~CHAPTER 30~
* * *
Countess Müller, who had purchased a large quantity of red Garcinia tea leaves.
Viscountess Schweiger, who had bought a great deal of the tricolor nettle essential oil.
Both were customers I had personally approached at the banquet, and they accounted for a significant portion of my sales.
In other words, they already had a favorable impression of my products, which meant it would be easier to approach them again through that connection.
After I sent letters saying I had a new kind of tea leaf to introduce exclusively to them, both agreed to meet me.
We sat facing each other in a coffee house along a busy street.
“Good afternoon, Countess, Viscountess. It’s such a pleasure to see you again.”
“We’re glad to see you too, Viscountess Kreuz.”
Countess Müller greeted me with a gentle smile.
She looked noticeably slimmer than when I’d last seen her at the banquet.
It seemed she’d come here after experiencing the effects of the improved tea leaves I’d made.
“So, what kind of new tea leaves have you developed?”
She went straight to the point, skipping over any small talk.
As a Korean used to doing things quickly, I didn’t mind. I pulled out the tea leaves I’d brought.
First, I presented them to Countess Müller.
“These Blue Lemon Balm tea leaves are wonderful for skin whitening. The more you drink it, the clearer and brighter your skin becomes.”
“Oh my, really?”
The Countess, who wore heavy makeup to cover blemishes, looked very interested.
After brewing her a cup, I turned my attention to Viscountess Schweiger.
“This one is made from myrrh tree bark mixed with other herbs. It’s good for gum health, helps with bad breath, and soothes oral inflammation.”
“That’s perfect. My husband’s been needing something just like that.”
I thought so.
At the banquet, I’d seen someone secretly cover their nose and turn away while talking to the Viscount.
Both women seemed quite taken with the new teas.
Smiling as I watched their pleased reactions, I answered when they asked the price.
“Since I’d love to get closer to both of you, please consider these my gift.”
“Oh? No, that’s not necessary.”
“We insist on paying a fair price.”
I’d half expected them to jump at a free offer, but instead, they stepped back wisely.
Still, I couldn’t let the opportunity slip away.
To ease any sense of obligation, I changed my approach.
“Then let’s say I’m offering them as a token of my gratitude.”
“Gratitude? For what exactly?”
“For so many things. For one, you were kind enough to meet with me today and take an interest in the tea I make.”
With a soft smile, I lowered my gaze and spoke in a slightly sorrowful tone.
“To be honest, aside from my husband, I don’t really know anyone in the north. I often feel a little lonely… and isolated.”
The hint of pity in my voice seemed to reach them. Their eyes softened.
“Of course, I understand why no one would want to socialize with the wife of a small, unknown family like mine. That’s why I’m so grateful to have even this chance to talk with you both.”
Pretending to wipe my tears, I dabbed at my eyes with my sleeve.
Then, I pinched myself just hard enough to draw real tears.
“It truly makes me happy to meet such kind and gentle ladies like you.”
Straightening my posture, I smiled gracefully.
The Countess and the Viscountess were about my aunt’s age.
They weren’t likely to be influenced by someone like Lady Hoffman, so perhaps they would pity me—or even see me as a niece.
In the end, both women accepted my gifts without paying and went home.
I’ve always believed that kindness eventually comes back as kindness.
After that day, I kept sending them small gifts—herbal teas, fragrant oils—trying to win their favor.
At first, they seemed content just to take what I offered, but gradually they began to open up.
Our conversations grew longer and more personal.
Eventually, they started to share bits of gossip circulating within high society.
For example, one lady had been keeping to herself for weeks because of a severe allergy.
When I heard that, I made a remedy to help with allergic symptoms and sent it to her.
The lady who received it was so pleased with the results that she thanked Countess Müller and Viscountess Schweiger.
Of course, I had sent it under their names.
Even while giving them credit for my work, I never once tried to boast. I spoke gently and humbly.
“If the Countesses hadn’t mentioned her condition, I wouldn’t have known to help. Truly, the credit belongs to you both.”
“My, Viscountess Kreuz, you always know just what to say.”
“You’re so polite and kind for someone your age. It’s rare these days.”
Their warm words told me what I needed to know.
In other words, my chance had finally come.
“We’re hosting a tea party at my house this weekend. Would you join us, Viscountess Kreuz?”
“Oh! Could I really attend?”
“Of course. I’d love for others to see what a well-mannered and thoughtful person you are.”
The words made my nose sting with emotion.
It felt good to see all my efforts being recognized at last.
For the first time, I had been invited to a proper social gathering.
I dressed neatly and simply, then headed to Countess Müller’s estate.
In addition to me and Viscountess Schweiger, six other ladies were in attendance.
The hostess, Countess Müller, introduced me to everyone with a hand on my shoulder.
“This is Viscountess Kreuz. Some of you might remember her from the Duke of Kalard’s banquet.”
“Jenna Kreuz. I still have much to learn, so I hope you’ll be patient with me.”
“Such modesty. She’s very considerate and attentive to others.”
Thanks to that public compliment, no one treated me coldly as they had at the banquet.
Everyone welcomed me politely, sipped their tea, and made conversation.
As the cheerful mood settled in, my attention turned to one particular lady.
Countess Karin Fischer.
When I’d asked who else would attend, Countess Müller had mentioned she was about my age and rather close with Marchioness Wagner.
How could I get close to her?
I was thinking that as I watched her, who seemed entirely uninterested in me.
“Countess Fischer, how’s your child doing these days? Is their health improving?”
At someone’s question, all eyes turned to her.
She set down her teacup gracefully and smiled faintly.
“Ah… no. My child still suffers from high fevers for several days at a time. The doctor says it’s due to weak immunity, but even with medicine, there’s been little improvement.”
Countess Fischer was two years older than me but had married early and already had a three-year-old.
So her child’s been sick?
It didn’t sound like a serious or incurable illness, but it seemed the recurring fevers were troubling her deeply.
Listening quietly, I hesitated before speaking up.
“Countess, if you don’t mind, may I try making some medicine for your child?”
“You, Viscountess?”
“Yes. I study pharmacology, so I know how to make herbal medicine.”
She looked doubtful, but Viscountess Schweiger quickly stepped in to support me.
“Now that I think about it, your teas and oils are all herb-based, aren’t they? I was impressed by how effective they were.”
“In fact, it was Viscountess Kreuz who made Lady Stein’s allergy remedy. Countess Fischer, you can trust her—it’ll be fine.”
With both women vouching for me, Countess Fischer’s suspicion faded a little.
After a long moment, she spoke.
“I see… Then, could I ask for your help?”
“Of course!”
I eagerly accepted and asked for more details about her child’s fever.
Using her description as a base, I made a syrup using elderberries as the main ingredient—something that would both treat the illness and strengthen immunity.
A few days after sending the medicine to the Fischer estate, I received a private invitation.
Countess Fischer personally greeted me at the entrance and led me to the drawing room, bowing slightly.
“Thank you so much. After taking your medicine, my child’s fever has finally gone down.”
“I’m so glad. I was a bit worried I might have overstepped.”
“Please, allow me to repay you. I’d like to cover the cost of the ingredients and give you a reward.”
“Oh, no! I didn’t do it for money. I just wanted to help a sick child feel better.”
I waved my hands and shook my head so hard that even she laughed softly.
Her expression, once stiff at the tea party, was now much warmer.
“Still, it doesn’t feel right not to do anything for you.”
“Then… could you be my friend?”
I clasped my hands together and looked up at her with my most hopeful expression.
Surprised, she blinked.
“A friend?”
“Yes. I don’t have any here. I’m all alone.”
I’d said similar words before, but speaking them to someone my own age made them feel all too real.
My eyes drooped naturally, adding a touch of genuine sadness.
Countess Fischer looked at me with pity, then finally smiled.
“All right. Let’s be friends.”
“Really? I hope I didn’t pressure you into it…”
“Not at all. I’m always happy to make new friends. Let’s get along well.”
“Me too!”
I beamed and took her hand.
Aside from the benefit of gaining a link to Marchioness Wagner, I was genuinely happy to have made a real friend.
Yes! No longer a loner!
When I got home and shared the good news with Aizen, he was so moved that he covered his head and stayed that way for a long time.
My husband’s empathy is truly unmatched.
