“What?”
Heath looked at Arial, his expression dazed, as if he couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.
Then, gesturing between himself and Arial, he asked, “You mean… you want me to do this with you?”
Arial smiled brightly. “To be exact, it’d be me, Diana, and you working together. What do you think, Heath?”
Heath fell silent again, a slightly stunned look on his face. He likely needed a moment to process everything Arial had said.
Arial had made sure to explain that if they went into the magic device business, they would need to meet directly with nobles—possibly attending their gatherings or meeting with noble clients.
If Heath didn’t want to be involved, she was prepared to drop the idea entirely.
After thinking it over for a while, Heath’s ears turned red as he spoke hesitantly.
“So, if we do this… does that mean I’ll be going around with you?”
“Hmm?”
Heath scowled slightly. “I mean, would I be able to go with you to balls and banquets and things?”
“Oh, of course.”
The only way for a commoner to gain a position at court was through magic. If Heath’s skills were recognized, the nobles would no doubt start inviting him to all sorts of events. And since Arial would be sponsoring the magic device business, they’d likely be invited together.
‘But I didn’t expect Heath to actually want to attend things like that.’
She’d thought he’d be put off by noble society.
Lost in thought, Heath kicked at a stone on the ground, mumbling something under his breath.
“… do it.”
Arial, unable to catch his words, leaned in and asked, “What did you say? I didn’t hear you.”
“… I’ll do it.”
“Heath?”
Face bright red, Heath blurted out, “I said I’ll do it! I’ll join you in this magic device business, or whatever it is.”
After his hurried response, he shot her a quick glance, as if worried she might suddenly back out.
“Anyway, I said I’d do it, so no take-backs.”
Arial chuckled. “I won’t back out. Well then, I should head inside. We’ve got a lot to prepare if we’re going to start this. I’ll need to speak with Bruno and Lord Matthias too.”
“Alright.”
After her crimson hair disappeared from view, Heath sat down heavily on a rock in the garden, burying his head in his hands.
“Ugh, what am I even doing…”
When Arial first brought up the idea of a business, he’d been completely caught off guard. He’d never thought of creating magical devices for use by ordinary people. It was a truly groundbreaking idea.
Everything he’d made up to now had been for Arial. He never imagined those things would attract interest from anyone else.
‘Honestly, I don’t like the idea of selling my magic to those nobles.’
But the chance to work on something together with Arial was far too tempting.
Especially the thought of being able to attend gatherings with her as a partner, just like the Grand Duke, and even dancing together… it stirred something deep within him.
‘More than anything… I’d be able to protect her.’
Recently, the Grand Duke had destroyed a neighboring kingdom as retribution against a princess who had tried to harm Arial. Arial could have been hurt or even lost her life if things had gone differently.
Of course, that monstrous Grand Duke would never have allowed things to go that far.
‘But if I could be there to protect her when he isn’t around…’
The only thing he dreaded more than dealing with arrogant nobles was the thought of Arial getting hurt.
He recalled her face, the way she’d smiled so warmly at him.
“Oh, seriously…”
With a groan, Heath tousled his brown hair in frustration.
* * *
Matthias readily approved Arial's plan for the magic device business.
“If it’s something you want to do, then by all means, go ahead, Arial.”
Arial had half-expected Matthias to object, considering his overprotective tendencies, so she beamed when he gave his permission.
'Looks like Lord Matthias finally acknowledges that I've grown up.'
After all, she was already fourteen.
Pleased with her sense of maturity, Arial’s satisfaction was cut short by Matthias’s next words.
“But I’ll handle everything you need.”
Immediately, Arial’s face fell into a pout.
Really, Matthias didn’t understand her heart at all.
She wanted to accomplish something under the Lacartel name by her own efforts. As Grand Duchess, her role wasn’t just about shaping the household in her own style—her work outside the estate also reflected on the family’s reputation.
Of course, nothing Arial did could ever tarnish the esteemed Lacartel name, but still.
She stood as firmly as she could, placing her hands on her hips.
“Lord Matthias, I’m not a child anymore. You can’t do everything for me.”
“…”
Matthias gave her a look that reminded her of Lucian’s expression whenever she refused a gift. His normally stern and composed face softened into a slight frown.
“You’re still a child to me. And that’s reason enough.”
Uh-oh, he’s winning on logic…
“If you keep doing this, I’ll turn into someone who’s completely dependent on you,” Arial said, attempting a playful threat.
Matthias chuckled softly at her kittenish tone. Despite having an eighteen-year-old son, he still looked remarkably youthful and beautiful.
“Arial, I think you could afford to be a little more dependent. For my sake, at least.”
“….”
A faint blush spread across Arial’s cheeks.
This is so unfair, Matthias.
By now, Arial understood the language of Matthias perfectly well.
What he truly meant was, ‘I just want to do more for you.’
Whenever he showed her such infinite tenderness, she felt a warm fullness in her heart.
Putting on a slight pout, she replied, “But I still don’t want you to do everything.”
Matthias pressed his fingers to his temple, as if weighing his options. Finally, he conceded—partially.
“Alright then… names.”
“Huh?”
“Do you remember what I told you before? If anything becomes too difficult, bring me the names of those responsible.”
Oh, that list…
“If anyone causes you trouble this time, just bring me their names. That will suffice.”
Internally, Arial shook her head. No way would she actually do that, knowing the consequences.
Still, she was relieved he’d relented this much. Grateful for his support, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
“Thank you, Lord Matthias.”
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Matthias added one last offer he couldn’t resist.
“Shall I give you a few gold bars for snack money?”
“Lord Matthias.”
“…Alright, alright.”
* * *
Arial consulted with Dalton, the treasurer, to withdraw funds from her vault and set the business plans in motion.
Upon hearing that his young mistress was starting a business, Dalton was overwhelmed with enthusiasm, eagerly offering to support her in every way possible.
“Young Mistress, let me tell you the best ways to save on taxes…”
“Young Mistress, the busiest times of year for cash flow are…”
“How about I assign you a junior treasurer to assist you…”
Dalton’s eagerness was so overwhelming that Arial eventually had to flee from him.
With this being her first business venture, Arial turned to Diana for help. Cecil, having retreated to the mountains for sword training as soon as spring ended, could only offer support through letters.
Diana, rushing to help at her friend’s request, declared confidently, “Arial! Leave the item ideas and connections to me. The Monica Ducal House has plenty of connections!”
Diana even brought a scroll taller than a person, listing the unique magical items she wanted for herself.
“First, we should decide on the initial products to launch and which shop to sell them through.”
“Right!”
With Heath joining the discussion, the three of them spent hours brainstorming ideas for the business.
Though Heath started off sitting quietly like an outsider, he eventually got swept up in the conversation, contributing ideas with enthusiasm.
At the beginning of the following month, they launched the first magical items in a surprise event.
The debut was held at Madame Helen’s boutique.
Madame Helen’s shop was already famous as the Grand Duchess Arial’s exclusive dressmaker, but when it also began carrying magical devices, its popularity skyrocketed.
The first product was a line of protective jewelry designed for noblewomen.
“They say these magical devices are crafted by a genius mage sponsored by the Grand Duchess herself!”
“Yes, and apparently the Grand Duchess had a hand in the product designs as well!”
“Oh my goodness! Where can I place an order?”
Despite the high prices, orders for the magical devices flooded in.
The best-seller was a pair of silver earrings, known as the “Life-saving Earring,” which repelled attacks and had gained fame as the item that had saved the Grand Duchess in a moment of peril. Other items sold like wildfire, too.
- An amethyst ring that detected poison.
- An opal bracelet that could temporarily blind an attacker.
- A garnet pendant necklace that emitted a loud alarm when pressed.
Noble ladies began carrying these protective magical items everywhere, using them to safeguard themselves.
Hearing of the successful launch, the three friends exchanged smiles and high-fived each other.
Their business was off to a smooth and promising start.