Chapter 78: Her Highness Flora and the Workshop Staff

Until the Summer Solstice Festival, it was decided that I would guide Her Highness Flora around the Fairchild Margravate. Since Her Highness seems to have suddenly become good friends with Letty for some reason, Letty is accompanying us as well.

“There isn’t much to see, but first, I will show you around the town of Northernford.” While being guarded by our knights and the Royal Guard, Her Highness strolled through the town. “I imagine it might be boring as there are fewer types of shops compared to the Royal Capital.” “You are being humble. The town of Northernford is lively, and the shops have many goods, so I can see that the territory is prospering.” Oh, to judge that much just by looking at the town a little, Her Highness is intelligent. “Thank you very much. As the Lord’s son, I am happy to hear that.” “You can tell that much just by looking at the town? I am surprised by Your Highness’s insight.” Her Highness smiled wryly. “Scarlett-san, please do not praise me too much. Actually, I am just repeating what I was taught by Teacher Oliver.” “No, being able to immediately put Oliver‘s teachings into practice shows Your Highness’s extraordinary ability.” “It is just as Will says.”

On the way back to the Margrave’s mansion from the town of Northernford, we stopped by the workshop. “My, so this is William-san’s workshop. Both buildings are unique. Especially the shape that looks like stacked shells—I’ve never seen anything like it.” “Since it is a workshop that challenges new craftsmanship, I tried making it an unusual shape. I will show you inside.” I led Her Highness to the cafe in the new workshop. “Oh, sunlight is pouring in, making it so bright. The chairs are comfortable to sit in; it is a lovely place.” “Thank you.” “Will and the others discuss the workshop’s operations here, right?” “That’s right. I built it thinking I wanted a place where everyone could talk while relaxing. Your Highness, may I introduce the main staff of the workshop?” “By all means, please do.”

I introduced Theo, Mabel, Carpenter, Eyle, and Oliver to Her Highness. “My name is Theodore. I am a Dwarf. I fled from deep within the Sea of Trees with my clan and was protected by Margrave Fairchild. Currently, I have become William-sama’s apprentice and am learning the Production Skill.” “No, Theo is my partner in craftsmanship rather than an apprentice.” “So Theodore-san is a Dwarf. Father is also worried about the monsters becoming more powerful deep in the Sea of Trees.” I see, His Majesty has also obtained information and is concerned. “Are the Dwarf people living peacefully now?” “Yes. His Excellency the Margrave provided us with food and housing and has exempted us from taxes for a while, so the entire clan is living with peace of mind. Incidentally, the one who built our houses was my master, William-sama.”

Mabel greeted Her Highness calmly, befitting a noble’s daughter. She was very happy when Her Highness mentioned she liked using the transparent soap. Carpenter and Eyle were stiff with nervousness, which was understandable. However, since Her Highness responded kindly, they seemed to calm down little by little.

Finally, I introduced Oliver. Incidentally, he is not cross-dressing today. “Nice to meet you, Your Highness Flora. My name is Oliver Levant. I serve as the Northernford Branch Manager of the Levant Trading Company, but I also assist at William-sama’s workshop.” “Nice to meet you, Teacher Oliver, I have finally been able to meet you. I am grateful to you for teaching me about the Merchant Skill.” “It is too awe-inspiring for me to be called ‘Teacher’ by Your Highness.”

“That is not true. Even though I am royalty, I lived just regretting that I could not use swords or magic. I am truly grateful that thanks to William-san and Teacher Oliver, I learned the merits of the Merchant Skill.” “Your Highness’s words would be a joy to all merchants.” “You exaggerate. Also, I was truly surprised at the party. It is unfair that you can transform into such a beautiful girl even though you are a man. Don’t you agree, Scarlett-san?” “As Your Highness says, Oliver‘s beauty is cheating.”

“Ahaha, to be praised so much by the two beautiful girls our country boasts of. I will boast about this to my parents, who were dismayed by my cross-dressing hobby.” Oliver looked happy. “However, I simply like beautiful things, and while searching for a look that suited me, I started cross-dressing, but I cannot be compared to the two of you who are genuine beautiful girls.” I wonder if that’s true. Oliver is always cheerful, but perhaps there are hardships in stepping outside the bounds of common sense. Anyway, Her Highness, Letty, and Oliver are happily talking about clothes and accessories, so I suppose it’s good that the three of them can talk together on good terms.