~Chapter 29~
The sister he knew was the queen of impulse shopping.
And now that Evangeline was… checking product samples before buying anything?
“Yes. She said she’ll create a budget plan for the purchase and show it to you, sir. She also plans to include the catalog and price list.”
“Wait… Are we still talking about my sister, Eva?”
“Of course, sir. Didn’t you already approve her managing the townhouse affairs?”
The butler looked more confused than Dietrich.
‘Hmm…’
Dietrich made a puzzled face.
Yes, he had allowed Evangeline to take charge of the townhouse’s management.
But to be honest, he hadn’t really expected much from her.
He just thought it’d be a good learning experience.
He’d even told the butler and administrators to keep an eye on her work.
And he had given prior approval for her to get help from Lady Ansi…
‘Ah…’
The realization clicked.
“Is Lady Ansi helping Evangeline right now?”
“Yes, exactly.”
The butler smiled even more warmly.
“There’s no need to worry. Thanks to Lady Ansi, the young lady is managing things very capably.”
“Hmm… ‘capable’ and ‘Evangeline’ don’t usually belong in the same sentence.”
Just then, Dietrich was hit with déjà vu.
Back when Evangeline submitted that detailed event proposal for the salon…
He’d felt this same kind of surprise.
“Pardon me if I’m overstepping, but I believe Her Highness has made a truly wonderful friend.”
The butler finished with a satisfied smile.
“Agreed.”
Dietrich gave a soft laugh and grabbed his jacket from the chair.
The butler blinked.
“Where are you going, sir?”
“My little sister is working so hard—shouldn’t her brother lend a hand if he can?”
As he was walking out the office, Dietrich suddenly stopped.
He glanced at the butler.
“By the way, where is Eva right now?”
Dietrich headed downstairs quickly.
‘The butler said Eva’s meeting merchants in the first-floor sitting room…’
And he also mentioned,
‘No need to worry—Lady Ansi is with her.’
“So this teapot set costs 1,500 derks?”
Evangeline’s sharp voice rang out as he neared the parlor.
Dietrich stopped walking and quietly listened.
“Yes, it’s imported, so it’s a bit pricey… but I assure you, the quality is guaranteed.”
“Guaranteed quality, huh?”
Evangeline examined the sample closely and then smiled sweetly.
“I believe it. Everything I’ve seen from your company has been great quality. This one’s flawless too.”
“Th-thank you very much!”
The merchant beamed with joy.
But Evangeline wasn’t done yet.
“That said, paying such a huge amount just because it’s imported is a bit much for us too.”
“Pardon?”
“So I’d like a written quality guarantee under your company’s name.”
The merchant looked like he’d been hit over the head.
“A… a guarantee?”
“Yes. Just include the product list, manufacturing date, and the warranty period.”
She nodded gracefully.
“And also add a clause stating that the original craftsman will handle any repairs personally.”
With a radiant smile, she looked at the merchant.
“Of course, if the fault is ours, we’ll cover the repair costs.”
“Y-Your Highness… That’s a bit…”
“If there are any clauses you’d like to include on your side, feel free to let me know. We’ll try to accommodate them.”
Then, Evangeline casually glanced at Larit sitting next to her.
Larit silently handed her an envelope.
The logo of the merchant’s rival, Wells Trading Company, was stamped clearly on it.
“Oh! By the way, Wells Trading has already agreed to provide a quality guarantee.”
At first, Dietrich had come down just to check on his sister.
But now, he found himself fully absorbed in watching her negotiation.
‘Impressive.’
She started with praise, stated her conditions, and left room for negotiation.
The usual temper tantrums were nowhere to be found.
The merchant was especially shaken by the term “quality guarantee.”
Because Evangeline usually just bought whatever, then tossed it aside if she got bored.
Now she was requesting warranties and talking about repairs?
‘She actually understands… “budget control.”’
Dietrich’s eyes sparkled.
Budget control.
A crucial trait for someone managing a noble house.
And since her demands were totally reasonable, the merchant had no grounds to protest.
Not to mention…
“Wells Trading already agreed to it…”
That subtle name-drop sealed the deal.
‘She’s negotiating like a pro… Did Lady Ansi teach her this too?’
The merchant, visibly overwhelmed, staggered out of the room.
Clearly, the deal had been a success.
From a distance, Dietrich walked toward the drawing room.
“You did really well today.”
Through the doorway, he could hear Larit calmly praising Evangeline.
“Really?”
Evangeline asked, her voice buzzing with excitement.
“Yes. Even mentioning Wells Trading was a smart move.”
“W-Well, that’s only because Lady Ansi showed me their envelope…”
“Still, you caught on quickly and emphasized there’s competition. That’s clever.”
Larit smiled kindly.
“Today’s success was all thanks to your negotiation skills.”
“Hehe.”
Evangeline grinned proudly.
Larit continued gently:
“Just keep doing exactly what you did today. You’ll do great.”
“Absolutely! Just trust me!”
She nodded enthusiastically.
That’s when she spotted someone.
“Oh! Brother?”
She looked shocked.
Larit jumped up, flustered, and bowed politely.
“Larit Ansi, greetings to the Duke of Claudius.”
Oops. I didn’t mean to startle them.
Dietrich chuckled inwardly and bowed back respectfully.
“It’s a pleasure, Lady Ansi.”
He added playfully:
“My sister seems to rely on you a lot. Thank you.”
Evangeline gave him a side-eye but didn’t object.
Which, coming from her, meant she truly trusted Larit.
“Oh no, sir. It’s quite the opposite.”
Larit smiled softly.
“Her Highness has shown me far more kindness than I deserve. I’m grateful to her.”
“Hmm, sounds like you’re giving my sister too much credit.”
Dietrich chuckled, then turned to Evangeline.
“So… I hear you’re getting a new teapot set?”
