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Chapter 75

"He ran his mouth."

"I... see."

At that, Kaliana recalled something she'd learned while gathering information.

She'd discovered evidence that the Farizian head had been using the Valen name to attract investors.

That must have been what offended the Duke.

Well, high nobles are especially sensitive about that sort of thing.

Either way, thanks to that bastard running his mouth, Kaliana had gained not only payment but also a tremendous opportunity.

She looked down at the contract tucked safely in her arms.

Hehe.

She'd seen the Duke's seal with her own eyes—but it still felt unreal.

Thanks to this, she could finally break through the trading barriers that the Farizian family had blocked.

And with a household of such immense power, no less!

She needed to hurry back and share this news with her people.

Walking down the corridor with a light step, she spotted a familiar face in the distance.

"Oh—"

Kaliana pointed at her, and the other woman's eyes went wide.

"You're the one from the Farizian Company that day—ah, Kaliana, right?"

"Yes, that's me!"

Kaliana nodded to the woman who recognized her.

Come to think of it, all of this—the trade deal with the Duke—was thanks to this woman.

She had been the one to relay her situation to the Duke, which had opened the door.

Kaliana hurried over to her.

"Emilia, was it? I'm so grateful for what you did back then!"

Just as she was about to grab Emilia's hands warmly—

"Hold on."

A sharp voice came from beside her.

"Huh?"

Kaliana turned to look at the young woman next to Emilia.

A pink-haired noble lady was staring at her with what seemed like hostility.

What's this?

She hadn't done anything to earn someone's grudge through her trading.

Meanwhile, Flora spoke in a prickly tone.

"Don't you think that's rather rude?"

"What?"

"Pointing and using informal speech—even if the Duchess is generous, that's not proper."

Of course, coming from her—who called Emilia "unni"—it was a bit hypocritical, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of crisis at their familiarity.

"Duchess?"

Kaliana's eyes went wide, then she quickly nodded in understanding.

"Ah, I see. Oh dear, I had no idea—please forgive my rudeness."

Kaliana let go of Emilia's hands and scratched her head.

"It's fine, really."

Emilia answered casually.

She was more struck by how quickly Kaliana had accepted it.

"So, what brings you to the ducal residence? Ah, is it about the Heitran fabric deal?"

At Emilia's question, Kaliana quickly nodded.

"Yes, thanks to you, I was able to sign a contract with the ducal house."

And soon, she'd be able to strike a blow against that Farizian bastard too.

As she naturally began updating Emilia on her territory's situation—

"Wait a moment!"

The noble lady beside the Duchess cut in.

Kaliana frowned.

What now?

Was she not allowed to talk about personal matters with the Duchess?

But this time, the lady's eyes were sparkling as she looked at Kaliana.

"Is your territory's soil poor?!"

"...Yes, it is."

Her gaze was oddly intense—almost manic.

Kaliana took a small step back.

"Oh no! What a tragedy!"

Despite her words of sympathy, the lady looked like she'd just discovered a great treasure.

Her lips were even twitching.

Wait—was she actually happy that her land was barren?

Given the hostility earlier, Kaliana wondered if this was some kind of noble provocation.

Just as she felt a surge of irritation—

"Flora."

Emilia called Flora in a firm voice.

"Y-yes?"

"I think I can guess what you're thinking, but that expression was very rude just now."

"W-was it?"

"Yes. Apologize, now."

Emilia spoke with unusual firmness.

Flora, coming to her senses, looked embarrassed.

"I-I'm sorry! I got too excited..."

She bowed in apology.

But Kaliana still had no idea what there was to be excited about.

Emilia gave her an apologetic look and asked.

"Kaliana, do you have a moment?"

---

"So... you want to do some kind of trial cultivation on my territory?"

"Yes!"

Flora nodded eagerly.

"Hmm."

Kaliana fell into thought.

Honestly, after hearing the explanation, it didn't seem like a bad offer.

Then she looked at Emilia, seated beside Flora, and asked with a serious expression.

"Duchess."

"Yes?"

"If you don't mind, could I hear your objective opinion?"

Emilia looked troubled.

"Ah, I'm Flora's investor, so it might be hard for me to be objective."

But Kaliana shook her head.

"Then I'd just like to hear the Duchess's opinion."

"Ah, hmm."

Emilia glanced at Flora and spoke.

"Honestly, from your perspective, I don't think there's much to lose. Since most of your land is currently unfarmable and yields are minimal, it won't interfere with your existing food supply. And Flora says the plants she's developed also help restore soil fertility. Right, Flora?"

"Yes, that's right!"

Flora nodded enthusiastically.

"So why not take this opportunity that benefits both sides?"

"Please!"

Flora clasped her hands pleadingly.

After a moment's thought, Kaliana nodded.

"Alright. I agree."

"Really?! You won't regret it!"

"Hmph, a merchant doesn't trust sweet talk."

"Th-then I'll prove it with results, so just wait!"

Seeing the two of them now seemingly in perfect agreement, Emilia smiled softly.

Then she let out a small sigh and turned to Kaliana.

"Ah, and there's something I wanted to tell you too, Kaliana."

"Yes?"

Kaliana turned and blinked.

"About the water tax the Farizian family demanded."

Emilia smiled slightly.

"I looked into it and found there might be a way to respond. Would you like to hear it?"

"..."

A short while later, Kaliana realized that even barren land could bear fruit—if you knew how to listen.

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