DUCHESS 29 Surprisingly, the construction of the candle factory only took two weeks for completion. Even the interior design and instalments were already there and it was according to what I wanted and how it should be. What I loved about the candle factory the most was the stone stove installed inside. It was a fully furnished marble with a rack for woods beside it. The stocking of the fire was covered so there is a less danger and hazard when melting the beeswax as well as mixing other things. There is also a place that is placed beside the stove. It is another kind of stove, but a long rectangular one with containers on top of it. There are a total of four containers and each can be filled with melted beeswax. The stove under it is also useful since the candle and beeswax can be melted from there on--- no need to worry about unnecessary drippings or whatnot, everything is about convenience. The drying place is also ready as well as a big counter table wher
DUCHESS 30 A week later, the equipment inside the storage room near the kitchen has been emptied out. The storage room itself has been emptied out as they are all moved to the small factory near the market place. Once I have heard that the moving of all the equipment as well as the tools and materials were done, I immediately got dressed and went out to go to the small factory. Yuri and Nikos were also in a hurry to accompany me, but I told them that it was fine and that I can manage myself. “I will be out for a moment, there is really no need to accompany me.” Was what I said, but turns out, nothing goes as planned. Before I knew it, it was already high in the afternoon and I was so immersed in making candles that I never noticed the time. The excitement of making candles in a real and organised factory overwhelmed me that I only noticed I was already making candles when a knock came from the doors. “Milady, it is me, Nikos. I have come to bring you some tea and snacks.” The voice
DUCHESS 31 On our way home, Nikos and I were conversing inside the carriage. Mostly me relying on what he should do once we arrive at the estate. Things must be detailed and precise so as to not waste time nor bother anyone else in the process. “Now, remember, pick only those you know that really have a light hand, and those who are quick to learn. That way, I can ensure that everything will go smoothly in our plans.” I said with authority and full confidence. Nikos nodded in understanding. “Milady, may I suggest that I also recommend those who are new in the estate? They have yet to learn things after all, and they are fairly young so they are sure quick to learn quickly.” Weighing on Nikos’ suggestion, it is a good recommendation to have those that Nikos described. ‘Wait? Do we have new employees? We are barely getting by…’ the thought crossed my mind and I guess that it was evident on my face as Nikos explained the situation quickly. “Oh, Milady. No, we are not recruiting new em
DUCHESS 32 The training of the new recruit: Helio, and with the inclusion of Olivia--- she insisted that she be included as an employee in my factory, giving the reason that she wants to earn money even though she has a farm for that--- but I indulged the request of the girl, as a way to appreciate her and also to pay back Marcus’ help… somehow. Nonetheless, the two new employees are learning at a fast pace and by the first week of their training, they have mastered how to make a few batches of drip candles. I can still remember how happy they were when they saw the final products. “How will you sell this? They are not that appealing to a noble at all.” Olivia pointed out, looking at the simple and unscented bundle of candles in front of her. She does have a fair point, such a plain thing would not be appealing to the nobles, “But it would certainly be appealing to the servants and the commoners.” I replied, also doing some drip candles beside them. Looking at me with confused f
DUCHESS 33 The next day came and we were back to making those drip candles. Although this time, I had Nikos come with Helio and Olivia instead of me. Since there is something inevitable that I cannot just set aside for a long time. Being a noble comes with its responsibilities, one of which is attending some social gatherings, parties and the likes. And from the past few weeks, I have been receiving an endless amount of invitations. And I have been ignoring them or sending a response of rejection for so long that if I continue these actions, it will have a negative impact on me. Therefore, I have to attend at least one social gathering this week. As well as 2 more social gatherings, whether it be a party or an invite in a salon. I have to have an appearance in high society as well as an impression on these people. They are a potential buyer and customer after all. adorning myself with a light green dress with floral design, some green jewels and a tiara as a symbol of nobility. An
DUCHESS 34As the party concluded, the guests were leaving one by one, bowing and giving thanks and congratulations to the Lady Lola and the Viscount Ludwig. However, when I and Drew were preparing to leave, one of the chamberlains instructed us to reside in the library for the moment, as Viscount Ludwig wanted to speak to us for a moment before we left. “Understood, we shall wait for the Viscount here.” I said as the doors to the library closed. The effects of all the wine and champagne that I had vanished in an instant as I saw the inner- workings of the library.All intricate and beautiful, it was an understatement how magnificent it was. It was as if I entered the story of Belle and was there at the very moment that the Beast gifted her the library. I was in awe. But when I looked at my companion, he passed out on one of the couches, snoring and deeply asleep. Probably away in his dreamland by now. I dare not to interrupt his slumber, I doubt the Viscount has anything to talk with
DUCHESS 35 Since the candle factory and selling it had earned many profits, as well as with the help of Viscount Ludwig, the construction of the turbine was earlier than expected. With the blueprint at hand, we started scouring for the materials, supplies and workers for the turbine. Marcus was the one who made the dealings and bought the supplies and materials as he knows the way around better than I do, he also knows where to get the best materials and not the sub- quality ones. Drew on the other hand, provided the meals and snacks of the workers. That is, it. Meanwhile, I handled the hiring of the workers--- construction workers to be exact who are fast learners and who really knows what they are doing. The workers that I have gathered were mostly from guilds that are established thanks to the guidance of the Crown Prince. Due to this, it became easier to find workers, adventurers and all sorts of people involved in to specific crafts and works. However,
DUCHESS 36 The rise of my grandfather into tyranny also gave birth to the existence of the Rebellion. As any rebels in times of corruption and tyranny, their goal is to dethrone the monarch who is abusing their power in hopes to place someone much more caring and compassionate to the citizens— or maybe place the commoners themselves into the seat. At those times it was understandable why they exist and why they resist and fight back against my grandfather. But right now, neither I nor any of the people around me see any sense of their sudden rise nor their reason for interfering with my work. My reputation had been put in the good spotlight since my actions and also with the help of Viscount Ludwig, so why? Just why? Still inside the Chief’s house, we continued to converse and devise a plan on how to stop this from happening. Any more hindrance and this will be bad. “So what do you say we do about them?” the Leader of the Workers asked. He too was worried for his co-workers. “I su