Exiled Young Girl's Territory Development Record: The Result of the Villainous Young Lady Who Was Exiled Before the Scenario Began and Did Whatever She Wanted for the People. - Chapter 42: The Exiled Young Girl Takes a Tea

“Lady Olivia, we’ve arrived.”

We first came to the central square, which is about a hundred meters down the main street extending directly from the mayor’s residence.

The central square is bustling with vendors selling vegetables and fruits, and it’s quite lively with shoppers. In the center of the square stands a statue of a knight on horseback on a pedestal.

“That statue is of my grandfather, Bradley Hallows,”

“Oh, I see. That’s Earl Lazlo…”

I scrutinize the impressive statue of the knight.

“Huh? So, did Earl Lazlo actually develop Bitterlay?”

“No, that’s not the case,”

In that case, Earl Lazlo must have been someone who cared a lot about his public image.

“My grandfather was a hero who drove away monsters from near Bitterlay and built the current town walls around what was originally a small settlement,”

“Oh, I get it now.”

So, in effect, he was responsible for the development.

“Do they hold markets every day? It seems like only vegetables and fruits are for sale…”

“Yes, they are held every day. And with a permit, anyone from the town can sell their goods. While most items are from local harvests, when traveling merchants come, a wider variety of goods is available,”

“I see.”

This might be something we can consider for our own village.

“Well, that’s something to think about for when the village grows bigger.”

“Lady Olivia, shall we look around more?”

“Sure.”

After we had explored the central square’s shops, Muriel brought up the idea.

“Lady Olivia, there’s a café I particularly like in this square. Shall we go?”

“Eh? Is it okay to go in these clothes?”

“It’s perfectly fine. I wouldn’t let Lady Olivia be treated disrespectfully. Please don’t worry,”

“Well, okay then. Let’s go.”

Muriel led me into a building at one corner of the square.

“Welcome, Miss Muriel. Oh? And who is this young lady?”

The male staff gave a puzzled look.

“This is Lady Olivia Scarleford,”

“W-What!? Lady Scarleford!? I apologize for the oversight. I’ll get the manager immediately—”

“It’s alright. Don’t worry about it. I’m just here following Muriel’s invitation,”

“Yes, of course. Please follow me to your table,”

Guided by the staff, we were taken to a terrace seat on the second floor.

“This is my favorite spot,”

“Oh, really?”

“Please, have a seat,”

I sat at a table overlooking the square. Shortly afterward, tea, along with a cake stand featuring sandwiches and sweets, was brought to us.

It’s my first time seeing a cake stand like this, and it looks delicious just by looking at it.

The menu includes what seems to be a pear tart, sandwiches, and scones.

And the tea… Huh? It smells amazing.

“Hey, what’s this aroma…”

“Yes, this tea is flavored with bergamot,”

“Oh.”

I took a cup of tea, held it up, and took a gentle sniff. The refreshing aroma seemed to dissipate beautifully.

Hmm. I might actually like this aroma.

“It smells great.”

I took a sip.

Not too bitter or too weak, just right. The aroma isn’t overpowering either; it’s good tea.

“Yeah, it’s delicious. I’d like to take some home as a souvenir.”

“Oh my! I’m so glad you like it. I’m quite fond of this tea myself,”

“I see.”

“It’s wonderful to find something in common with a friend.”

Muriel smiled happily as she said this.

As we enjoyed the sweets and chatted, the conversation eventually shifted to future plans.

“I’m really looking forward to my debutante season,”

A debutante season is an event where girls of marriageable age make their debut in high society. It is held in various places, with the most prestigious one being hosted annually by the King in the capital. There are also ones hosted by local lords and wealthy merchants, but the goal for all is to find a suitable marriage partner.

Since I’m already a lord, it doesn’t concern me much.

“Really?”

“Yes. I want to meet a wonderful gentleman and have a fantastic marriage,”

“That sounds nice. But Muriel, you’re beautiful, so I’m sure you’ll find a good match,”

“But, my magical power is low…”

“Oh, I see. But magical power can only be improved through daily practice, right?”

“Yes, but I have fire magic. So, if my father were to have an accident and be left with burns…”

“Oh.”

Indeed, women of high society are expected to have strategic marriages and bear children, so I can understand Lord Edward’s concerns. If a facial scar were to remain…

“I wasn’t told anything, but that’s usually the case.”

“Really? You weren’t told anything?”

“Yeah. I was neglected.”

“Neglected?”

“Abandoned in care. I had a nurse but was otherwise left to fend for myself. The first time I met my father was the day he exiled me,”

“Oh no… I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine. He was just a nominal father, with no real affection.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. So don’t worry about it. Besides, it means I’m free now.”

As I reassured the downcast Muriel, we continued our leisurely chat.