Chapter 15: A New Beginning

In her first month at the Rosaider estate, Fine was busy learning the faces of the household staff and her duties as the lady of the house.

Gradually, she adapted to her new life.

This afternoon, in the study, Fine pored over ledgers, grappling with a problem.

She’d begun exploring ways to improve Rosaider’s struggling economy but hit a wall early.

“If only we could increase tax revenue…”

Rosaider’s territory lacked notable industries.

Maintaining a large army was costly, yet it was exempt from local taxes, contributing nothing to revenue.

Moreover, with no significant industries or fertile land, financial strain was inevitable.

“Hmm, the main income source now is border tolls—”

But strained relations with the neighboring country kept tolls low.

There were two main approaches to fiscal health: cutting expenses or boosting income.

Reducing expenses was tough in Rosaider, where military costs dominated.

Increasing income was equally challenging without industries, and raising taxes would burden the people, so she dismissed that for now.

‘We need a cornerstone industry.’

The land was there—establishing an industry could yield significant revenue.

‘But something about these ledgers feels off.’

She couldn’t pinpoint it, just a vague unease.

At first, she suspected errors in the numbers, but the calculations were correct.

‘Probably just my imagination.’

Fine pondered with a hum.

Finding a new industry was easier said than done.

‘Maybe a walk will clear my mind.’

From the study, she saw a clear blue sky outside.

A stroll might refresh her.

“Anna, I’m thinking of going for a walk—”

“I’ll join you.”

Anna, sorting documents as Fine requested, paused and smiled.

Outside, a refreshing breeze blew.

Rosaider, inland with sharp day-night temperature swings, was chilly at night in October but pleasant in the daytime sun.

“Where to?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure.”

“It’d be nice if we had a flower garden.”

Anna’s brows drooped as Fine hesitated.

Due to its role as a fortress in emergencies, the mansion lacked the colorful gardens typical of noble estates.

Having been used to strolling among flowers, Fine felt a pang of loneliness.

“When the former lady was still healthy, she tried to soften the military atmosphere by planting flower seedlings from her family’s estate.

But they didn’t take root.”

“I see…”

Fine knew Rosaider’s soil barely grew vegetables, so ornamental flowers would struggle.

‘It rains, and there’s sunlight.

If plants won’t grow, it must be the soil.’

Then, an idea struck.

‘The climate’s beyond my control, but my Divine Blessing might fix the soil.’

Fine called into empty air, “Val!”

“My lady, what’s wrong?”

Anna, startled by Fine’s sudden action, watched as Fine shushed her with a finger to her lips.

Soon, a tiny figure appeared—Val, the gnome.

“Fine, you called?”

“Yes.

I need your help again.

The soil here doesn’t grow plants well.

Can you do something?”

“Of course I can!

I’m an earth spirit, after all.”

With a proud grin, Val thumped his chest.

“Just watch.”

Val touched the ground.

The reddish-brown soil around his hand darkened to a rich brown, spreading outward.

The earth was becoming fertile.

“My lady, look!

What’s happening?”

Anna exclaimed, shocked.

Unable to see or hear Val, she must have thought Fine was muttering to herself before the ground transformed.

“Anna, you know my Divine Blessing is ‘hearing the earth’s voice,’ right?”

“Yes, the master told me.”

“I used it to improve the soil a bit.”

“Soil improvement?

You can do that?

I thought it was just hearing the soil talk.”

“No, it’s not just that.

I can talk to earth spirits.”

“Goodness!

What an amazing ability!”

Anna gripped Fine’s hands, thrilled.

Fine gave a wry smile.

Many, like Anna, misunderstood her blessing as merely hearing the earth.

“That’s right!

My power’s awesome!”

Val, delighted by Anna’s excitement, puffed up proudly.