Abandoned talented woman decides to live a leisurely life with her family - Chapter 20

“Edgard, I have a suggestion.”

I called out to Edgard, who was deeply engrossed in the picture books.

“Ah, yes!”

Edgard looked up, startled.

“Of course, I understand that labor and production costs, as well as the company’s share of profits, need to be covered. Under those conditions, would it be possible to entrust the creation of this picture book to the Edgard Company?”

—Let’s just leave all the complicated matters to Edgard!

As I thought this, Edgard’s face lit up with joy.

“You’ll entrust the manufacturing to us?”

With a clatter, Edgard stood up, clearly excited.

“Oh, come on, Edgard. You’re getting too excited,” Lord Brandenburg lightly reprimanded him, unable to hold back.

“Ah, yes. There’s just one thing I’d like to prioritize in exchange for giving you this project.”

“…What do you mean?”

Edgard tilted his head, curious, as he sat back down.

“I want to prioritize employing people who are struggling financially. For example, when commissioning artwork, we should consider those who want to become scholars or government officials but are having a hard time making ends meet. For bookbinding, we could hire women from poor families to do it as a side job. I know this might not be enough, but I want to ensure that this project creates jobs for people who are struggling.”

Edgard listened intently, his gaze fixed on me.

—Hey, it’s rude to stare so intensely!

When I finished speaking and tried to look away…

“My dear lady, are you an angel sent by God?” Edgard asked, completely serious.

“Buhaha.”

Father and Lord Brandenburg, who had been listening nearby, burst out laughing.

“Hey, Balthazar! Besides being called the ‘Blue Jewel,’ your daughter now has the second title of ‘Angel Sent by God.'”

“Reinart, this isn’t the time to joke around,” Father admonished Lord Brandenburg casually, using his first name.

Then, after taking a breath, Father turned his gaze to me.

“Yes, Edgard. When my daughter first came to this country, she happened to see a distribution of food in the slums from her carriage. It made her very sad.”

“Yes. If possible, I would like to donate my share of the profits from the production of this picture book to the church that organized the food distribution.”

“…Angels… really do exist! Angel, I will do my utmost to generate the maximum profit possible for you! That way, we can give back to those in need, just as you wish!”

“Ah, well. I’d be happier if you just called me by my name,” I replied, feeling my face twist in embarrassment.

“Anneliese-sama…” Edgard finally called me by my name as I had requested, though his eyes were filled with reverence, as if he were looking at something sacred.

—Wait a minute! I’m just an 18-year-old girl!

Ah, well, to be precise, I ended my previous life around 40, so if you add that up, I’m actually in my 50s…

I secretly calculated my real age and sighed.

“Anne, what’s the matter? Are you unhappy with the terms?” Father noticed my quiet sigh.

“No, it’s nothing. Edgard, may I leave the details of the picture book production to you?”

—In essence, I’m saying, ‘I’ll leave it all to you.’

However, Edgard, who seemed to have become my devoted follower, just nodded his head vigorously, like a broken toy.

—Ah… so it’s okay to leave it to him…

“Please, use the Edgard Company! I’m sure the picture book you create will be beneficial for both our company and Anneliese. Yes, I can assure you of that!”

Ah, he’s a true merchant. No matter how devoted he is to his master, he still thinks about the profits. That’s the mark of a true merchant, even though he’s young. I suppose that’s why Lord Brandenburg recommended him.

And so, the press conference ended without any issues, and the production of the picture book began, with Edgard at the helm.