Country Trends and New Store
Some time has passed since the turmoil in the Royal Capital, and spring has arrived.
Although there was some confusion in Vardmoi, life has largely returned to normal.
Marquis Vardmoi and his family returned last week, and they announced their future plans. As I was informed at the Marquis's mansion, the Vardmoi family has decided to take an independent stance, distancing themselves from the Royal family's power struggle.
This reflects the consensus of the southern nobles, and there’s a possibility that the country could even split apart.
The Kingdom is currently divided into four factions: the King’s younger brother’s faction in the north and northwest, the Third Prince’s faction in the northeast, the neutral faction in the west and east, and the independent faction in the south.
Militarily, the King’s brother’s faction, which has taken control of the remaining Royal Knights, seems to have the upper hand.
However, the northern and northwestern regions of the Kingdom are primarily mining areas with little food production.
As a result, there are concerns about the army's food supply, and it’s predicted that deserters might emerge if the situation drags on.
On the other hand, the Third Prince’s faction is backed by two powerful Ducal families, which have helped them gather a substantial military force.
Though this faction has fewer supporters, the nobles who do support it are highly influential.
Meanwhile, the western and eastern regions of the Kingdom have chosen to remain neutral.
They won’t provide aid to either side, but they might engage in trade with both, maintaining a cautious stance.
However, they are not letting their guard down, as they’re gathering troops to defend against potential invasions.
The southern region, including the Vardmoi family, has chosen a different path, opting for an independent course.
This faction, which includes the most noble houses, is the largest in terms of power.
Although both the Adventurers' Guild and the Trade Guild have declared neutrality, they have effectively moved their headquarters from the Royal Capital to the southern region, which means that the original Kingdom has essentially been dismantled, and the southern region is now operating as an independent entity.
The highest authority is that of Duke McFarlane, whom I met in the Capital.
Even Princess Rodenlight and Princess Annette are reportedly staying with the McFarlane family.
As for what has become of the Royal Capital, since there are no Royal family members or knights left, one of the Ducal families was temporarily maintaining public order.
The Darshe Principality also left after delivering relief supplies, so it’s now up to the citizens of the Capital to manage on their own.
In this way, the Kingdom was now in a state of division.
Although the situation in the north was quite tense, the south is relatively safe.
The Marquis has declared his intention to further strengthen public security, and the Adventurers' Guild has increased the rewards for standing orders, encouraging adventurers to hunt more monsters.
As for me, I’ve just opened my new shop!
"Whoa! So this is the new shop!"
"Yes. We incorporated Lady Plum’s suggestion to make the exterior more exotic, so it stands out. The interior also features many furnishings imported from the Darshe Principality, giving it a unique atmosphere unlike anything in this country."
"Thank you, Alizée."
"Not at all. I see that the building is four stories tall, with the first three floors dedicated to the store and the fourth floor and attic designated as living spaces. Has it been decided who will use them?"
"Oh, yes, that’s already decided. The basic customer service will be handled by the maids who used to work for Lady Plum. And as for the rest..."
"The rest?"
"I plan to hire graduates from the orphanage as apprentices. Plum has instructed that they won’t start with visible roles like customer service until they’ve learned proper etiquette. Initially, they’ll be managing the warehouse and other behind-the-scenes tasks."
"That’s good. Even as skilled as you are, Lily, it would be unreasonable to expect orphans to immediately serve noble customers."
"Even I understand that much! But there’s going to be a lot for them to learn."
"That’s to be expected. That’s what work is all about."
Hmm, it seems Alizée is strict in this regard too.
She’s even suggested that they could be trained at the Trade Guild if necessary, and depending on the situation, I might take her up on that offer.
Now, what should I name the new shop?
What do you think about this chapter?
