Chapter 13: Support
The moment Katherine stepped through the door of her elegant chambers, she pulled out a scrap of parchment and a piece of charcoal.
Her mind was brimming with ideas, and she needed to put them down before they scattered like leaves in the wind.
She started with a simple question: What do people need most?
"Food, obviously," she muttered, tapping the charcoal against her chin. "Even rich people have to eat. And if there's one thing I know, it's that good food makes people open their wallets. Or purses. Or... whatever nobles keep their money in."
Her conversation with the old woman earlier had given her insight into how supply chains worked in this world.
Farmers, traders, and merchants all played a role, but she saw inefficiencies—gaps she could bridge.
Her knowledge of preservation techniques and basic food science from her world could be a game-changer.
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Salt preservation, drying, fermentation—all things that existed here, but perhaps not in their most efficient forms.
If she could introduce new methods, she could create a competitive edge.
She tapped her charcoal against the parchment. "But how do I actually start? Money. Investors. Ugh."
She sighed dramatically and flopped back onto her cushioned chair. "Alright, let's see... who has money and might actually listen to me?" A smirk tugged at her lips. "Oh, right. Aunt Yevon."
Her aunt, the Countess, was well-connected and held significant influence in noble circles. Would she be willing to fund such an endeavor?
Katherine wasn't sure how her aunt would react to the idea of business, but it was worth considering.
If nothing else, perhaps Yevon could introduce her to potential investors or merchants who might be interested in such a venture.
Another thought struck her, and she sat up quickly. "Parties! Of course! If nobles love anything more than hoarding wealth, it's showing off their wealth."
She grinned, twirling the charcoal between her fingers. "If I attend more social gatherings, I can rub elbows with the right people. Get them interested in trade, innovation—maybe even make them think it's their idea."
She glanced at the parchment again, her notes now a chaotic mess of scribbles and half-baked plans. "Alright, Katherine, step one: convince Aunt Yevon. Step two: network like my life depends on it. Step three: profit." She paused, then added with a chuckle, "Somewhere in between, I should probably figure out what I'm actually selling. Minor detail."
A knock at the door interrupted her musings. Startled, she set her charcoal aside and stood up. When she opened the door, a maid stood there, bowing respectfully.
"My lady, the Countess wishes to see you in her office."
Katherine straightened her gown, smoothing out the fabric. "Well, speak of the devil," she murmured to herself before smiling at the maid. "Thank you. I'll be there shortly."
As the maid departed, Katherine glanced back at her parchment.
She had a vision, a direction—but if she wanted to succeed, she would need support. Would her aunt be her first investor?
Or would she need to take matters into her own hands and forge alliances through social gatherings? Either way, she was ready.
Gathering her notes, she left her chambers and made her way through the grand halls of the estate.
This was her chance to turn ideas into reality.
The world was full of possibilities, and she intended to seize them.
***
When Katherine entered the drawing room, she found her aunt Yevon seated gracefully on an upholstered chair, sipping a delicate cup of tea.
The Viscountess raised an elegant eyebrow as Katherine approached.
"You requested to see me, dear?" Yevon said, setting her cup down on the saucer with a soft clink.
Katherine took a deep breath, reminding herself to sound confident. "Aunt Yevon, I was hoping to discuss something important with you." She sat down across from her and leaned forward slightly. "I want to start a business. And I was wondering if you might be interested in helping me fund it."
For a moment, Yevon's expression was unreadable. Then, her lips parted slightly in surprise before she quickly masked it with a pleased smile. "Oh? How very unexpected, Katherine. And what, may I ask, has inspired this ambitious idea of yours?"
Katherine grinned, her fingers tapping against her lap. "I've been thinking a lot about opportunities here. There's so much potential—especially in food and trade. I believe I can introduce new ideas that will be profitable. But, as you know, I can't do it alone."
... and I'm bored.
Yevon studied her carefully, her fingers elegantly intertwining. "Starting a business is no small matter, my dear. It requires careful planning, investment, and—most importantly—the right connections. You do realize that this is not merely a hobby?"
Katherine let out a small laugh. "Trust me, Aunt Yevon, I know what I'm getting into. Back in my—" she caught herself, "—before, I handled some dealings quite similar. I understand the risks, but I also know the rewards."
Yevon nodded slowly, seeming to consider her words. Then, a knowing smile graced her lips. "I must admit, I am quite interested with your determination. Very well, tell me more. What exactly do you need from me?"
Katherine's heart leapt in excitement. "To start, I need funding for supplies, space to operate, and perhaps an introduction to some of your influential friends." She grinned mischievously. "After all, a few well-placed words from you could make all the difference."
Yevon chuckled, tapping a well-manicured finger against the armrest. "Flattery will get you far, my dear niece. But connections are built, not simply handed over."
Katherine nodded eagerly. "I was already planning to do that. I'll make myself known at the upcoming parties and find the right investors. But having your support would give me the motivation that I need to start."
Having you backing me gives me the credibility to other nobles, auntie, in other words.
The Countess sipped her tea thoughtfully before setting it aside. "I do like the idea of having a sharp-minded businesswoman in the family," she mused. "Very well, Katherine. I will assist you in ways that I can. As for the investment... let's see... If you impress me, we can discuss numbers."
Katherine resisted the urge to fist-pump. "Thank you, Aunt Yevon! I promise, you won't regret this."
Yevon smirked. "We shall see, dear. Now, do tell me—what will you wear to the next soirée? First impressions are everything, after all."
Katherine groaned dramatically. "Ugh, I was hoping to avoid thinking about that part. But fine, I'll make sure I look the part."
As their conversation continued, Katherine felt a surge of excitement. She had taken the first step, and with her aunt's help, the road ahead seemed just a little bit smoother. Now, all she had to do was execute her plan—and charm the nobles while she was at it.