Yumia’s Feelings
Meanwhile...
From a short distance away, Yumia had been listening to the entire exchange between the two of them, but...
(... Amazing.)
That was the only thought that came to her mind.
The princess’s question. Maryne’s answer.
Yumia was deeply impressed by how Maryne had spoken of her convictions without trying to flatter anyone or dress up her words.
Then Sheralnia said:
“I’ll support your business wholeheartedly.”
“...!”
Support.
Maryne was surprised by those words coming from Sheralnia.
Not from an ordinary person, but from a princess.
The word “support” carried enormous weight when spoken by someone like her.
“If anything happens, rely on me. I can handle most problems.”
“Thank you for your exceedingly generous words. If the time comes, I shall gladly take you up on your offer!”
“However,”
Sheralnia added,
“I may ask you to take on special work for me as well. And when that happens, I expect you to answer the call.”
“Yes. If it is within my abilities, I shall devote myself to it with everything I have.”
“I see.”
Sheralnia murmured that with satisfaction.
Then she said:
“I enjoyed today’s discussion. It was truly worthwhile. You may leave now.”
“Understood.”
Maryne rose after giving a respectful bow.
And so, the meeting with Sheralnia came to an end.
◇◇◇
By the time they left the royal castle and arrived at the inn, it was already night.
The place they checked into was a luxury inn located in the center of the royal capital.
It resembled what people on Earth would call a suite hotel.
White walls.
Red carpets.
Lavish furnishings placed here and there.
Even in another world, a high-end inn was still high-end.
Maryne quickly headed into the room.
Yumia, meanwhile, unconsciously stopped at the entrance.
“... It’s huge.”
“It certainly is.”
Yumia walked over to the window.
Beyond it stretched the royal capital, gradually transforming into a nightscape.
Countless lights beautifully illuminated the city at night.
It was a sea of lights far larger than either the secondary capital or the count’s capital.
“So pretty...”
The words slipped out before she realized it.
“Yes. The royal capital’s night view truly is exceptional.”
Maryne came to stand beside her.
For a while, the two of them quietly gazed out at the scenery beyond the window.
After that, Maryne and Yumia chatted for a bit.
Maryne asked about the status of the business Yumia was in charge of, and Yumia answered her questions.
Once they had talked enough, Maryne said:
“I’ll be turning in first. I’m tired from the journey.”
“Yes. Good night, Lady Maryne.”
“Good night.”
Maryne left the room.
Silence filled the space.
Yumia remained alone by the window.
As she stared at the night view, she reflected on what had happened earlier that day.
(... Lady Maryne was incredible.)
The exchange with Sheralnia.
Yumia replayed it in her mind.
(Business... huh.)
She remembered the question Maryne had once asked her.
‘In business, what do you believe is the single most important thing?’
Back then, Yumia hadn’t been able to give a proper answer.
(... But that’s not good enough, is it?)
Even an eight-year-old child possessed convictions that admirable.
She herself had lived more than twice as long, yet she still had only a vague understanding of what business meant to her.
Yumia decided that from now on, she would seriously think about her own philosophy of business.
What do you think about this chapter?
