I Don't Know the Original, I'm Too Busy Trying to Make a Living-Chapter 185

"Did you review the report I sent about the prototypes?" Penelope asked as they entered the sitting room.

"I just returned from the Tower branch after inspecting them. You've outdone yourself again, Baroness," Pablo replied, his tone filled with admiration.

"You think they'll sell well, don't you?"

"Extremely well. I anticipate that no matter how much we ramp up production, demand will outstrip supply for quite some time. They might even surpass the popularity of the hairdryer."

Penelope’s face lit up at Pablo’s confidence. She had a good feeling about this venture; everything seemed to point to success.

To prepare for this, Penelope had collaborated with the Magic Tower to establish a workshop on Halo’s outskirts specifically for manufacturing irons and spin dryers. The dwarves had also joined the effort, their expertise crucial in crafting the spin dryer drums. The influx of jobs in Halo was attracting skilled artisans from across the empire.

"This time, I plan to start with a large-scale production," Penelope said decisively.

"A wise decision," Pablo agreed. "If we produce in small quantities like before, customers will have to endure long waiting times, and that could harm their satisfaction."

The two shared ideas enthusiastically, while Ahwin stood nearby, shooting Pablo a dissatisfied glance.

They seem to get along too well, Ahwin thought.

Unlike other noblewomen, Penelope was highly personable. While she avoided the spotlight, she had no hesitation in approaching individuals, a trait that often caught people off guard. It was as if she had consciously learned to balance ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) her introversion with social skills.

Even when we first met, she was straightforward about everything, Ahwin recalled. Despite knowing little about him, she had offered gentle but firm advice, her concern evident. Perhaps that had been the moment he started to feel drawn to her.

Ahwin glanced at her hand and hesitated before clenching his fist. I want to hold her hand again... No, I want to kiss her...

Recently, such thoughts consumed him constantly, leaving him feeling as though his mind was regressing to a simpler, more impulsive state.

At that moment, someone turned the corner of the hallway—it was Penelope’s secretary, Ivetta.

"Baroness, there you are. Giselle has been looking for you."

"I stepped out to greet Pablo," Penelope replied.

Ivetta’s gaze shifted to Pablo, her posture regal as she observed him with quiet curiosity. Pablo, unused to such direct scrutiny from a noblewoman, shifted uncomfortably.

Penelope stepped in to ease the tension. "I don’t think you two have met yet. Ivetta Corindel, my new secretary. And this is Pablo Thierry, head of the Halo trade group and responsible for distributing and selling the goods produced in our workshops."

"A pleasure to meet you. I’m Ivetta Corindel," she said politely, her voice calm and composed.

"Pablo Thierry," he replied, clearing his throat awkwardly.

The air between them felt stiff. Ivetta's poised demeanor gave off a cool impression, while Pablo had a known weakness for noblewomen with a commanding presence. Furthermore, Ivetta was undeniably stunning, which added to Pablo’s discomfort.

On top of that, Pablo realized something startling: Corindel? The Corindel Countess’s daughter?! How did she end up here, as the Baroness’s secretary?

Pablo had heard of the sudden disappearance of Countess Corindel’s daughter from social circles, as well as the countess's discreet but desperate attempts to locate her.

And yet, she’s here? Working as the Baroness’s secretary?

He had only been informed that Penelope had hired a new secretary but hadn’t been told who. To discover that it was none other than a high-ranking noblewoman was nothing short of shocking.

At this point, I don’t even have the energy to be surprised anymore, Pablo thought. He had always prided himself on being creative and adaptable, but compared to Penelope, he felt like an amateur.

With a sigh, he decided to accept the situation for what it was. Overthinking would only lead to a headache.

The four of them soon gathered in the sitting room to enjoy tea and discuss business. Most of the conversation revolved around Penelope and Pablo, with updates on the capital and new ventures in the Halo territory.

However, their productive meeting was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of unexpected visitors.

Penelope turned to the steward with wide eyes. "Who did you say came?"

"Miss Emily Dot and Miss Violet Dot, Baroness. They introduced themselves as your acquaintances. Should I escort them to the guest room?"

"Emily is here?" Penelope exclaimed, standing up in surprise. Ivetta also stood, looking unusually animated.

Seeing their urgency, the steward quickly interjected, "Please wait here. I’ll bring them to you."

"Thank you," Penelope replied, sitting back down.

A short while later, the steward returned with Emily and Violet in tow. The elegant young women entered the room, and Pablo immediately felt a wave of anxiety at their aristocratic bearing.

Emily, upon spotting Ivetta, rushed forward with tears welling up in her eyes. Grabbing Ivetta’s hands, she burst out, "You terrible girl! How could you send just one measly letter?!"

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"I’m sorry, Emily," Ivetta said, looking apologetic. "I’ve been so busy I barely had time to think. But how did you manage to get here?"

"How? I got permission from my father, took the train to Pellar, and then hired a carriage," Emily answered indignantly.

"...That’s not quite what I meant," Ivetta muttered under her breath, though Emily didn’t seem to hear. She was too caught up in her emotions, her eyes glistening as she continued, "Do you have any idea how much I’ve worried about you? One letter after an entire month, and it was so brief! Did you even think about how those left in the capital would feel?"

"I really am sorry. But as I explained in the letter, I was robbed by a pickpocket and—"

"I’m asking about what happened after that! My goodness, Ivetta, you look half-dead! You’ve lost so much weight!" Emily exclaimed, growing more flustered as her words tumbled out. "I can’t believe you went through all that alone. You must have been so scared."

"I’m fine, really..."

"No, you’re not. Look at you!" Emily insisted, her tone a mixture of scolding and relief. In truth, she was also a little envious that Ivetta had become Penelope’s secretary. Still, she couldn’t help but admire her friend’s courage for making such a bold move.

Penelope stepped forward to greet Emily and Violet. "It’s been a while, Emily. And Violet, you’re looking well. I’m glad to see you both in good health."

Violet curtsied gracefully, a shy smile on her lips. "It’s an honor to see you again, Baroness. Thanks to your guidance, we’ve been doing well."

Emily, still flustered, exclaimed, "Baroness! Have you been taking care of yourself? You look like you’ve been overworking yourself too!"

"I’m fine, really. You’re as lively as ever, Emily," Penelope replied with a light laugh.

Emily’s face flushed as she realized how overly excited she had been. Despite her embarrassment, she couldn’t contain her joy. Seeing both Penelope and Ivetta together felt like a dream come true.

"Everyone in the capital is eagerly awaiting the opening of your new store. Even the social circles are buzzing with anticipation," Emily said.

"Are they really?" Penelope asked, surprised.

"Of course! It’s your new invention, after all. Everyone’s expecting something extraordinary," Emily gushed.

Penelope chuckled. "Unfortunately, it’s not a product aimed at the nobility this time. They might be disappointed."

"If it’s not for the nobility, then what is it?" Emily asked, puzzled.

"You’ll see soon enough. But first, why don’t you both take a seat? It seems we have a lot to catch up on," Penelope suggested with a warm smile.

"Ah, yes! Of course," Emily replied, glancing around the room and realizing they had been standing in the doorway all this time.

That impulsive streak of hers really needs work, Violet thought, shaking her head in mild exasperation.