Chapter 83………………………………………….
“The way they express themselves has become so clear.”
Maybe it was because the kid had learned to talk more.
Their ability to sway people back and forth had grown steadily.
“It would be a big deal if they went into high society.”
Even judging by appearance alone, they were impressive. Every single word they spoke resonated deeply.
I almost felt a flutter myself.
“I need to pull myself together.”
At this moment, Matthias was someone I had to take care of. He was practically family.
And there were so many things I had to do right now. I had to stay focused and look straight ahead.
“Count, here’s the material you requested.”
Scarlett, who assisted me along with Kenneth, handed over the documents she had prepared.
“I gathered as much information as possible on the usual tastes of the ladies attending the tea party, as well as the artwork they’ve recently taken interest in.”
“Good work.”
I took the documents Stella had given me and examined the densely written text.
‘Time is short, but…’
Still, since it wasn’t a massive-scale project, I thought we could manage.
In truth, Odilon’s wife probably knew the ladies’ tastes better than anyone, so I had considered asking her for help.
‘But word would get out.’
Luckily, the news reached only the princess. If it leaked to other guilds, a replica would be out in no time.
After all, business ideas are supposed to be kept secret even from close acquaintances.
For now, doing it myself was what mattered.
“Tell everyone to gather in the reception room immediately. We need to finalize all the designs today.”
“Yes, Count.”
After Scarlett left, I skimmed through the materials again.
Once the craftsmen had gathered in the office, we brainstormed together, matching various tastes and deciding which designs and artworks would suit each lady.
“This way, we can tailor it individually for each person.”
One of the craftsmen, impressed by my idea, whispered in admiration. Fortunately, the others were also enthusiastic about venturing into this new area.
‘Thank goodness.’
I had worried they might feel overwhelmed or reluctant, but everyone contributed ideas, understood each other, and agreed.
‘Ah… this is what a team of professors feels like.’
Thanks to that, the meeting concluded quickly, and I smoothly finished the draft work, allowing me to wrap up other guild matters efficiently.
Days passed… a month went by, and finally, the day of the tea party arrived.
The princess’s tea party carried multiple meanings.
Though it sounded like a light social gathering, it demanded almost half a day’s commitment and could easily be called a battlefield.
Moreover, not all invited ladies were friends, nor did everyone get along.
As royalty, there were the Emperor’s faction and the Nobility faction. The event had been arranged to maintain a balance between the two.
I still clearly remembered Lilieta’s worried expression throughout the preparations.
“Aren’t you too tense?”
“Do you think I’m not?”
Partly to show unity between the factions, but also, everyone gathered here was a top predator in high society.
This was a critical occasion determining whether Renesty would rise again.
“It’s going to go well anyway.”
Kenneth, who was reviewing documents in the office corner, casually said.
I clasped my trembling hands and took a deep breath.
“Things in life don’t always go the way you want.”
“…You speak like an old veteran.”
“I’ve spectacularly failed before, so I can say things like that.”
Having faced setbacks before, one naturally considers the worst-case scenario.
‘Big success always requires luck and timing.’
Even the best idea can fail if the timing isn’t right.
“Miss! No, Lord!”
At that moment, Sophia hurriedly opened the door and raised a letter high in her hand.
“Urgent news from the royal family!”
<For now…>
After a brief greeting, Lilieta immediately went to the conclusion:
From that moment, the praise continued well into the middle of the letter.
<Every painting on the dishes matched the ladies’ tastes perfectly. The white background complemented the tea party…>
<Moreover, they immediately recognized the work of Heins Bentum. One of the ladies was amazed at how we even included other painters’ works. How did you manage that?>
Such compliments continued throughout the tea party regarding the dishes.
‘I thought it would match their tastes perfectly.’
But this was even beyond my expectations.
<Everyone was curious about who made them, so I let a little slip, just like the Count said.>
<Still, I wish you could have been there.>
As I read the letter, a sense of pride swelled inside me. If even the prickly princess said that, the real reaction must have been even better.
‘I wanted to go too.’
But objectively, it wasn’t my place. At most, only the princess and Odilon’s wife knew me.
‘It has to come out naturally.’
This gathering wasn’t a product demonstration. I was just accompanying the princess.
Had I gone, some ladies might have taken offense.
‘It has to be secret to be impressive.’
It was better not to overexpose it. A little secrecy naturally sparks curiosity.
So I asked the princess to mention it subtly, only when asked persistently, without drawing too much attention.
“I told you, didn’t I? It would go well.”
Kenneth grinned and lifted his chin. I suppressed my excitement and jumped up.
“Where to?”
“We need to deliver the good news quickly.”
“I’ve already told the craftsmen to come.”
“Not them.”
Only one person came to mind. The one probably still training.
I immediately dashed out of the office, hurrying. It wouldn’t feel right if they missed this moment.
“Matthias!”
Matthias, in the corner of the training hall, turned toward me. The area was empty, as if his training had just ended.
Unable to contain my excitement, I hugged him immediately.
“…!”
“Finally, it’s done!”
Just like when we secured the auction, this would have been impossible without Matthias.
“The ladies’ reactions were amazing!”
“W-wait.”
“Things will be easier from now on. It would have been really tough without you…”
Perhaps from relief, my legs trembled, but I had to share this wonderful news.
However, as I relayed the princess’s letter and raised my head, I saw his flushed face too close to mine.
“J-just a moment… no, please.”
He gently pulled away from my embrace, voice restrained.
“Back… step back.”
Too close.
