BGFV 84

 Chapter 84

“Where are we heading now?”
As they strolled down the street after parting ways with the children, Luciard asked.

“First, we’re visiting the soap workshop. You know our family supports Tears, right?”
“Yeah, wasn’t the representative someone we met before?”

“Jerome? His father is technically the representative, but Jerome handles most of it. He leads product development and operations.”

Jerome had left for Byron a week before Hestia. He needed to deliver goods to the royal palace in time for the Milky Festival. Luciard had briefly met Jerome before, but their encounter wasn’t formal.

“Our Frost family makes its living on businesses like Tears, along with various crafts, art pieces, and handmade products. Those times are gone when nobles could survive on estate taxes alone.”

As Hestia greeted the locals warmly, she explained basic estate management to Luciard.

“Byron doesn’t have any unique features, so we decided to focus on arts and beauty—specifically, supporting local artisans, promoting handcrafted goods, and investing in luxury soaps and cosmetics. These areas were chosen because they align with Byron’s resources and have strong market potential, attracting both nobles and merchants. While we don’t run things directly, the fief’s economy benefits us too—through increased trade from visiting merchants, greater employment opportunities for locals in artisan workshops, and a boost in tourism as Byron becomes a hub for luxury goods.”

Frost may be a lesser noble family, but it did have a lot. Still, it couldn’t compare to the Winstons.

“Naturally, Winston is much larger and more influential than Frost. You could say the entire southern region falls under Winston’s influence.”

Luciard nodded thoughtfully, understanding Hestia’s explanation.

“Even now, the Duke oversees around ten businesses. Sometimes, he invests in promising ideas from southern nobles.”
“I heard that from Gallion. Apparently, Count Humphrey started a rebellion after his business proposal got rejected.”

Was it about the redevelopment project?

“Sure… it could have been one of the reasons, but it wasn’t the main cause. He must have been planning to do something for a while. I unintentionally became his guardian instead, which probably annoyed him, especially after being humiliated. That’s when he acted.”

Hestia smiled slightly, imagining Count Humphrey struggling. She had anticipated his moves based on her previous life, and though that Hestia had inspected or investigated several of his business locations.

“Anyway, when a business plan comes in, we need to evaluate whether it has market value and if investing won’t lead to losses.”

 “And what about the abandoned mine you bought?” Luciard subtly questioned.
Hestia smirked.

“Just wait and see. That abandoned mine will turn into a treasure chest. It might take some time, but it will definitely bring in big profits.”

Luciard still looked suspicious. It was probably hard for him to understand.

“In conclusion, the Duke has a lot on his plate.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed over the past few days while helping you.”

Luciard clicked his tongue, and Hestia chuckled softly.

“Although most of the businesses have their own managers, you can’t leave them completely unchecked. It’s good to visit the sites and see how things are running firsthand.”

By then, they had reached the soap workshop.

 This was the first time Hestia had visited the workshop since her return. Back then, it had been a small, shabby place converted from a warehouse. Now, it was several times bigger, with a refined system and facilities.

It had transformed from a workshop into a factory.

Luciard, too, was stunned.

An employee working inside hesitated when he spotted the two of them.
“This area is off-limits to outsiders!”
“Oh, I’m just here to see someone. Is Jerome inside?”
“The boss? Did you make an appointment?”
“No, but…”

“Oh, these people again…”

Before Hestia could say anything, the employee pushed them toward the door like an unwelcome guest.

“You can’t meet the boss without an appointment! Do you know how busy he is?”

“Wait, I’m—”

“Newbie, what are you doing over there?”

 “Oh, team leader!”

“These people claim they’re here to see the boss, but they didn’t make an appointment.”

“Another scammer? Then we should kick them—”

A man peeked out, his expression changing the moment he noticed Hestia. His face turned pale.

“L-Lady Hestia…!”
“Could you handle this employee? I’d like to go inside.”

The rookie was startled when his team leader’s complexion got worse.
“My apologies! This fool joined only a month ago. Rookie, apologize to the Lady!”
“S-Sorry!”

The rookie, still confused, stammered an apology. Hestia simply laughed.

“Seems like a lot of people come here looking for Jerome?”
“Yes, some think they can just show up and meet him. Apologies again for the rudeness.”
“It’s fine. He’s new and doesn’t recognize me. But next time, make sure all new hires memorize the faces of the Frost family.”
“Understood! I’ll escort you to Jerome now.”
“No need. I’ll find him myself. Where is he?”
“Probably in the meeting room.”
“Got it. Carry on, then. Let’s go, Luciard.”

As Hestia led Luciard through the workshop, the rookie whispered nervously to the team leader.
“Was that the Lady Hestia?”
“Yes, the eldest daughter of the Frost family—the one who built up Tears and Byron.”
“D-Did I make a huge mistake?”
“Hard to say… But the lady doesn’t usually hold grudges. Just stay strong.”

The rookie felt a wave of anxiety about losing his job but could only hope for the best.

Knock knock—
“Jerome?”
Hestia gently knocked and opened the meeting room door.

“We noticed a different design was getting more popular… Ah, Lady Hestia!”

Jerome, who had been commanding the room with confidence, brightened at her arrival.

“So today’s the day. Thank you for coming.”
“It’s no trouble. You seem busy, though.”
“The royal delivery is coming up, and we haven’t finalized the design yet.”
“Let me see.”

Jerome stepped aside, showing Hestia the sample cases for the royal cosmetics. After examining them, Hestia pulled Luciard closer.

“What do you think?”
“Aren’t they all the same?”

Clearly uninterested, Luciard failed to notice the subtle craftsmanship differences. Hestia, unsurprised, studied the designs further and asked Jerome, “Which one’s the most popular so far?”
“This one, according to the staff vote.”
“Something feels off, though.”
“Exactly!”

The design was luxurious and intricate, clearly crafted with a master’s touch, but it lacked something.

“Hmm… How about doing it like this?”

Hestia began rearranging the samples and reassembling them. Finally, she tied everything together with a golden ribbon symbolizing the royal family.

“Wow!”

Gasps of admiration filled the room.

“Your aesthetic sense never ceases to amaze us, my Lady.”
“You get used to it after doing this a lot. Add any finishing touches if needed, and then review it again.”

 “No need! We trust your judgment. Everyone agrees, right?”

The staff nodded in agreement, satisfied with the design. With time running short, they hurriedly carried off the final sample to prepare it.

“Are you done now?”
“I still have more to do, but it can wait. I see you brought Sir Luciard to show him around.”
“Exactly. Could you guide him?”
“Of course. I’d be happy to.”

Jerome kindly guided Luciard around the factory.

As they walked, people who recognized Hestia greeted her warmly. Occasionally, she approached workers, offering ideas, and Luciard watched with curiosity.

“She’s so approachable, isn’t she?” Jerome said softly to Luciard.

“…I’ve noticed this before, but she’s different from most nobles.”

Despite her noble status, Hestia mingled freely with commoners. While she was originally a commoner, she’d lived most of her life as a noble. Yet she didn’t display the arrogance typical of her class.

“Most nobles wouldn’t bother with this kind of work.”
“True, but the Lady prefers to lead by example. It inspires us to follow her lead.”

Luciard, having seen Hestia up close recently, found himself agreeing.

“Was Hestia always like this?”
“Yes, she’s been extraordinary since she was young. She preferred spending time with adults rather than playing with friends, and while others played with dolls, she was more interested in developing the village.”

“I’ve dealt with many people on my way to this position. As the brand grew, I met more and more individuals,” Jerome said.

In the past, he had to bow tirelessly just to sell a single product.

Now, orders poured in from everywhere, and it was others who bowed to him.

Occasionally, nobles even offered more resources than the Frost family, tempting him to join their ranks.

But Jerome always declined, and there was a reason for that.

“Without Miss Hestia and the Frost family, [Tears] wouldn’t exist today. And they have something money can’t buy.”

Luciard quietly nodded.

 They treated their staff not as subordinates but as family, sharing both hardships and joys together.

No matter how much gold or wealth someone offers, such a good leader and lord are impossible to find anywhere else.

“I believe people are priceless. Even commoners. No commoner would dislike a noble who truly cares for them.”

As Luciard pondered Jerome’s words, he looked up.

There was Hestia, blending effortlessly with the Tears staff, her face radiant with a warm smile.