divorce chapter 3

I invested the remaining money in alchemy, developing a potion that made flowers last longer and shimmer with an ethereal glow. Using this potion, I cultivated other popular blooms. I thanked my naive, carefree past self. That very innocence, that unassuming nature, had endeared me to the discerning noblewomen. 

I gifted them flowers, smiling with the same genuine warmth as I had before, never uttering a word about business. But their attention couldn’t be diverted from the unusually long-lasting, radiant blossoms. Soon, inquiries poured in, and I graciously introduced them to my enterprise. While some nobles scorned my venture into trade, most began vying for my flowers. Money flowed in rapidly. The waiting list stretched two years long. Yet, I still kept the callas hidden from the general market. A few flower-loving noblewomen made special requests, but I refused them all. The first person of high standing to hold these flowers had to be the Crown Princess.

The Crown Princess hailed from a declining family and had married the Crown Prince after his ardent courtship. Her sudden Cinderella-like ascension made her the envy of many noble ladies. It was only fitting that the most beautiful and precious flowers should go to her. However, getting noticed by the Crown Princess was no easy feat for a newly established business like mine. Every time the newspapers reported on the Crown Princess’s choices, my anxiety intensified.

“The wedding is fast approaching, and we still haven’t heard anything,” Nina murmured, her expression laced with worry. Then, cautiously, she suggested, “Shouldn’t we ask the Count for assistance?”

“Absolutely not.” He would undoubtedly meddle in every aspect of my business. This venture, from start to finish, had to be my own.

Just as my own unease began to grow, the royal palace finally contacted us. The Crown Princess carried a bouquet made of our callas and purchased all the flowers for the wedding decorations. Walking down the aisle adorned with shimmering blossoms, she looked as radiant as a fairy. And I wasn’t the only one who thought so. Orders began flooding in the very next day.

Nina and I worked tirelessly until the start of the original story. Three years. During that time, I used the money from the flower sales to completely pay off the Schneider County’s debts. Once again, I declared, “I’m breaking off the engagement.”

Surprisingly, my father’s reaction was much the same as before. “Must you really break it off? Even though the debts are paid, we don’t know what the future holds.” He wasn’t alone. Despite our newfound financial stability, my family disapproved of the broken engagement. My income, combined with the allowance from the Duke’s family, had brought the County unprecedented prosperity. Was even this overflowing abundance not enough? Their insatiable greed disgusted me.

“What should we do, My Lady?” Nina, my sole ally in this household, inquired.

“We go to Plan B.”

“Yes, My Lady.” Nina bowed and left the room. Watching her disappear down the hall of the townhouse, I sighed. I hadn’t wanted to resort to this, but it seemed I had no other choice.

***

Reynold, heir to the Schneider County, was currently experiencing the peak of his life. Despite his handsome features, his lack of remarkable skills and impoverished family background had previously hindered his popularity. But Estelle, his unremarkable fiancée, had blossomed, her talent for generating wealth transforming his life. Reynold’s ego swelled, fueled by the welcoming reception he received everywhere. Women far more beautiful and from more prestigious families than his insignificant fiancée were lining up to pursue him.

“What terrible timing for an engagement,” Reynold muttered to himself as he strolled down the street, relishing the admiring glances. His suit, crafted from the finest silk imported from across the Eastern Sea, and his handcrafted shoes accentuated his handsome features. He raised a white-gloved hand, and a shop attendant promptly opened the door.

“Oh! You’ve arrived, Young Master.” The Madame, waiting inside, greeted him with a dazzling smile.

“I heard the item I ordered has arrived.”

“Yes, indeed. It’s right here.” The Madame opened a box, revealing a pair of cufflinks, clear sapphires encircled by gold. Reynold practically drooled at their brilliance.

“For the sapphires, we used the finest quality from the Verhagen Dukedom, and as requested, we commissioned Master Muradin from the Craftsmen’s Guild for the setting.”