“Hmm, by the way...”
I carefully observed the atmosphere of the people around me, then slowly opened my mouth.
“Can an ordinary person or a small group of merchants handle something as massive as distributing counterfeit mugs?”
The Marchioness Ambrose was the first to react to my words.
"Interesting. What do you mean by that?"
“According to my investigation, the amount of counterfeit cups and thermoses distributed this time was five times the amount of the original products.”
“Hmm, so it was on a larger scale than I thought?”
“Yes, but the original products also had a huge order volume, so it took a long time to ship them across the country and abroad.”
“That's right. Even though I received my order through Ambrose Business Group, I had to wait a whole week.”
Several noble ladies, including Countess Kettler, nodded in agreement.
"However, the counterfeit cups were distributed in large quantities in a short period of time. Wouldn't it be difficult for an individual or small business group to handle such a quantity?"
“That's a reasonable conclusion. So…”
With the Marchioness of Ambrose's approval, she whispered in a more gentle tone.
“Yes, I think there is a big backer behind this project who invested a large amount of money.”
This is exactly what I wanted to say.
Honestly, until now, I thought that fakes were distributed by individuals, small business groups, or perhaps an outside third party trying to make a profit.
In my 21st century South Korea, if a product sells well in our country, the counterfeit products are often manufactured in countries with cheaper labor and sold as if they were genuine products.
But when I thought more deeply, the strange part quickly became clear.
It did not make sense to distribute such a large amount of counterfeit goods at once.
Just thinking about how she had gone to the trouble of arranging the meeting between the Gulbru Merchants Group and the Ambrose Merchants Group, and then striking a deal with the Marchioness of Ambrose, showed that something was wrong.
This means that the distribution of counterfeit products may have occurred with the help of internal forces in the two colleges, or perhaps the colleges themselves were producing and distributing them.
The only class that could have such “widespread supporters” was, after all, the nobility.
“You speculate too much.”
Countess Stefan, who had been silent until now, interrupted the conversation.
She seemed unable to back down easily, even though she knew that public opinion was not in her favor.
“Don’t you realize that what you are saying might raise suspicions about our noble family, the Kletan family?”
"Yes…"
If I were the old me, I would have found it boring and avoided embarrassing myself by saying something like “my mistake” and backing out.
...that is, if I was still the old me.
But after enduring the miserable working life at Godso Enterprises, I learned one valuable lesson:
“Since you freely assume that the producers secretly distributed counterfeit goods to put out the fire, I thought I would be equally comfortable in making that assumption.”
The need to respond with the same words used by someone practicing hypocrisy.
“People are very cunning creatures.”
If the other person doesn't argue and simply backs down, he thinks he can stomp on you again, just like the unfortunate Manager Park, who never contributed to the team report but nonetheless wanted his name to appear on it.
“Director Kim, it seems that my name is not on this report... Was that a mistake?”
“No, that wasn't a mistake.”
"…What?"
“It's not just once or twice. While everyone was working overtime, you didn't even show up. So I thought you didn't need it. Anyway, take care of yourself.”
These people cannot be dealt with easily after they initiate rejection with unexpected force.
I learned this after being broken countless times.
As expected…
Countess Stefan's face flushed, and she seemed speechless for a moment, biting her tongue.
Then, just as she was about to respond, an elegant voice came from behind him.
“Today is particularly noisy.”
Empress Oriana Kletan has arrived.
She scanned the assembled noble ladies one by one with cold eyes, then finally fixed her gaze on me.
The atmosphere she exuded from us was in stark contrast to the boundless generosity she had initially shown, so I silently bowed my head to show my respect.
But my feelings towards the Empress have changed a lot since then.
“At first, I thought she was just a comic book fan.”
Of course, since I had read the original version, I knew the relationship between the Grand Duke and the Empress.
But when I first saw the Empress, I didn't think about her relationships with the other characters. I thought she was something separate from me.
That's why I focused more on her first impression, and lowered my guard, especially since she was very friendly and even offered to cover the costs of making the merchandise.
My perspective changed after I heard the story of the Grand Duke's past.
That's the moment when it became clear that this wasn't just a story I read in a book, but something someone close to me had actually experienced.
“Someone who hurt my family...no, even a close friend...I can't take him lightly.”
Of course, after the Grand Duke quietly headed to the Grand Duchy of Blair, the Empress's temper softened, and she, too, withdrew from the position of power. But even so…
I could no longer separate the Grand Duke from her in my mind.
“A comprehensive give and take.”
Taking what needs to be taken, giving what needs to be given – a reciprocal relationship.
I had already made up my mind to regard the Empress as just that.
“…Why is the princess sad?”
Because that person was more important to me.
It may seem a bit cliche to prioritize people like this, but…
Kayan Blair, no matter how much you think about it and how much you try to calculate the pros and cons...
He was undoubtedly more important to me than the Empress.
So, of course…
“Audrey.”
At that moment, the Empress, who had been silent until then, turned her head towards Countess Stefan.
Countess Stefan, who was bowing deeply, responded politely.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Do you get into unnecessary arguments and are you a person who usually tends to be isolated?”
“…The conversation was disturbing the atmosphere, so I could not remain silent. If I caused any unnecessary disturbance, I apologize, Your Majesty.”
Although the question was phrased as a question, the Empress did not seem to ask anything else, as if she knew exactly what was being said.
“I know that you and the young lady have been going through some difficulties lately, so I will ignore this matter. But dwelling on this topic is not helpful.”
“...You're absolutely right.”
Fortunately, the Empress seemed to have no intention of interfering any further, and walked away indifferently.
Then, among the maids accompanying her, Countess Stefan, who had naturally blended in with them, seemed as if she was preparing to leave as well.
“What are you planning to do, make the atmosphere tense and then just leave?”
I wasn't going to let her go so easily, so I called out to Countess Stefan, who had an unruly personality.
“I was short-sighted.”
She paused for a moment, instinctively feeling that the words were directed at her.
“As you said, Countess, my assumptions may be seen as questioning our noble nobility. After all, it is inconceivable that someone involved in the distribution of ‘counterfeit’ goods could be as noble as we are.”
“…Huh.”
She didn't turn around, but I could tell I had struck a chord.
I could clearly see her clenched fists, trembling with anger.