Chapter 19: Renovating the mansion and making healing potions(2).

The next day.

I prepared bread to submit to the Commerce Guild. After breakfast with everyone, I packed the bread, flyers, a notebook with recipe descriptions, and Heal Potions into my backpack-style Magic Bag.

Then, I needed to get ready to go out. I took off my apron, hung it on the rack, and went upstairs to my room to change.

I switched from one dress to another. Since I’d be meeting people at the Commerce Guild for the first time, I chose something a bit more formal than my housework dress. My hair, slightly mussed from changing, I retied into a neat ponytail.

“All set!”

Checking the mirror, I smiled at my reflection.

Heading downstairs, I called out to the Cait Siths.

“I’m off to the Commerce Guild!”

““Okay!””

Their cheerful replies echoed back.

With their voices behind me, I opened the mansion door and stepped into the capital.

Leaving the mansion and walking down the narrow path, I soon reached the main street.

The capital’s cityscape was spacious. Carriage roads were lined with trees and flowers, flanked by sidewalks with rows of shops. A lively market square bustled with people, where I’d shopped before.

“The capital’s so vibrant and lively.”

Compared to Adolf’s Bloom duchy, it was far more energetic, with people brimming with life. Perhaps it reflected the ruler’s influence.

Musing on this, I strolled, taking in the sights, until I reached my destination.

The Commerce Guild.

It was a towering building on the central street, its entire structure— from the first floor to the top—dedicated to the guild. Fitting, given it oversaw all commerce in the kingdom.

Entering the first-floor entrance, I approached the reception counter.

“Welcome. How may I assist you?”

The receptionist asked.

“I’m Christina Veilmar. I’m planning to open a shop in the city and came to pay a courtesy visit.”

I stated my purpose and outlined my shop’s concept.

“I see. Veilmar… as in the marquess Veilmar family?”

She inquired.

“Yes.”

No need to hide it, so I answered honestly.

“Then I’ll fetch someone to assist you. Please wait on the sofa over there.”

She bowed and left.

After waiting briefly, the receptionist returned.

“Lady Christina Veilmar, the Guild Master will see you. This way, please.”

She led me to a door that opened to what looked like an empty box.

“I enter this small room?”

Puzzled, I asked.

“Is this your first time with a lift?”

Perhaps used to this reaction, she smiled and explained.

—A lift!?

Her explanation shocked me. It was just like an elevator from my past life. A magical device like that!

I was awed by the capital’s technology.

“Our building is tall, so we use a magical lift to move between floors.”

Gesturing, she guided me inside and operated the lift. With a whir, it ascended, giving a slightly floaty sensation.

“The meeting room is here.”

Exiting the lift, she led me to one of many doors. After knocking, she opened it and ushered me in.

Inside, a stout middle-aged man stood to greet me.

“Lady Christina Veilmar, a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you for your time. I’m here regarding my plan to open a shop.”

I bowed, sat on the sofa, and continued.

“Here are the Heal Potion, Middle Heal Potion, High Heal Potion, and breads I plan to sell.”

I placed the three potions and breads—egg sandwiches and anpan—on the table between us.

With a nod, the Guild Master examined them.

“The potions are standard, but the breads… quite unique. May I appraise the potions?”

“Of course.”

In this world, a magical appraisal device assesses item quality. He donned a monocle-like device and inspected the potions one by one.

After a moment, he removed it.

“These are exceptional. High quality, reliable efficacy. Items of this caliber are rare.”

“Are they that different?”

“Indeed. I can confidently approve their sale in the capital.”

“That’s wonderful to hear.”

I sighed in relief.

“Please, try the bread. If you’re concerned, I can taste it first to—”

“No, no, Lady. I trust there’s no issue. The appraisal showed nothing amiss. I’ll partake.”

He ate a sandwich, eyes widening.

“So soft! Slightly sweet and delicious, pairs well with the egg filling. May I try this one?”

He pointed to the anpan.

“Of course.”

“The appraisal says it’s made with adzuki beans, but the taste…”

He took a bite, eyes widening further, and finished it quickly.

“Sweet-filled bread? Never thought of it. As guild master, I’m amazed I didn’t. It’s a convenient treat, excellent.”

“Then, may I have permission to sell?”

“Approved.”

“And I’d like to include a café space for dining. Would that be permitted?”

I showed him the paper with illustrated menu descriptions.

He nodded enthusiastically.

“With your skill in just these breads, I’m excited for your other dishes. Unique offerings! I doubted a marquess’s daughter would cook, but your rare talent and creativity are impressive.”

Pleased with the sandwich and anpan, he smiled broadly, pulled a sheet from a drawer, took a pen from the table’s holder, inked it, and signed.

The business license.

“Here’s your shop’s license. Display it prominently in your store.”

“Understood.”

My business was done. I’d secured the license and guild registration.

“Thank you for your time.”

“I look forward to your shop.”

I bowed, left the room, and rejoined the receptionist waiting outside.

“Your expression says you got the license,” she said, smiling.

“Yes, I can open my shop.”

I nodded honestly.

“I’ll guide you to the exit.”

She led me back to the guild’s entrance.

I unfolded the license, gazing at it with a smile.

“Now I can open my shop.”

Who would come? What people would I meet?

My chest swelled with anticipation and joy.

I tucked the precious license into my Magic Bag.