When she let Erica go and went back into the boat, she heard people’s voices. It looks like a few more people came while she was talking with Erica. It’s good that many people are interested in swimming. But summer was coming to an end and she was wondering what to do with this business. Because the doctor said that swimming in cool weather was not a good idea. It’s hot in the summer, so you’re less likely to catch a cold, but when the weather gets cooler, you’re more likely to catch a cold. Plus, since the boat is floating on the river, it gets cooler faster than at home. What should she do? Maybe we should build the swimming pool somewhere else.
“Lady Biscon, did you hear?”
As she went up to the deck, the people who were talking on deck turned their attention to her, what? She approached them, remembering the newspaper she read this morning. This business was a lot busier than she thought. People wanted to enjoy swimming after lunchtime on a hot day, and she had to be on the boat around that time. So she started writing the letter she had written in the afternoon in the morning. Her leisurely mornings became so busy that she had less time to read the newspaper.
“Which one?”
No matter what it is, it’s definitely something she didn’t know. Because she was not very quick with rumors. Halfway between self-reflection and understanding of the topic, she asked her employees to bring her a new car. People were already holding teacups one by one. Although it was a rather cheap teacup, no one had complained, perhaps due to the uniqueness of it being a swimming pool on a ship. They might grumble behind her back, but she couldn’t worry about that.
“Lord Harmon is building a swimming pool.”
“Lord Harmon?”
Who was it? It’s a familiar name. After a while, she remembered that Lord Harmon was the Lord Harmon of the Harmon Company. He was known to have considerable assets.
“Why is he building a swimming pool?”
Miss Kerrion shrugged her shoulders and explained to her who didn’t understand.
“It’s a swimming pool for men.”
“Oh yeah?”
Then it has nothing to do with her. She pulled out an empty chair and sat in the shade. The shade position of the shade can change depending on the position of the sun, so you have to drag a chair around from time to time.
“Is that it?”
As she was taking the teacup brought by the staff, people asked. That’s all, what? She took a sip of tea and then looked at Miss Kerrian and Claire.
“What else is there?”
“Lord Harmon is building a swimming pool. Are you okay?”
“But I heard it’s for men?”
Then it has nothing to do with her? Because it was for women. But people didn’t seem to think that way. said Mrs. Romel, who met Miss Kerrian’s gaze.
“At first, it will be made for men, but it will soon be made for women as well.”
“You don’t know that.”
“No. Sir Harmon said so. We will build a men’s section first and then a women’s section so that couples or lovers can swim together.”
“Together?”
It’s not surprising that couples or lovers swim together. She heard that there are couples who take a bath together. Her cheeks grew hot as a hot thought suddenly occurred to her. She quickly shook the thought away and said:
“It’s amazing that you’re going to build a swimming pool for just the two of you.”
“That’s not true, they say they will make separate products for men and women so they can be used together.”
“How is that possible?”
In response to her question, both Miss Kerryn and Mrs. Romel shrugged their shoulders. It seemed like everyone didn’t know. Maybe she was just telling you because she thought you would know.
“Not just Lord Harman.”
This time Miss Lingard spoke. She, a distant relative of Baron Lingard, said as she wrapped her hand around the teacup.
“I heard that Viscountess Patterson is also building a swimming pool.”
“And Viscountess Patterson?”
People’s attention was focused on Miss Lingard. Well, too.
She sipped her tea and thought it was worth it. Although this boat was large, it was small to accommodate everyone who wanted to use the pool. Moreover, the people who used these boats were usually young people. That’s why, when she first announced that she would open the swimming pool on the ship, some older women disliked it and said it was too flashy. Of course, older people did not use this boat. But since it has become so popular, they probably want to try it too. He said it would hurt his pride to ask me to invite him, so he would make it himself.
“That’s a good thing.”
She said that after taking a sip of tea. Increasing the number of swimming pools was a good thing. Until just a few weeks ago, they couldn’t even think about swimming, except in designated areas. Most people here didn’t know how to swim. But now everyone knew how to swim. She knew how much fun it was to swim freely in the water. Oh yeah. Let’s be clear about swimming freely. Because earlier, her skills were a bit different from being free.
“But it creates competition, are you okay?”
She was briefly impressed by Mrs. Romel’s next question. Will there be competition?
“It’s good to have competitors.”
“Great?”
When Ms. Kerrian asked what she was talking about, she looked at Lauren. As if checking her supplies, she was writing something on her paper with her pen.
“Wouldn’t it at least be better for you?”
When you have a competitor, you have one of two choices. Either try to win the competition or give up. Actually, there was nothing bad about the people here. The tea shop she went to once competed with a new tea shop. When she ordered tea, they gave her a biscuit and sometimes another cup of tea. This was a good thing for customers. And it’s good for her too.
“But I think it will be bad for Lady Biscon and Miss Liz.”
She smiled at Mrs. Romel’s cautious words. She really appreciate that she was worried about not only her but Lauren as well. But at the same time, she didn’t know if it’s a bad thing or a good thing for them. It’s her first time in business. And it’s probably Lauren’s first time too. She tried to say that she was trying to be more open-minded. But then, an employee quickly approached her and whispered.
“A guest has arrived.”
“Is it a man?”
“Her name is Viscountess Patterson.”
What? She was startled by the unexpected name and opened her eyes. Viscountess Patterson was here? She quickly checked the business card the employee gave her and saw that it really had the name Marion Patterson written on it. She said while checking her business card with a frown.
“I ask you to come in.”
Why did Viscountess Patterson come here? She said she was building a swimming pool, so was she here to spy? Many thoughts and questions filled her mind. Meanwhile, a member of staff escorted Viscountess Patterson onto her deck.
“Viscountess.”
She got up from her seat and walked over to her, greeting her. The Viscountess looked around on her deck, then turned her gaze to her and smiled. She hugged her.
“Lady Biscon.”
Well, they were not that close. She stood still and accepted the Viscountess’s hug. Then, after a while, she loosened her arms and asked,
“How have you been doing? You’re running a great business.”
“Thank you.”
Before we knew it, the world around us was filled with the silence of people wondering what Viscountess Patterson and she were talking about. She said, clearly aware that people were watching their conversation.
“I’ve always wanted to come. Can I take a look?”
“Oh, sure. You can come anytime.”
She said so and stepped away from the Viscountess. Then he tilted her head to the side and asked.
“Are you here to take a look?”
There was no way the Viscountess would come here just to see her. No, she could come take a look. But then she wouldn’t have come like this. She must have sent her a letter.
Sure enough, in response to her question, the Viscountess finally took out her envelope from her arms and spoke.
“Her Majesty the Queen sent it.”
A letter? She looked at the Viscountess, wondering what was going on, then opened the envelope. Inside was indeed a letter from Her Majesty the Queen. It wasn’t that long. It was an invitation to come to the palace sometime soon and have a cup of tea.
“All right.”
A smile appeared on the Viscountess’s face when she answered that she would accept the invitation. She said with an expression that showed she knew she would comply.
“Your Majesty is also very interested in this ship.”
“Your Majesty the Queen is also welcome at any time.”
The smile on Viscountess Patterson’s face deepened when she was told that, like the Viscountess, she was always welcome. Why was she doing that? In a moment of confusion, she said.
“That’s a good thing. Her Majesty the Queen really wanted to swim with the prince.”
Uh. Her mouth dropped before she knew it. But fortunately, no one said that it couldn’t be done. She couldn’t say no. Because the opponents were the queen and the prince. Only then did she realize why the Viscountess was doing this. She was trying to get her into trouble. She straightened her posture and smiled. And she spoke slowly.
“It is an honor. This place is open to all women.”
“Women?”
“Because it’s for women only.”
“You’re not saying the prince can’t do that, right?”
She knew why she was so hostile towards her. That’s because she went to Duke Germaroth’s banquet before and made Viscount Paterson into trouble. She guessed she didn’t like that. But this also has something to say. First of all, it was Viscount Patterson who started first. They just gave back. And now it was Viscountess Patterson who started first. She nodded and said.
“It can’t be. I just wanted to let you know that this place is for women only.”
Mrs. Patterson, who looked disapproving at what she said, smiled again and said,
“It would be best to tell Her Majesty the Queen directly about that. I’m really looking forward to it. Swimming with the prince.”
It’s not difficult. She nodded at her and she looked at her disapprovingly again and then turned around.
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Translator Note:
Hello there! This is RJR. I hope you liked it <3
If you like my work please support me with Ko-fi or Patreon. Next post will be released on February, 22.
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