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Sigar, with the corner of his mouth crooked, continued speaking.
“I’m not sure if you remember the discussion we had in the last meeting about the supply of salt and sugar. There’s a rumor that the prices of sugar and salt in the capital have dropped significantly. Isn’t that right, Count Rodotu?”
“Yes, Your Majesty! The Rodotu Merchant Company of the Count Rodotu family is striving to supply more salt and sugar to the capital at lower prices!”
“Good, that’s an admirable approach.”
Sigar’s applause echoed in the silent conference hall.
The nobles were tense due to this obvious move against the Iacobs family, and Stefan bowed his head silently.
Seeing Stefan’s reaction, Sigar’s voice quickened in satisfaction.
“I’m curious about the Duke’s opinion on this matter… Though it seems he is too shocked to speak. Who will share their thoughts?”
Sigar scanned the conference hall. The nobles, worried about meeting Sigar’s gaze, averted their eyes to the ceiling or their documents.
Agreeing with the Emperor, thereby diminishing the power of the Duke’s family, or supporting the Duke’s family by claiming the Emperor was wrong, were both burdensome options for the nobles.
Sigar’s eyes fell on Rachel.
“Countess Rachel.”
The nobles sitting around Rachel were startled, but Rachel herself remained calm. She had anticipated this since entering the hall.
“Did you call for me, Your Majesty?”
“What do you think of the Rodotu Merchant Company starting to supply salt and sugar to the capital?”
It was a question that required no thought.
Rachel smiled brightly, like a pink rose blooming under the summer sun.
“It’s very good news that the number of merchants that can stably supply salt and sugar to the capital and the empire is increasing. Congratulations, Your Majesty. It’s all thanks to your benevolence.”
“…What?”
Sigar’s face twisted in confusion at Rachel’s clear congratulations.
This news could be detrimental to the Iacobs Merchant Company. Sigar probably expected Rachel, who was close to Stefan, to be flustered or upset.
However.
‘That’s not going to happen.’
Stefan, still bowing his head, was trembling while trying to hold in his laughter, while Cian smiled discreetly.
Sigar stuttered.
“Th-that’s right, it’s thanks to my benevolence. No. But Countess Rachel…”
“Although the Iacobs Merchant Company’s profits may decrease, monopolies should always be avoided. I support the decision of the Rodotu Merchant Company to enter the market even under this a heavy burden.”
Cian added weight to Rachel’s composed answer.
“I agree with Countess Rachel’s opinion.”
Sigar’s face became even more disordered at Cian’s brief response.
“…Weren’t you all on the same side?”
“On the same side?”
Rachel tilted her head as if she didn’t understand.
“I was merely stating the facts.”
Sigar looked at Stefan and Cian for help, but they were not there to assist him. His confusion and curiosity remained unresolved until the end of the meeting.
“Serves him right! Did you see the look on his face?”
These were Stefan’s words as soon as they exited to the garden after the meeting.
Rachel widened her eyes and looked around.
“Your Excellency, what if someone hears you saying that?”
“It’s fine. I didn’t mention any names.”
“Is that so?”
Stefan chuckled and lifted one corner of his mouth.
“That bastard is truly despicable. Why does he ask questions designed to make others uncomfortable? Does he enjoy watching people squirm?”
Rachel glanced at Cian out of the corner of her eye.
The reason why Sigar does such evil deeds and takes pleasure in humiliating those around him is probably because of Cian.
Unable to subdue his brother, he found pleasure in tormenting others.
Cian, who was perceptive and intelligent, surely understood this, but he walked silently without reacting.
Stefan, grumbling, turned to Rachel. His expression showed pride as if he was about to pat her head.
“By the way, Countess Rachel, you were impressive. You held your ground and spoke your mind in front of the emperor without flinching. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“I only stated the facts.”
Cian, who had been silent, shook his head and spoke. Respect was evident in his gaze.
“I agree with Stefan. It was an excellent warning.”
“Ah, so you noticed.”
Indeed, Rachel’s intention was not just to fluster Sigar but to warn him not to play games with the supply of sugar and salt.
Cian smiled.
“In order to prove that the increase in the supply of salt and sugar was a ‘good thing’ and due to ‘His Majesty’s benevolence’, the supply must remain as stable as it is now.”
“Do you think His Majesty the Emperor also realized my intentions?”
Stefan answered instead of Cian.
“Didn’t you see his face earlier? I bet one gold coin he didn’t get it.”
“Hmm. That’s problematic.”
“If it’s the Emperor, he will proceed with his plan no matter what. If it fails, he can always blame Count Rodotu.”
Stefan clenched his fist.
“Let him come! I, Stefan Iacobs, will deal with him!”
Rachel looked at the enthusiastic Stefan with a bitter smile.
‘No matter how much of a tyrant he is, does he really have to go this far to trouble someone he dislikes? If there’s a problem, the empire and the capital will suffer…’
She couldn’t understand.
* * *
On a sunny early autumn day, Rachel and Graham went out to the downtown area. They got out of the carriage and walked down the street holding hands, their faces full of smiles.
Graham jumped up and down, shaking Rachel’s hand.
“Hehe, it feels like a dream to go to an ice cream shop with you, mom!”
“You wanted to go, right? I’m sorry for not paying enough attention to you lately.”
“It’s okay! I know that mom will always love me!”
As their situation gradually stabilized, Rachel increased the time she spent with Graham.
‘Graham won’t become a killer now, but since we’re living together now, it’s better if he’s happy.’
After visiting the toy store and the weapon shop that Graham wanted to go to, today they were finally going to the ice cream shop.
Graham was happy, and Rachel tried her best.
He’d become more stable compared to when they first met and didn’t fear that his mother would abandon him or stop loving him as before.
He showed more courage, like practicing swordsmanship alone or going to the bathroom by himself at night.
Seeing this, Rachel felt both proud and happy. She wondered if this was the happiness that children bring.
‘Even though I’ve never given birth, I feel this way. I should be grateful to the original Rachel.’
The child rubbed his forehead against his mother’s hand.
“I feel good. Hehe. It’s exciting.”
“I’m happy because my Graham is happy.”
“Oh, there’s the ice cream shop!”
Pulled by Graham, Rachel quickened her pace. Although he was small, he had considerable strength, possibly from learning swordsmanship.
After separating from Theodore and moving to their current residence, Graham was bright and cheerful every day. It was hard to believe he was once a killer in the original story.
Rachel wondered if she’d misunderstood the original story, but seeing his grip strength, she realized he indeed had the makings of a killer.
‘It means I’ve significantly altered the original story. That’s a relief.’
Graham cheered at the picture of the new ice cream flavors displayed at the shop and quickly opened the door.
After ordering and sitting down, waiting for the ice cream, the shop’s door suddenly burst open, and workers carrying large sacks entered.
The sacks were labeled ‘Sugar’ in large letters.
The shop owner apologized repeatedly to the customers.
“I’m very sorry. The goods usually arrive at night or early morning, but today we had to receive them during the day due to unforeseen circumstances. I apologize for disturbing your pleasant time!”
The shop owner handed out candies as an apology to Rachel and Graham.
Graham was delighted, and Rachel asked a question.
“What happened? It looks like sugar.”
The owner, eager to share the news, answered promptly.
“Well, the Rodotu Merchant Company suddenly released sugar at a low price today.”
“Oh, really?”
The Rodotu Merchant Company.
Rachel nodded, thinking it had finally happened, and the excited owner couldn’t hide his smile.
“The price was half of what we used to pay, so I hurried to purchase a large quantity. Opportunities like this are rare. I plan to secure as much as possible before other shops buy it.”
“That’s a good idea. Sugar doesn’t spoil, after all.”
“Indeed. I’ve been in such a good mood since I heard the news this morning… Oh dear! Don’t put that there! Excuse me.”
Watching the owner rush towards the workers, Rachel lowered her eyes.
Graham, who was rolling a candy in his mouth, tilted his head.
“Mom? Why do you look upset all of a sudden? Is it because of that man? Should I scold him?”
“No, it’s just that something happened that I hoped wouldn’t.”
“When you’re upset, I get upset too. Eek. Don’t be upset, Mom.”
Rachel stroked Graham’s head as he pouted. The corners of her mouth pulled up, but she still felt uneasy.
‘I definitely warned him.’
Salt and sugar were essential items.
Stefan, who was responsible for their supply to the capital and the empire, felt the weight of this responsibility. Instead of seeking high profits, he ensured a stable and affordable supply.
But to think of toying with such crucial supplies.
It seemed necessary to give the wallet of the wicked Emperor a good thrashing.
