The Ugly Wife of the Shady Duke - Chapter 92
“Of course, that’s assuming a positive relationship with Arsia.”
“Leading the foremost merchant guild in the empire, do you really think it’s impossible?”
Aria may have led the trade with the Kingdom of Arsia with little to no profit, but Grace had no intention of doing so.
‘I need a firm foothold right now.’
Moreover, through her conversation with Sireni, Grace realized she was somewhat of a benefactor to the Kingdom of Arsia.
Sireni might reap the financial benefits, but the honor and recognition would all be attributed to Grace.
“I see I have your full trust, Grace. It would be quite a loss if I fail.”
“That’s how merchants operate. To gain, one must also be willing to risk.”
Merchants don’t dive into every venture with 100% certainty. Of course, Sireni also had confidence in her success.
‘Even if I am a citizen of the empire, with Sireni’s help, it would be easier to create a positive image in the Kingdom of Arsia.’
From Arsia’s perspective, the Pescians were like a sore thumb. Despite possessing talents that would be the pride of any place, their slightly different appearance made them the subject of universal avoidance.
And yet, those who coveted what they had made could hardly see them in a favorable light.
However, some Pescians found the protective laws in Arsia stifling.
Raised in the kingdom without facing direct discrimination, they only felt the oppressive nature of the laws, not understanding their severity. It was these individuals that foreigners exploited.
‘It seems Aria never directly intervened in Pescian affairs in the original work, so it wasn’t well-explained in the novel.’
That’s why the crucial information about Sireni being of Pescian descent wasn’t highlighted.
It also made sense why Sireni didn’t show much affection towards Aria in the novel and then disappeared from the story.
‘In the original work, she would have had to track down the remaining Pescian half-breeds after the strike.’
The two workshops, to downplay the situation to their advantage, sent the exploited workers around the empire or to other countries during the strike.
‘They really did go to great lengths.’
This was Grace’s contemplation of the situation.
Sireni wasn’t involved in human rights activism; she was merely a guild leader. However, as someone of Pescian descent and the most successful among them, she harbored a deep attachment to her people.
‘Plus, with her merchant’s insight, she must know that Arsia can’t economically grow if it continues on its current path.’
It wasn’t just the Pescians; Arsia was full of talented individuals. If they start trading positively now, they could begin an economic revival, elevating the country’s stature.
‘There must be even more skilled artisans in Arsia.’
While the empire had many skilled jewelers, none could match those from Arsia. The artisans Aria met through trade with Arsia were all remarkably delicate and skilled.
That was also the reason she wore this necklace today.
Around her neck hung a small, unnamed gem, finely cut and recently acquired.
“Sireni, I want to negotiate not only a fabric import contract with the Kingdom of Arsia but also a craftsmanship agreement.”
“That’s because of the gem you’re wearing, I presume.”
Sireni seemed particularly interested in everything Grace was wearing today. It was no surprise, considering everything Grace adorned herself with had high market value.
“Yes, I need your help. For the upcoming party. For two items.”
“There are skilled artisans in the city, but… you need someone even more exceptional.”
“Yes, may I ask for your assistance?”
Sireni, pondering Grace’s request, tapped the handle of her teacup lightly with her finger before smiling.
It was the smile of a merchant who had just concluded her calculations.
“We’re going to become even better friends, aren’t we?”
‘I guess so.’
Initiating trade with the Kingdom of Arsia would naturally lead to discussions about installing gates. While the Duke of Felton would profit from the increased use of gates, the credit for opening the doors to Arsia would belong to Grace.
“May I ask you to look after the people at the workshop I’m dealing with? I’ll give you its location.”
“Of course.”
Sireni was fiercely protective of her own people. As long as they didn’t betray her, she prioritized and took care of their safety.
‘This should also ensure the safety of Tom Birkin, just in case.’
“Then, for future communications with me… could one of the people originally from that workshop handle it? You’re quite busy, and I find it more comfortable dealing with people I already know than those from Siren’s Song.”
“How could I refuse?”
Grace believed that even with just this conversation, Tom Birkin would find his opportunity.
Sireni called a nearby aide and instructed them to bring out a contract. Many items were left blank, but Sireni began filling them in based on their recent discussion.
“I haven’t included anything that’s disadvantageous to you. It’s all equal, even the profits.”
“Actually, it seems like my share of the profits is higher.”
“Well, having the name of ‘regularly trading with the Felton Duke’s household’ does carry significant value.”
Sireni smiled brightly. Just the title alone made it a profitable deal.
Grace scrutinized the document before finally signing at the last clause, which stated that the agreement could be adjusted or terminated upon further discussion.
‘This works in my favor.’
After the imperial party, it was obvious that Sireni’s ‘Siren’s Song’ would approach her first. Grace decided not to broach the subject for now.
For the moment, it was enough that Sireni showed interest in the gem of her necklace and recognized its value.
‘Next up is this.’
If she gave everything at once, it would be overwhelming. Grace decided to express her desires step by step.
She handed the signed contract to Sireni.
“Is it okay to leave the details of the job entirely to you? I’m going to be quite busy for a while.”
“There’s still time until the imperial party, but I guess you have other commitments?”
“Yes, I’m attending Lady Charlotte’s baby shower.”
“Ah, we at ‘Siren’s Song’ also received an order related to that. We had a hard time finding the finest among the top-tier baby items. A lady’s discernment is unparalleled, isn’t it?”
“…”
Sireni’s words were casually spoken, but they weren’t without meaning. It implied that many attendees of the baby shower were preparing baby gifts, all of the highest quality.
‘If everything is top-tier, even presenting gold rattles encrusted with jewels might not stand out.’
It could even give a bad impression for not knowing much about babies. Gold is heavy, and adding jewels would make it unsuitable for a baby to play with.
She couldn’t ask what baby items were purchased. That was the client’s personal information, and it wasn’t the main issue at hand.
Even if she chose something else, it would still fall under the same category of ‘baby items’.
‘Then, it’s best to get something exclusively for Lady Charles.’
The Marquis and Marchioness Charles were well-known for their strong relationship, so some would likely bring gifts for the couple as well.
‘After receiving items for the baby and for them as a couple, eventually, she’ll want something just for herself.’
What would truly be considered a ‘personal’ gift for her? The answer came to Grace in a very short time.
“Could I know about any famous items from the Barony of Dandelion, Lady Charle’s hometown? It might not be well-known to outsiders, but there must be something the locals cherish.”
Sireni, quickly catching on to Grace’s thoughts, nodded while maintaining a slight smile.
“There’s a unique water that the residents of the Barony of Dandelion drink.”
“Unique water?”
Wondering how unique water could be, Grace looked puzzled.
“Yes, actually, I’ve considered selling it a few times. But it never received good reviews, so I gave up on the idea.”
What kind of peculiar water could it be? But somehow, Grace felt she knew.
‘Ah.’
“Is it the kind of water that fizzes when you drink it?”
“You know about it? Have you tried it, Grace?”
Grace clenched her fists under the table, out of Sireni’s sight.
And she silently exclaimed to herself,
This is a jackpot!
⋆★⋆
‘The mining and processing of the mine in Count Ardel’s territory, and the supply of carbonated water, will be done by Sireni…’
Thinking about the various other beneficial requests she had made to Sireni, Grace felt a sense of pride.
Once the carbonated water arrives, she would create ‘that’.
‘Perfect, I have just the right ingredients.’
Grace thought the timing couldn’t be more impeccable.
After a more fruitful conversation than expected and in high spirits, she stepped outside, only to be greeted by a familiar young man’s face.
