“Uh, since last night.”
“All night until now? They didn’t disperse?”
“Yes, yes. Actually, even before that, there were rumors that things were getting pretty bad in some workshops lately. They said there were more than a few workshops where workers were quitting in groups.”
“So those are all the people who quit their jobs?”
“Yes, I think so… We know who’s leading them.”
Madame vented her concern as soon as she saw me.
“We’ve been losing customers since yesterday, and not a single one came today!”
“That’s right, because of those jerks!”
The assistants crossed their arms and glared out the window. There is a deep sense of anxiety underlying it. If sales fall too low, it could affect things like their pay and benefits, so they’re inevitably hostile to anyone who interferes with sales.
“Maybe another store deliberately instigated it like that? Otherwise… … .”
Madame let out a long sigh and placed her trembling arms on the table. I put a firm hand on her shoulder and spoke firmly.
“It’s all right, you said you knew who was leading them?”
“Yes, but I don’t know the name. I’ve only heard that they have these sworn siblings who are quite skilled despite their humble origins.”
“And you think it’s the sworn siblings they mentioned?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
It seems that they are not just good with their hands but also have the leadership qualities to win people’s hearts. Also, how did they manage to comfort those people’s anxiety and fear to such an extent that they were so orderly?
I was curious about that. Rather than feeling angry, if there really was a leader in this situation, I would hold her in high regard.
“What skills does that sworn siblings have?”
“They said that the older sister was a mechanical genius. They say she can fix looms or enchanted machines just by listening to their sound.”
“Really?”
“The younger one was a bit wild, but despite her fiery temperament, she has talented hands and is able to replicate any item from any wardrobe just by looking at it.”
“Something like a bag or a dress?”
“Yes, I haven’t seen it myself, but that is what I’ve heard.”
What monster-like talent. Are they unable to bloom because of their low status?
‘Interesting.’
I smiled and spun around, prompting Madame to turn pale and try to stop me.
“I-It might be dangerous. How about calling the knights? Something really big could happen.”
The Madame seemed convinced that those gathered outside would cause an uproar. But I thought a little differently. As I walked into the store, I saw the looks on their faces.
It was not anger or violence… … .
‘It was desperation.’
It was an expression I knew very well.
The look of wishing someone would do something. A cry for help. A silent protest to please listen to their story. I wanted to talk to the people gathered outside to find out why they were doing this; there had to be a reason.
Imperial family, archduchy, then nobles according to rank. Wealthy commoners of the lower merchant class. A commoner who has a good job and makes a decent living. A commoner without money. And the lowest of all… serfs*. In a society with such a clear caste system, it is not easy for the commoners to voice their opinions to such an extent.
*(천민: Serfs refers to the lowest class in the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Though commoners, they are closer to slaves than workers.)
“With a lift of a finger of an aristocrat, those over there can have their heads blown off.”
“Miss… … .”
“They are taking that risk to gather here. They must have started gathering since last night, around the time I arrived in Terran.”
The return of the delegation that had gone to the desert would have been featured in the evening newspaper. Someone who can read… That was interesting, too.
“Madame, the shop is closed today; please put a closed sign out front.”
“Pardon? Well, is that okay? That would cause significant losses… would you really like to?”
“Yes, close it.”
I needed time to prepare to showcase the norigae anyway. Appearing dramatically after an apparent crisis would definitely garner more attention.
I stood tall in the center and quickly gave instructions.
“Now, staff, please move the clothes inside. We will set up a tea table in this hall.”
“Yes, miss!”
“Sir, go out and ask them if they have a leader. And if they have one, be sure to bring them in politely.”
“Understood.”
My orders were carried out swiftly. Closing the store and setting up a tea table in the center of the hall was something we did only for VVIP customers. So, this was a very respectful gesture on my part, even though they had caused a real disruption to my store’s revenue.
“What kind of tea should we prepare?”
“Not tea. Please only serve cold juice. Enough for everyone.”
“What? You’re giving juice to the serfs too?”
“… Yes, I will.”
Serfs. Those who are called lowlifes in this world naturally do not know the taste of tea. Because tea is something exclusive to the wealthy. So offering tea could be seen as mocking.
After all preparations are completed, I sat on the sofa with my back to the door, crossed my legs, and waited. Soon, the sound of clanging of a light armor got closer and closer. There were also footsteps that I had never heard before. I calmly placed my hands in my lap and stared straight ahead.
“Keep your head on the ground and be respectful, for this person in front of you is someone you have no right to look upon.”
The escort knight Lacius has assigned me this time is a knight of Rentus, but I don’t know him well. He was young, and I only have a vague impression that he was very passionate about his mission. One more thing has just been added to that information, though.
‘Very aristocratic.’
At the knight’s command, those wearing shabby clothes immediately lowered their posture as if crouching. I’m the prospective archduchess, so it was only natural, but it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Without revealing any of my thoughts, I gestured to Juliet. I’m not sure what I’m doing, but it was to maintain the etiquette that must be observed as a noble.
“Ask them what brings them here.”
“Yes, master.”
Nobles are not supposed to speak directly to commoners. It’s demeaning.
“We have something to say to the noble lady.”
“Please listen to our voices just once, just once, please. Just once, and we’ll walk away without asking for more!”
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