Halil, make the arrangements; Kimberly, treat it as a new business. Oh, Ekaterina, is this your first time seeing Kimberly? (Alexei)

Yes, its a pleasure to meet you. (Ekaterina)

A skinny man who looked to be around sixty years old stood up and bowed. He looks strong-willed, with a large eagle nose, bald head, and eyes that are more silvery than gray.

My name is Emelyan Kimberly, and I am honored to serve as Treasurer of the Duchy of Yurinova. Ive heard rumors about you, young lady, but youre more than you seem. (Kimberly)

What kind of rumors are you talking about, now Im afraid!

Kimberly-sama, it pains me to ask this of you, even though we have never met before. If you were the treasurer, Im sure you would have been offended by the prospect of wasting such a substantial sum of money. (Ekaterina)

Ekaterina said with trepidation. But Kimberlys eyes widened as if he had been told something unexpected, and he shook her head with a smile.

This is not something you should be uncomfortable with. Its not a waste of money, its something Im really looking forward to as treasurer. (Kimberly)

Ekaterinas POV

Oh, exciting? What are you talking about?

But the Murano Workshop, thats really something to look forward to, isnt it? (Kimberly)

Halil chuckled.

The masters fame is unrivaled. The prices of his works have gone up in the market, and Im certain that if a direct apprentice were to create a work of art of his own and put it out under the name of Murano Workshop, it would sell like hotcakes. (Halil)

Oh, the appeal of the presentation is spoiled!

Halils marketing research skills are too good. Theres nothing he doesnt know about the movement of goods in the Imperial Kingdom, isnt there?

You dont have to worry about making money. When I said new business, I only meant accounting, so you can let the workshop make whatever you want. (Alexei)

Alexei smiles sweetly.

Huh?

Oh, Big Brother, Im so sorry for being so selfish. I know I said I wanted to buy it casually, but the amount is, um (Ekaterina)

Did you even check the price? (Alexei)

No, Big Brother, why do you look like youre smiling?

Why do you look like youre smiling?

Is it a fair price for the Imperial City Workshop? (Alexei)

It should be hard to sell, since the equipment would be specialized for glass, and it would be hard to destroy the furnaces and other equipment that can withstand high temperatures to use it for other purposes. Theyll probably make you drop the price even more. (Halil)

No, wait, Big Brother, Halil-san.

I wonder whats going on. This is not what I was expecting.

I came here to make a presentation to you all, but I was prepared to be taken aback by Big Brother.

Its interesting that its called glass. Ive heard that the raw material is white sand. Perhaps there is a place in the Dukes domain where we can collect it. Im sure your great uncle, Dr. Isaac, would know. (Aaron)

No, Aaron-san, how can you add more work to your busy schedule?

But if you do, you might be able to buy the raw materials discounted dont get too carried away!

No, wait a minute!? I cant keep up with you, but have you decided to buy it?

Big Brother, please give me your honest opinion as the head of the family. Isnt it selfish of me to make such a request? Please give it some more thought. (Ekaterina)

As long as I am the duke, everything you want is yours. There is nothing selfish about that. (Alexei)

Big Brother said all of that with a straight face.

No, Big Brother, please dont say such a thing. You cant expect an inexperienced person like me to have everything I want. (Ekaterina)

People change, you know. What if I become corrupt and want to be ridiculously extravagant?