Chapter 75: Gold Lane’s Competitor (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 75: Gold Lane’s Competitor (2)
“If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.”
The administrators’ faces flushed as they met the beaming smile of the Grand Duchess. It was then that Adem abruptly raised his hand.
“Your Highness, does ‘leasing’ mean a shopkeeper can open a store without having to purchase the land or the building?”
The senior officials sitting in the front rows glared at him, appalled that a mere trainee administrator would dare to raise his hand first. Adem felt their stinging gazes, but his curiosity was simply too great to suppress.
“That’s right. Since Valpid Lake is the private property of the Blenheim family, the land cannot be sold off at will. Instead, the estate will construct the shops collectively and lease them to those who wish to do business.”
“But Your Highness, the North does not favor leasing. Usually, people prefer to own their own shops entirely, even if it requires a large initial investment.”
“Those with money might feel that way. However, there are many who wish to start a business but lack the funds to open their own shop. By adopting a leasing system, even those with limited initial capital can open a store.”
The Grand Duchess added that this approach would allow a wider variety of businesses to enter the shopping district.
“Then will the rent become a source of supplementary income for the estate?”
“No, the rent will be used for maintenance. I plan to establish a management office within the district.”
“By management office, do you mean the Merchant Association?”
The Grand Duchess shook her head.
“The management office is exactly what it sounds like—a place to manage the district. It will help businesses thrive, oversee security, and handle repairs if there are issues with the facilities.”
Adem’s mind raced. If the costs included such comprehensive management, shopkeepers wouldn't feel that paying monthly rent was a waste of money.
“It certainly won't be a burden on the estate’s budget, then.”
At the sound of Adem’s brightened voice, the Grand Duchess scrunched her nose slightly.
“Strictly speaking, the Grand Duke is providing the lease for free, as he isn't receiving any compensation for the land itself.”
“As long as the Consort is fine with it, I don't mind,” the Grand Duke interjected from beside her. “The goal is to revitalize commerce, after all.”
‘Of course, the Grand Duchess has rights to the Blenheim assets as well, but...’
The officials were stunned. To see the Grand Duke seek his newlywed wife’s permission before utilizing the family’s property—and with such a tender attitude, no less.
“So he says.”
As the administrators stood there dazed by the unfamiliar sight, the Grand Duchess offered a small smile.
“Does that answer your question?”
“It... it is more than enough. Thank you, Your Highness.”
Adem thanked her with a trembling voice and took his seat. Perhaps stimulated by the sight of the Grand Duchess answering practical questions without a moment’s hesitation, a string of questions from other administrators followed.
“Your Highness, what exactly is the concept of a ‘circulating carriage’?”
“What scale are you envisioning for the management office?”
“Is it really alright not to charge an entrance fee for the lakeside?”
Without a hint of fluster, the Grand Duchess answered each of their questions with kindness. It was only when Oswick finally plucked up the courage to raise his hand that the Grand Duke, who had been watching in silence, cast a chilling, displeased look his way.
“Do you intend to pester the Consort with every little detail? Does no one here intend to actually earn their keep?”
Oswick’s face turned pale, and he began to lower his hand, but the Grand Duchess let out a soft chuckle.
“It’s alright, Your Grace. I’m very happy to be of help.”
As if he had never been scowling at all, the Grand Duke’s expression instantly softened.
“If you say so... You, ask your question. You’re the last one.”
At the Grand Duke’s nod, Oswick spoke up while awkwardly gauging the mood.
“Your Highness, does the fountain show you mentioned earlier already exist in the capital? I’m having trouble imagining it based on the description alone...”
He couldn't quite picture the musical fountain show the Grand Duchess had mentioned at the end. Of course, there were fountains in the North. However, he had never seen one installed on top of a lake as she described.
Everyone else had kept their mouths shut for fear of sounding like country bumpkins, but Oswick, being in charge of diplomacy, couldn't suppress his curiosity, wondering if it was a trend he had somehow missed.
“Ah, actually, I haven't seen one either. It’s just something I imagined...”
Wait, so it’s something that doesn't even exist in the world yet?
“There’s no need to worry. Enolius will do a fine job of creating it.”
‘The mage?’
The Grand Duchess’s gaze shifted toward the very end of the table. The administrators all turned their heads in unison, only then realizing that the mage was sitting in the far corner.
Perhaps annoyed by the sudden attention, the mage furrowed his brow.
“I wondered why I was suddenly made to attend this meeting,” a disgruntled voice drifted from his lips. “I am a mage, not a common laborer.”
“Mage.”
The Grand Duke’s voice dropped an octave instantly.
“Show proper respect to the Consort.”
Undeterred, the mage placed a hand over his heart and gave a sarcastic bow.
“Respected Grand Duchess, with all due respect, I hope you realize that this humble mage did not come all the way to the North just to build something like a fountain.”
“Is that so? I thought someone of your caliber would be more than capable.”
The Grand Duchess looked away as if disappointed.
“I said I wouldn't make it; I never said I lacked the skill.”
The Grand Duke lowered his voice again, as if giving a final warning. A chill ran down the spines of several administrators sitting near him, making them shudder.
“Your Grace, please don't scold him too much.”
The Grand Duchess’s eyes curved into an awkward smile.
“I suppose I was being too greedy. I thought if it were Enolius, he might be able to create a fountain on the lake. But then again, there are other famous mages in the capital who specialize in magic tools...”
“Do you really think I’d fall for such blatant provocation?”
Enolius let out a scoff of disbelief.
“The skills of those hacks in the capital who make toys can’t even compare to the dirt under my fingernails.”
“Oh dear, it seems I’ve offended you. Please, think nothing of it.”
The Grand Duchess pointedly brought a hand to her lips and turned back to the Grand Duke.
“Your Grace, I think it would be best if you looked for a mage from the capital for the fountain.”
It was a psychological tug-of-war so tense it made the onlookers’ throats go dry.
“The fountain show is the centerpiece of the shopping district, so it really is essential.”
“I shall do so,” the Grand Duke said, one corner of his mouth curling upward. “It is quite embarrassing. To think the only mage in the North has such mediocre skills.”
A sharp, frustrated sigh escaped the mage.
“Fine, I get it.”
“Hmm? I didn't quite hear you.”
“I said I’ll make it for you, so just stop already!”
“Oh my, are you sure it won't be too much trouble?”
The Grand Duchess clapped her hands together in delight.
“If it’s Enolius, I’m sure a truly magnificent fountain will be born. I’m already looking forward to it.”
“Don't get too excited. I’m only doing this because I’m bound by contract and have no choice.”
Watching the grumbling Enolius, the administrators’ jaws dropped once again.
‘To make that prideful and prickly mage work with just a few words...’
She wasn't just impressive; she was terrifying.
Perhaps because they had just witnessed even the mage submitting to the Grand Duchess’s command, not a single person opposed the creation of the new shopping district in the ensuing discussion.
The meeting ended with anticlimactic speed. Since the schedule was extremely tight to coincide with the delegation’s visit, the administrators hurried out of the hall to carry out their respective tasks.
Perhaps this new shopping district really would bring a monumental change to Blenheim.
As he walked through the corridor where the morning sun had yet to shift its angle, Adem felt a surge of enthusiasm in his chest for the first time in a long while.
*
Unlike the President of the Merchant Association, the administrators of Blenheim were quite competent. Once the Grand Duke made his decision, everything proceeded swiftly and efficiently.
— “There are many parts where I cannot draw an accurate picture. If you wouldn't mind, I would like you to review the important sections with me.”
He had phrased it that way, but instead of taking over the tedious paperwork, the Grand Duke had handed all the major decision-making power over to me. It seemed he had noticed that I secretly wanted to execute the proposal myself.
‘To be able to build a shopping district exactly as I imagined... it’s so thrilling!’
I was told that the construction materials ordered via express were arriving at the lakeside one after another. In my excitement, I prepared to head out with Cecilia to see the materials for myself.
As I stepped into the entrance hall, I saw the knights bickering in front of the carriage. Their voices were raised quite loudly.
‘Is that Norton and Tiern?’
The atmosphere seemed ominous, so I hurried out to the front of the main castle. Upon seeing me, both Norton and Tiern offered their salutations.
I understood why Norton was there, as he had been reassigned as my guard, but why was Tiern out here?
“I will escort you to the carriage.”
Norton stepped forward first, reaching out his hand to escort me. It was then that Tiern hastily blocked his path.
I flinched, wondering if he was going to confront me, but to my surprise, Tiern bowed his head respectfully.
“Please give the 9th Division one more chance.”
Unlike our last private encounter, this time the knights from both divisions, Cecilia, and even the coachman were present. I didn't quite understand why he was choosing to humiliate himself in front of others, but since there were many eyes watching, I let him be for the moment.
“I am well aware that I have disappointed Your Highness.”
Beside him, Norton and the 1st Division were glaring at Tiern and the 9th Division with clear discomfort. It seemed there had been a commotion between them as the 1st Division tried to push the 9th Division away before I arrived.
“However, the pride of the 9th Division simply cannot allow us to withdraw like this.”
“I believe we’ve already finished this conversation.”
I told you clearly! I don't like you!
I shot him a harsh look, but Tiern’s attitude was quite different from last time. He maintained a respectful posture, as if he truly were reflecting on his actions.