Chapter 428-2 Before the Audience
"Yeah. It's the same thing we distributed in the Grandchester territory."
"I heard many people were surprised that it was provided for free."
"That's true. I think we shouldn't hold back on spending if it can reduce the number of infected people by spreading knowledge."
"There aren't many merchants who can say that, and Her Highness the princess praised us for it. It's no doubt that our treatment has improved quite a bit because of it."
"I'm glad if it had a positive impact on you all. However, the reason we offered it for free was also for the reputation of the Sophia Merchant Guild, so being praised too much might make me feel uncomfortable."
Feeling the change in atmosphere, Marquis Grandchester joined the conversation with a deliberately bright tone.
"You should bolster your reputation while you can. After all, it seems like the Sophia Merchant Guild will attract resentment from various quarters in the future."
"That's undeniable."
Sophia wore a troubled expression and shrugged her shoulders slightly.
"By the way, did you two come here to ease my nerves?"
"No, we were called here alongside you, Sophia."
"I'm sorry. I really dragged you into this."
"After all, with such a large-scale initiative against heat fever and the developer of the cure being in the palace, it makes sense for you to be called."
"Still, Amelia too..."
"I belong to the research institute of the Sophia Merchant Guild Maiden's Tower."
"I see."
Sophia's expression turned gloomy as she slumped her shoulders.
"I realize I acted impulsively. I might need to explain about moving from the Grandchester territory."
"By the way, what happened to the Mobile Portal?"
"Your adorable Alicia finished it yesterday. And I can't even begin to thank Rihito enough. We've connected the Grandchester territory and the Royal Capital, but it seems we can only move the equivalent of one of the Sophia Merchant Guild's largest wagons at a time."
"That's quite a bit. You mean the huge covered wagon pulled by 6 horses?"
"Long story short, yes."
Actually, Sara and Alicia initially planned to limit the transport capacity to the size of a medium-sized wagon pulled by 2 horses.
Of course, that weight included the horses themselves.
But while Alicia was designing it, Magi chimed in with his opinions on the 'optimal balance between mass and magical energy'.
Honestly, Sara couldn't understand most of Magi and Alicia's conversation.
'Even in my past life, I couldn't understand expert conversations. Some things are just beyond even a cheat's ability to fix, I've learned that much.'
Sophia remembered, her gaze drifting off slightly.
"Were the experimental results alright?"
"They're almost too good, it's scary. I heard you did the basic design, but I doubt that's all there is to it, Rihito. I knew Alicia was an extremely talented alchemist, but I'm starting to worry about the future. With that kind of ability, she's going to be a target for people in power."
"That's my Alicia!"
"Rihito, you're just as bad as Musashi, you know. It's gotten to the point where we have to have guards when she goes outside, so I assigned a librarian golem to be her exclusive bodyguard. I should probably do the same for Amelia, too."
"No. I don't have Alicia's talent."
"Are you still saying that?"
"Amelia... you have no idea how talented you are."
Sophia and Rihito spoke in exasperated tones.
Looking closely, Marquis Grandchester was also nodding slightly.
"If you're not careful, some noble is going to kidnap you."
"Huh! For real!?"
"They'll lock you up and make you make cosmetics, rejuvenation potions, hair growth medicine, and all sorts of things."
"Oh dear, even herbal teas can be dangerous. I've been getting requests from elderly noble gentlemen to obtain the discontinued male herbal tea. Lady Amelia needs to have a guard. If anything were to happen, I wouldn't be able to apologize to Mr. Alexander."
Marquis Grandchester, with a look of concern, began to ponder who should be appointed as Lady Amelia's guard knight.
"Would the two of you be leaving the palace soon?"
"Probably within the next few days, we'll be handing over to Doctor Laidlaw, the attending physician, and then we'll be leaving the palace."
"But for the time being, we'll need to be on standby in a place where we can respond to a call from the palace, won't we?"
"Just as you say."
"In that case, it would be best for you to stay at the Grandchester mansion."
"Indeed, I think it would be better for Rihito and Amelia to stay at the Grandchester mansion. It's easier to guard them there. Besides, if they were to stay at an inn in the Royal Capital, we'd likely have pharmacists and alchemists from the Academy and the Guild showing up every day."
"We are very grateful for your kindness, but we wouldn't want to impose..."
"Considering Mr. Paracelsus' achievements, it's no trouble at all. Using the same estate as Sophia might make Lady Amelia feel more at ease. There's also a building near the estate that was used as a studio. If you need a workshop, we can have it prepared for you."
"That would be of great help."
"Thank you for your concern and assistance."
Rihito deeply bowed his head to Marquis Grandchester, and behind him, Amelia expressed her gratitude with a graceful curtsy.
'Huh, Amelia's etiquette has improved dramatically.'
Amelia's curtsy was as beautiful as any noble lady's, with no sign of inferiority.
Although the maidens had been learning etiquette from Thomashiina and the maids, Amelia's manners had been polished to an astonishing degree in just a few days.
Reflecting on it, even her way of walking had changed since she first arrived at Maiden's Tower.
Princess Mathilda's White Sheep Palace is home to numerous noblewomen who work as ladies-in-waiting and maids.
Even the commoner staff all come from well-established, wealthy families, and only those with impeccable etiquette serve the princess.
Surrounded by such women, it was only natural that Amelia's manners would improve.
Time passed as Sophia watched Amelia, impressed, and soon it was time for the audience.
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