Chapter 4
Chapter 4
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: The Fox Hunt Venture
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"Apparently, fox hunting has become all the rage in the northern region of the empire lately. Don't you think we could turn that into a solid business opportunity? It seems most nobles are getting in on it."
"Fox hunting, huh. What kind of item specifically?"
The lesson with the tutor William had hired recently was in full swing. The first tutor had taught things like grammar, etiquette, and history—cultural subjects, you could say. This one was handling economics, like business and investments.
Anyway, that's the kind of class we were in the middle of.
"Most of the nobles heading up north to join in the fox hunts are from the south or central regions. Naturally, they're after the pelts of white foxes, which only live up there, right?"
The tutor nodded at my words. Of course he did—it was a fact. If it were just any fox hunt trending, there'd be no reason to trek all the way north.
That left the white fox as the obvious target. Its pristine white fur and distinctive cuteness made it a gift even the imperial family would smile at.
That's why I figured this could make plenty of money. Sure, there were businesses that could rake in cash from commoners, but they felt too short-term for big gains.
"They probably use sleds for transportation. With all that snow, unless they're venturing deep into the woods, they'll rely on hunting dogs... so we don't need to target mobility. But rest spots? Those feel like a weak point."
"In what way?"
"Right now, most nobles use the starting point or a pre-set campsite for breaks during the hunt."
My brain, which had refused to turn during history lessons, was starting to churn now.
Bits of info from newspapers, letters, and market rumors I'd gathered beforehand were mixing in my head. It was starting to feel familiar.
Was I picking up William's obsessions with women and money, just like he was?
Of course, I didn't dwell on it much.
"But what if we used mana stones to create small tents? Wouldn't that be more useful?"
"Mana stones? Those are too expensive..."
"The ones buying would be nobles anyway. Nobles from the south or center are already shelling out a fortune to get up north—mana stones would be a drop in the bucket."
"Hmm...?"
"I think they'd love not having to backtrack on their route for breaks during the hunt. Of course, they might not."
I shrugged as I said it.
It was just an idea from an eight-year-old girl in the middle of a lesson, after all. Even if my mind was turning that way, success or failure wasn't guaranteed.
If you could call that shot easily, you'd practically be a god.
"At least it doesn't seem like a problematic item. As expected of the Young Lady."
"Of course, you'd need at least three types of mana stones for what I'm suggesting. One to create a barrier like a tent, one to warm the inside. And to appeal to high-nosed nobles, we'd add various other functions."
The tutor scribbled notes as he listened. It was my idea, but honestly, it felt lacking.
If I knew exactly how the fox hunts worked up north, I could've come up with more options.
Like embedding simple binding magic in mana stones to trap foxes?
"Sigh..."
And with that, today's lesson wrapped up.
The classes themselves suited my tastes, but they left me tired often.
Was it because I was using my brain more?
Etiquette lessons had just worn out my body.
"Camellia, is your lesson over?"
"Oh, Mother."
But seeing Rozalin made even my fatigued mind feel better right away.
The tutor left the room, leaving me alone, and when Rozalin peeked her head in... yeah, it definitely improved my mood. Pretty much anything good-looking seems to do the trick.
Feeling happier the moment I saw someone—it was a first for me. Couldn't help but think that way.
"What brings you here?"
"I thought since your lesson's done, we could have tea together. Got a moment?"
"Of course. If Mother suggests it, how could I say no?"
I had time to spare anyway, and nothing pressing at the moment. No reason to turn down Rozalin's invitation, so I quickly tidied my books and followed her out.
"What was the lesson about? I peeked in and you two seemed deep in discussion."
"Business and investments—stuff like that. Father probably thought it'd be good for me to learn since that's his field."
We headed to the garden for tea time. I'd given the maids a heads-up, so they'd handle prep.
On the way, we chatted about the lesson I'd just had. Rozalin's own lessons had probably been like my first tutor's—etiquette, history, that sort.
"You're even more impressive than I thought, Camellia."
"Really...? I don't think it's that praiseworthy..."
Rozalin stroked my hair as she complimented me. But it actually made me a bit embarrassed.
I was eight now, but I'd gone to university in my past life. Getting treated like a kid and praised like this was new.
William would've just said "good job" and left it at that.
Maybe because she smiled so brightly and genuinely seemed proud of me. It felt... kinda awkward.
Rozalin looked perfectly at ease praising me. Listening to her, I couldn't help feeling a little off. Not that I disliked it.
"The mansion's garden is even more beautiful than I expected. Our family garden is pretty too, but it doesn't have this variety of flowers."
"Really? I've never been to the Rose Family estate, so tell me more."
"Hehe, sure. Our castle is covered in rose motifs everywhere you look, and the garden? Nothing but roses. The family name is Rose, but now it's so familiar it's almost boring."
"Oh... so the rose welcome yesterday wasn't great, then...?"
I'd put real thought into preparing it. And it was familiar to her.
"Huh? Not great? Aside from our garden, this is one of the first places so beautifully decked out in roses."
"Really...?"
"Yeah. Honestly, I was shocked stepping through the gate. I figured it'd just be a pretty bouquet or something. But there was this gorgeous garden instead? Even if it was temporary."
"I see..."
Relief washed over me unbidden.
William had disappointed me before, but back then I hadn't felt regret or thought I could've done better.
...Of course, William wasn't as pretty as Rozalin, or cute-voiced, or kind.
Maybe I valued looks more than I realized.
Otherwise, why would I be thinking like this about Rozalin, someone I'd just met? I might've just brushed it off.
That aside, since she used to be a man I knew rationally, maybe I was treating her kinder... yeah, that played in.
"Still as pretty as ever."
"The roses are thinning out—should I plant more? We still have leftovers from the welcome."
"Hehe, that's nice, but these flowers here are pretty too, you know?"
Hmm... not sure.
Maybe it was because I didn't talk to women much, but was she saying the garden was fine as is, or did she want roses added?
"Still, we have extras, and I like roses too, so I'll have the servants plant some in the empty spots."
"It's already so pretty— it'll be even prettier now."
"...Yeah, I suppose so."
Nailed it... I think.
I'd bought a ton of roses anyway, and even after the welcome and selling off extras, plenty remained.
Plus, seeing Rozalin smile made it feel like the right call.
"Camellia? Do you drink tea often?"
"Tea... as long as it's not too bitter, it's fine."
"Is that so? Then I'll add extra sugar."
Rozalin grabbed the teacup and pot on her own and started pouring. Sugar too.
I'd always preferred sweet over bitter before, but this life? Even more so. The new body, maybe.
I didn't obsess over it, though. In this environment, sweets were easy to come by. Money made it so.
"It's still hot, so sip slowly."
"Ah, thank you. You can drink first, Mother."
"Hehe, it's our first tea together—mother and daughter? And you gave me this pretty necklace and such a nice welcome. I wanted to do something in return."
"Then..."
Rozalin said it with such a bright smile that I dipped my head slightly in response.
Not that I finished the sentence.
Instead of finishing, I picked up the cup Rozalin had poured and blew on it.
"Hoo... hoo..."
"Hot?"
"Yeah, still is..."
Not sure if it was the kid body, but hot stuff? Not a fan. Better to blow on it—even in front of Rozalin—than burn my tongue.
"So cute."
"........."
Yeah, I got it. An eight-year-old holding a teacup all grown-up, only to blow on it furiously before drinking.
Even I could see how cute that looked.
But it was me, and Rozalin was watching with that casual smile. Couldn't help feeling a bit embarrassed. Still... hot stuff was a no-go...