The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 47

Grace’s body recovered quickly.

 

At first, she was so weak that even walking was difficult, but with enough sleep and proper nutrition, she was soon able to return to her daily routine without much trouble. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the handmaids and other servants, Grace was back to her usual self in less than a week.

 

However, she now had a troubling concern that she couldn’t easily talk about with anyone.

 

Ever since she had fainted in the forest, she kept having the same dream she saw before waking up. The details changed slightly each time, but it always involved fire, water, wind, and earth — and it always ended with those elements attacking or overwhelming her.

 

Whether it was Frederick or the servants, telling someone wouldn’t solve anything, so Grace didn’t bother mentioning it. Still, it weighed on her mind.

 

“What could it mean…?”

 

Grace murmured to herself as she headed to her workshop. It had been almost two weeks since she last worked.

 

“We’re preparing for the second sales phase, my lady.”

 

She met with Isaac and Hailey, who came to report on the production of additional prints.

 

“We’re considering increasing the volume of production. So, we’re thinking of bringing in more artists.”

 

“That sounds good.”

 

“Last time, we didn’t know which artworks would sell well, so we printed equal amounts of everything. But this time, we plan to increase the print count for the popular artists.”

 

They had analyzed the data from the first sale and were now building a new strategy. They showed Grace records of daily sales and details about the sold artworks.

 

“Which paintings… sold the best?”

 

“Perhaps because it’s spring, floral paintings and landscapes with green fields were the most popular.”

 

“Ah, I see.”

 

“Oh, and the prints made from the plates you created sold especially fast. People felt honored to be able to buy a piece made by the Duchess herself at such a price.”

 

At Isaac’s words, Grace blushed. She didn’t think she was worthy of such praise.

 

“And we heard a curious but welcome rumor.”

 

“A rumor…?”

 

“Yes. It came from a merchant who bought a large number of our prints. When he sold them in the capital, the response was very good. Also, a painter he knows said that the temple saw the prints and discussed making artworks like that themselves.”

 

“Really?”

 

“After hearing that, I thought… maybe this could become a nationwide trend.”

 

Grace’s heart began to pound.

 

She had only wanted to let her people enjoy art at a more affordable price, but to think that even the capital was responding positively…

 

“I thought it would be great if we could establish a supply chain to sell prints in the capital. There’s a limit to selling only to the merchants who visit here.”

 

“You’re right.”

 

There was a clear sense of frustration in Hailey’s voice. Grace could sympathize with her feelings.

 

“But… even as things are now, it’s okay. I didn’t start this to make a fortune.”

 

“Yes. We feel the same. It’s just a little regret about the missed opportunity.”

 

“Let’s do our best for the second round, too. I’ll try to create some good pieces.”

 

“Yes, my lady. We’ll work hard as well.”

 

They renewed their determination.

 

 

 

“This section contains the grain harvested last year. We store each type in separate sacks, labeled accordingly.”

 

Grace walked through the storage building while listening to Anthony’s explanation.

 

“This section is still empty, but we’ll use it to store this year’s harvest.”

 

“Ah, and what are those boxes over there?”

 

“Herbs. Each shelf is labeled with the name of the herb it holds.”

 

Grace looked at the shelves, but she didn’t recognize any of the herb names. She figured she’d learn eventually and turned her attention elsewhere.

 

“There are so many items here… it must be difficult to keep track of everything.”

 

“At the end of each month, we take inventory to see how much is left. Anything spoiled or problematic is discarded. Of course, we take great care to prevent such issues.”

 

The warehouse was quite large—comparable to an entire floor of the main estate. Grace walked around slowly, taking in the sight of the stored goods.

 

“This area stores timber and minerals.”

 

After passing stacks of cut wood, they reached a row of doors, each with its own lock.

 

“The minerals are stored in these rooms. They’re valuable, so we keep them separately. Only a few authorized individuals are allowed to access them.”

 

“I see…”

 

“This room is for coal, that one for iron ore, that one for gold and silver, and that one for copper. This last one holds rare minerals, which we don’t mine in large quantities, but they’re quite valuable—mainly gemstones or materials used for equipment crafting.”

 

“All of these materials… are used within the estate or the duchy?”

 

Grace asked as she looked around the warehouse.

 

“The food is mostly circulated and consumed within the territory. But the minerals aren’t all used here. A significant portion is sold externally.”

 

“How do you sell them outside? At markets?”

 

“No. Markets are limited in reaching other regions. We work with a merchant guild. They buy our minerals and distribute them across the land.”

 

“A merchant guild?”

 

That made Grace’s ears perk up. Just a few days ago, she and her secretaries had discussed how they wanted to sell prints outside the duchy—perhaps in the capital—but didn’t have a proper distribution route.

 

“Where does that guild mainly trade?”

 

“All over. Of course, the capital is the biggest destination, but we also sell to many other noble territories. Especially iron and copper—they’re in high demand, and the northern mines produce a decent supply.”

 

“Ah, I see.”

 

“But it hasn’t been this way for that long. Less than ten years ago, the previous Duke discovered two mines. Since then, mining and sales have increased. We’ve been trading with this guild for about ten years.”

 

“Do you think I could… meet someone from that guild?”

 

“Are you curious about the mineral trade?”

 

“No. Not about this trade specifically—there’s something else I want to ask about.”

 

Grace wondered if maybe this merchant guild could help her distribute prints to other regions. She wanted to give it a try.

 

 

 

“Oh, what brings you here at this hour?”

 

Grace was working on a print plate when Frederick suddenly visited.

 

“Just for a moment.”

 

Frederick sat down on a sofa in one corner of the workshop. Grace put down her tools and sat beside him.

 

“Are you feeling okay today?”

 

“Yes… I’m healthy.”

 

Grace nodded. Since her collapse, Frederick had been checking on her more often. Normally, they each spent the day doing their own work, but lately, he’d make time even during the day to see her. Sometimes, he’d drop in during tea time just to sit and chat. It was as if he saw her as a child who needed constant watching.

 

“Are you spending more time in the workshop these days?”

 

“Yes, kind of…”

 

“Do you have a lot to do?”

 

“The second sale is planned out now. I have a goal in mind… and I want to meet it as best I can.”

 

Grace replied with a cheerful smile.

 

“Don’t overwork yourself.”

 

“I won’t, Frederick.”

 

“I just don’t want you staying in the workshop too long because of the prints.”

 

Frederick sighed as he spoke.

 

“Until you’ve fully regained your strength, be careful about going outside too.”

 

“Ah, but I do need to go out. I have someone to meet.”

 

Grace glanced at Frederick, watching his reaction. She knew he was already worried enough about her, and didn’t want to make it worse.

 

“Who?”

 

“The head of the Kelton Merchant Guild.”

 

“Why would you meet that person?”

 

The Kelton Guild had been trading with the ducal house for a long time. Frederick knew Grace had recently taken an interest in estate management and had talked a lot with Anthony, but he wasn’t sure what she could possibly negotiate on her own. The types of goods and pricing with the Kelton Guild had long been decided and were stable.

 

“There’s something I want to discuss.”

 

“What do you plan to discuss?”

 

“About the prints… I want to find a way to distribute them more widely.”

 

Grace’s eyes sparkled as she spoke.

 

“Some of the first prints ended up in the capital, and they were well received. So I want to see if we can expand to the capital and other regions.”

 

“When are you meeting them?”