Chapter 6: Chapter 6

"Are you serious?" Asked Duke Armano Lancia when Cecilia came into his study room.

He sat with his legs crossed and hold a glass of champagne. The man looked as same as in her memory.

He still handsome, tall and athletic stature at the age of 40 years.

He looked just like Cecilia except for his gray eyes.  Or the lenght of their hair. Their genetic sure isn't a joke.

"Welcome back, Father," she said, while bowing for greeting.

"Sit down,"

Cecilia nodded and took the seat opposite of Armano.

The Duke's study is surprisingly simple. There are only a work table, several shelves filled with thick books, and four chairs with a round wooden table to greet the guests.

No plants, paintings or photographs.

The only decoration is the tapestry of the family's emblem which is hanging in the wall behind the desk.

"I repeat the question. Are you really serious about the contents of your letter? I immediately came here after reading it,"

"Yes, Father."  The girl replied, nodding firmly.  "I want to step back from the election for crown princess,"

"Is there any special reason?"

Armano's voice sounded more like  curious than being worried. So, Cecilia chose to shake her head.

"Fine then. I don't want to deal with those dramatic people,"

As soon she can remember, Armano always tried his best to prevent Cecilia from participating in the election. But, it seem like he couldn't win against Cecilia's stubbornness.

"Tomorrow, I'm going to the palace to officially announce it. So, don't change your mind again. Even though the entire noble faction isn't ag- Wait, what are you holding at?"

Cecilia grimaced when she realized that she was still holding the gift box, "Ah, this ... I, I actually went to a mask festival. There were lots of people selling all kinds of things, so, so I bought them because I remembered you, Father,"

"Me?" Armano's eyebrows knit together as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"It's not an, an expensive gift. So, so you can thr, throw it away if you don't like it,"

Unexpectedly, his hand reached out to her, "Why are you talking like that? Give it to me. I will decide for myself the appropriateness of your prize,"

The girl looked doubtful when she gave it to Armano.

He opened the box and found a pair of gray agate cufflinks. The colour is like his eyes. He tried his best to not smile and ask, "How much is this?"

"The original price was 30 silver coins. However, I bargained it to be 10 silver coins," said Cecilia proudly.

"You bargained it? Why?"Armano asked in surprise.

"Of course, because it's expensive. Even I looked like wimp. But trust me, I'm good at bargaining, Dad."

In the past, Ji Eun's mother taught her a powerful bargaining technique and this habit carried over to Ji Eun's growth.

The corners of Armano's lips twitched, "Thank you for the gift. You go eat first. I'll catch you up later,"

Cecilia nodded then bowed one more time before leaving the room. "Albert, how much is Cecilia's monthly allowance?"

The buttler who had been standing by the door said, "A hundred gold coins, my lord."

"Is it still lacking for her?"

The Buttler did not answer because that much money could be used to buy several houses in the capital.

"For the first time, that girl bought me something. How strange, did something happen?"

"A few days ago, I heard a story from the servants that it looks like that Miss missed the late Duchess,"

"What?!"

Albert nodded before said, "Then, an incident happened to Miss during the tea party,"

Albert then told the story he had heard from Mary without adding or subtracting a single word.

"Find out the guests who were invited at the party." Armano got up from his chair and put his gift under his suit. "I must reprimand them for their rudeness."

***

Mary followed Cecilia's footsteps and out of breath. Where did the Young Miss's stamina come from? She asked to herself.

They had already went arround the capital's elite shopping center for the three times. But, Cecilia can't find what she was looking for. Since she didn't even buy anything.

"Hey, Theo. Do you think this is a part of her prank? My legs is hurt, now,"

He just smiled faintly, "I don't know. Why don't you just ask her about what she wants? She looks so confused,"

"Well, I'll try," Mary then walked over to Cecilia, "Miss, is there anything you need?"

The girl looked confused, "Actually I want to start a business,"

"WHAT?!"  Mary looked so shocked, she couldn't say anything.

"I'm looking for an inspiration for what I'm going to sell,"

"But, it will be bad if Lord find out about this. A lady nobleman's hand must not smell like iron, after all."

"Smells like iron?"

"I mean, they are not allowed to work. Their hands are only used the housewifery. The husbands are the one who work with all their might. That's what how the world do, Miss,"

Cecilia was surprised by this rule. Why do they restricted the women's steps like this? Is it because they are considered incompetent?

Or is it just a trick to maintain the mens dignity? Whatever the reason is, she doesn't agree with it.

Besides, she can't keep hanging on to her allowance. Because the more people she wanted to help, the more money she had to make.

Being poor is miserable. At least, Cecilia wanted to create a pleasant environment to live in.

For the sake of her past as Ji Eun.

And for the sake of her future as Cecilia.

That's what drives her to do business. But, the more she went around the more she didn't understand what was selling well in the market.

With her knowledge from the past, Cecilia continues to rack her brains.

One certain thing is that she must find an item which in high demand and that she can buy cheaply before selling it for a high price.

The target, of course, is the aristocrats who don't want to be out of date. They always stay alerted about the new trends. They are fear of missing out.

"Mary, I think we should rest for a bit. I want some tea too,"

Hearing this, Mary suddenly excited.  Finally, she could rest a little, "Yes, Miss. The restaurant is across the street,"

"Eh? Is there no restaurant in this building?"

"Of course, Miss. Even if there is any restaurant, I guaranteed that they will bankrupt in no time. Because every shop here, provides the free refreshments for customers. Teas, snacks and even a foot massager,"

"Wow, that's great!"

"That's right, Miss. The restaurant across the street is a bit lonely because only people who don't buy a thing in this shopping centre are eating there. You know, some aristocrats doesn't want to be seen .. hmm, empty-handed,"

Suddenly an idea came up."Mary, let's go to the market!"

"Eh? Then how about the rest, Miss?"

"We can do it later! Come on, hurry!"

"Miss! Wait, don't run! You may trip your legs, Miss,"

But Cecilia is already out of her sight.