“…That’s not what I meant.”

Jiana looked weary at Mikael’s naïvely fanatic enthusiasm.

I wished the conversation would shift to something else.

I seized the opportunity to inquire about her current state.

“How have you been, Jiana?”

As she put down her cup, Jiana’s hand twitched slightly.

Had something gone wrong since she helped me?

She slowly opened her mouth.

“When I said I wouldn’t marry, my family treated me like a disowned child.”

For the first time, she was being honest.

Still, my parents and the rest of the family were upset that their obedient daughter had gone astray.

“But that was actually better. Isn’t it funny?”

Jiana smiled as if she found it amusing, but her smile was tinged with bitterness.

“Well, let’s talk about something else.”

Jiana was about to change the subject.

Mikael, who had been listening attentively, opened his mouth.

“You’re remarkable.”

“Pardon?”

Jiana’s eyes sharpened.

“Are you mocking me?”

“No, I’m genuinely impressed. You must’ve hesitated a lot before saying that.”

Mikael was sincere.

Jiana remained silent, and then Mikael broke into a smile. It was the kind of smile that could charm a heroine—a smile resembling a glass doll.

“You truly are a courageous person.”

Jiana’s face finally lit up.

“…Thank you.”

She answered bashfully.

‘What’s this atmosphere?’

In the strange mood, I remembered something I’d forgotten.

“Ah, right. I saw Jiana in the newspaper.”

“I was?”

Jiana blinked at the sudden mention.

I rang the bell, and Eshtra entered.

“Yes, I’ve kept it to show you. Eshtra, could you please bring the newspaper from my room?”

“Of course.”

Shortly after, Eshtra handed over a clipped newspaper page and left.

“Look here. ‘Lady Jiana Enders: An Angelic Touch in the Krod Orphanage.'”

There was a small story about the noble lady at the bottom of the newspaper.

Jiana coughed awkwardly. She had a habit of speaking stiffly when she felt shy.

“It’s a duty as a noble.”

“But it’s rare to do it as consistently as you do, isn’t it?”

The article mentioned that Jiana had been donating and volunteering at orphanages for over five years.

This wasn’t something done briefly for image’s sake.

“…It was also a way to escape from my family. It felt right for me too.”

Even her family, who were excessively interfering, had left her alone when it came to enhancing her value as a bride.

‘Donation and volunteering, huh.’

I felt like a good idea was forming.

“Jiana, would you like to start a business with me?”

“A business?”

“Yes. I have various items, and I think we can link them to donations.”

The key to converting magic in this world lay in the reputation and fame of the products.
For the nobility, it seemed best to sell highend items and allocate a portion of the proceeds as donations, while for the commoners, circulating donations and selling various daily items would be effective.

“It has to become as popular as forks or knives.”

The key point was that both premium and regular lines should feature indispensable items.

Upon hearing my general outline, Jiana expressed doubt.

“Creating such items won’t be easy.”

Her family was also involved in various businesses, but mass production was always a challenging issue.

But obtaining such items was my specialty.

“Just leave the items to me. Jiana, I’d like you to create a donation system. Something that could substantially elevate our reputation.”

This time, I planned to proceed without borrowing Frigia’s power.

Jiana was hesitant.

But I knew well what could tempt her.

“How about leaving your family entirely this time?”

“Leaving my family?”

Her eyes conveyed disbelief.

Typical, for aristocratic ladies seldom considered leaving their family premises.

“You, Jiana, have the capability and courage for it, along with good character.”

Her eyes wavered.

I seized the moment.

“Let’s make the business a success. The most important factors in Behon are determination, money, and prompt action.”

“Alright. Let’s do it.”

A new business partner emerged.

I lightly shook her hand.

After a light meal, it was time for Jiana to leave.

“I’ll contact you once everything is settled.”

Her steps seemed a little lighter as she boarded her carriage.

As evening cast its shadows.

Returning to my room, I seated Hayang at the table.

“Hayang, I need to use this card now.”

I wasn’t sure how the card worked, but I’d find out somehow.

The teddy bear swung its arm, and a door appeared on the previously empty wall.

Just as I reached for the handle, I sensed a presence beyond the door.

However, turning around, nothing was visible.

‘Must be my imagination.’

I opened the newly appeared door and entered.

‘It’s misty.’

Through the fog, a small shop came into view.

‘A holeinthewall store?’

As I approached, a silhouette appeared.

Beyond the worn counter stood someone who seemed to be the owner.

“Welcome.”

A handsome man with snowy white hair and red eyes greeted me.