Chapter 63 - The Steward
As Opal, accompanied by Nadia and another lady-in-waiting, ascended the steps of the main entrance, the elderly man standing at the front stepped forward. He then bowed deeply.
"Welcome, Duchess of Boccelli. I am Connally, the steward of this household."
"...Connally, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am happy that you have welcomed me in this way, despite my unannounced arrival."
Opal replied amiably while secretly observing the man who introduced himself as the steward, Connally. In turn, she could feel the servants covertly observing her.
"It has been a long time since this palace has been able to welcome its mistress, the Duchess. Everyone is overjoyed."
"Is that so? Thank you. You must be very attentive. That puts me at ease."
"I am humbled by your kind words."
Referring to this estate as a "palace" hinted at Connally's high pride. When she offered some light praise, there was no particular reaction from the others, suggesting that the relationship between Connally and the other servants was not problematic. Adopting a slightly more arrogant demeanor than usual, Opal was introduced to the other principal servants by Connally. Then, after introducing Nadia and her companions, she was promptly guided to the mistress's chambers.
The interior of the estate was as magnificent and beautiful as its exterior. However, some of the newly placed decorations seemed to be making a strong statement, giving an impression of being overly ornate. The journey from the entrance to her room was quite long, made even longer by the occasional questions she posed to Connally. Once she finally entered her room, her luggage began to arrive one piece after another, leaving her no time to rest. Perhaps she could have relaxed without concern, but she could not bring herself to do so while watching people work for her sake. Nevertheless, as there was nothing she could do to help, she pretended to be calm and drank her tea.
It seemed that here, she was still the "indecent" Opal Holloway. It was something she had noticed during her journey from the Royal Capital. As soon as she entered the northern mountainous region, both the information and the way of life changed completely. Of course, she believed that traditions should be cherished and protected. But if new ways were not adopted, they would eventually become isolated from their surroundings.
Well, this way of thinking might be arrogant... but I also sense something deliberate about it.
While heavy materials like stone might be difficult to transport, it was easy to carry information as light as a rumor. Moreover, this land had several ports and engaged in trade, so there should have been more new things.
For example, farming equipment. Initially, she thought they couldn't switch to new, convenient tools due to a lack of funds, but it was unnatural that they still didn't even use scythes.
This region was apparently largely unaffected by the plague...
That was why it had been a base for the anti-royalist faction, but perhaps that was also why the modernization of its agriculture had been delayed. However, why had more not been done in the four years since Alessandro's victory?
No matter how insular they are, couldn't something more have been done to try and improve things?
Thinking this far, Opal realized she was becoming querulous. The man Alessandro had chosen must have been a capable deputy. There was undoubtedly a reason for the situation, but right now, Opal was tired.
This is no good. I can't think straight... In any case, I haven't seen anything properly yet, so I can't draw any conclusions.
Just as her cup became empty, Nadia informed her that her bath was ready, and she stood up. The ladies-in-waiting and maids of this estate still seemed tense, their expressions stiff, but she hoped they would warm up to her in time. Opal stopped her ruminations and took a bath, then had a simple meal in her room and went to bed a little early.
—The next morning. Opal, who woke up at her usual time, surprised the servants of the estate. It seemed that it was indeed unusual for a noble to be an early riser. For the time being, she had breakfast in her room and informed them that from tomorrow, she would take it in the breakfast room. After finishing her meal, she summoned the steward Connally and informed him of her plans for the day.
"The land administrator..."
"Yes, that's right. There must be someone who manages this fief, correct? This place is far too vast for you to manage alone."
"...May I ask why you wish to see him?"
"To discuss the lands in this area, of course."
"You, Your Grace?"
"Yes, me. I am available anytime, so I will accommodate his schedule. Also, I would like to pay my respects to our neighbors, so could you please make a list for me?"
"...As you wish."
Connally seemed quite displeased, but he could not refuse. He reluctantly agreed and left. Opal hesitated, wondering if she had been too hasty, but she quickly reconsidered. Thinking of the harvest season, there wasn't much time. Here, just as she had in the McLeod Duchy eight years ago, she intended to introduce scythes and threshers for now.
To that end, she had already spoken with Omar and arranged to purchase the old threshers, the ones introduced in the McLeod Duchy eight years ago, at a secondhand price. They were ready to be transported from the port. Ideally, she should introduce the latest models, but due to everyone's inexperience and the issue of quantity, she had decided to use used machines. New scythes had been ordered from blacksmiths in her own fief and the McLeod Duchy, and she planned to order the rest from the blacksmiths in the Boccelli Duchy.
Later, shortly before noon, Opal went to the study, where Connally introduced her to Duncan, the land administrator. When Opal smiled pleasantly and offered her hand, Duncan did not hide his displeasure and scowled. Opal had intended a handshake, but it seemed Duncan had thought she was expecting a different kind of greeting. The prediction she made then, that this would be quite a challenge, turned out to be an understatement, in the worst possible way.