THAT night, Evance’s father, Bruno, welcomed them all warmly into his home. Franz and Elise were thoroughly delighted by the star fruit liquor as well as the soft texture and incredible flavor of ball rabbit meat. Halfway through the feast, Bruno and his wife, Cassandra, extended their deepest gratitude to Bertine.
“We’ve been able to buy many medicines and books from the profits we received off the jarring venture. Thanks to His Excellency, schools and hospitals were built in the hinterlands, but now our people can see doctors without worrying about the cost as well. We no longer have to fear the worst if we injure ourselves or fall ill. Thank you, Bertie.”
She was glad from the bottom of her heart to hear that her work helped this country’s citizens.
“Money can be used for medicine or poison,” Bertine said. “It all depends on how people utilize it. But I’m absolutely confident that the people of this region will use it for good instead of ill.”
“When my younger sister became sick, Lord Bruno was kind enough to take her to see a doctor in one of the larger towns,” a young man near Bertine said. He’d been waiting for the right time to join the conversation. “We were able to pay the doctor’s fees because of the jarring work. It saved my sister’s life. Thank you very much, Bertine.”
“I’m so glad to hear the business is working out well. Where are your father and mother?” she asked.
“Our father is no longer with us. My sister is still bedridden, so my mother remains at home with her. I came here on my mother’s behalf to thank you.”
Bertine wanted to cry. With a “Thank you from me as well,” she gripped the young man’s hand tightly and smiled gratefully at him. He returned it with one of his own before taking his leave.
Franz approached her then, his face slightly reddened from spirits. “Bertine, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a citizen of the Empire, I had no notion whatsoever of this country’s attractions until I moved here. I’m sure my fellow imperials will be much the same. They’ll be shocked and delighted by what they find. But you must do something about that darn boat.”
“There’s actually a plan underway on that front,” she confided. “His Excellency introduced me to a shipbuilder, so soon enough we’ll have boats even imperial nobles can’t find fault with.”
“Always one step ahead, eh?”
“I appreciate the compliment,” she replied with a soft chuckle.
✦ ✦ ✦
DURING their weeklong stay in the Bilva district, Franz and Elise worked energetically. Franz spent a great deal of time talking to many of the locals about all sorts of topics. Whether they would be interested in working at the hotel. What kinds of fruits grew where. Where could one see various animals. Which water source was safe for drinking. He questioned the residents diligently, noting down their responses on a map he was drafting. As for Elise, her conversations with the locals revolved around regional cuisine. She jotted down their answers in her own notebook.
Then it was the night before they were set to return to Ybit. As Bertine prepared for the journey back, Franz made an unexpected remark, a smile on his face.
“My wife and I would like to stay here a bit longer.”
“Oh? You are aware the boat only stops here once a week, yes? So you intend to stay here until next week?”
“No. We’re thinking six months, at least. Perhaps a year or two even. Naturally, we’ve fallen in love with this region, but I also want to learn as much as I can about it. Otherwise, we won’t be able to build an enchanting hotel.”
A year or two. Bertine was dumbfounded by those words. She knew they were financially comfortable, yet there were some things in this district that money just couldn’t buy. Life here might get inconvenient for them because of their age. Perhaps her worry was reflected on her face because Elise interjected then.
“Franz is absolutely obsessed with the hotel at this point.”
“Fear not. I’ve already made arrangements with a married couple who will work for us in our house. While in our employ, we’ll teach them enough about etiquette and daily life in the Empire so that they’re accustomed to providing service once we finally have imperial aristocrats as guests. They will be the hotel’s first two employees,” Franz said.
“Well, I really shouldn’t be surprised at your initiative then. I’m truly grateful that you both agreed to help me, Franz, Elise,” Bertine said. “I never would have considered such factors if I undertook this venture alone.”
“And that is exactly why your father asked me to take on this job. You’re in good hands, Bertine.”
She thanked them again and again before they went their separate ways for the night. Knowing she had such heartening friends warmed her heart. Do or die, this hotel will get off the ground. And by God, it will be a success!
✦ ✦ ✦
WITH resolve firm in her heart, Bertine returned to the Federation capital of Ybit. Krusula’s store manager, Isabella, rushed out in greeting, her expression panicked.
“Bertine, we have an emergency! A letter arrived from the Empire bearing the imperial family’s crest. More than ten days ago! I’ve been at my wit’s end this whole time wondering what to do!”
Ah, it must be from Prince Claudio. He sent it to me directly, hm, instead of going through Luca. While she watched Isabella fret, Bertine wondered how exactly the boy had acquired her address here.
“Ehrenfried, hm? If I recall…that is the emperor’s younger brother.”
She didn’t stop to change her clothes or unpack her luggage and immediately opened the envelope to read the letter inside. Dorothée and Diego waited anxiously by her side. When Bertine finished, she shrieked in alarm.
“What is today’s date?!”
“It’s the thirteenth, my lady,” Diego responded calmly.
She looked dismayed at the information.
“The emperor’s brother is visiting us tomorrow! He wishes to discuss something.”
“My lady, did he mention the topic? His reason for coming here?”
“No, Dorothée, he didn’t. Only that he wants to speak with me. He wrote that it’s a personal visit, so I needn’t make any fuss over it.”
Without a word, Dorothée started unpacking.
“Dorothée, this isn’t the time for that. You do realize an imperial prince is coming, yes? Tomorrow? Here?!” Bertine cried.
“Which is precisely why it must be done. First, I’ll unpack, then clean the house from top to bottom, and finish off with a run to the market for foodstuffs and tea snacks!”
“R-Right. You’re absolutely right. What should I do then?”
“Why don’t you wash up and tend to your skin, my lady? It’s quite dry and burnt from the sun!”
“Oh, dear, is it…? I’ll get right to it then…”
“Diego, please start cleaning!”
The three of them didn’t even have a moment to rest from their journey before they set about their various tasks. Dorothée continued calling out orders one after another as she worked through the house, cleaning up and organizing. By the time they finished, night had already fallen. They decided to eat dinner out because they were all exhausted from their efforts.
“My lady, Dorothée is such a slave driver I feel like I worked a month in a day.”
“I agree, Diego. I agree.”
“The two of you should take to your beds early tonight. I myself will sleep after I make sure I didn’t overlook anything.”
“Will do.”
“Thank you ever so much, Dorothée.”
Thus, their busy day ended after their return to Ybit. Dawn arrived not long after, bringing with it an imperial prince’s visit.