Kays Translations

Chapter 327: The Heine Trading Company

Lady Fabienne arrived promptly the following day. Apparently, by the time Father asked for my opinion at dinner, a letter accepting Baron Ambert's request had already been sent. In other words, the conversation had merely been an after-the-fact formality.

In that case, could Father not simply have said, ‘Lady Fabienne will arrive tomorrow’? Then I would not have been forced to recount everything that happened at House Ambert in front of the entire family.

Had they set me up? Ugh.

“Welcome to House Heine, Lady Fabienne.”

“Thank you for receiving me, Lord Julius. You may speak to me as you normally do.”

Fabienne gave a soft laugh. She was adorable today as well. I restrained the urge to grin and escorted her towards the salon, where everyone was waiting. I had been sent to greet her alone, probably so that the full force of the Heine family would not overwhelm her at the entrance.

I made light conversation to help her relax. When I described the products the trading company would sell, her eyes sparkled with interest. She truly seemed pleased to be involved in the new venture.

What a relief. I had worried she might be forcing herself, but that concern appeared unnecessary.

Father and Mother welcomed us when we entered the salon.

“Welcome, Lady Fabienne. Please regard this estate as your own home.”

“Welcome, dear Fabienne. I am so happy that Julius is engaged to such a lovely girl.”

“Th-thank you very much. I am honoured.”

Her voice caught! Nevertheless, I was a gentleman. Pretending not to notice, I guided Fabienne to the table.

Do not laugh, Brother Cain. Your shoulders are shaking. Now even Sister-in-law Meeka's mouth is twitching. Please control yourselves, everyone.

“Your room has already been prepared,” Father said. “The servants should be carrying in your luggage now, so you need not concern yourself with it. Julius can show you the room later.”

“That is acceptable, but do not linger in Lady Fabienne's room for too long, Julius,” Brother Alex added with a smirk.

How dare he! What nerve he had to say such a thing while ignoring his own conduct. Although… what exactly was I accusing him of ignoring?

“Please do not say anything improper in front of Fabienne. I am not Brother Alex, so I would never behave that way.”

Brother Cain, who had followed the exchange perfectly, burst out laughing. That set off everyone else as well. Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela both turned bright red.

This was Brother Alex's fault, not mine. Defending my fiancée was only natural.

“We are holding a welcome dinner tonight,” Mother said. “Please look forward to it.”

“Yes. Thank you very much, Father-in-law.”

Fabienne spoke the title shyly. Father looked immensely pleased.

With this, the future marriages of House Heine's three sons were settled. Rosalia was the only sibling left, and she should be free to marry someone she genuinely loved, even if he were a commoner.

I had probably been the family's greatest concern. My accomplishments had made my political position troublesome, but now I was expected to inherit a barony of my own and marry Lady Fabienne. I felt relieved as well. Marrying into an excessively powerful house might have disturbed the balance surrounding House Heine.

After tea, I gave Fabienne another tour of the estate. She had visited several times before and probably remembered most of it, but showing her around seemed appropriate now that she would be staying.

“This is where we will compound potions together.”

“It is considerably more impressive than the compounding room at my family home.”

“This is rather embarrassing to admit, but I have more personal funds than I know what to do with.”

“Oh…”

Fabienne's eyes widened. An enormous amount of money had accumulated in my personal accounts, and I had very little reason to spend it. I could purchase rare potion ingredients, but doing so in large quantities would attract attention, so that option was limited.

“Since I have the money, perhaps we could take a long honeymoon after we marry.”

“A-a honeymoon…”

Oh, no. Fabienne had entered her daydreaming state. Her face grew so red that it looked ready to burst. It would be disastrous if anyone found us like this.

Nero would surely explain the situation properly if that happened.

Unfortunately, the supposedly reliable Nero had turned his back and was pretending not to see us. What a disappointment.

To cool Fabienne down, I decided to review the procedure for making Hot Cookies. While we were at it, I could teach her several other potions as well.

“Is that really acceptable? These are secret recipes, are they not?”

“It is fine. You will be making them regularly sooner or later, Fabienne.”

Fabienne looked uncertain, but I trusted her skill. With that thought, I continued showing her the compounding room and greenhouse.

Rosalia, Mira, and Lelie were waiting in the workshop.

“Sister-in-law Fabienne, I will show you to your room,” Rosalia announced.

“Thank you, Rosalia.”

“I am counting on you,” I said. “But first, I have something to give Fabienne.”

I took the promised item from my desk. We had designed it together, so she should like it. After carefully unwrapping the cloth, I placed it in Fabienne's hands.

“This is the fountain pen I promised you. If it ever breaks, I will make another, so please do not hesitate to use it.”

“Did it truly need such intricate decoration?”

“Of course. Do not worry about it.”

I had put a great deal of effort into the design. The crests of Houses Heine and Ambert were encircled by climbing vines said to bring prosperity. Flowers bloomed between them, tiny birds flew amongst the leaves, and gold embellishments made the entire pen gleam.

“Thank you very much. I will treasure it.”

Fabienne cupped the fountain pen in both hands as though it were a sacred object.

This could be a problem. She might refuse to use it at all. I should make her a simpler everyday version later.

Several days afterwards, the Heine Trading Company officially opened in the territorial capital. Its premises occupied a convenient location not far from the centre.

The equipment had already been moved into the company's workshop, where the master craftspeople and their assistants had begun production.

We had recruited enough ordinary employees for the company to operate smoothly for the time being. My initial work was complete. From now on, the masters could improve the production methods and develop the products further.

They had begun to realise how much room there was to improve even the most ordinary objects. I looked forward to seeing what they created.

I also needed to concentrate on my own responsibilities. Before I became old enough to attend the Royal Academy, I had to establish a dependable circle of allies.

Fabienne was now my recognised fiancée. The next step was to broaden my connections, sending out new branches like a growing tree.

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