Chapter 43: Princess Flora's Worry

To meet Her Highness Flora, I was guided by a maid and proceeded down the castle’s wide corridor. I had learned the manners for meeting a Princess or Queen from Father, but I never imagined I would actually meet one.

Could I pull this off successfully on short notice? Well, I can only do what I can. The maid told me that Her Highness Flora was waiting for me in the Courtyard usually used only by the Royal Family.

Hearing that made me nervous. I wish it had been a normal garden. As I walked, thinking such things, the corridor opened up, and the Courtyard came into view.

The Courtyard I was led to featured beautifully trimmed plantings that formed geometric patterns, and seasonal flowers were blooming profusely. At the back of the garden was an elegant Gazebo. The Gazebo was supported by six pillars and topped with a round roof, with vines wrapped around the pillars. A table and two chairs were set inside the Gazebo.

As I approached, guided by the maid, the girl sitting in one of the chairs stood up and offered a graceful bow. I dropped to one knee and recited the lines Father had taught me. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am William, second son of Theodore Fairchild, Marquis. It is a profound honor to be granted an audience with Her Highness Princess Flora Albion.”

“Pleased to meet you, William Fairchild-san. I am Flora Albion. Please take a seat.”

I stood up and sat in the chair the maid pulled out for me.

Looking at her directly, I understood why she was called a Beautiful Girl. Although it was a topic of conversation at the noble parties in the West before, the beauty of the Fourth Princess is known throughout the country. She had luxurious golden hair, skin as white as snow, and large, blue jewel-like eyes. A straight nose and a small mouth.

But I felt Her Highness seemed subdued somehow. I thought her beauty was like that of a Doll, lacking vitality, because I couldn’t sense any life force from her. While I was thinking unnecessary things, the maid served Black Tea.

“Please drink some.”

“Thank you, I will.”

I took a sip of the Black Tea. It was fragrant and moderately astringent. As expected, the Royal Castle maids know how to brew tea well.

However, what caught my eye more than the Black Tea was the Sweets. I picked up one of the Cookies arranged on the beautifully colored Ceramic Plate on the table. Ooh, as expected of Royal Castle Cookies. The rich Butter aroma and the crisp texture, the elegant sweetness spreading softly in my mouth. Oops, I didn’t come here just for the Sweets.

Princess Flora, who had been watching me with a surprised look, asked: “Are you fond of Sweet Confections, Mr. William?”

“Yes, they are my favorite.”

Princess Flora smiled. It was the first expression that appeared on Her Highness‘s inorganic face.

“You are the first person who was so absorbed in Sweets upon meeting me for the first time. Mr. William, you are an interesting person.”

“I am honored.”

Wow, was I rude? But Her Highness looks genuinely happy.

“Mr. William, I heard you possess a marvelous Production Skill. You created drought-resistant Wheat to prevent Famine, and even produced medicine for the terrible Infectious Disease that brings death.”

“Fortunately, I was able to create things that help people, but they were not created by my power alone. It succeeded because of the help of the Knights who accompanied me on material searches in the Sea of Trees, and the aid of the Dwarves and Elves who lent me a hand.”

“Mr. William, you are humble.”

“No, I am always being helped by those around me. In the first place, the starting point was my family encouraging me when I was depressed about being blessed with a Production Skill instead of a sword or Magic Skill.”

Princess Flora opened her large eyes wide.

“My, I only thought you were a person overflowing with confidence.”

“That is not true. I was chubby when I was small, for one.”

Princess Flora smiled again.

“Since you are slim now, one would not know that unless you mentioned it. Even so, you were also depressed about having a skill that was neither sword nor Magic.”

“Yes. This world is a world of swords and magic. The duty of a noble is considered to be fighting Monsters and protecting the people.”

Her Highness nodded deeply.

“If I may ask about Your Highness‘s skill?”

“The skill I was blessed with is Commercial Skill. Uncharitable people say it is just a skill for making money.”

Her Highness‘s face darkened.

“I believe Commercial Skill is a vital skill in matters of internal affairs.”

Hearing my words, her large eyes widened again. Her Highness looked surprised, but this is my honest opinion.

“I create things, but it is the Merchants who use Commercial Skill to deliver those things to the people who need them and set appropriate prices. I know the son of the Alex Trading Company, and he is excellent and confident in his abilities.”

“Many nobles look down on Merchants, but you are different?”

“Yes. There are excellent people among Merchants, and I believe Commercial Skill is useful. I was taught a little previously, and apparently, developing Commercial Skill makes one quick at calculation and able to read documents quickly. I think it is an especially useful skill for those involved in internal affairs.”

Her Highness shook her head from side to side, her beautiful golden hair swaying with it.

“No one ever told me such things. But your words have conviction. Come to think of it, those who said Commercial Skill was useless never explained why it was useless. Perhaps I simply lamented my Commercial Skill without truly understanding it. I tried to learn from the surrounding nobles, but they would not teach me. Instead, I should have sought instruction from Merchants.”

I felt that Her Highness‘s expression had brightened considerably. “I have heard truly excellent things today. I thank you.”

Princess Flora smiled her biggest smile of the day at the very end.