Kays Translations

Chapter 326: A Letter from Baron Ambert

That day's training for the master craftspeople ended earlier than expected. Before leaving, however, they made a request.

They wanted their second and third sons, who were struggling to find their place beneath their eldest brothers, to work in the trading company's workshop.

I could not decide that on my own. I would have to consult Brother Alex. Could he have anticipated this from the beginning? That was a little frightening.

I told the masters that I would convey their request and sent them home for the day.

At their present pace, they should be able to make all the planned stationery within another two or three days. If so, we might be able to begin distributing fountain pens sooner than expected.

Before that, however, we needed to move the tools from the estate workshop to the trading company's workshop.

“Brother Alex, the masters have a request.”

“Masters? You are already calling them that? They must be exceptionally skilled.”

I caught Brother Alex shortly before dinner. If I spoke to him now, he could consult Father at the table.

“Yes. Their skills are excellent. They are several levels above me. As expected of you, Brother Alex.”

I gazed at him with open admiration. Whether the masters' request was accepted might depend on how I presented it, so I would use every resource available to me.

“Ha ha, thank you. What did they ask?”

I explained what the masters hoped for. Brother Alex listened with a smile.

He really had anticipated it. Brother Alex was terrifying. Was he Kongming reborn?

“I see. That is a generous offer from them. What do you think, Julius?”

“I think having more people would make the work much easier. It might even allow us to begin selling fountain pens.”

“Then let us hire them. With more workers, we may also be able to expand dried-fruit production.”

For the moment, members of House Heine's kitchen staff were teaching local workers how to make dried fruit whenever their duties allowed. If the trading company could take over the training, the estate cooks would have more time for their proper work.

“Thank you. We should also recruit ordinary residents, of course.”

“I agree. If only artisan families receive the benefits, resentment may grow. The Heine Trading Company exists to enrich the entire territory. It must never lose sight of that purpose.”

Brother Alex smiled with evident satisfaction. I agreed completely. Profit should not be the company's only objective. If it became one, the people would soon begin to complain.

He had probably already decided how the earnings would be used. I looked forward to seeing what he did.

At dinner, Brother Alex immediately raised the matter with Father. The entire family listened as he explained it, sounding rather excited now that the company had become such a large undertaking.

Other noble houses also operated trading companies, so ours was not unprecedented. House Heine had engaged in commercial ventures before as well, which meant the new company should not attract undue suspicion.

The additional workers ought to stabilise its operations. My only remaining concern was the Hot Cookies. Should I boldly propose hiring another magic pharmacist? But we had only just decided to recruit more craftspeople and workers. What should I do?

“Oh, I nearly forgot,” Father said suddenly. “A letter arrived from Baron Ambert.”

The lively dinner table fell silent. Everyone turned towards Father. It was a letter from my fiancée's father, so naturally I wanted to know what it said. Could it concern the Hot Cookies?

“Baron Ambert says that Lady Fabienne will assist with their production.”

“Oh!”

Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela exclaimed together. Excellent. The Heine Trading Company would now sell not only magic tools, stationery, and food, but potions as well.

A broad range of products would spread the risk. Even if one line failed, the entire company would not immediately be endangered.

“There is another matter concerning Lady Fabienne,” Father continued. “Travel between our households will become difficult during winter, so Baron Ambert has asked that she stay with us until the roads are passable again.”

“What?”

Every eye at the table turned towards me. That meant Fabienne and I would be living beneath the same roof. The whole family would be present, of course, but still. I had only just told Baron Ambert, ‘Please give me your daughter.’ Was this not moving rather quickly?

“That is wonderful, Julius,” Brother Alex said. “Come now, answer Father. You are leaving him in suspense.”

Father did not look remotely troubled. If anything, he appeared to be suppressing a grin.

He was not alone. Mother hid the lower half of her face behind a fan, but her eyes were smiling, as were Sister-in-law Daniela's and Sister-in-law Meeka's. Even Rosalia looked strangely delighted.

“Of course I have no objection. I leave the arrangements to you, Father.”

“Very well. Lady Fabienne will stay with us through the winter. We must prepare her room at once.”

Father was clearly enjoying himself. Perhaps he was pleased that another person would be present to keep an eye on me. Nero already reported more than enough, but apparently that was not satisfying.

The rest of dinner became a lively discussion about Lady Fabienne. Eventually, I was made to recount everything that had happened during my visit to House Ambert.

The table became especially animated when I described asking Baron Ambert to give me his daughter.

Now that I thought about it, had Brother Alex said anything similar to His Majesty the King? What about Brother Cain? I was extremely curious about those conversations.

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