Chapter 37

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 37

Chapter Title: Sold Out

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I had figured it might cause some ripple effect.

That was the whole point of the advertising, after all.

But.

But...

"The stock's all sold out?"

"Y-yes, Lady."

For real? Seriously?

All I got back when I asked again was the same answer I'd already heard.

Mrs. Rainy and I sat across from each other with cool tea between us once more, both slipping into a brief moment of contemplation as if on cue.

"What about all that Poretta leather lying around the territory...?"

"We're processing every last bit of it, but it's nowhere near enough to keep up with the flood of orders."

That meant the soonest we could deliver more was a month from now.

'We're screwed.'

I let out a silent groan and clutched my head.

I'd thought that even if every noble in the empire ordered enough to cover just one bedroom—say, six or seven windows—it would be plenty.

The problem was, I'd overlooked just how massive noble estates were... and how insatiable their vanity could be.

'I had no idea...'

And honestly, I hadn't wanted to know.

I'd assumed that once the nobles who'd read the book started using blackout curtains, it'd become a fleeting fad in high society and blow over.

I never imagined every single noble would rush to replace every curtain in their homes.

Let alone the wealthy merchants and even commoners jumping on the bandwagon!

"Truth be told, orders are pouring in from overseas too... This is the first time we've dealt with something like this."

Mrs. Rainy's reaction—half like she wanted to cry or laugh—mirrored my own dilemma over how to handle this mess.

'Never dreamed it'd go this global with the readership.'

This issue of Safety Rules of the Haunted Duke's Castle had been produced as a standalone story, separate from the main serialization and without involving any magazine publishers.

Even so, we'd printed a generous run based on the main story's sales figures, only to end up reprinting multiple times due to unexpected overseas demand.

Of course, it was good news.

Seeing those nameless artists—who'd always scraped by on patronage—now free from financial worries, their faces lighting up with joy... it warmed my heart too.

But... this was a level of impact that far exceeded anything I'd imagined.

'No, let's stay positive.'

I shook off the sinking feeling and switched gears.

For one thing, we were rolling in money now. When something this great happens, better to enjoy it than borrow trouble!

I'd gotten into the habit of fretting first and savoring later, since good fortune always seemed to bring more work piling on top.

"Lady?"

"...Ah."

Only after Mrs. Rainy's concerned voice reached me did I snap back to reality.

"Sorry. I'll check with His Grace separately about the Poretta leather."

My awkward response must have worried her, as concern still clouded her face.

I spoke calmly to reassure her.

"Besides, neighboring territories have plenty of surplus Poretta leather too, so we could always buy from them."

"Hmm, that's an option."

"Yeah. And I've heard rumors they're gearing up for another Poretta extermination drive."

In the end, it was just a matter of time—the leather shortage would resolve itself soon enough.

Then Mrs. Rainy spoke up again.

"Still, Lady, since it came up... the workshop folks are all thrilled about it."

"Pardon? But with all the work, wouldn't it be exhausting...?"

Thrilled?

Hadn't we just been worrying over the order backlog?

Mrs. Rainy chuckled at my puzzled question.

"That's exactly why it's such great news. Steady, reliable work like this? It's a godsend."

"Oh."

"Seasonal laborers' income is so unpredictable. Lose out on bids, and you're starving half the time. But now, quite a few are thinking of sticking around the Brail Duchy long-term instead of moving on."

Her voice brimmed with genuine goodwill.

For some reason, my chest tickled with warmth.

"...I see."

I didn't want to admit it, but it felt like reflexive pride or something close.

Every project I started drained me physically and mentally.

The comics were just me wanting to keep up my hobby from my past life, and the blackout curtains were for my own better sleep.

Yet here they were, actually helping people.

As I quietly sorted through my embarrassment, Mrs. Rainy continued, her clear eyes sparkling.

"It's all thanks to you, Lady. Everyone's grateful—keep that in mind."

"B-but I didn't really do anything."

"Oh, come now! Don't say such heartbreaking things."

She firmly rejected my attempt to shrink back.

I didn't need this praise prison...

As I bowed my head like ripe rice stalks, Bonita's voice chimed in.

"I've been helping the artists too, so I know. They're all thankful to you, miss."

"To me?"

A benefactor? Me? Why?

I pointed at myself in disbelief, and Bonita placed her hands on her hips in response.

"First off, you helped secure livelihoods for Ashley and the other artists. And I've heard whispers about your big splash at the Magic Tower, even if I don't know the details."

"That was just a fluke..."

"Even setting that aside, you gave everyone blackout curtains this time! I grew up serving nobles, and masters giving personal gifts to servants? That's rare as hen's teeth."

Bonita's face softened into a gentle smile as she finished.

Still, being called a benefactor felt a bit embarrassing.

From my side, I'd just done what needed doing.

"Everyone's grateful for your generosity, miss."

"Hearing that means a lot, but..."

Why was the mood suddenly heading this way?

Squirming between Mrs. Rainy and Bonita, I felt heat rising in my cheeks and hung my head.

"Hee-hee. Anyway, that's my report for today. I'll look into emergency stock sources and let you know if anything turns up."

"...Yes, Mrs. Rainy. I'll check with His Grace toooo..."

She bowed slightly in farewell and left the room, leaving a hush of silence behind.

I rubbed my cheeks, still warm to the touch.

Thinking about it, their words rang true—my actions had positively impacted people's lives.

'She really does look healthier.'

What pleased me most was the change in those close to me.

Since installing the blackout curtains, everyone in the duke's household had noticeably brighter complexions.

Even Bonita standing beside me now had much fainter dark circles than before.

"Um... miss."

"Yeah?"

Bonita met my eyes hesitantly before speaking.

"How long is Ian planning to just stand there...?"

"Ah!"

I finally snapped to attention and stood up.

The man we'd hired as my bodyguard recently—Ian—stood motionless, guarding the door without a twitch.

"Did you think about that bodyguard proposal I mentioned? His Grace already approved!"

Ian pondered briefly at my words before delivering his firm decision.

"I did. But it won't work."

"R-really? But last time you said you'd consider..."

"...I hadn't thought it through then. I have my own duties—time's an issue."

Such a resolute refusal.

Not wanting to let it go, I probed gently.

"Mind if I ask what your main job is?"

"That's personal, so I can't disclo—"

"Then I can work around your schedule! Please reconsider. Yeah?"

"...Three hours a day. No more than that. And the standard minimum for bodyguards is eight hours on average, so..."

"Three hours sounds perfect to me?!"

I latched onto what seemed like his attempt to shut me down.

"I'm holed up in my room anyway—three hours is more than enough!"

"...Can't do it in one block. Ninety minutes morning, ninety afternoon. Hours may shift based on my schedule too."

"That's fine. Honestly, I rarely go out for more than ninety minutes anyway?"

"No travel assignments."

"I don't do outings either."

"Busy periods might mean days off in a row."

"I only step out three or four times a month, tops. Hehe."

As a born homebody, long shifts would've been a burden anyway.

Part-time suited me perfectly!

Especially tagging along only for essentials—that preserved my privacy.

In the end, I breezed through Ian's ironclad defenses and hired him successfully.

He looked utterly flustered, clearly not expecting me to agree...

Anyway, with our employer-employee relationship set, Bonita laid down the law as she eyed us.

"Now that you're employee and employer, use proper honorifics with the miss! Show some respect as her bodyguard, got it?"

"Understood... ma'am."

But once he took the job, Ian gave his all even in those short shifts.

He never slacked off—not even on himself. Sometimes to an excessive degree.

"I-Ian! Sit here! No one's around, and nothing's gonna happen right here..."

"A bodyguard can't share a table with their employer... That's my stance. I'll pass."

"Ah..."

His polite but unwavering refusal left me with an awkward smile.

I let out a soft sigh and lowered the arm I'd been holding out into thin air.

He was great at his job, sure—but wasn't this a bit too diligent?

"You don't have to stand the whole time, Ian."

"...!"

Take that.

As I laughed aloud at the subtle shift in his expression from my final jab,

Knock knock!

A heavy, ominous knock echoed from somewhere.