the few people I could talk to about him.

“He found his sister but said he can’t give me the reward I wanted.“

“Oh my goodness!”

Marian furrowed her brows just like I did.

“I didn’t expect that from him. What a terrible person. You shouldn’t meet with him!”

Marian still seemed to care for me. Seeing her genuinely angry face made me feel calmer.

I shook my head.

“A nobleman’s son came to see me in person; how could I pretend not to notice? Especially when we’re both participating in this subjugation.“

“Then I’ll go with you. I’ll serve you.“

“Serve me? You don’t need to do that anymore.”

Marian smiled broadly at my words.

“I told you, I’ll always be your person. Even though I’m serving Lady Shina because of her kindness, my priority will always be you. Serving you is my dream.”

Oh dear. Even as I sighed, I took Marian’s hand and helped her stand up.

“Well then, I have to meet him, so will you help me? I think I need to do my hair as well.”

“Of course. You can count on me.”

I had been tying my hair up high the entire time I’d been in the West, but now it seemed appropriate to greet Shuan as a lady.

I sat in front of the mirror and, for the first time in a while, allowed someone to attend to me as I got ready. It wasn’t a grand preparation—just letting my hair down and putting on a slightly more elegant hunting outfit. After all, there were no dresses suitable to wear here.

Once I was ready, I stepped outside through Marian’s open door. She served me with fluid grace, as if she had known this day would come. I met her eyes and smiled.

“Marian, I’ll be in the drawing room, so could you bring the young master of Marquis Eriant there?“

“Yes, my lady.”

I made my way to the drawing room in the north building. It wasn’t tidy and was usually used as a meeting room. However, it was the only room suitable for receiving guests in this building.

Not long after, Shuan entered the drawing room.

“Your Grace, the Grand Duchess.”

I glanced at him briefly before looking forward again. Shuan, noticing my cold demeanor, didn’t sit and stood by the door. Marian cautiously approached me and asked,

“Shall I prepare some tea?“

“No. There’s no need, as he’ll be leaving soon.”

My attitude towards this unwelcome guest was firm. However, Shuan didn’t even flinch and continued to look at me.

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.