Chapter 62 - The Duchy
Opal let out a small sigh as she waved to the people lining the road. They were all bowing their heads, so they probably couldn't see her. She hadn't given advance notice of her visit to the duchy, but word had clearly gotten out. She had expected that much, but she hadn't expected this kind of reception.
When I arrive at the estate, the first thing I must do is tell them that this sort of welcome is unnecessary.
While they could arrange a welcome, they couldn't hide the state of the fief. She had been able to see the land as it truly was, so in that sense, this surprise visit was a success. It wasn't that she suspected the person managing this land of wrongdoing, but most people, when their management is not going well, try to hide it. In this case, she knew from the preliminary reports that the poverty was not the administrator's fault. That was precisely why she had come, to correct these issues. Of course, she didn't expect to solve everything, but nothing could be done without starting.
However... the fear I see in everyone's expressions is concerning...
It was not the fatigue or apathy born from poverty, but a clear fear directed at her, at the Duchess, the wife of their lord. Yet, among them were some who hid their defiance, suggesting that the path ahead would not be easy.
Eventually, Opal's party entered the grounds of the Boccelli ducal estate, and she was astonished at the sight of the residence in the distance. Nadia's mouth was hanging wide open.
"I've never seen such an amazing castle!"
"Indeed. 'The Northern Royal Palace' is an apt name."
She had heard stories, but she had never imagined it would be this magnificent and beautiful. The Boccelli ducal estate was also known as the Northern Royal Palace, and the 'Pearl Castle.' This was because, several generations ago, the ducal family had wielded enough power to divide the nation and threaten the royal family. The estate, built in that era, was constructed with a vast amount of milky-white stone not quarried in this region, as if to flaunt that power. It was called the Pearl Castle not only for its color but also likely because sea routes were used to transport the stone.
Transporting this much stone would have been difficult by land from the quarry.
Opal thought, picturing the location of the stone quarry in her mind. This northern region, including the Boccelli Duchy, had many mountainous areas. Transporting stone from other regions would have been incredibly laborious and would have required a great deal of money and time. For this reason, ore from the duchy's mines was largely exported to foreign countries, such as Sosylle Kingdom, via sea routes. Conversely, many goods were also imported from foreign countries.
The stone was probably brought from Sosylle Kingdom...
There was a large quarry north of Mantest, which they owned. That area also had a large port where trade flourished. Most of the silver mined from the duchy's silver mine was also exported and transported to that port. That must have accounted for a large portion of the anti-royalist faction's funds eight years ago.
The Boccelli Duchy was far from the Royal Capital, separated by a mountain range, and had secured its own trade routes. It must have always been a threat to the royal family. This became starkly evident eight years ago. The reason King Alessandro did not make this land a direct crown territory was either because Claude was that trusted, or because the royal family did not yet have the power to manage it.
Well, the latter is more likely.
Remembering the shrewd King Alessandro, Opal sighed. This land was too difficult for the still-young princes to govern. It seemed a proxy had been managing it for the past few years, but they had been unable to implement reforms. According to the report from the previous administrator, the people of this land were very insular and did not accept newcomers. So they must have decided to pass it all off to Claude. Moreover, given the perfect timing, the decision was surely made with the knowledge of Opal's ability and financial resources, proven by her rebuilding of the McLeod Duchy.
'Bring her back, even if you have to kidnap her,' indeed...
She felt that even Alessandro's casual remarks were laden with various hidden intentions. In the first place, the reason she had come here alone was all because of Alessandro's sudden summons to Claude.
How cruel of you, Your Majesty. Making a newlywed husband work so hard. That's why I'll make this land prosperous and then give it right back to you!
Opal was fuming with anger at Alessandro. This land was an important strategic point, so it would likely be exchanged for some unobjectionable royal land in the future. That was a natural measure, so she didn't mind. That said, she had no intention of slacking off. Filled with motivation, Opal clenched her fists and hardened her resolve. Just then, Nadia's voice called out.
"Your Grace, your face is very frightening. You'll make everyone tremble."
"Oh, pardon me."
Apparently, her brows had been furrowed and her expression had hardened. When Opal replied with feigned haughtiness, the lady-in-waiting and maid sitting opposite her giggled. Both had come with her from the Rousel Marquisate estate.
She realized that the residence, once distant, now towered before them. At the main entrance, servants were lined up in front of the wide-open doors.
"I wonder if we can get along..."
"Of course we can! After all, Your Grace is here."
Nadia confidently encouraged the maid who had murmured anxiously. Opal nodded with a smile in response, and not only the maid but also the other lady-in-waiting seemed relieved. At the Duke McLeod's estate eight years ago, Opal had fought alone. But because she was alone, she was also free.
Can I protect everyone...
Thinking this far, Opal dismissed her own weakness. Nadia had studied the etiquette of a lady-in-waiting to be of help to her. The other two had willingly accompanied her on this journey to care for her. They were all undoubtedly on her side.
Well, it's not yet certain that the servants here are hostile, but I must not let my guard down.
For now, she was the lady of the house, but this was formerly enemy territory. Opal took a deep breath and then smiled brightly.
"Well then, shall we go?"
"Yes!"
The three replied energetically to Opal's quiet call. The carriage door was opened, and Opal slowly alighted into the heart of the Boccelli ducal estate.