I No Longer Have Love to Offer You - Chapter 21

“I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon!”

With a radiant smile, Pamela said her goodbyes and left.

After accidentally overhearing Albert and Pamela’s conversation, Mirabelle felt a twinge of guilt. She deliberately made some noise before knocking on the door.

Given that neither of them seemed any different, they likely hadn’t noticed her eavesdropping. Even after Pamela left, Albert’s demeanor remained unchanged.

And yet.

Those words had taken root in the very center of Mirabelle’s heart, showing no sign of budging.

(He thinks my mere presence has meaning… That’s what he meant, right?)

Just recalling it made something inside her clatter softly, like a pot simmering on a stove. Perhaps it was something she had locked away when she was with Ricardo.

Though it weighed on her mind, Mirabelle’s days continued to pass in a whirlwind of busyness.

“What’s this? Are you using the proposal system too, Mirabel?”

Albert’s voice came from above as she frowned at the official documents spread across her desk. When she looked up, she saw him peering down at her, his golden-brown eyes brimming with curiosity.

“…Yes, that’s right.”

Her answer was hesitant because she still hadn’t fully organized her thoughts on how to present the project she wanted to pursue.

She knew what she wanted to do. But if it was to be an official venture of the trading company, it had to turn a profit. Unless it was charity, generating revenue was essential especially if she intended to sustain it long-term.

“So? What’s troubling you?”

The casual question nearly drew an answer from her, but then doubt crept in. Would it be fair to seek Albert’s advice when everyone else has struggled on their own to get their proposals approved? I shouldn’t take the easy way out.

“It might turn out to be an amateurish proposal, but I want to try drafting the documents myself first.”

“Oh? Well, I look forward to seeing it.”

Unfazed by her response, Albert simply nodded and walked back to his own desk.

(He’s nothing like Ricardo.)

The thought came unbidden perhaps because Ricardo had been so fixated on his pride. If she refused his advice, he’d accuse her of dismissing his goodwill, yet if she listened, she’d have to incorporate his suggestions or risk souring his mood.

(Looking back, Ricardo really was a difficult person, wasn’t he?)

After so much disappointment, distance had revealed things she hadn’t noticed when they were close. With emotional detachment, she could finally see Ricardo objectively.

Lost in thought, Mirabelle continued working on her proposal.

“Hmm… This could be a good initiative for women’s empowerment.”

That was Albert’s first remark after reading Mirabelle’s draft.

“The biggest obstacle preventing noblewomen from independence is financial dependence,” she explained. “Women are treated as property either their father’s or their husband’s. A married woman who leaves has no means to support herself.”

“True. For any person to live independently, they need three things: financial stability, emotional resilience, and practical self-sufficiency.”

Albert studied her rough draft with a serious expression. Come to think of it, Albert Trading had a high proportion of female employees. They were commoners, so unlike noblewomen, working wasn’t unusual for them but trading companies were prestigious workplaces. Many men aspired to such positions, and in fact, most employees in the capital’s firms were male.

“So, you’re proposing the company spearheads these three forms of independence?”

“Yes, exactly. By arranging employment, women can achieve financial independence, which in turn fosters emotional resilience. And if we help them secure housing, they can become self-sufficient in daily life too. Of course, it only works if they’re willing, but I think more women than expected want to stand on their own.”

Otherwise, Pamela wouldn’t have heard so many similar stories at her tea parties.

“To work, they’ll need a stable living situation first. What about housing?”

“The company’s women’s dormitory has vacant rooms. Could we use those?”

“Do you think noblewomen would agree to live alongside commoners?”

“If we separate them by floor, I doubt it would bother them much.”

Mirabelle knew from experience. When your future was at stake, such concerns became trivial.

“Women struggling to support themselves won’t be able to hire servants. But managing everything alone from the start would be difficult.”

“We could have the company employ dormitory attendants who take on tasks as needed. The women could pay for services rendered, with the cost deducted from their wages. What do you think?”

Albert’s questions were all reasonable things even Mirabelle had considered so she answered smoothly.

“But if they don’t earn enough, they won’t have wages to deduct from in the first place.”

“Most women would probably start with piecework. It’d mean initial losses, but I still think it’s worth trying.”

“Losses make it a poor business venture.”

Albert’s gaze was that of a merchant. This wasn’t charity. If it couldn’t turn a profit, it couldn’t be approved.

“What if we match skills to roles? Women skilled in embroidery or sewing could work in textiles or apparel. Those experienced in managing estates or family businesses could take related positions.”

Albert fell silent for a moment, studying her intently. Mirabelle waited, meeting his gaze.

“This proposal assumes noblewomen who’ve already decided to divorce, correct?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

The idea had come from imagining how different her own life might have been if such a system had existed.

“Then you’re overlooking the biggest obstacle.”

“The biggest obstacle?”

“Exactly. Noble marriages are political, divorce is rarely granted easily. A woman fighting alone would struggle to win one. How do you plan to address that?”

Even if there was a path to independence, it meant nothing if they couldn’t leave their marriages in the first place. That was Albert’s point.

“I’ve considered that too.”

With that, Mirabelle placed a book on Albert’s desk.