Chapter 49 - Apology and Unicorn Horn
Though it was still before noon, the heat had already set in.
Feeling somewhat drained, Dahlia made her way to the Merchant Guild.
She was there to present compact magic stoves to Gabriella and Ivano.
For Mezzena, who had acted as her guarantor from the Courier Guild, Marcella had agreed to deliver it with a thank-you note from her.
"Welcome, Dahlia. Would you like some iced tea?"
"Yes, thank you."
In the office, Gabriella was sipping iced tea.
Today, she wore a light dress in violet-blue with a white collar, looking exceptionally cool and refreshing.
A faint cool breeze flowed through the room, likely from a cool wind fan that had already been turned on due to the heat.
Dahlia felt a sense of relief as she sat on the sofa Gabriella had offered.
"Thank you for agreeing to be a guarantor for my company. Here’s a token of appreciation for your help. Feel free to pass it on to anyone else if you wish."
Dahlia placed two compact magic stoves wrapped in scarlet fabric on the white table. Inside, there were also recipes and safety notes, so anyone should be able to use them reasonably well.
"Thank you, Dahlia. I won’t hesitate to accept. Once it cools down, I think I’ll be able to casually enjoy some hot wine in my room."
"Gabriella, don’t you usually ask your servants to do things like that?"
"I’m not originally from a noble family, so having people in my room at night always feels a bit unsettling. I haven’t done my makeup, and I’m wearing comfortable sleepwear, after all."
"I can understand that feeling."
She, too, would likely feel the same way in that situation.
If possible, she would prefer to spend her nights alone or with family, without any pretense.
"I’ve made new foaming pump bottles; if you'd like, you can give them a try. It dispenses liquid soap as foam."
"Oh, that sounds interesting."
"Once I’ve refined any remaining issues, I plan to register it as a small item rather than a magical tool."
"This isn’t a magical tool? I thought you might have put something like a wind magic stone inside it."
Gabriella opened the lid of one of the bottles, which didn't contain liquid soap, and stared curiously at the contents.
"I used magic when creating the parts, but after that, it’s purely mechanical design. There’s no magic enchantment involved. That’s why I want to have it made in a small item workshop, and I’d like to ask for your recommendation."
"Of course, I can help with that. I'll make sure to contact as many workshops as possible and place the order with the one that offers the best conditions."
"About that… Is there a workshop in the Merchant Guild that’s currently making liquid push bottles?" Dahlia asked.
Making it herself could take more time than expected, and there could be inconsistencies between individual items. She hoped to find skilled craftsmen to help.
"I think there are two workshops that do, but neither is very large."
"If either of them would accept it, I’d like to approach it as a 'joint development.'"
"Dahlia, if you do that, your share will be less than half. Are you sure you understand that?"
"Yes, I understand. I created the design, but the craftsmen might be able to improve it further, so I’d like to discuss and finalize it with them. Also, if there are any similar products out there, both Orlando-san and I were taught by my father to talk to the people already making them and, if possible, develop it together. That way, the end result is better, and there’s less chance of trouble."
"Less chance of trouble, huh... I can’t argue with that."
Gabriella topped up her glass with iced tea and offered some to Dahlia.
Taking a sip from her own glass, Dahlia felt a sense of relief from the coolness.
"So, you’re saying it won’t interfere too much with existing profits?"
"Yes, that’s one way to put it. If sales suddenly dropped, it would indeed be a problem. But, I’d appreciate being able to consult with experts in the field, and it’s fun to gain different perspectives from people other than myself."
Dahlia replied with a casual tone, and Gabriella suppressed a sigh.
She couldn’t help but think that Carlo might have taught his two apprentices, who were making new things, or rather, his daughter Dahlia, how to involve others without drawing attention to themselves, so that no one would resent them.
After all, if they all profited together, no one would be quick to retaliate. In fact, once they succeeded, they’d likely become willing allies.
Though she could offer advice that would prioritize the company’s profits, seeing the red-haired woman smile so cheerfully made Gabriella feel that following Carlo’s advice might be the better choice.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
With Gabriella’s permission, a guild member entered the office.
"Excuse me. There’s a request for you from Orlando & Co., and they’re asking to meet as soon as possible..."
"Who from Orlando & Co.?"
"It’s from the company head, Ireneo-san. He’s currently on the second floor."
"Dahlia, it’s probably an apology, but do you want to meet him?"
"There’s nothing for Ireneo-san to apologize for... But I do want to have a conversation, so I would like to meet him."
"Book the soundproof meeting room on the second floor. Move Ireneo there first and set up some tea."
"Understood."
After sending the guild member off, Gabriella reapplied her lipstick.
"I’m sorry, but as the head of a company, I’m still concerned about you, Dahlia. Would it be alright if I sat in? I might end up speaking up at times."
"Thank you. I’d appreciate it."
After bowing her head, Dahlia finished off her iced tea and stood up.
・・・・・・・
"I must apologize on behalf of my younger brother and mother. On behalf of the Orlando family, I offer my deepest apologies."
On the other side of the conference table, the man who remained bowed left Dahlia stunned.
"Ireneo-san, please raise your head!"
Lately, it seemed as though she had been bowed to a lot. She just couldn’t get used to it.
"You have nothing to apologize for, Ireneo-san. What happened between Tobias-san and me is in the past."
"Thank you. I am grateful for your understanding."
"Uhm, Ireneo-san, could you... speak to me as you did before?"
She had spoken to this man on several occasions when handling supplies or visiting their company, and though they had been on somewhat familiar terms, the formality now made her uneasy.
To put it bluntly, it felt unpleasant.
"... I apologize for the formality. First, please accept this. It contains twelve gold coins."
The man bowed and placed a blue cloth bundle, which seemed to contain gold coins, on the table.
"I’ve already accepted the consolation money."
"This is on behalf of the Orland family. I heard a certain someone had even foolishly asked for the bracelet to be returned. Please accept this as compensation for that. Honestly, this is more to provide a formal record that the company has apologized. It’s simply a matter of convenience on our part."
"Dahlia, you should accept it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to put things to rest. Of course, if you want to press Orland & Co. further, I won’t stop you."
"...Alright. Then, I will accept it."
She hadn’t thought about Tobias or the bracelet in some time. Still, she agreed, sensing an awkwardness she couldn’t shake.
"I do have something I would like to ask. Of course, you are free to refuse everything."
Ireneo clasped his hands on the table.
His dark, sharp eyes—just like his father’s—were fixed solely on Dahlia.
"Our requests are as follows: First, we ask that you not pursue legal action against Tobias regarding the magical tool registration. Second, we would like to spread the rumor that your broken engagement was amicable. Third, we request that pressure from the Scalfarotto family be stopped. Lastly, we wish to continue business relations with your company."
Dahlia didn’t intend to sue Tobias, and while she questioned whether the engagement annulment could truly be considered amicable, it might work out better for her. The Scalfarotto family’s pressure was never an issue to begin with, and she can’t ask Volf for something like that. As for business relations between their companies, there shouldn’t be any problems.
Dahlia continued to listen in silence.
"In exchange, we have four offers. First, we are prepared to pay an additional twenty gold coins. Second, for the next three years, any materials you order will be given top priority when we receive them, and even hard-to-find materials will be easier to obtain. Third, for the same three years, we will provide the materials at cost, with no markup. And fourth... while it may not be meaningful, if you ever need help related to running a company, we will do what we can. Although, with the guildmaster also acting as your guarantor, I know it won’t carry much weight."
"I’d like to hear more about this amicable engagement break-up rumor. This is just personal curiosity, of course."
With Dahlia lost in thought, Gabriella took the initiative to speak.
"The rumor will be that it was a mutually agreed-upon engagement breakup, that Lady Dahlia is close to the youngest son of the Scalfarotto family, that she will continue making magical tools, and that she likely avoided quitting her work due to marriage."
"...That makes it sound like your younger brother has no responsibility in this at all."
"I admit that. This is the best we can do to protect Tobias’s career as a magical toolmaker. However, this will eliminate any rumors that Lady Dahlia was abandoned by Tobias, and with the Scalfarotto name involved, at least those who might turn against her publicly will be fewer. Also, if Lady Dahlia wishes it, we will remove Tobias and his partner from this capital; I promise that as the company head."
Without loosening his hands, Ireneo made his final statement.
"These are reasonable terms, but what do you think, Dahlia?"
"I don’t need any additional money, and the issue with the magical tool registration is already settled. As for the rumor about an amicable engagement breakup, you can spread it without involving the Scalfarotto name, and say that I avoided quitting my work for marriage. There is no pressure from the Count’s family, and I would like to continue our business relations as companies. Also, I wish for no further involvement with Tobias-san, but I don't think I need to go so far as to move him away."
Honestly, Dahlia thought she didn’t want to maintain much contact with Orlando & Co., but there was one thing she needed.
There was a certain material she had only ever heard of from Orlando & Co.
So, she decided to allow some concessions to Ireneo and agreed to continue the trade.
Dahlia clasped her fingers under the table and stared directly at him.
"In return, I also have a request."
"Don’t hesitate to say it. I’ll do whatever I can."
"Please procure some fairy crystals."
"Fairy crystals... How many?"
"If possible, four. But if you can, I would appreciate one as soon as possible. Please use this to cover the cost. If it’s enough, you don't need to return any change. If it's insufficient, I'll pay the difference."
Dahlia returned the gold coins she had received as payment and made her request.
She desperately needed fairy crystals for the glasses she was making for Volf.
If possible, she wanted enough so that if he broke them, she could quickly replace them.
"Four fairy crystals, huh... Understood. I will notify all of our suppliers and guarantee their acquisition as soon as they are found. Should we handle the paperwork and communication through the guild?"
"Yes, please."
He furrowed his brow and pressed his chin with his right hand.
"Fairy crystals... I see. You’re going in that direction?"
"What direction?"
"No, I’ve heard that it's quite difficult material to work with, so I was surprised."
From that point on, Ireneo didn’t mention fairy crystals again.
After confirming a few details, Gabriella quickly prepared the documents. Just as they were about to conclude the conversation, Ireneo spoke up.
"Gabriella, could you leave us for a moment? I’d like to speak with Lady Dahlia alone."
At this unexpected request, Dahlia widened her eyes, and Gabriella flashed a bright smile.
"Oh my, Ireneo, are you trying to woo Dahlia?"
"I won’t do anything inappropriate."
"Are you willing to talk, Dahlia?"
"...Yes."
Though she hesitated, Dahlia ultimately decided to accept, considering the importance of the fairy crystals.
Once Gabriella left, Ireneo allowed his expression to soften slightly.
"I wasn’t sure whether I should give this to you, but..."
Ireneo took out a silver magical-sealing box from a white pouch.
"It was supposed to be a wedding gift, but forget that. Think of it simply as a material from me, as compensation for the inconvenience."
"Material?"
"Just take a look. I don’t know if it’s the real thing though."
When Dahlia opened the magical-sealing box, inside was a thin white rod.
Magic power overflowed from it.
"It’s small, but this is supposedly the horn of a female unicorn. It’s said to purify water, neutralize poison, and ease pain."
The horn of a female unicorn was rarer and more valuable than that of a male.
The negotiation between their companies had already been settled, and they were no longer tied to each other in any other way.
So why was he giving her such an expensive item? Dahlia couldn’t understand.
If he had included this material in the negotiation terms, Ireneo would have been in a much more advantageous position.
Why was he offering it to her now?
"Why are you giving this to me?"
"You might not remember... but after the engagement was settled, I once urgently requested waterproof cloth, didn’t I? At that time, when I asked what would make a good wedding gift, you said 'a material that helps with shoulder pain'."
"Oh, come to think of it…"
More than a year ago, Dahlia, Tobias, and Carlo had hurriedly made waterproof cloth at Ireneo’s request.
They had worked nonstop for two full days, exchanging remarks like, "He said we could do it, but this amount is definitely unreasonable...", "No matter how much we finish, it never ends...", and "Damn you, Ireneo, this will require extra fees...".
Finally, at midnight, they had completed the task, and Ireneo, apologizing profusely, arrived with a large amount of refreshments.
They all went upstairs to the second floor, drank, ate, and complained to him.
At that time, when Ireneo had asked, "What would you like for a wedding gift?", Dahlia had half-jokingly, half-sarcastically answered, "A material that helps with shoulder pain!"
Ireneo, with a very serious expression, had responded, "I’ll find it for you."
Tobias, sitting next to her, had laughed cheerfully.
Meanwhile, Dahlia’s father had jokingly said, "Get me a material to fight aging!", but Ireneo had completely ignored him.
That day, they had spent time laughing together, and that memory was vivid in Dahlia’s mind.
And it wasn’t a bad memory.
"...After that, Carlo-san told me, 'The horn of a female unicorn is good for pain relief.' That’s when I promised to find it. It took far longer than expected, but... please accept it, so I can fulfill my promise to Carlo-san. You can sell it, cook it, or do whatever you like with it."
"Um...?"
She almost asked if he owed something to her father, but she stopped herself.
Even if that was the case, Dahlia felt it wasn’t something she should ask about.
"...Thank you. I’ll accept it."
"Please do. It’s a shame that you didn’t become my sister-in-law, but I believe it’s for the best for you."
Ireneo gave a small smile. It was a smile so similar to his father’s.
Dahlia felt as though she were talking to Tobias and Ireneo’s father, the man himself.
"This will be the last time I call you Lady Dahlia. From now on, I wish to interact with you as the head of Orlando & Co., Chairwoman Rossetti."
"Yes, Ireneo-san… no, Chairman Orlando."
Ireneo bowed, and Dahlia mirrored the gesture.
Then, both of them silently left the meeting room.
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