I only learned of it recently, but the Hakusu earldom estate’s job opening-to-application ratio is staggeringly high.
The cooks make delicious staff meals, the hot springs are freely usable, their children are able to get educated, and if you’re lucky you can get prototype soaps and face lotions.
These various perks and others have gathered attention.
After my cousin Ryuze replaced all of the low-quality servants, my relationship with the servants has turned relatively peaceful.
Our debts increased, but by using my friend Nora’s territory’s clay and minerals, I was able to develop new cosmetic products to gather income.
Recently, I have worked together with Nora’s territory to develop body powder. (TLN: Also known as talcum powder or baby powder.)
Body Powder (Doesn’t have to be white)I make it by crushing a mineral called talc into powder, and mixing it together with corn starch and essential oils. It works to hold back sticky perspiration and maintain smooth dry skin.
Talc crushed to powder Corn StarchAnother thing I made was beeswax lip balm. Beeswax is a material gotten from beehives and is a component of honeybee’s secretion. It can be used to make candles and floor wax, but it is also a superior moisturizing ingredient usable in cosmetic products.
BeeswaxIn the past I had made some for myself, but judging by Britney’s dry cracked lips I’m sure it will sell well.
(Right now, it seems there are many that apply honey directly to their lips, but as you’d expect it’s really sticky.)
In the evenings, in order to prevent myself from sleepwalking to the kitchen, I decided to sleep with my legs bound together.
Until now, there have been no signs that I’ve unbound myself and entered the kitchen. I will continue to wait-and-see for a while.
Ryuze’s lemon fields are doing well, and have solidly taken root in the earldom’s soil.
I also made the lemon yogurt I was pining for. It has such a refreshing aftertaste, and luckily sales seem to be reasonably good.
After the party, there has been no contact from the crown prince Marlow or Angela. Ryuze and the crown prince have been sending each other letters, but it seems they’ve discarded me from their thoughts.
(Un, that side has been peaceful.)
However, problems were arising from a different direction.
My grandfather’s debt holder… I have to meet our neighbor the Earl of Astaru.
A good chunk of the debt my aunt and uncle created has been collected by Ryuze and paid, but there is still some way to go before it’s completely paid off. My cousin says that, at least once, I should show my face to them.
(Certainly, I would like to keep a favorable relationship with the neighboring territory.)
And so, Ryuze and I decided to visit the neighboring Astaru earldom.
The Astaru earldom’s second son, Ricardo, is not present in the territory because he is currently attending school in the royal capital.
Inside the carriage, Ryuze and I sat face-to-face and talked about our destination.
“Nee, Ryuze-oniisama. Was it necessary for me to go to the neighboring territory as well?”
“It was. You have been confining yourself inside the mansion, so I want you to slowly start going outside to see the world. Well, even though I say outside, our destination is only as far as the neighboring territory.”
“The Astaru earldom is an acquaintance, which I’m relieved about…”
“While we’re here, I think it would be good to introduce you to their eldest son as well. While he’s the same age as me, he’s a delicate man… and single.”
“… I disagree with this. Ryuze-oniisama has no integrity.”
I wonder if instead of the second son, he is now aiming for me to marry the eldest son.
“His name is Mirald. He is often confined to his room due to illness, so after marriage Britney might be able to capture the authority of the earldom.
“… Is that your true aim, Ryuze-oniisama? Even if that happens, I might not necessarily move in a way that’s advantageous for Onii-sama.”
“Fufufu, now you’ve said it, Britney.”
“Gu, gufufu…”
… It’s free to say it at least. (TLN: He’s evil! Ryuze-oniisama is scary!)
(Although we said so much, as Ricardo’s older brother, his taste in women might be the same.)
Before we talk about marriage, I’m sure that even engagement would be refused.
(I’m still chubby after all.)
Since I’ve started binding my legs together while sleeping, I’ve began to slim down a little more, but my appearance is still that of a shiro buta reijou. (TLN: Title drop. :o)
“Which reminds me, it seems Ricardo has been illegally sending his class’ contents to you.” (Ryuze)
“… I’m surprised you know. A letter arrived a few days ago, with very interesting contents.” (Britney)
“Ricardo consults with me regarding a variety of things. I know a great deal of his secrets.”
“… It’s as you say.”
About a day later, Ryuze’s and my carriage arrived safely at the Earl of Astaru’s estate.
Translator’s Corner:Here’s the guaranteed weekly update! Hope you enjoyed it.
Ryuze is still as evil as ever. What a scary man.
Glad to see Britney’s still slimming down as well, but it’s unfortunate her body’s shape hasn’t improved enough for her yet.
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