My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 22

“Madam! The prototype is ready!”

Marie runs over with a basket in one hand, saying that.

The day after arriving at the count’s estate, I had baked a large batch of cookies since morning and was having tea in the garden pavilion with them.

So many spirits are flooding into the room,

“When you come to play, don’t come all at once.”

Even if you talk to someone when others are around, they can’t respond.

“Don’t eat cookies in front of humans” (because a strange phenomenon occurs where the cookies suddenly disappear).

They had made some agreements, such as giving cookies. By the way, even though everyone couldn’t see them, a considerable number of spirits were still flying around this area.

If everyone could see the spirits too, it would be great to turn the territory into a tourist spot called “Spirit Village.” What a shame.

“Wow, it’s already done? I never expected to be able to eat this bread the day after we arrived. The chef here is impressive to be able to recreate a method I’ve never heard of so quickly!”

“The baker said there’s still plenty of room for improvement. But I couldn’t resist and had one fresh out of the oven for a taste test, and it was absolutely delicious!”

“Hehehe, I’m looking forward to it.”

Marie sets the table and places the still-warm bread she took out of the basket onto the plate for me.

When you tear off a bite-sized piece and put it in your mouth, the aroma of wheat gently spreads, and the balance with the chewy texture that follows is really good.

“It’s delicious!”

When I involuntarily raised my voice, Marie let out a sigh of relief and patted her chest.

“I’m glad it suited your taste. If you want it to be even more chewy, in the Baron territory, they mix a type of yam called ‘Kyaba Imo’ into the dough. The baker said he would try various things to see if they could substitute with what can be found in this territory.”

I see, if we can find a substitute for that cabaret yam produced in the count’s territory, that would be perfect.

“They also said that if you make it a little sweeter and fry it like a donut, it might taste good.”

“A genius!”

That’s definitely a delicious one!

Baker is a relatively young cook, which is rare in this mansion where there are many older servants. It seems that his father also worked as a cook here for many years and has recently passed the position on to him.

They are a talent that is too exciting to anticipate.

For the next few days, I was busy asking Marcus to take me to the city and going on inspections near the fields and mines.

Even though it was called an inspection, due to security reasons, I could only peek outside from the carriage, but wherever I went, the vassals generally welcomed me.

The territory of the count is well-funded, so everything is beautiful and developed.

The roads are well-maintained, and there are an appropriate number of streetlights and soldier outposts, so the security seems good. There are also proper schools and hospitals.

However, it is true that there were a few points of concern.

The most concerning thing is that the vassals lack vitality.

“Hey, Dahlia. Don’t you think the people are a bit lacking in spirit, even though this territory is so prosperous?”

Today, Dahlia is accompanying me.

“Is that so? To me, it looks like a lively town.”

Indeed, the residents’ expressions are bright because they live in abundance. However, the imbalance of having residents without vitality in a beautiful and prosperous town caught my attention.

Perhaps because I have lived in the lower town, I can understand this, but the commoners’ town is filled with a vitality, a life force, that comes from their daily struggle to live earnestly.

I feel like this town doesn’t have that. It’s almost liked the noble district of the royal capital…

“What should I say… I can’t quite express it well, but it’s like there’s no liveliness, or maybe it’s that there’s not enough of that youthful exuberance.”

“I prefer maturity over youth, though.”

“…………”

“Since the Countess is here for an inspection, they might be feeling nervous.”

I see. If you’re nervous, then there might not be any energy or anything.

Even if they seem to be welcoming at first glance, for commoners who rarely have the opportunity to meet nobles, nobles can also be objects of fear.

Hmm, it might be quite difficult to see the real thing while I’m on an inspection.

Actually, I was thinking of attending a tea party for the wealthy ladies in the count’s territory soon… but of course, they’ll be mindful of me, right?

This tea party is a gathering of the ladies who weave that silk-like fabric, and I am really looking forward to attending. Apparently, for them, weaving fabric is just like how noblewomen enjoy embroidery.

As for me, I definitely want this weaving to spread throughout the territory and, if possible, make it a specialty of the territory.

If possible, it would be appreciated if I could hear various honest opinions instead of being treated with the utmost respect as a countess…

“That’s true. It’s only natural to be nervous if the Countess goes.”

As I gazed at the streets of the earldom, I decided to put into action a plan I had been contemplating for some time.

That night.

As usual, while relaxing in my room with Marie, I confided in her about the decision I made earlier in the day.

I figured Marie probably wouldn’t object, but she took it on with more enthusiasm than I expected.

“Leave it to me, ma’am. It’s not bragging, but this is my area of expertise! I’ll head out to the town tomorrow and get what we need.”

“Thank you, Marie. …Um, I think it might cost quite a bit, but is that okay?”

Marie looked puzzled for a moment, then patted her chest and smiled.

“Please don’t worry, I have been given a substantial amount of money by the Count for my stay in the territory. Michel-san has also told me to make sure to shop diligently!”

“To be diligent in shopping is quite an uncommon phrase, isn’t it?”

But I see. Husband, you were actually thinking about money properly. I’m so grateful.

“Well! That’s very kind of you. But I think Michelle would have wanted you to buy a dress or accessories instead. Is it really okay to use it for something I need for my plan? Like… magic stones or something?”

I know that magic stones are quite expensive.

Of course, the price varies greatly depending on the effectiveness and quality, but while the high end is at a price that might make you faint, the low end is still quite expensive.

“Hehehe, my lady. You shouldn’t underestimate the wealth of the Hamilton family. Even if you buy one or two pieces of clothing or one or two magic stones, we still have plenty of money left. In fact, I’m more worried about whether you can spend it all properly!”

Really? I mean, you don’t have to force yourself to use it all up, do you…?

“Oh, by the way, Michelle told me not to come back until I use it all up.”

Does something like that really happen?