How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending - Chapter 31.2
“Do you think such extravagant goods would sell in the North Continent? Somehow, this place feels a bit…”
However, when our eyes met, he lowered his head and hastily offered an excuse.
“Of, of course, anything selected by Your Highness the Grand Consort would be popular. Y-yes, certainly.”
“Hmm…”
Gehardt’s concern was not entirely unfounded. I surveyed the surroundings with a worried look. The busy street was filled with elegantly dressed nobles and high-ranking officials moving about. The shops lining both sides of the street were far more splendid than any regular store.
Delicate silk fabrics and dazzlingly crafted jewelry caught the eye everywhere. The fragrance of high-quality spices wafted subtly through the streets.
Although the North Continent had developed compared to before, it would be impossible to bring such goods back.
“You are right. It does seem difficult.”
I nodded, and Gehardt looked embarrassed. Then, in a hesitant voice, he added,
“But if we look carefully, there should be suitable products, Your Highness.”
“Let us hope so…”
It seemed unlikely. I would have to be content with gathering even a small number of Lirisia bulbs.
As I trudged along, feeling disheartened, something caught my eye in the middle of the shopping district.
“Your Highness, what is that?”
I pointed toward a shop and asked hastily. Tristan furrowed his brows and replied,
“Glassware. It seems to be of high quality.”
“It is more than that. I have never seen such extravagant glass.”
A variety of glass products shone brightly on the display. Finely cut glasses, elegant hand mirrors with intricate patterns, and crystal chandeliers reflecting radiant light.
I approached as if entranced and picked up a glass from the display.
The golden sunlight reflected softly on its smooth surface. It was perfectly transparent without a single bubble. Even by modern standards, it could be considered a top-tier luxury item.
“Wow, Your Highness. Look at this. Isn’t it beautiful? How can such products exist?”
Tristan took the glass from my hands and turned it around to examine it. At that moment, the shop owner quickly intervened.
“Oh my, your eye for quality is impeccable! This was made on Istenia Island. Among Istenian glass, this is top-grade.”
“Istenia Island? Where is that?”
I asked, and the shop owner looked at me as if surprised I did not know. The look suggested, How could you not know Istenia Island?
At that moment, Tristan spoke in a low voice.
“It is a small island south of Belforte Port. It is famous for producing high-quality glassware.”
“Oh, your husband knows precisely!”
Husband… Does Tristan really appear like that to strangers?
My ears tingled at the thought. He is my husband, after all.
Regardless, the shop owner continued enthusiastically promoting his products.
“Yes. Your Husband is correct. Glass is produced throughout the Empire, but only Istenian glass is truly exceptional. Nobles do not even glance at other glassware. Naturally, the prices are high.”
Is that so? I absentmindedly touched my earlobe, intrigued by the shop owner’s words, and asked again.
“Interesting. Is there a special reason for its superior quality?”
“Ah, well…”
Unexpectedly, the shop owner hesitated. For some reason, his expression was tense and slightly fearful.
“Skilled artisans live in villages on Istenia Island.”
Then Tristan quietly added, replacing the shop owner.
“They are artisans under an exclusive contract with the Lord of Istenia. Therefore, all glass transactions go through the lord.”
“Really? The Lord treats them well, then?”
Of course, an organization with many skilled craftsmen produces exceptional work. Creating such remarkable glass products exclusively would yield immense profit. I found myself envying the unknown Lord of Istenia.
However, a shadow briefly passed over Tristan’s expression.
“Perhaps. Keeping them on the island and preventing them from ever leaving might not exactly be considered good treatment.”
“E-excuse me…?”
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