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Chapter: 08
A Changing Future (2)
The marquis, who had been smiling brightly at Elzer, immediately furrowed his brow.
“A request? Of course, Cessenia. You never do anything that puts you at a loss, do you?”
“I also have something small I want to do.”
“Small? What, are you trying to compete with your sister?”
“No. I have no intention whatsoever of inheriting the marquisate.”
“Then what is it that you want?”
His reaction was extreme.
‘Even to a child you took in, you’d be gentler than that.’
Cessenia, having vowed not to live kindly, looked at him with a cold expression.
“I’ve wanted to run my own small business since I was young. Please let me do that. If you allow me that, I won’t claim any rights to the marquisate.”
“Even if you demanded it, do you think you could inherit the marquisate?”
Cessenia was about to say “Yes,” but she quietly kept her mouth shut. Without her, the marquisate would crumble.
It had been true in the past, and it would be no different now. But she didn’t want to argue here. She was currently in a position where she needed the marquis’ support.
Her lips twisted slightly, without any change in tone.
‘Crawling at your feet stops here.’
Once she got what she needed, there was no reason to wag her tail like a dog seeking affection.
Nodding while anticipating that day, Cessenia said,
“I understand. I know it’s not my place to overstep. It’s just… that asking feels awkward, which is why I said it that way. Father.”
“Hmph.”
Perhaps it was more effective to appear meek than assertive; the marquis awkwardly nodded.
“It seems I feel as if I’ve done wrong.”
If you feel that, then at least you’re not completely oblivious.
“Of course not. Father is always right.”
Cessenia was not one to speak flattery. In that, she was the opposite of Elzer. Because of this, she often unintentionally caused misunderstanding or resentment from others.
‘But for my future, and to make sure that woman doesn’t have everything… I can do this much.’
“Hrm. Hmm. Well… if you insist… what is it that you want to do?”
“I want to open a small shop. It was my mother’s dream. To open a small shop in the imperial capital.”
Cessenia’s mother, who had passed away when Cessenia was five due to poor health, had been a modest woman. A commoner by birth, she had felt disillusioned with the life of nobility and often told her five-year-old daughter:
“When you grow up, I want to live as myself, not as a noble, and open a small shop.”
But the marquis, who loved his wife deeply, had always ignored her words, fearful that someone else might take her from him.
“…That’s right.”
“I want to do that. If you support me just a little… I want to live like my mother. I want to open a shop in her name.”
Knowing that the marquis’ sensitive spot was his late wife, Cessenia wore a sad expression.
“Wh-what? Open a shop in your mother’s name? That’s ridiculous…”
Elzer immediately objected, unable to understand. But the marquis slowly nodded, stopping him.
“Very well. If you carry on your mother’s will… I’m grateful.”
“Father!”
“Why are you shouting, Elzer?”
“Ah… no… it’s just… Cessenia wants to run a separate business. I couldn’t believe it. And you had decided to leave the marquisate to me, yet without consulting me…”
At that moment, the marquis suddenly shouted.
“Elzer! Do you already think you’re the marquis?”
“Father… are you angry at me? I was surprised…”
“Be quiet. You are not the marquis yet. I’m simply observing to see who among you would make a good heir. If I dislike it, I can dismiss you at any time!”
Elzer had seriously underestimated his father. Having always gotten away with being playful, he seemed to expect the same now. He still didn’t realize that the marquis wouldn’t tolerate anyone challenging his authority.
Eventually, subdued by the marquis’ presence, Elzer pouted like a child.
“…I’m sorry.”
“That’s enough. Anyway, your sister is not greedy and is only carrying on your mother’s will, so help her.”
“Yes.”
Could a person really change that much? The marquis smiled at Cessenia.
“So, have you decided what business to pursue?”
“Not yet.”
“Good, good. Take your time exploring it. Since it’s in your mother’s name… don’t be too burdened. I’ll provide some funding. I’ll give it to you through the steward, so you handle it yourself. It may be hard at first, but since it’s completely yours, it will be more enjoyable.”
“Yes.”
Though he spoke kindly, the marquis had no intention of handing over the marquisate to Cessenia. She knew that and felt no particular emotion. She simply bowed her head and stood.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
“Very well.”
With that, Cessenia left. Elzer trailed behind, sticking close to her side.
“Cessenia, you’re acting strange.”
“How so?”
“You’re using words you’ve never used to charm Father?”
“Charm Father? Does your sister think all men must be seduced?”
Elzer’s face flushed red.
“W-what do you think of me now?”
“How to look at you?”
A woman who manipulates men, even touching her sister’s husband. And then orchestrates her sister’s death for her own benefit. A despicable human being.
‘No words can describe this. Sister, you’re just garbage.’
Cessenia smirked and patted her sister’s shoulder.
“Anyway, do well. The marquisate is yours now.”
“Are you provoking me?”
“Yes.”
“You think I’ll be scared? Don’t come asking me for more money later.”
“Yes.”
Cessenia replied tersely and turned around. She didn’t care about Elzer’s grumbling behind her. Instead, a smile spread across her face. Once back in her room, Lisbeth finally spoke to her.
“Miss, you really are unusual.”
“Me?”
“Yes. It feels… like you’ve become a different person.”
“Now that I’m an adult, maybe my thinking has changed. I’ve never truly had anything in life. So I want to claim a little for myself.”
“Excellent! Then I will help you wholeheartedly. I can do that. So, what will you do first?”
Cessenia silently looked at Lisbeth and smiled.
‘I should start a clothing, food, and housing business.’
After her coming-of-age ceremony, Cessenia, with the marquis’ permission, begins a new venture. She chooses essentials for life: clothing, food, and shelter. The first thing she focuses on is clothing.
But it wasn’t anything extravagant. The foundation was the empire’s climate. The empire usually had stable weather year-round.
However, this year, the empire experienced an unusual change. The heat began to rise—strong enough to make people faint.
Soon after, autumn arrived. The weather cooled rapidly, surprising people. While they rejoiced at the “return” of normal weather, Cessenia sensed something was wrong.
Then, she launched a business no one had anticipated.
It was possible because of her diligent study.
This winter would be colder than any before. Feeling the sudden heat and the rapid arrival of autumn, she was confident winter would be harsh.
So, she decided to purchase Hephria cotton.
Normally, Hephria cotton was a low-demand item. The empire’s stable climate meant clothes containing Hephria cotton were rarely needed.
Hephria cotton was a fluffy, thin filling used in cushions, pillows, blankets, or winter clothing. Other than that, it had few applications. And because it required labor-intensive work, farmers avoided growing it.
With mild winters, it was unnecessary, demand was low, and fewer farmers produced it. In fact, if winters were too warm, clothing with Hephria cotton would feel hot.
Fortunately, low demand made Hephria cotton cheap. Cessenia told the marquis about it, but he didn’t understand.
“It’s foolish. A waste of money. Even if winter comes, you won’t need Hephria cotton. Most items containing it are long-lasting; storing them will just be troublesome.”
But Cessenia pleaded once for trust. With support, she bought Hephria cotton and firewood—dry, ready for winter.
That year, an extreme cold struck. Her prediction was perfectly accurate.
Cessenia purchased all Hephria cotton in the empire and surrounding nations at low prices. People struggled in the sudden cold, and demand for Hephria cotton skyrocketed.
‘But all the cotton had already been bought by me, and I hadn’t released it to the market.’
Only after prices rose twentyfold did she release it. The early winter cold was harsh. Some people refused to buy, thinking it was just winter, so demand for firewood also surged. Holding back the cotton also helped increase the firewood price.
Her first business venture was a spectacular success. It was Cessenia’s perfect victory.
Thanks to it, the marquisate gained enormous wealth, the family’s status rose, and even the royal court learned of it.
‘And… Elzer, my sister’s life changed too.’
