Natalia knew she had to eventually return to her matrimonial home. The time she spent with her brother was too short. In her past life, she didn't value the time she had with him since she thought he would always be there forever but the day he took his final breath, Natalia felt her soul wither. Death was unavoidable but his came too soon.
The two concluded the matter of the property and Natalia left the rest of the business to Amaika. She had to travel to the capital so it wasn't convenient to deal with the land matter. If she dallyed, she wouldn't be able to get it settled.
Natalia returned to the duke's mansion with her brother. Sebastian looked grumpy, offended by the simple thought of escorting the princess back. Natalia thought it was amusing since her brother seemed to hate the royal family for good and inconsequential reasons. He hated the crown prince right away because of the color of his hair. As for Princess Alana, he thought she was too ugly, hating her before realizing the situation. A picky and troublesome noble.
"What would be a great gift for her majesty, Gerald?"
".....this is the first time you're asking me this, my lady. You always have a gift planned out every year. Is there a problem this time, my lady?"
"I already had a gift planned out but I don't think she's going to like it much. Since I'm married now, I want to think of a better gift for her"
"You're the best at gift-giving, my lady. I don't think I have an idea"
"Hmm, you're right. I think I know what the Queen would like. Tell the driver to turn the carriage around and take us into Traisen. I would like to go to the Merchant Association"
"Yes, my lady"
"What are you thinking of buying there?" Sebastian stared at her with suspicion in his eyes. She gave a smile, looking out the window. Thankfully, they hadn't reached the borders of the Duke's estate so it wasn't too late to turn back. In the past, she gave an imported ceramic set that pleased the Queen but because she didn't give something from her husbands' territory, rumors spread about their bad relationship. It wouldn't have been a problem if her husband didn't go to seek Princess Alana every day.
In this life, the duke would seek Princess Alana either way so it would be better if the rumors was that the duke was unfaithful, rather than the flower of the capital unable to satisfy her husband, losing favor and prestige. It was such a fickle thing but in the game, one has to play by the rules.
The Merchant Association building in Traisen was a three storey building built with a sort of ore abundant in the forest of damnation. The mines were abundant but were owned by nobles and were used to build durable and impressive looking buildings.
The material, once polished, was a royal blue color that ensured the building stood out, giving an official air. It was expertly designed by one of the best architect in the kingdom, as were the other Merchant Association buildings in the rest of the kingdom. It was sort of a trademark for them. They had rare glass doors, guarded by imposing-looking guards.
However once the two arrived, they made way for them, allowing them into the spacious reception. They were spotted by attendant, who quickly rushed to them before the others.
"Welcome to the Merchant Association, my lord, my lady. I am Den and I'll be attending to you today. Please follow me to our private reception"
"Lead the way" Sebastian said, taking Natalia's hands. As they walked, people began to whisper in hushed tone, looking at the two. Natalia could tell that their identity had already been figured out. She only smiled, following after the men who felt it appropriate to lead her.
Once they were in the private reception, they were served tea and expected to reveal their intentions to the attendant. Natalia didn't waste any time.
"I need a Hillmand wolf cub"
"Pardon?" both men said at the same time. The Hillmand wolf was a popular breed of wolf that was most abundant in the forest of damnation. They were bright orange in color with three black stripes that traveled from the middle of their head to their tail. Their eyes were bright red like rubies and they were often extracted and preserved like precious stones. However, it wasn't exactly easy to catch a Hillmand wolf. They were swift and dangerous. A single injury from the wolf was dangerous because they carried a lot of parasites and they were immune to poison and a degree of magic.
"Don't tell me….you wish to gift her majesty a Hillmand wolf cub?"
"Yes. Her majesty is a lover of foreign and exotic things. It isn't easy to catch her attention with just any exotic thing so that's why I have to gift her a rare wolf cub native to the forest of damnation. The wolf would be loyal to her if she raises it well. I think it's the best gift"
"Ahh….I knew you had lost your mind but I didn't think it was this bad"
Annoyed, Natalia stepped on his foot. He cried out but she ignored him and focused on the dumbfounded attendant.
"My lady, I don't think we have such stock to sell"
"There is nothing the Merchant Association doesn't sell. I found this out when I was investigating the case of the illegally trafficked beast cubs on behalf of the duke. Because of your importance, there wasn't much of a consequence. But if I were to report this to his majesty, then….."
"I'll go fetch the branch manager right away, my lady!"
"Please do" she smiled as he ran like the wind was on his tail.
"When did you become such a villain, Natalia?" Sebastian asked, sulking.
"How could you accuse me, a gentle flower, of something so dreadful?"
"Gentle flower, my foot! You're a villainess under that gentle smile!"
"Is this how a young lord should behave? No wonder you can't find a wife"
"I can find a wife!" he huffed, turning his head away. She chuckled, pouring them both another cup of tea. In a short while, the door opened and the attendant was accompanied by a beautiful young woman with flowing blue hair and sharp brown eyes. She curtseyed once she was seen.
"My name is Belia Quartz. I am the Branch manager here. I heard there was a young lady that wished to purchase a Hallmand wolf cub but I had no idea it was the Duchess. It is my honor to meet you, your grace"
"No, it's my pleasure. Please have a seat and let us discuss, Countess Quartz"