Chapter 490: The Tour

After that, during dinner, we all enjoyed our meal together, forgetting about work and the new product. Tomorrow, I’ll visit the Heine Trading Company too. Of course, I’ll bring Fabienne along—it might even feel like a little date.

No, this won’t do. I need to take her on a proper date sometime soon. I’d be in trouble if she thought I was neglecting her. I should consult Nero about this.

After dinner and bath time, everyone gathered in the salon. Of course, Rosalia and Mira were there too. They seemed to dislike being left out. I kind of get how they feel. But still, Mira is obviously just after the dried fruits on the table, right?

“It might be a good idea to visit the Ambert estate and see how effective Lady Fabienne’s improved plant nutrient solution is.”

“That’s true. I would also like to pay my respects to Baron Ambert.”

Sister-in-law Daniela agreed with Alex-niisan’s suggestion, her eyes sparkling.

This was bad. At this rate, Baron Ambert might develop an ulcer. I would need to bring my private supply of stomach medicine. I could not believe this was happening because of me.

“What do you think, Julius? Shall we go together when you collect Lady Fabienne tomorrow?”

“I don’t mind, but please make sure a message is sent to Baron Ambert first thing in the morning.”

“Of course.”

Alex-niisan smiled. With that, I thought we had avoided the worst possible outcome. Then Father stroked his chin with a serious expression, and I immediately had a bad feeling.

“Hmm, in that case, why don’t we go too? We owe Fabienne a lot, after all.”

“I think it’s a good idea, but… are you sure?”

Mother raised her elegant brows slightly at Father’s proposal. She seemed to understand Baron and Baroness Ambert’s state of mind very well. In other words, they were already on the verge of developing ulcers. I agreed with her. A princess visiting was a major event in itself, but if the margrave and marchioness accompanied her as well…

“Um, Father, wouldn’t it be better to arrange another day? I don’t think the Ambert family is prepared for something like this—in several senses of the word.”

“Hmm. You may be right. Then let’s just inform them we’d like to visit sometime soon.”

“Understood. I’ll make sure to let them know myself.”

Father finally agreed. That was close, though I had not completely dissuaded him. The Ambert family would probably become more closely connected to us in future, so perhaps it was best for them to grow accustomed to such visits.

The next morning was hectic from the very beginning. Originally, only Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela were supposed to visit the Ambert estate, but Rosalia and Mira insisted on coming too.

Mira had clearly assumed they would be coming. When I told them they had to remain at home, they clung to me with their claws extended and began to cry.

I should have explained things to Mira properly beforehand. Assuming they understood without actually telling them was a mistake.

And so, we set out for the Ambert estate with a larger group than usual. I made sure Rosalia understood clearly that this was not a pleasure outing.

“Good morning. We’ve been expecting you.”

“W-welcome, it’s a pleasure to have you.”

“W-welcome…”

Fabienne greeted us with her usual smile, while Baron and Baroness Ambert stood rigid with tension. Normally, their emotional states would have been reversed, but it could not be helped.

After exchanging polite greetings with Alex-niisan and the others, we quickly got down to business.

“We’ve come to see the garden today. We’ll leave right after, so please don’t go to any trouble.”

“Understood. This way, please.”

Baron Ambert, now somewhat calmer after the greetings, guided us to his prized garden. As before, it was beautifully maintained. Although smaller than the garden at the House Heine estate, it had been cared for meticulously.

Fabienne had said she was managing it, but it’s possible the Baron and his wife also had a hand in it. Their expressions were full of pride.

“Wow! It’s so beautiful!”

“Right? I was amazed when I saw it yesterday.”

Rosalia seemed to like it instantly. She walked between the flower beds with Mira. Sister-in-law Daniela also appeared to be quite pleased—her face was glowing with joy.

“It’s such a beautiful garden. Is this where you used the improved plant nutrient Lady Fabienne made?”

“Yes. I used a modified version of the plant nutrient solution Julius taught me to make. I tried to encourage flowering and improve the colour and lustre.”

Now that she mentioned it, the leaves did look more lustrous, and there were a lot of flower buds. Even the grass at our feet seemed extra green. Alex-niisan seemed to have noticed as well.

“Baron Ambert, did you use the nutrient solution on the grass as well?”

“Just as you guessed. Applying it helped the roots grow deep, resulting in healthier turf. It does grow a bit faster though, so maintenance is tough.”

Despite saying it was hard, he was smiling. He probably believed it was worth the effort. Looking at this fine lawn, I’d say the same.

I never expected they were using it on grass too. This nutrient solution is more useful than I thought.

“Have you ever used Lady Fabienne’s nutrient solution on crops?”

Apparently, Alex-niisan was thinking the same thing as me—whether it could be used on crops. The Baron’s eyes widened slightly at the question. It probably hadn’t crossed his mind. Understandably, he hadn’t ventured into agriculture.

“I haven’t tried that, to be honest. Do you intend to use it on crops?”

“Yes, I’m thinking it might lead to better yields.”

We would need to test it somewhere. Judging from the garden, it might indeed improve crop yields. If we could prove that it worked on crops as well, the improved plant nutrient solution would undoubtedly sell even better.