Chapter 109 - Formal Delivery Greeting to the Royal Castle
Author’s Note: This is the journey to the royal castle.
Amidst a light drizzle, Dahlia, along with Ivano and Lucia, was heading towards the royal castle in a carriage.
The Rossetti Company was making their formal delivery greeting to the Monster Subjugation Force, and after a time gap, the head of the Merchant Guild, Viscount Jedda, and the head of the Tailors Guild, Viscount Fortunato, would follow.
During the prior discussions, it was mentioned that if the delivery was to be made to the Chivalric Order, Fortunato would handle it on their behalf, which came as a relief.
Nine days had passed since Dahlia visited Ozwald.
During that time, Dahlia had received lessons on royal castle etiquette from Caterina, Ozwald’s first wife, about four times.
Caterina, who hailed from a viscount family, was also well-versed in matters concerning the Chivalric Order.
Initially, Dahlia was quite nervous, but Caterina’s guidance was very gentle. She not only taught the proper manners but also explained the reasons behind them, what to do if mistakes were made, and even how to apologize. Additionally, she gave advice on clothing and hairstyles, which was incredibly helpful.
Ivano, too, seemed to have found Ozwald’s guidance very beneficial.
He had remarked with deep emotion, “I’ve come to understand the royal castle much better and have been deeply impressed by many things.”
As for the etiquette flashcards they received, Dahlia had memorized them so thoroughly that they even appeared in her dreams. It was the first time since her school days where she would cram before a test that she had crammed so much information.
She managed to get everything into her head, though whether she could execute it was another matter.
Just two days ago, Volf, who had come to deliver donuts to the tower, finally finished memorizing them and was reflecting on his past with a distant look.
Even Volf, who works at the royal castle, struggled with this.
It made Dahlia wonder if perhaps Ozwald’s expectations were just too high.
“Hey, Dahlia... why is it that I, a commoner who used to make gloves and socks, am now the head of the five-toed sock workshop and heading to the royal castle?”
Next to Dahlia, who was flipping through her notes for a final check, the woman with bright green hair wore a faint smile.
This was Lucia, the assistant manager of the Fano workshop.
Lucia had been working at her family’s workshop, which produced small clothing items, but due to her involvement in the prototype of five-toed socks, she joined the mass production system alongside the head of the Tailors Guild.
And now, a month later, she, a commoner, was one of those invited to the royal castle.
“Um... a big promotion?”
In response to Dahlia’s whispered reply, her friend’s eyes, the color of dayflower, slowly lowered.
“I once told Fortunato-sama, during a busy and dazed moment, that my dream was to one day have my own workshop. And then he said, ‘Since you’re the most knowledgeable about five-toed socks, you should be the workshop head.’”
“Your dream came true, didn’t it...”
“That’s great, isn’t it?”
“Why are both of you looking away?”
Dahlia and Ivano simultaneously averted their eyes from Lucia. It wasn’t planned.
“There are so many older craftsmen at the ‘Tailors Magic Workshop,’ and they’re all so hard on me!”
“Oh, that’s...”
The ‘Tailors Magic Workshop,’ named for its production of five-toed socks and shoe drying insoles, was prepared with a fairly large building and a considerable number of staff, looking towards the future.
It would have been best if Lucia’s father had taken on the role, but he was overwhelmed by the errands from the Tailors Guild, making it impossible. Her grandfather had said, ‘I’m retired,’ and her brother had said, ‘I have the family workshop,’ so they both declined.
‘The men of the Fano family have no backbone,’ Lucia once said.
Lucia is the same age as Dahlia. The pressure at the Tailors Magic Workshop must be immense.
However, in just two weeks, the production system for five-toed socks and shoe drying insoles was almost set up, and within a month, it was fully operational. This speaks volumes about the efforts and execution power of everyone involved, including Lucia.
“Every time I go to the Tailors Guild, there are rumors about me being Fortunato-sama’s lover or his illegitimate sister, it’s just ridiculous! There’s as much difference between Fortunato-sama and me as between a kraken and a small squid.”
“Leaving that analogy aside, it seems you’re also subject to such rumors, Lucia-san...”
Ivano’s deep indigo eyes were filled with sympathy.
Lucia is also a single woman. Such rumors must weigh heavily on Ivano, who has daughters.
“Yes. Every time, I worry and say, ‘Is your eyesight bad? You should see a doctor or go to the church,’ and laugh it off. Dahlia, since you started your company, it’s been annoying, hasn’t it?”
“A little. I try not to listen, and if I do, I just forget about it.”
“Really, there are just too many idle people. But I won’t give up this position, it’s profitable!”
That’s Lucia for you.
With a smile that shakes off everything, her dayflower-colored eyes shine brightly.
“Working as a workshop head, I’ve saved up a year’s worth of savings in two months. Hehehe... If I keep this up for four years, I might be able to build my own clothing workshop.”
The workshop head’s salary seems to be quite good.
For Lucia, who has been diligently saving money to have her own clothing workshop, this is the biggest advantage.
But Dahlia had her concerns.
“Just don’t ruin your health, Lucia.”
“Don’t worry, Dahlia. I won’t die until I’ve filled the capital with cute clothes.”
Lucia, with a sudden smile, patted Dahlia’s shoulder twice and then stroked it in the opposite direction.
It’s a charm from their Primary Academy days, meant to dispel pre-exam anxiety and boost scores.
Dahlia must have been looking anxious without realizing it, as Lucia was showing her concern.
“Your outfit today is also very cute, it suits you, Lucia.”
Lucia was wearing a slim, dayflower-colored long dress with a matching jacket.
The hem of the jacket and the skirt’s cut were rounded, accented with ribbons of the same color. Her hair was braided and tied with a dayflower-colored ribbon. It was an elegant and adorable attire.
“Thank you. I thought about it carefully to avoid being disrespectful and even consulted Fortunato-sama. But the etiquette... I learned from people at the Tailors Guild who frequent the royal castle, but it was so intense it felt like it would appear in my dreams.”
“I even dreamed about the flashcards and my instructor...”
Ivano also seemed to have had a tough time.
The three of them shared a wordless laugh as the carriage slowed down. They must have entered the royal castle grounds.
From here, they would get off the carriage and undergo identity verification and baggage checks, separated by gender.
This time, since Lucia was with them, it should be less hectic than last time.
But honestly, Dahlia wasn’t looking forward to meeting the members of the Monster Subjugation Force she had encountered last time.
She had inadvertently raised her voice during a conversation about foot fungal infection, leading to suspicions about her having it. It’s embarrassing just to recall.
Today, she just hoped to avoid any awkward conversations and get through without any incidents.
After a quick check by a female knight alongside Lucia, they were informed that the Monster Subjugation Force would be welcoming them.
Stepping outside with Ivano, they saw a large man with blue hair standing there.
“I am Grizelda Lanza, vice commander of the Monster Subjugation Force. I have come to welcome you.”
With a polite greeting and a smile, Dahlia was momentarily delayed in her response. She hadn’t expected the vice commander to come.
“My apologies. I am Ivano Mercadante, a member of the Rossetti Company. It’s my first time at the royal castle, and I’m a bit nervous.”
Ivano stepped forward first. Following him, Dahlia and Lucia also gave their greetings.
Fortunately, when greeted by a knight, it’s not considered impolite for a single woman to have a companion respond first. Without Ozwald’s notes, Dahlia would have been flustered and bowing her head in apology.
“The Monster Subjugation Force is not a formal place. We’re not strict about etiquette, so please feel at ease within the unit’s building.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Even though Grizelda said that, Dahlia wasn’t sure if it really was okay to relax or to what extent would be acceptable.
She managed to put on a professional smile as they moved by carriage.
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