~Chapter 45~
Ruby had not rested for a single day in her efforts to solve the issues of Cardonia’s territory. She had been constantly discussing and finalizing the designs for the building that would be constructed in Cardonia with the architect. This was no small project, and Ruby was very careful with every decision.
“It’s not just about functionality; it must also be beautiful,” Ruby insisted, often causing friction with the architect due to her high standards for both the function and appearance of the building.
After many discussions, the design was finally decided.
“Then we will build it as designed,” the architect agreed.
“Please build it quickly but sturdily,” Ruby requested.
“Lady, please don’t make such unreasonable demands,” the architect sighed.
“But you’ll do it, right? You’re the only one who can,” Ruby smiled, confident.
“Understood. I’ll do my best,” the architect promised, motivated by her words.
With the construction plan in motion, Ruby moved on to her next task. This was a crucial project, and Ruby knew she had to handle it carefully.
Her next destination was an area on the outskirts of the capital. It wasn’t a city at all, but a place almost like a village, with fewer people and dust filling the streets.
“Is this the right place, Lady?” the coachman asked, looking at the map.
“It should be,” Ruby replied confidently.
She got off the carriage, opened the map, and, despite the winding roads, found her way to her destination. There, in front of her, stood a run-down house.
“Is anyone here?” Ruby called out, standing at the door.
The door opened, and a woman, surprised by Ruby’s small size, peeked out.
“Are you here alone, little one?”
“Yes,” Ruby replied.
“Did you take the wrong turn?” the woman asked.
“No,” Ruby answered, showing the woman the map. “Is this the Lost Workshop? Am I in the right place?”
“Yes, this is the Lost Workshop. But what brings you here?”
Ruby, with her straightforward words, caught the woman off guard. “I want to propose a deal.”
“A deal?” the woman raised an eyebrow.
Ruby pointed to the jewelry displayed around her. “I want to decide after seeing the things made here. Is that okay?”
The woman initially thought Ruby was just a child talking nonsense. She bent down to speak to her kindly. But Ruby quickly pulled out the seal of Grand Duke Lux.
“I’m here on behalf of Grand Duke Lux. I am Ruby Brooklyn, his granddaughter.”
The woman immediately recognized the seal and her expression changed. She smiled warmly.
“You’re Grand Duke Lux’s granddaughter?” she asked, stepping aside to let Ruby in.
Inside, the workshop was decorated in unique colors with many small and large ornaments. Ruby followed the woman into the workshop where people were working on jewelry.
“Most of the jewelry is made here,” the woman explained.
Ruby examined the pieces closely. “These are really different and beautiful compared to other jewelry.”
“You’re too kind,” the woman replied, pleased by Ruby’s appreciation.
Ruby pointed to a necklace. “This is the traditional Baldur style, right?”
“Yes, you have a good eye,” the woman said, impressed.
Baldur-style jewelry was known for its durability, but it was difficult to make because it required specific domestic gemstones, which were hard to obtain.
“To make this style, you need to get the local gemstones, right? That’s difficult to source?”
“How did you know?” the woman asked, surprised.
Ruby explained how difficult it was to source the stones due to their location in the Baldur Empire. “What if the problem was solved?” Ruby asked.
The woman looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Ruby grinned and pulled out a blueprint. “What if I could provide a location where you could set up your workshop?”
The woman looked at the blueprint in disbelief. “You have a place like that?”
Ruby smiled and explained in detail. “This is a building that will be constructed in Cardonia. It’s designed for workshops. The area behind will have a mine to easily transport the gemstones, and the front area will develop into a marketplace where you can sell your jewelry. People will come to Cardonia for the jewelry, and you’ll have more customers.”
The woman’s eyes widened as she listened. “That does sound good,” she said, intrigued.
“Would you like to work in a place like this?” Ruby asked, testing the woman’s response.
The woman hesitated. “Why are you offering this to us?”
Ruby started explaining the bigger picture. “I want to increase Cardonia’s population. The region has many gemstones, and I plan to make jewelry like yours into a specialty of Cardonia. That will attract merchants and tourists, creating jobs and increasing the population.”
“But will people really come just for the Lost Workshop?” the woman asked skeptically.
Ruby smiled confidently. “If there are many workshops like yours, people will definitely come. I want to create an art district in Cardonia, where artists can freely create.”
The woman was speechless. Ruby’s ambitious plan was overwhelming, but also attractive.
“You can make more jewelry here than you can now. You won’t need to worry about costs, and you can sell at a better price to more people.”
“How can I trust you?” the woman asked, still unsure.
“You don’t have to trust me right now. Think about it while the building is being constructed in Cardonia. If you decide to join, just fill out this paperwork.” Ruby handed her some documents.
The woman looked over the papers and was surprised by one detail. “It says no rent?”
Ruby shrugged casually. “I’m offering full support for your move to Cardonia. I can help with everything, and the rent won’t be an issue.”
The woman was still uncertain, but Ruby’s offer was too good to ignore. “Take your time to think about it.”
Ruby left the workshop, leaving the woman to consider her proposal.
