Chapter 22: Adolf’s Miscalculation.
More than a month had passed since Christina left the Bloom ducal house.
As a noble family specializing in alchemy, the Blooms delivered Heal Potions to the royal castle once a month. That delivery day had arrived. Adolf and Olivia rode in a carriage toward the castle, followed by a cargo carriage carrying the goods.
Inside the carriage, Adolf asked Olivia, “Olivia, everything’s in order for today’s delivery, right?”
“Yes. Exactly one hundred bottles, as promised. The quality meets the contract. No issues,” Olivia replied confidently, puffing out her ample chest. Adolf grinned with satisfaction and pulled her into an embrace.
“Good job, Olivia. With you, everything’s perfect. Honestly, I should’ve broken off that engagement with that insufferable woman when our grandfathers passed away.”
Their grandfathers had arranged Adolf and Christina’s engagement, and on their deathbeds, each left a will insisting the two marry. By then, Adolf was already deeply involved with Olivia. Looking back, he thought ignoring the will, breaking the engagement, and marrying Olivia immediately would’ve spared him the hassle.
“What’s wrong, Adolf?” Olivia asked, noticing his scowl as he recalled Christina’s dour face, which irritated him.
“No, nothing. That dress looks stunning on you. Perfect for your debut as the lady of the Bloom house.”
Shaking off thoughts of Christina, Adolf praised the woman before him.
“Hehe, that’s because you chose it with me in mind, isn’t it?” Olivia teased.
“I love how you pull it off with such style,” Adolf replied, kissing her.
As they spoke, the carriage jolted to a stop, signaling their arrival at the castle gate.
After an exchange between the coachman and guards, the carriage moved again, stopping before the warehouse for inspection.
“Lord Adolf, Lady Olivia, we’ve arrived at the inspection site,” the coachman announced.
They stepped out to find several soldiers, one wearing magical appraisal glasses, standing before the castle’s military warehouse.
“…? Not Lady Christina?” one soldier muttered, puzzled by her absence.
“I am the head of the Bloom house! Any complaints? This is the new lady, Olivia. She’ll handle these transactions from now on,” Adolf declared.
The soldiers exchanged skeptical looks, wondering what had happened to Christina, but their rank didn’t allow them to pry into noble affairs. They stayed silent.
“Let’s see the Heal Potions for this delivery,” the appraisal soldier requested.
The servants accompanying Adolf and Olivia brought the potions from the cargo carriage and presented them.
“Here they are.”
“Hmm.”
The soldier with appraisal glasses picked up a bottle, scrutinizing it closely.
“…The quality’s lower. When Lady Christina delivered, the potions were far superior. These are no better than what any common alchemist might make,” he muttered, disappointed.
“What?!” Adolf snapped, bristling.
“They meet the contract standards!” he insisted.
The appraisal soldier sighed. “True, they meet the contract, but as I said, they’re no different from average potions. Lady Christina’s were of higher quality, much valued.”
He shook his head, exasperated.
“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Adolf turned on the servants.
“W-Well… When Lady Christina was here, she infused the workshop with魔法 power while we worked, enhancing the potions. Her magic was exceptional, boosting their quality. That’s likely why…” a servant stammered.
Adolf clicked his tongue. “Damn Christina, meddling unnecessarily! But these meet the contract. Accept them!”
He stood firm, using the contract as leverage.
“…Fine, a contract’s a contract. We’ll take them,” the soldier relented, sighing quietly. “But we’ll have to settle for this quality from now on…”
“What was that?!” Adolf caught the murmur, leaning toward the soldier.
“Nothing, nothing. It’s fine for today. Here’s the payment,” the soldier said, eager to end the ordeal, handing Adolf the agreed sum.
Adolf, satisfied with the money, nodded.
“We’ll be back next month with the same contract-standard quality. Let’s go, Olivia!”
“I’m the lady of the Bloom house now. Don’t underestimate me!” Olivia added sharply.
With that, they boarded the carriage.
As it rumbled back home, Adolf fumed, “That Christina, causing trouble even now!”
“Absolutely!” Olivia agreed, their anger lingering.
“…No Middle or High Heal Potions this time, but those aren’t used often. We have stock from the previous supplier, so we’ll manage,” the appraisal soldier muttered, unheard by the furious couple.