Chapter 104: A Lucky Favor

The church’s influence couldn’t help but irritate the emperor.

They wielded countless believers as a weapon to exert power over politics.

How frequent had such attempts been until now?

There was even a time when the word “holy” nearly prefixed the Enpher Empire.

During the era when the Aramid Church was at its peak.

No, even so, swinging the hammer at this time is a bit…!

We were in the midst of a war against the plague.

Every single priest was precious, so turning the entire church into an enemy—what was the point?

Ah, and in the middle of that, wasn’t I the one who slammed Enrique with 50 years?

That guy traded with human lives and left as many as four to die.

If divine power wasn’t manifesting, he should have handed them over to another priest.

I couldn’t let such a wicked guy off just because things were urgent.

I pressed my throbbing temples firmly and sank into thought.

But I couldn’t change anything right away.

To do that, I’d have to go to the emperor and ask him to retract the declaration…

Nope. Absolutely not. I value my life.

If I meddled in politics like that?

He’d accuse me of coveting the throne and slap me with treason.

Why would I commit such suicide?

I shook my head vigorously and quickly organized my thoughts.

“In the end, there’s nothing I can do. I just have to proceed with the original plan.”

What I needed to do right now was clear.

Develop cheap soap as quickly as possible and distribute it everywhere.

That way, the plague damage would lessen.

Moreover, a few plans came to mind one after another.

Build water and sewage systems, and start a garbage collection business too.

Of course, this place wasn’t entirely without sewage facilities.

Large waterways ran through the city along the roads.

But since people threw anything in there, they were always clogged and reeked.

If the Carius Duchy and Midias urbanized, it’d look the same.

But I couldn’t stand to watch that happen.

All sorts of diseases came from there; I couldn’t leave it be.

It’s hard to transplant modern water facilities exactly. But I can make it far more hygienic than now.

With various designs in my mind, I boarded the carriage.

The court was a core imperial institution, so it wasn’t far from the palace.

Not here to see the emperor, so why come at all?

Because Princess Eustia is staying here.

She was a precious guest from abroad.

Naturally, a dedicated lodging was prepared.

I was heading there now.

The reason I worried about weird rumors was precisely the VIP lodging’s location.

It adjoined the palace, so many eyes were bound to watch.

This is actually good timing. The empire’s attention is focused on the emperor’s declaration, right?

Everyone was curious how the church would get crushed, so no one would care about my movements.

“What brings you here?”

“I’m Duke Carius, who sent word this morning. We arranged to meet briefly this evening…”

“Ah, we’ve been expecting you. This way, please.”

Following the attendant’s guidance, I moved deeper into the lodging.

As a place for entertaining noble guests, the building was exceedingly luxurious.

Almost like a deep chamber of the palace…

Honestly, maybe not quite that much?

Still, it looked as good as my mansion.

While admiring the VIP lodging here and there, the attendant suddenly stopped.

“Here we are.”

“Thank you.”

I bowed lightly and entered, just as Princess Eustia was coming out.

“Hello?”

“Oh… Your style is incredibly impressive.”

“Doesn’t it feel familiar? I had it tailored at a Midias clothing shop.”

“Even so, it comes alive when you wear it, Your Highness. You have great presence.”

“You’re too kind. It’s thanks to the excellent craftsmanship. Anyway, what’s the matter? It’s not our dinner appointment, but you said just a quick chat.”

She seemed puzzled.

It was mealtime, but I hadn’t mentioned eating.

Since I’d sent the message hastily, it ended up conveying only the business.

I improvised quickly to clear the misunderstanding.

“I didn’t mean eat in the capital, but an invitation to my mansion.”

“Ah! I see.”

“With the trials so busy, the message must have been misconveyed.”

“An invitation from Your Grace is always welcome. Shall we depart like this?”

“It’s not a formal occasion, so your current attire is perfect.”

Princess Eustia wore a pastel light green skirt with a pristine white jacket.

With lighter makeup and a small bag, she could pass for a modern person.

The Midias fashion business had caused tremendous changes.

At this rate, it seemed poised to replace all everyday clothing.

But one thing unchanged was noble culture.

The upper class still insisted on voluminous skirts and extremely cinched waists.

So, dresses were only for formal events.

Anyway, Princess Eustia’s outfit was neither excessive nor lacking—just right.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Riding separate carriages back to the Carius Duchy.

I organized the ideas that had just come to me one by one.

During the brief talk with Princess Eustia, I’d gained some good ones.

Bags, shoes, hats, cosmetics…

Wow, there’s really so much to do?

This world felt like a blank canvas.

Every thought floating in my head turned into excellent business items.

“We’ve arrived, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Uncle Brandon.”

I greeted the coachman and entered the mansion.

It was the usual pattern, nothing different.

I chatted lightly with the maids, smiling, and naturally received meal service.

Of course, I’d put effort into the food.

With a precious guest coming, I couldn’t serve the usual.

Lately, I’d been simplifying courses.

I’m so busy, after all.

With all the businesses I’d started, and trials during the day.

No way I’d have time.

Even meals had to be short to squeeze in moments.

Ah, of course, the stewards handled much of the work.

But the most important decisions had to be mine.

I couldn’t help but feel like I needed two bodies.

“I’ve heard the Carius Duchy is remarkable, but I didn’t expect this extent.”

Dinner began with Princess Eustia’s compliments.

Actually, I hadn’t introduced much.

She’d just observed on the way to the mansion.

Yet, she looked deeply impressed.

It can’t be helped.

The layout of factories, lumberyards, pastures, and worker dorms without any clutter.

Wide paved roads and streets without sewage or even a speck of trash.

Where else could one see such neatly maintained territory?

I smiled faintly and said,

“You’re too kind. The Crawford Principality is also a beautiful and charming country.”

“But it’s not this clean. Cities inevitably have vagrants and piles of filth.”

“The Carius Duchy has few residents. Only those working for me live here.”

“Ah!”

Princess Eustia snapped her fingers as if realizing something.

But she couldn’t continue the conversation.

She couldn’t say it was quiet due to the succession rights.

Smart and quick-witted.

Always a shame.

If I could employ someone like her, the effect would be enormous…

As idle thoughts crept up and took over my mind.

I suddenly snapped back.

Ah, this isn’t the time.

It was about time to get to the main point.

As dessert was about to come out, I carefully broached the subject.

“If it’s not presumptuous, may I make a small request?”

“Oh! This lavish reception was for this moment, huh.”

As expected, Princess Eustia grasped the intent right away upon hearing.

Since it wasn’t a sinister plot, I spoke without reservation.

“Do you remember the cordyceps cultivation experiment last time?”

“I almost caused trouble by accidentally breaking the dish. You said it was fine since the cordyceps grew, but I felt bad then.”

“It’s alright.”

“I broke an expensive glass dish and couldn’t compensate…”

“Really, it’s fine.”

This was truly sincere.

I’d gotten the cordyceps cultivation conditions for free; what was a mere glass dish?

“So, what I’m saying is.”

“Yes.”

“Could you help like in that experiment this time too?”

Vargas’s soap research was just requested.

But with Princess Eustia’s skill, it could succeed in one shot.

Like with cordyceps, even if not optimal conditions, it didn’t matter.

If a far cheaper solid soap emerged than now, I’d accept some inefficiency.

“The condition where I do the experiment myself?”

“Yes.”

“Such simple work, anyone could do it.”

“No. For me, Princess Eustia’s skill…”

“Yes? What do you mean?”

You have a skill called ‘One Followed by Heavenly Fortune.’

If I spouted that, how crazy would I seem?

I quickly racked my brain for another word.

“Not skill, blessing! Yes, blessing is needed.”

“I’m not a priest.”

“It’s just superstition. Things always turn out well when working with you, Your Highness.”

“Hmm!”

She pondered briefly, then smiled brightly.

At that moment, I realized the persuasion succeeded.

“I’ll do it.”

“Thank you.”

“But on one condition.”

“I’ll accept anything.”

“At my wedding, when you attend.”

“Yes.”

It might be a bit violent, but since she was smart, no unreasonable demands.

So, I nodded readily.

But Princess Eustia’s next words froze me briefly.

“I’ll arrange a meeting, so please accept an introduction.”

“Ah, of course… Pardon?”

I was gradually accepting life in this world seriously.

But this sudden?

This is really troubling?

Other things aside.

Distance was the biggest issue.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Even in modern times, many long-distance couples broke up; how much worse in inconvenient medieval times.

Ah, I’m thinking too far ahead. Ahem!

Imagining marriage and kids before even seeing the face.

To gain Princess Eustia’s cooperation, I had to accept the condition anyway.

An introduction was natural.

The most important issue remained.

“If it’s not rude, may I ask one question?”

“Anything.”

“That person you’re introducing?”

“Yes.”

“Is she pretty?”

…

No, Princess Eustia?

It’s a natural question, why that look?