The Another Chance To Live

Chapter Thirteen

Content Warning: Strictly Restricted To Those Readers Who Are Uncomfortable With Blood Shed And Torture Even Though I Think It's Not Too Much But Still Read Only If You can Handle It.

The eerie silence enveloped the dinner table, broken only by the faint sound of the knife slicing through the meat. This silence was pleasant to me, just the way I preferred it.

"I heard about your recent meeting with the Foreign Secretary. He seems quite intrigued by the 'Global Economic Outlook' you proposed." The Duke set his cutlery aside with grace, his gaze meeting mine as he spoke.

I cut another piece of meat, chewing on it rather unceremoniously. It wasn’t the most ladylike display, but it satisfied my hunger after that meager lunch at the royal court.

The Empress has been hounding me since the day of the meeting, watching my every move, even while I eat. How infuriating.

"I see. It would be a kind gesture if he just lets me to handle the export market directly with the Finance Minister. The man's as tenacious as a boar when it comes to monopolizing control over financial matters."

My current plan is to secure my economic stability. If events unfold as they did in the original story, I would be executed by the Crown Prince. To avoid that fate, I must escape the empire before it happens. For that, I need sponsorship from the nobles. In the story, the Duke despised Edith's mother, treating her as nothing more than an outcast, with the authorities turning a blind eye. However, in this lifetime, I have clear support from the duchy and its citizens. Rationally speaking, even after my escape, my supporters will likely face imperial tyranny. There's always a need for plan B in novel stories.

Money here, money there, make me rich beyond compare.

"As the sole heiress of the duchy, you could focus on any field. Why choose exports?" my father asked, his gaze questioning. I smirked as I continued chewing.

"The dinner today is delightful. Chef, could you share the ingredients used in this masterpiece?" The bulky old man, startled by my enthusiasm, quickly approached and bowed.

"I am honored, milady. The meat was sourced fresh from a countryside farm, and the vegetables as well. The dish is seasoned with fine spices collected from travelers from neighboring countries." Father watched me intently as I took another bite of salad.

"Why use foreign ingredients to feed our people? Don't we have our own resources? And how long have you been doing this?" I asked, still chewing.

"Because the imported goods are specialized and cheaper. My duty as chef is to provide the finest quality at the most efficient price. I’ve used these sources for fifteen years, and they’ve proven reliable and cooperative like a friend." He bowed again, and I signaled Beth to hand him his bonus. Grateful, he smiled brightly as he excused himself.

"Exporting goods not only boosts foreign exchange between empires but also strengthens our market by offering equal opportunity and forging global alliances. It allows us to provide the finest quality at efficient prices over the long term, fostering development." I smiled at the Duke as Beth served dessert. I scooped up the cream cake, the sweet flavor exploding in my mouth.

I love the cream cakes here. Such a delicacy.

The sound of heels clicking through the busy hallways echoed. I slammed the wooden door open, and the sight of the trembling maid on the floor made my lips curl upwards in delight.

"What a pleasure to meet you again, Darla. I suppose you didn’t take my warning seriously." The disgust in my voice was evident as I approached, arms crossed.