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In front of the Ludik Trading Company.
Marie stepped down from the carriage and said,
“I didn’t even get to say goodbye to Nox.”
“That’s true. What a pity,” Calix replied.
But his expression didn’t seem the least bit regretful.
If anything, it looked quite the opposite.
Either way, thanks to Nox, Calix had brought Marie all the way to the Ludik Trading Company.
Even though the reason for his escort—keeping his friend’s over-kindness in check—was no longer relevant, he insisted.
“Well then.”
“Thank you. I hope to see you again,” Marie said.
Calix bid her farewell in front of the Ludik Trading Company.
Marie entered the shop right away.
“Welcome!”
Shortly after, Ludik himself appeared.
Upon seeing Marie, he immediately looked troubled.
“…You’re back again?”
“Nice to see you, Ludik.”
“My lady, as I said before… we’ve decided to sign an exclusive deal with another family.”
“You haven’t signed anything yet, have you?”
“No, not yet, but it’s just a matter of time—today or tomorrow.”
“That’s fine. I’m not here to interfere with your business. I’m here to make a deal myself.”
“…What kind of deal?”
He adjusted his baker’s cap, his bearded face filled with suspicion.
“As I mentioned before, I’m planning to officially start an interior design business. But it’s not just for making money.”
“Then what’s the reason…?”
“Because I care about the advancement of interior design in Leongrad. And that includes materials and tools.”
“Materials and tools?”
Ludik, who had been silently listening, finally showed interest.
“I know the Ludik Trading Company has been working hard on developing new products.”
“That’s right. We hold several patents related to interior design materials and tools.”
“Exactly. That’s why I thought you might be interested in a patent I own.”
“You own a patent?”
“Yes. This one.”
Marie showed him a prototype that Josh had made according to her design.
“Th-this is…?”
Ludik’s face filled with astonishment.
“This is your first time seeing one, right? It’s called a roller.”
“A roller…?”
“Yes, it’s designed to spin like this.”
Marie mimed using the roller on a wall.
Ludik’s eyes widened like chestnuts.
“What… is this thing used for?”
“It’s similar to the large broom-like brush you patented for painting broad surfaces.”
“So… this is a brush?”
“Yes, more or less.”
“Can it be used with paint?”
“Yes. Try dipping it in paint and applying it.”
Ludik immediately brought out paint and a board, unable to hide his excitement.
His sparkling eyes showed how impressed he was.
“With a roller, you can paint large areas cleanly and efficiently. Even the biggest boar-bristle brushes have their limits.”
“That’s right! Those brushes leave streaks and keep shedding bristles! Oh, is this wrapped in velvet fabric?”
“Yes. Dip it in paint and roll it like this…”
Marie demonstrated, and the roller smoothly applied paint to the board.
“Wow! It paints evenly without leaving any marks! How did you come up with this idea? And… you already patented it?”
“Yes. Here’s the certificate.”
Ludik took the document Marie handed him and looked at her with admiration.
“Wait! The patent is under the name of Lady Whitehouse?”
“Yes. I’m from the Whitehouse family. I’ve even filed for international patents.”
“A-amazing! Why didn’t I think of such a simple yet clever idea before? No wonder you said I lack the basics—you had every right!”
“No, that was a misunderstanding. I believe the Ludik Trading Company is a key player in the interior design industry. I respect you as an expert in materials.”
“R-really?”
Ludik’s reaction was more enthusiastic than expected.
“Yes. If you’re interested, I’d like you to handle the manufacturing and sales of this roller.”
“Really?”
“Yes. And it would be great to produce different sizes for various uses.”
Ludik was so moved, he let out a hearty laugh.
“Thank you! It’s an honor for Ludik Trading Company to exclusively sell such a handy invention! If we export it, clients from other countries will definitely want it too!”
“Wonderful. I have a few more inventions I plan to patent.”
“You mean… there’s more?”
Of course.
Marie had lived in the modern world—she had both the experience and the memories.
She had endless confidence in her ability to create practical inventions like this.
“Yes. I’d like to keep collaborating with you, Ludik.”
Just then, Marie casually glanced back—and was surprised.
Calix was still standing at the entrance of the Ludik Trading Company.
‘Huh? He hasn’t left…?’
He seemed to be deep in conversation with Josh.
Perhaps they were discussing something important.
‘No, don’t get distracted. I need to finish this talk with Ludik.’
Despite her curiosity, Marie turned her focus back to Ludik.
—
In fact, Calix had intended to leave right after dropping Marie off at Ludik’s.
Ever since Nox had pointed out the white smudge earlier, his face had felt hot.
Neither of them said anything, but both knew what that white mark really was.
It was deeply embarrassing.
So he’d said his goodbye right away after she got off the carriage.
“Then I’ll be on my way.”
“Thank you. I hope to see you again.”
Fortunately, she had also politely bowed and said her farewell without mentioning it.
He gave her a quiet nod and raised his head.
It seemed everything had wrapped up without further awkwardness.
“Well then…”
Then, he noticed her lips, smiling faintly.
Small, soft lips the color of peaches.
Those were the very lips that had just brushed against his.
“……”
The light was dazzling.
It must’ve been the bright midday sun.
He couldn’t say a word, simply staring blankly as Marie disappeared inside Ludik’s.
“……”
“Sir, are you not leaving?”
Calix didn’t even notice Josh dismounting and addressing him.
He was too curious—just how valuable was Marie’s patent? And what would Ludik’s reaction be?
“Sir…?”
Then Josh, realizing something, spoke.
“As I thought… you can’t bring yourself to leave. Are you worried?”
“Worried about what?”
Calix finally turned toward him.
Josh wore a mischievous grin.
Like he understood everything.
“That the lady might not manage the deal well?”
“Of course not. She’s capable. She’ll be fine. No need to worry.”
Calix shook his head as if dismissing nonsense.
Then he made a show of heading back to the carriage.
Josh gave a short whistle and added,
“Sure, she’ll handle the business side fine. But she’s still a young lady…”
Calix spun around.
“What exactly are you suggesting?”
He moved so quickly that Josh, who’d been joking, was caught off guard.
“Ah, well… I mean, what if that burly merchant tried to harm her somehow? Or saw her as easy prey because of her age… or tried to overcharge her or something.”
“……!”
A flash of something sharp passed through Calix’s red eyes.
Even a hint of protective instinct.
There was no sign of the hulking Dwayne—Marie’s usual guard—by her side.
“Who would dare think lightly of a noble lady?”
Josh gave a knowing shrug.
“Still, she is a delicate young lady. Wouldn’t it be reassuring if someone was watching over her while she negotiated with such a rough man?”
“……”
Calix stared at the entrance Marie had walked into for a long moment.
But he couldn’t just walk in again after saying goodbye.
“……”
Josh watched him quietly, then sighed and shook his head.
“By the way, Ludik Trading is a pretty important player in this industry. Might be worth taking a look inside.”
“Me? Why should I?”
“Well… the flow of money in Leongrad does affect the Bloodstone family’s business. Just for information gathering.”
“…That makes sense.”
Finally, Calix nodded.
As if giving in, he stepped inside.
“……!”
And the moment he did, he couldn’t help but be surprised.
In just that short time, Ludik was already thrilled with Marie’s patented invention.
A strange little object that seemed quite impressive.
Judging from Ludik’s excitement, the deal with the Ludik Trading Company was as good as sealed.
“Other countries will be fighting to get this if we export it!”
How did she even think of such a thing?
He still didn’t know what it was for—but it looked fascinating.
Calix unconsciously relaxed his expression.
What kind of shape would her future business take?
It was all incredibly exciting.
And he felt proud to be her first investor.
“Thank you! Please continue to use Ludik Trading Company for all your interior design needs!”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Ludik
grabbed Marie’s hand.
The bearded man looked like he might burst into tears.
“Thank you, too.”
“With your creativity and our materials, we’ll have nothing to fear!”
“Aha, yes. That would be wonderful.”
As Ludik brought his fuzzy lips toward the back of Marie’s hand,
Calix’s eyes narrowed sharply.
