Chapter 37
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I possessed the body of a homebody villainess locked away in a desolate tower. Chapter 37 I had suspected, to some degree, that this might have considerable impact. After all, that was the purpose of the advertisement in the first place. But. But....
"You're telling me we've sold out of inventory?"
"Y-yes, Miss."
Truly? Really? Each time I pressed for confirmation, I received only the same answer I'd already heard. Lady Rainy and I, seated across from each other with a refreshing cup of tea between us as always, fell into a brief contemplation as if we'd coordinated it.
"What about all those Poleta hides scattered throughout the territory?"
"We're processing them all, but it's woefully insufficient to keep up with the incoming orders."
At this rate, the fastest we could send anything would be a month from now. 'This is a disaster.' I clutched my head and released a silent groan. I had thought that even if every noble in the Empire placed an order, it would be more than enough to cover merely one bedroom—perhaps six windows at most—but.... The problem was that I had underestimated just how vast the mansions of noble families were, and how tremendous their vanity could be. 'I never knew....' And honestly, I hadn't wanted to know. I had assumed that once the nobles who read the book began using blackout curtains, it would naturally pass through high society like a brief fad. I never imagined that every noble would rush to replace all the curtains in their homes. And even less did I expect that not just the nobility, but the wealthy and commoners alike would desire them!
"In fact, orders are flooding in from overseas as well, so this is quite the unprecedented dilemma for us."
Lady Rainy's response—as if she couldn't decide whether to cry or laugh—mirrored my own uncertainty about how to navigate this situation. 'I never imagined my readership would be distributed so globally.' This latest volume, "On Safety Precautions in the Haunted Duke's Castle," was produced independently without involvement from existing publishing houses, as a separate story from the main series. Yet despite preparing quantities generously calculated based on the main series' sales performance, we've had to do multiple reprints due to unexpected overseas orders. Of course, it was a good problem to have. Seeing nameless artists who had always lived hoping merely for patronage now rejoice that they no longer fret over money brought warmth to my heart. But... this impact far exceeded anything I had anticipated. 'No, let's be happy about this.' I reined in my growing anxiety and shifted my perspective. The fact remained that I was now sitting on a fortune, and in times like these, it was better to enjoy what was given rather than borrow trouble! It seemed I'd developed a habit of worrying first whenever good fortune came my way, because I'd always ended up taking on more work rather than savoring the moment.
"Miss?"
"...Oh."
Only after hearing Lady Rainy's concerned voice did I belatedly come to my senses.
"I apologize. I'll ask the Grand Duke separately about the Poleta hides."
My reaction must have seemed quite strange, for concern still lingered on Lady Rainy's face. I spoke in a calm, reassuring tone.
"Actually, the neighboring territories also have surplus Poleta hides, so there should be ways to purchase additional stock."
"Ah, that's another option indeed."
"Yes, I've heard rumors that there are plans for additional Poleta hunts as well."
In the end, it was merely a matter of time—the leather shortage would be resolved soon enough. At that moment, Lady Rainy spoke again.
"Still, Miss, since we're on the subject, I should mention that everyone at the Workshop is quite delighted."
"Really? Why? They must be exhausted with so much work...."
Delighted? Weren't we just discussing concerns about the overwhelming orders relative to our current capacity? At my bewildered question, Lady Rainy chuckled warmly and replied.
"That's precisely what makes it wonderful. Having steady, reliable work flowing in consistently is such a source of strength."
"I see."
"Seasonal workers often have irregular income, you know. When they fall behind in competition, they sometimes go hungry—it's not uncommon. But this time, quite a few are considering staying longer in the Blaire Grand Duke Territory rather than moving elsewhere."
Her voice carried unmistakable warmth and goodwill. My chest felt oddly ticklish.
"...I see."
Though I hated to admit it, it was probably some reflexive sense of pride. Every time I undertook a project, I was consumed by physical and mental exhaustion. The manga books were something I started because I wanted to pursue a hobby from my previous life, and the blackout curtains were an idea I came up with simply because I wanted to sleep comfortably. Yet these things were actually helping people. As I quietly tried to suppress my embarrassment, Lady Rainy's eyes gleamed brightly as she continued.
"I hope you understand that all of this is thanks to you, and everyone is truly grateful."
"But I... I haven't done anything special."
"My goodness! How could you say something so disheartening?"
As I slowly retreated, Lady Rainy firmly refuted my words. I didn't need this prison of compliments.... As I bowed my head like ripened grain, Bonita's voice reached me.
"I'm helping the painters too, so I know well. They're all grateful to you, Miss."
"To... me?"
A benefactor? Me? Why? As I pointed at myself in question, Bonita placed her hands on her hips and responded.
"First, you've supported the livelihoods of the painters, including Ashley. And though I don't know all the details, there are rumors going around that you accomplished great things at the Magic Tower."
"That just happened to turn out that way...."
"Even if we exclude everything I just mentioned, you still gave blackout curtains as gifts to everyone! I've been in noble households since childhood, but it's quite rare for a servant to receive a direct gift from their master. It truly is."
By the time Bonita finished speaking, her face had already brightened with a gentle smile. Still, being called a benefactor by everyone felt somewhat embarrassing. After all, from my perspective, I was simply doing what needed to be done.
"Everyone is grateful for your thoughtfulness, Miss."
"I appreciate you saying that, but...."
Why had the atmosphere suddenly shifted in this direction? Caught between Lady Rainy and Bonita, I felt heat rising to my cheeks and lowered my head in embarrassment.
"Well, in any case, I'll conclude my report here for today, and I'll look into whether there are any places where we might urgently secure additional stock. If I find anything, I'll inform you separately."
"...Yes, madam. I'll also make separate inquiries with the Grand Duke to confirm...."
As Lady Rainy bowed slightly at the waist and left the chamber, a brief silence fell over the room. I cradled my still-flushed cheeks in both hands. Now that I thought about it, what Lady Rainy and Bonita had said seemed true—my actions did appear to be having a positive impact on people. 'Their complexions have definitely improved.' What pleased me most, though, was the change in those closest to me. Ever since I'd installed the blackout curtains, I could distinctly feel that the complexions of everyone in the Grand Duke's Residence had noticeably brightened. Even Bonita, standing beside me now, had far fewer dark circles under her eyes than before.
"Um... but Miss."
"Yes?"
Bonita, whose eyes had suddenly met mine, spoke carefully.
"How much longer will Ian remain standing like that...?"
"Oh!"
Only then did I come to my senses and straighten up. The man who had been hired as my escort knight not long ago—Ian, that is—stood motionless before the door, not moving a single inch.
"Have you given thought to the escort knight position I mentioned before? I've already received the Grand Duke's approval!"
At my words, Ian seemed to deliberate for a moment before conveying his decision firmly.
"I've thought it over, but I'm afraid it won't be possible."
"Really? But last time you said you'd consider it...."
"...I hadn't fully considered it then, but I have other primary work. I simply don't have the time."
A decidedly firm refusal. Yet reluctant to let the opportunity slip away, I asked cautiously.
"Might I ask what your primary work is?"
"That's personal business, so it's difficult to disclose...."
"In that case, I can adjust my schedule as much as possible! So please reconsider. All right?"
"...Three hours a day. I cannot spare more than that. And the standard minimum working hours for an escort knight average eight hours, so..."
"Three hours is actually perfect for me!"
I eagerly seized upon what seemed to be Ian's deliberately discouraging terms.
"Since I'm basically confined to my chamber anyway, three hours is more than enough!"
"...I also cannot work three consecutive hours. One and a half hours in the morning, one and a half in the afternoon. And my working hours would need to remain flexible depending on my schedule."
"That's fine with me. Honestly, I probably don't go out for more than an hour and a half at a time anyway."
"Business trips are absolutely impossible."
"I don't take business trips either, so that's not a problem."
"During busy periods, I might need to take several days off work."
"I probably only go out three or four times a month at most. Hehe."
As someone destined to be a homebody, I actually found the prospect of long hours of escort duty more burdensome. In other words, Ian's part-time arrangement was far more appealing to me! Moreover, the fact that he only accompanied me on outings when absolutely necessary meant my privacy remained intact. In the end, I had successfully breached Ian's fortress-like defenses and secured his employment. Ian seemed utterly taken aback, as if he'd never expected me to accept his conditions. Watching Ian and me establish this employment relationship, Bonita wasted no time in laying down the rules.
"Now that you're in an employer-employee relationship, you must address the young lady with proper respect! As a guard knight, you should maintain proper etiquette, yes?"
"I shall endeavor to do so."
Yet once Ian took up his duties as my guard, he gave his all, however brief the outings might be. First and foremost, he refused to slack off—not even for a moment. At times, his dedication felt almost excessive.
"Um, Ian! Please, sit here! There's no one around anyway, and nothing will happen in this place, so..."
"As a guard knight, I cannot share a meal with my employer. That is my position. I must decline."
"Ah..."
Faced with his polite but unwavering refusal, I could only manage an awkward smile. I released a faint sigh and lowered the arm I'd been holding aloft. I appreciated his diligence, but wasn't he taking this a bit too far?
"There's no rule that says you must guard me while standing, Ian."
"...!"
I wouldn't back down. As I watched his expression shift subtly at my parting remark, I couldn't help but laugh aloud. Knock, knock! A heavy, unmistakable knock sounded from somewhere.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org