New Life in Vardmoi
"Haah, that must have been tough, Lily."
"Yeah, it really was. I don't want to complain to you, Melanie, but that journey was exhausting."
About a week had passed since our return to Vardmoi from the Royal Capital. Marquis Vardmoi and his family hadn't returned yet.
We only received detailed news about the events in the Capital after we got back, so it seems everyone here is busy dealing with the situation.
The Trade Guild was also arranging various relief supplies to be sent to the Capital.
Alizée has been helping with that too.
As for what I've been doing lately, it's mostly been managing the inventory of the shop that was left unattended for a long time and hunting down monsters.
However, with the change of seasons, there's not much to do for either task.
So, I've ended up with quite a bit of free time, except for one particular matter.
"By the way, you bought a new store, right?"
"Yeah, I did. It's a pretty big place on the main street."
"Are you planning to move?"
"Hmm, not really. The current shop is more comfortable to live in, so I won't be moving. The new place is going to be a custom-made dress shop, and I don't plan to live there."
"I see. So you're finally branching out into that area."
"It's not so much that I wanted to, but I had no choice."
Even though the country is in turmoil, as soon as word got out that I'd returned to Vardmoi, I started receiving dress orders from the nobility.
I thought it was a bit strange to be ordering expensive dresses when the nation was in such a state, but it seems the nobility has different priorities.
Fortunately, when I inform them that I’m working on an order for Princess Rodenlight, they back off, understanding that I'll take their requests only after completing hers.
It’s nice that no one seems foolish enough to try to jump the queue before a Royal request.
Meanwhile, the construction of the new shop was progressing rapidly.
Because of the Royal order, they've prioritized my shop's construction.
I left the design to the same people who designed my current shop, incorporating suggestions from Alizée and Plum for the exterior and interior.
My own input?
I’ve never had to consider what kind of shop would attract nobles, so I passed on giving any.
With plenty of money on hand, I’m having it built without worrying about the cost.
It feels a bit like being a nouveau riche.
"By the way, the new bodyguard—Plum, right?—is incredibly strong. I saw her sparring at the training ground, and she took down every adventurer with her bare hands."
"She’s apparently Rumaja's master. So, it's no surprise she’s that strong."
"Master of Grandmaster Rumaja? Then she must be incredibly powerful. Wait, how old is she...?"
"She's over 1,300 years old, apparently."
Plum has settled in with us quite well.
True to her word, she’s content with just a roof over her head and was even willing to settle for a cheap, makeshift bed.
Fortunately, the people from the Darshe Principality, who had come as her escort, stopped her from doing that.
Otherwise, she probably would have gone through with it.
She doesn’t seem picky about food either, though she eats a lot.
And she’s not much of a drinker—alcohol doesn't seem to interest her.
I wonder what she does like?
"Well then, Lily, I’ll be counting on you to hunt Frost Wyverns again before winter ends."
"Got it. But do you have a buyer lined up?"
"The domestic market might be shaky, but there’s likely demand overseas, especially across the sea."
"Alright. I’ll head out then."
"Yes, take care."
It seems like a lot will change come spring, but until then, life will go on as usual.
I just hope the country settles down soon.
What do you think about this chapter?
