Chapter 233: A Tour and Guidance
Sharp led Duane into the villa.
It was a meticulously landscaped courtyard with lush green lawns. Just inside the main gate, a fountain shimmered in the sunlight.
Corridors on either side were supported by white stone pillars adorned with elegant carvings.
The main building was a four-story, brick-red structure with arched, floor-to-ceiling windows that gave it a grand and beautiful appearance.
"This villa was the property of a wealthy merchant from the Silent Shore," Sharp explained enthusiastically. "When he heard we were setting up a clothing factory nearby, he sold it to us for a low price."
"The first floor is now a conference room and a sample showroom. The second and third floors are our private quarters, and the fourth floor is still empty."
Duane followed him up to the third floor.
"This is your study and bedroom."
Sharp pushed open an ornate door, revealing a spacious private suite inside.
If he weren’t in the Otherworld, Duane would have thought he’d walked into a presidential suite.
"Miss Natalia’s rooms are across the hall, but she only comes over occasionally and rarely stays here."
Sharp walked further into the room, stood by a floor-to-ceiling window, and pointed outside. "Come have a look. You can see our entire clothing factory from here!"
Sure enough, when Duane stood at the window, the entire clothing factory was laid out before him.
Five gray-roofed buildings were arranged in a fan shape, housing warehouses, washing rooms, sewing workshops, packing rooms, and more.
In the open space between them, fabrics of every color were hung out to dry. They rippled in the wind like a flowing rainbow.
Duane couldn’t help but feel impressed. It was truly remarkable to have built a factory of this scale in such a short time.
He was reminded that no matter which world he was in, cooperation was essential.
’Only by working with people who had resources and power could one achieve swift, mutual success.’
"Come on, let’s go take a look inside the factory. Derek and Zelina are there. The delivery date for the first batch of clothing is fast approaching, so those two are swamped!"
Derek was in charge of daily management and operations, while Zelina handled finances, materials, and costs. It was indeed a busy time for them.
Next, Sharp led Duane into the factory, where they met up with a busy Derek and Zelina.
They were both very happy to see Duane.
However, they had work to attend to, so after showing him through a couple of workshops, they were called away.
Duane then continued his tour of every part of the factory, accompanied by Sharp and a manager.
During the tour, he naturally spotted quite a few problems.
He made a note of each one, intending to bring them up at the next partners’ meeting.
「Sea Cliff Castle.」
"My Lord Count, one of Baron Duane’s men just delivered a calling card. The Baron wishes to visit you here at Sea Cliff Castle the day after tomorrow."
"The day after tomorrow?"
Count Kais set down the letter in his hand. It was the latest intelligence report, listing the participants from the major families who had signed up for the tournament.
He pursed his lips and said snidely, "Didn’t he arrive today? Am I, his main partner, less important than those youngsters?"
The butler, Moer, gave an awkward smile. "Well, Young Master Sharp did go to the docks to greet him personally. I would guess Baron Duane will be handling matters at the Time Closet tomorrow."
"Fine. I’m not in a hurry."
His gaze returned to the report as he asked casually, "Has Natalia gone out?"
Moer replied, "Yes, my lord. The young miss has just left."
After saying this, he looked hesitant.
Kais glanced at him. "If you have something to say, say it."
Only then did Moer bow, his voice a quiet reminder.
"During the last negotiation, the Kingdom’s special envoy relayed His Majesty the King’s desire for a marriage alliance between His Highness Otto and the young miss. With her going out now... is that appropriate?"
As the butler of Sea Cliff Castle for over twenty years, Moer had the right to report whenever the Count’s children overstepped their bounds.
Count Kais considered this for a long moment before shaking his head slightly.
"It’s fine. Natalia isn’t going out on a date. Besides, Zelina and the others are with her."
Moer nodded apologetically. "My apologies. I was worrying needlessly."
Count Kais grunted. "His Highness Otto’s abilities are quite good, it’s just a shame he’s not very resolute, especially when facing his older brother."
Moer agreed. "The Crown Prince is indeed rather domineering."
Count Kais waved a hand dismissively. "Go. Prepare to receive Duane. But there’s no need to invite outsiders this time. Keep it simple, not as grand as the last reception."
"Yes, I understand!"
Moer walked slowly out of the study, gently closing the door behind him.
’It seems His Lordship the Count isn’t very fond of His Highness Otto,’ Moer thought.
Count Kais indeed didn’t think much of Prince Otto. Though the prince’s personal abilities were excellent, his political resources were unfortunately quite limited.
Even if he married Natalia off to him, the Kennedy Clan would gain little.
Of course, Count Kais thought even less of Duane, whose political resources were even more limited.
However, that wouldn’t stop him from letting Natalia work with Duane and the others to open the factory.
Learning business and how to command wealth was, after all, a required lesson for a Count’s daughter.
「Meanwhile, inside a spacious hall at the Time Closet.」
Sharp was with Duane, watching a performance by the models—a runway show.
"I searched all over the Silent Shore to pick these twelve girls. Some are the daughters of wealthy merchants, others are from common families, but they’re all quite beautiful."
Sharp nudged Duane’s shoulder and whispered, "So, what do you think? I’ve got a good eye, don’t I?"
Duane couldn’t help but nod.
Though the girls came from different backgrounds, their training had already given them a certain poise.
Some were tall and slender with graceful curves, exuding the friendly charm of the girl next door.
Some stood tall and straight, with broad shoulders and narrow waists, displaying a perfect blend of strength and beauty.
Others were soft and graceful with fluid lines, every movement radiating a gentle elegance.
CLAP, CLAP, CLAP!
Sharp clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention. "Alright, everyone, come over here."
The girls hurried over. Some looked timid, others curious, and a few were filled with anticipation.
They had joined the runway show for different reasons. Some were there for the generous pay, while others hoped to use the opportunity to catch the eye of the nobility.
After all, the owners of the Time Closet included a Count’s daughter and a Hereditary Baron; even the lowest-ranking among them was the eldest son of a Knight Clan.
"Allow me to introduce you. This is Baron Duane Brian!"
Sharp announced grandly, "Your opportunity to get on stage and present yourselves is all thanks to Baron Duane. Now, won’t you greet the Baron?"
The twelve girls bowed in unison and greeted him, "Greetings, Lord Baron!"
"It’s a pleasure to meet you all," Duane replied with a smile. "Though your training has been short, I can already see clear progress in all of you. That’s excellent!"
It was important to offer words of encouragement. After all, a fashion show was a brand-new concept, and becoming a model for one required courage.
Still, Duane also had some feedback to give.
"This fashion show will be held in the Royal Capital of Pruck before the Kingdom’s Founding Celebration. You’ll be performing for the sons and daughters of nobility from across the entire Kingdom, perhaps even for princes and princesses!"
Hearing this, all twelve girls grew tense.
They had only just managed to overcome their nervousness and perform in front of Miss Natalia and the others.
They never expected Duane to drop such a bombshell on them today.
’They were going to perform in front of the nobility of the entire Kingdom?’
’They had never even dreamed of such a day!’
For a moment, every one of them looked nervous and grave. The pressure was immense.
"This is an opportunity!"
Duane declared. "With just one show, you will have the chance to become famous throughout the entire Kingdom!"
His words made their hearts race again. The eyes of the merchants’ daughters, in particular, shone brightly.
’That’s right,’ they thought. ’Most people would never get the chance to be on such a grand stage.’
Then Duane’s tone shifted. "But if you want to seize this opportunity, your current skill level isn’t good enough!"
Sharp stood to the side, listening in silence.
He had been tasked with training the models, since Derek and Zelina were too busy to get away.
’But what experience did he have training girls? He’d spent half of his eighteen years on a ship!’
The only reason the twelve models had made this much progress was that he had asked Miss Natalia to hire two etiquette teachers to help.
So when Sharp heard Duane say their skills were far from good enough, he felt both awkward and curious.
He wanted to see how Duane would handle it.
Just then, out of the corner of his eye, Sharp caught sight of a stunning figure entering through the back door of the hall.
’It’s Miss Natalia!’
Sharp was about to go and greet her, but she put a finger to her lips, stopping him.
He scratched his head and stood perfectly still.
Natalia, meanwhile, stood by the door, quietly watching Duane instruct the models.