Chapter 93

"Ah, my head hurts..."

Let me clarify first, it's not because I've slept too much. Then, what's the cause of my headache... I should also clarify that it's not related to my family's issues. Well, that is a bit of a headache, but...

However, I have a problem that's more troubling than the earl's territory.

"What should I do?"

I'm sighing and racking my brain over the new business venture planned for the duchy. It was supposed to go smoothly without any issues, but now the biggest problem has arisen.

"Why are the Vankulis increasing in number! Are they planning to take over the duchy!?"

Actually, the dozen or so Vankulis are just the beginning; their numbers are gradually increasing. I just heard this from my husband a moment ago.

"Well, it seems the neighboring country might have something to say about it soon."

Ugh! It's not my fault! I'm the victim here!

Michel is watching me, who is holding my head on the sofa in the study, with amusement. By the way, the only other person in the room is Diego, who looks like he's about to die.

Getting back to the topic, it seems that most of the Vankulis are now living in the forests and mountains near the coal mining village. Surprisingly, they are coexisting with the villagers.

The initial encounter wasn't welcoming, but their presence has kept harmful beasts away, and the small gardens that each household maintains are no longer being ravaged.

Moreover, reports indicate that they are eating the wild Vakui that grows in the mountains, not harming anyone, and even helping out.

This is strange, don't they have a high intelligence level? And didn't the villagers adapt too quickly?

However, I should mention one thing.

Because of them, the plans I had are becoming impossible.

"The feed... it's being eaten..."

"There are reports that the naturally growing Vakui is almost all gone. The villagers are growing it en masse."

Vakui is somewhat like a weed.

If one plant exists, it will start growing everywhere. However, it doesn't prefer hot climates, so it's limited to colder regions.

The duchy is long and narrow, and the northern coal mining village is suitable for Vakui growth. This was considered in the business plan.

"This was a plan to inject cash into that area, but perhaps we can make it a Vankuli business?"

"Originally, why are they flowing into this area? Yes, the mountain ranges are connected, but it's never happened before, right?"

"Occasionally, we see strays. If they only exist in the neighboring country with a similar climate, something must have attracted them, and that something might have appeared here too. It will likely become a problem in their country soon as well."

We don't really need them here.

In fact, the more they increase, the more my business plans are derailed.

No, it's not that I dislike Vankulis. Actually, their fur is very soft and pleasant to touch. I don't think anyone would dislike it.

However, a Vankuli business would compete with the neighboring country, and we might be seen as a threat.

"As long as cash flows in, we can spin and sell Vankuli fur for profit. This isn't a national project or anything. We don't plan to make it the main industry of the duchy. If the Vankulis are whimsical and leave, we can start the meat business as originally planned."

"That's true."

It seemed like a competition for feed with the Vankulis, but if that's the case, it's not a problem.

"By the way, who will shear the fur?"

"One person can't do it alone... and it's better to have properly trained people. At least someone with experience shearing other animals would be preferable."

My husband looks at Rihito, who is lying nearby, with pity. His fur is a bit sad... I can't help but feel a bit guilty.

I'm sorry! It's my first time, so it's inevitable!

I actually tried shearing Vankuli fur in the duchy, but it was really difficult.

I started by grooming Rihito's fur, which Leitzel offered as a human sacrifice, but I quickly realized I have no talent for it. However, the Vankulis refused to let anyone else do it.

Then, the real deal.

Leitzel was clearly reluctant, so I thought I'd practice on another one. The person who was teaching me how to shear sheep eventually took over. The Vankulis, after one was done, gradually became hesitant and gathered around the experienced person.

That's harsh, right? I'm trying my best too! But my technique is different from a professional's.

The person said it was their first time shearing Vankuli fur, but it seemed similar to shearing sheep, and their movements were very practiced.

Apparently, it's easier with Vankulis who stay still.

"Can I ask one thing? Is there a demand for it?"

"There should be. Even if the numbers are small, the price can be kept relatively low if it's domestically produced."

My husband's point is valid. But, it's so expensive that it might still be very high. Will people still want it?

"Lady Reisha, shouldn't you conduct market research?"

"Market research?"

Michel suddenly suggested from the side.

"I think women are the main consumers of that fur. So, you can ask at a tea party. Whether they want it or not, or at what price they would buy it."

"Isn't it a bit vulgar to talk about money?"

"The young ladies I'm close to wouldn't mind. They're a bit different, but they understand."

Ah, those girls.

They are the young ladies of the faction introduced to me by the royal family through Michel.

Indeed, they might give me honest opinions without reservation.

"A tea party..."

"Everyone is gathering next time, so shall we go together?"

"...Just to confirm, they know about Michel, right?"

"They know. I've told them I'm a man, but they are valuable friends who don't care."

"Sure, like attracts like, doesn't it?"

But if I say that, it applies to my husband too, since he brought Michel into this house.

"It's a tea party hosted by someone else, but a well-known countess with a famous garden is organizing it, and many people will be there. It might be a good opportunity."

Subtly, Michel is suggesting I ask not just his friends but others as well.

That's fine.

"In that case, I've received an invitation too. I was going to decline, but it's a good opportunity. I have business with the count, so I'll go with you—... What's that face for?"

"No, I feel honored!"

It's understandable that people might think my busy husband is up to something if he says he's going to a mere tea party. I couldn't help but show it on my face, but I managed a forced smile.

My husband looked a bit displeased.

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