Chapter 42.1

“Well… for the opening ceremony of an official trading company, this is rather modest. If you wish, I could have it hosted in the capital, with far more grandeur and spectacle…”

Once the trio of Isabelle, Haita, and Balzac had successfully diverted attention from the topic of Mary, Arina shifted the conversation somewhat awkwardly to the size and venue of the opening ceremony.

“You insisted on keeping it small, so I let it slide. But you must remember, as an official company, you also represent the face of Renslet.”

Indeed, for a company with such a name, influence, and achievements, the opening was remarkably humble.

The venue was simply the interior of the Arad Company’s building.

Despite the duchess’s attendance, there was no grand banquet. Only a modest buffet, staffed by chefs, servants, and maids provided by the duchy’s main castle.

Of course, the dishes were outstanding, thanks to my base sauces, brining, and recipes, which elevated the flavors beyond expectation.

“I understand, Your Highness. I assure you, I will never bring shame to Your Highness or to Renslet’s name.”

I bowed my head with the proper etiquette in response to her advice.

“…”

Arina, however, looked at me silently, her expression suggesting dissatisfaction with my overly formal reaction.

‘Oh no.’

Seeing her reaction, alarm bells blared in my mind.

For a businessman, the third dumbest thing to do is pick a fight with the government.

The second is alienating the citizens and consumers.

And the absolute dumbest? Taking on both at the same time.

“I had my reasons for keeping the opening ceremony modest,” I hurried to explain, even if my reasoning might sound like a predictable excuse.

“Go on.”

“First, a smaller event ensures greater safety and security. The Arad Company is currently under heavy surveillance and scrutiny from the Empire.”

“And the second?”

“Second, budget constraints. Between crafting detection devices and distributing Mary’s Blessing to the people for free, most of the gold I received along with my title was spent.”

“I could have provided funds for the ceremony.”

“But Your Highness, aren’t your finances already stretched? I am well aware of the personal funds you secretly provided for the fertilizer production and distribution.”

I pressed on.

“And more importantly, I heard that the Northern Expeditionary Army is returning soon. A grand banquet for them will also require a considerable amount of money.”

“Thanks to your recipes, Arad, the burden for that feast has been significantly reduced.”

“Nonetheless, I don’t want to interfere with the grand celebration planned for their return.”

Hearing this, the two individuals standing by Arina—Haita, in charge of the North’s finances, and Isabelle, responsible for household management—looked at me with admiration.

“Hm… In all my years, I’ve never met someone like you. Very well.”

In the end, Arina had no choice but to relent. Each reason I provided was commendable enough to warrant a reward rather than criticism.

“But, by the way…”

Of course, this was the perfect moment to make a small request.

“By the way? Is there something you need?”

Arina predictably responded with enthusiasm.

“May I use the black soil from the greenhouse farms free of charge until next year?”

“Free…?”

Hearing my request, Arina glanced at Isabelle and Haita.

Shake, shake, shake.

Both vigorously shook their heads in vehement disagreement.

‘These people…!’

I nearly let out a curse.

If not for the witches and officials pouring their personal funds into supporting the fertilizer production and the establishment of the Renslet Church, I would’ve yelled at them on the spot.

“…That’s something we’ll have to discuss and review later.”

Ultimately, Arina caved to the adamant opposition from the two and gave me the polite equivalent of a refusal.

‘Tsk. What’s the point of no taxes if the country’s too poor to cover its expenses anyway?’

I couldn’t blame them entirely. And I knew all too well that Arina was far from a corrupt or extravagant ruler.

For now, I could only yield once again.

‘Is this how I become a loyal patriot?’

To sustain a “profitable partnership,” I’d have to continue investing in and nurturing this region.

“Then, in return, I ask for just one thing.”

After countless concessions, I finally took a firm stance, addressing Arina, Isabelle, and Haita with a decisive expression, as though issuing a declaration.

“Starting next year, Mary’s Blessing will be sold for a price.”

“Of course. As long as you don’t price gouge, I’d even encourage it. That way, the High Tower can sell black soil and earn revenue as well.”

Until the end of this year, Mary’s Blessing would continue to be distributed to farmers free of charge.

The High Tower bore some responsibility for the ruined soil, and no matter how effective a fertilizer was, its efficacy needed to be proven through use.

In essence, this was all part of the marketing budget.

“Starting next year, aside from the small amounts given free by the Renslet Church, Mary’s Blessing will only be available for purchase through the official company.”

“Indeed.”

“That sounds perfectly reasonable.”

On this point, Arina, Isabelle, and Haita were all in unanimous agreement, nodding firmly.

“By the way, Sir Arad.”

“Yes, Sir Balzac?”

At that moment, Sir Balzac, who had been quiet until now, suddenly addressed me.

“Do you intend to hire more employees aside from Lady Mary? After the recent incident, we’ve probably eradicated most of the hidden spies in the North and the High Tower.”

“Ah, I’ll have to hire more eventually.”

I gave a vague answer, more out of a general sense than any concrete plan.

Employees? Sure, I’d hire some… someday.

“Hmm. Yet, you don’t seem to be making any effort to recruit anyone.”

Balzac’s piercing gaze and dry remark caught me off guard.

“Hahaha…”

People’s hearts are indeed fickle things.