Published: August 25, 2025
When I brought up the business discussion about the new dyeing method, Otto narrowed his eyes and began to ponder. His gaze reflected the thoughts of a merchant wondering just how much value should be assigned to it.
I waited silently for Otto to come to a decision, looking up at him intently, when Corinna smoothly stepped forward.
“Lady Rosemine, regarding the new dyeing technique, I recommend that after the method we’re promoting spreads, you should directly negotiate with the Dyeing and Weaving Association.”
Corinna looked at me straight on with a gentle smile as she said this.
“Even if the Gilberta Trading Company buys the dyeing technology itself, it is not a technique that can be exclusively monopolized by our dedicated workshops. Lady Rosemine’s influence is simply too great.”
She explained that whenever I tried to start a trend, it spread rapidly among noblewomen, making it difficult to restrict the handling to the few workshops dedicated to Gilberta Trading Company.
Gilberta would need to purchase the rights, cover research costs, and invest time and money to raise the workshops to a level suitable for noble clientele. However, when I try to popularize something, I have to openly share the technique and information and rapidly train artisans because requests from nobles concentrate so heavily. Naturally, it is expected that they wouldn’t even be able to accept all the orders.
“If nobles want to ride the trend but can’t obtain it, and if others try to request it from other shops or workshops but lack the technical knowledge or information, the backlash—both from nobles and industry peers—will undoubtedly be directed at the Gilberta Trading Company.”
Corinna seemed to judge that even if they bought the new dyeing method, it wouldn’t bring profit to the shops.
Benno, who tries to secure new things before others get them and make a profit, and Corinna, who measures whether it will yield profit within the realm of sewing, are completely different even as siblings. But their eyes, which clearly discern their own interests, were remarkably similar.
…Corinna may seem gentle, but she’s definitely Benno’s sister.
Since I don’t understand much about the connections between merchants and how business is conducted in this town, if it would trouble the Gilberta Trading Company, it might be better to refrain from providing this technology for now.
“Should I also negotiate directly with the Dyeing and Weaving Association regarding this Batik Dyeing?”
“No. This is a reward bestowed by Lady Rosemine, so we will gratefully accept it.”
Corinna shook her head gently.
“The dyeing technique granted as a reward will be offered at a low price to the Dyeing and Weaving Association along with its background. Then, at Lady Rosemine’s request, the fabric you mentioned earlier will be made by each workshop.”
Upon hearing Corinna’s words, Leon, who had said his family’s large store supplies fabric to Gilberta, suddenly became livelier than I’d ever seen him.
“Since all the dyeing workshops will be involved in making the fabric, each will exert their best to become exclusive to Lady Rosemine.”
“Ah, in Ehrenfest, Gutenberg has made a name for himself and is active even outside the city. Many artisans desire the title of Gutenberg.”
Otto muttered this as he looked at me.
“Lady Rosemine, wouldn’t it be good to decide on two dedicated workshops as with the blacksmiths? How about granting the title of Gutenberg to dyeing workshops as well?”
“It might also be fine to rank the fabrics submitted this time and differentiate the fees for the new technology when dealing with the Dyeing and Weaving Association.”
…I only thought I wanted to spread Batik Dyeing in the downtown area before Justox started poking around, but somehow the matter has become much bigger than I expected.
An unexpected turn of events. As I wondered what to do, my eyes met Tulli’s. She looked at me with a ‘What will you do? I don’t know’ expression.