TMOWM~51

 ~Chapter 51~

The closed-off social circle of the Katieron townhouse was extremely small. It only took thirty minutes for any rumor to spread to everyone.

The talk that Young Master Hider had a special interest in the maid Rani was beginning to make its rounds.

Now, whenever people saw the two of them together, some would smile warmly, while others would look at them with concern.

But, as always, rumors were slowest to reach the people involved. Hider and Rani had no idea.

Today as well, Rani was trotting along, carrying a large haul of freshly dug potatoes and sweet potatoes.

“…No matter how many times I see it, it’s strange. How on earth does she carry that? You couldn’t lift it either, could you?”

“Ahem. If I tried lifting that, my back would be ruined. You haven’t forgotten that I’m still in my prime, right? And it’s not like Rani’s special traits end there, you know.”

“Maybe it’s those special traits that caught the young master’s eye.”

The servants exchanged glances and sighed.

In this world, social class existed. Rani and Hider’s positions in the hierarchy were worlds apart.

If they wanted to imagine what their future could look like, they only had to recall Amy and Duke Herden.

Even though Amy had given birth to Hider, she was never able to become the duchess. Her status as a maid had drawn heavy opposition.

At the time, Tybern was at war, and the then-duchess—still alive—fought bitterly against it.

“Do you think your father risked his life defending this country just to see you in such a disgraceful state? Your father opposed this as well. Absolutely not!”

Back then, the atmosphere had been like walking on thin ice. In the end, Herden chose to formally acknowledge Hider as his son but gave up marrying Amy.

Not long after, Amy died under suspicious circumstances, and Kiera entered the ducal household. Amy’s death was buried and forgotten.

Herden had been devastated and tried to investigate Amy’s death, but the former duchess blocked him.

After Herden’s marriage to Kiera, the former duchess also passed away young, and Amy’s case was left unresolved.

There was no law saying Rani couldn’t face a similar fate.

“Still… if the young master wishes it, what choice does she have?”

“That’s true.”

The class system could be abused that way. At least Herden had been a gentleman, and Amy had loved him.

But not everyone was like that.

These days, society had changed a little and things were somewhat better, but there were still masters who preyed on maids.

They didn’t believe Hider was the type—but who could say for sure?

“Maybe it’s better to marry Rani off quickly.”

“Let’s discuss it with Head Maid Luella.”

The servants nodded. In other words, all of this was out of concern for Rani.

At that very moment—

Rumors about various herbs sold by the newly opened Del Trading Company, especially the Chopa herb, had reached the Imperial Capital.

Lately, instead of spending on jewels and dresses, it had become fashionable to spend money on hair, skin, and health.

The Del Trading Company was riding that trend, soaring in profit.

Naturally, word reached Kiera as well.

“Oh my, Duchess, you haven’t heard? This is a pill made from Chopa herb sold by the Del Trading Company. They’ve been making all sorts of products lately. Oh, have you been to their café yet?”

Of course, Kiera already knew. She had even bought a large quantity of their cream before. Still, she played it down.

“Hmph. How effective could it be? It’s just an herb. Iteus has herbs just as good.”

“Iteus herbs? Oh, they can’t even compare!”

The noble ladies laughed gaily. Kiera frowned.

What’s so amazing about it? It’s still just a small trading company.

Back when she sold her shares, it had no future prospects at all. That was why she abandoned Katieron Trading and focused on Iteus Trading instead.

She wanted to ignore it, but the ladies’ praise was relentless.

“They say those Chopa pills are really something. You know the Countess Rosie’s third child? The one famous for being dull? Ever since taking them, people say she’s clever now.”

At that, Kiera straightened up. Sornea and Carte suddenly came to mind.

They were precious, lovely children to her, but they would soon enter society. At eighteen, they’d have their debutante ball.

She had heard of herbs with such effects before and had been trying hard not to be tempted.

“…Really?”

“I hear you can’t buy them now even if you offer extra. Apparently, Chopa herb is extremely difficult to cultivate, so yields are low. And only rare batches have such strong effects.”

“And that’s not all. There’s also a drink at their café—made from steeped hibiscus. They say it’s amazing for weight loss… ahem… so all the young ladies about to debut only drink that.”

Kiera blinked.

If it was that popular—these ladies here were all prominent figures in the Empire—then Del Trading must be raking in huge profits. It was worth considering.

I’ll have to discuss buying it back with Father.

The thought of that money flowing into the wrong hands made her stomach twist. Viscount Aros was compliant enough; with the right pressure, he’d yield.

First, I’ll have to get the hibiscus drink and the Chopa pills.

Kiera lifted her chin.

No one could refuse Iteus. And the difference in rank between a marquess’ family and a viscount’s family was vast. Outdated though it was, such status was still a powerful weapon.

“Then I’ll have to try them myself. I’ll tell the trading company to prepare some for me.”

“…Oh, come now. How will you get them when there’s no stock? Duchess, really.”

“In front of Iteus and Katieron, does that even matter? They’ll find a way.”

“Oh my, if that’s the case, get some for me too.”

“Me as well!”

“I don’t care how much it costs!”

Kiera nodded. How hard could it be?

In the end, I had no choice but to come along to Del Trading with Hider, unable to win against his stubbornness. The place was still bustling. We passed the line of people queuing at the counter to make reservations, following an employee upstairs to the second floor.

According to Viscount Aros, this floor only served VIPs. Even here, reservations were fully booked, but they’d cleared a slot for us.

“Thank you for coming, Young Master.”

Hider gave a short nod.

“All the herbs you brought have been stored in the workroom inside.”

“Thank you. But you’ve come together today, I see.”

“I plan to from now on. It’s too dangerous for Rani to come alone.”

Hider’s gaze dropped to my wrist.

“…About that day, I truly apologize, Young Master. I should have been more careful.”

“Oh, please! I handled that villain like a pro!”

“Be more cautious from now on.”

Our contrasting reactions made Viscount Aros smile awkwardly. Hey, what? I am specialized in protecting myself, you know.

The bruise still hadn’t fully healed, so Hider was being overly sensitive—even if he’d only lent me his healing skill.

“Anything unusual?”

At Hider’s question, Viscount Aros’ expression clouded. Uh-oh, now what?

“The Duchess Kiera came by. Boldly barged in without a reservation. She caused a commotion, so we had no choice but to seat her upstairs…”

“And?”

“She said she wants to buy the trading company again.”

Hider raised an eyebrow. His increasingly mature face took on a cold light.

That sly fox must be insane. The owner has no intention of selling—so who does she think she is, deciding she’ll buy it?