Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

”Your Ladyship, I have brought Gius.” Agnes announced, leaving Gius to wait outside as she entered the main hall to report.

Inside the hall, behind a screen painted with delicate ink landscapes, a noblewoman dressed in luxurious violet robes reclined on a couch, reading a newspaper. Upon hearing Agnes’s words, she sat up and spoke. ”Bring him in. Simon has been quite mysterious in his letter. I’m curious to see what this ’perfume’ he mentioned is.”

With that, Lady Isolde rose and, assisted by two maids, made her way to the main hall, where she took a seat on a redwood chair.

At this moment, Agnes called for Gius to enter.

”Your humble servant from the prince’s estate pays his respects to you, Lady Isolde,” Gius said, bowing deeply without daring to look up.

Seeing Gius dressed in coarse, tattered clothing, Lady Isolde frowned slightly. ”Since you are Simon’s man, there’s no need to be so formal. Simon mentioned something about perfume in his letter. Is it true?”

Gius finally dared to look up and saw a woman of extraordinary grace seated before him. She had phoenix eyes, willow-leaf eyebrows, a face as fair as powdered jade, and lips as red as cinnabar. Though not a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms, she was undoubtedly stunning.

It was said that Lady Isolde, originally named Layla, hailed from Valenfyr in the Eldorian Empire. Her father, Donald Krane, had been a seventh-rank magistrate in the county, Valenfyr. Twenty years ago, when the Empress was selecting concubines for the emperor, all officials with daughters were required to present them as candidates. Isolde had been chosen during this selection and quickly won the emperor’s favour. Within a decade, she had risen to the rank of senior concubine. However, in the ever-shifting world of the imperial harem, where new faces constantly replaced the old, Lady Isolde’s influence had waned over time.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Gius replied. ”Your Ladyship, I have been sent by His Highness to deliver both the perfume and the Brambleford’s Finest wine.”

”Where are the items?” Lady Isolde asked.

Agnes answered. ”Your Ladyship, His Highness has sent quite a lot this time. I had a few eunuchs bring them over. They should be here soon.”

As she spoke, a melodious laugh echoed from outside, and a concubine dressed in red robes entered, followed by several eunuchs carrying the perfume and wine sent by the prince.

”The prince is truly filial. He’s sent so many things so early in the morning.” The red-robed concubine said with a smile, seating herself casually in a chair on the side without any formality.

Lady Isolde chuckled lightly. This was Lady Margret, the mother of the Fourth Prince, who often visited her. She spoke. ”It must be that little eunuch Luis running his mouth again. He never learns.”

”Indeed. Next time, I’ll give him a few slaps myself before you even have to.” Lady Margret said with a smile, knowing full well that Lady Isolde was annoyed by her prying. Given her status, Luis wouldn’t dare refuse her questions.

Lady Isolde smiled. ”I appreciate your kindness. Since you’re already here, why not join me in seeing what Simon has sent? Life in the palace can be dull, and it’s always nice to have something new to look at.”

Lady Margret, who had been curious from the start, was now even more intrigued. However, she still politely said. ”If it’s inconvenient, I can leave.”

In his letter, Simon had made it clear that he wanted the concubines to know about the perfume. Therefore, Lady Isolde wasn’t upset with Lady Margret’s presence. In fact, Lady Margaret was known for her gossipy nature, and her involvement could help spread the word.

”You’re being too polite. It’s no trouble at all. Agnes, open the boxes.” Lady Isolde instructed.

Agnes acknowledged the order, but before she could act, Gius eagerly stepped forward to open the wooden crates, saying softly to Agnes. ”These crates have nails. Let me handle it so you don’t get hurt.”

Agnes smiled and nodded.

Four crates were opened: three contained small porcelain perfume bottles, and one was filled with wine.

Gius took out one of the small porcelain bottles and handed it to Agnes, saying. ”This is the perfume personally crafted by His Highness.”

Agnes took the bottle and presented it to Lady Isolde.

Having read the prince’s letter, Lady Isolde had some idea of what the perfume was. She removed the wooden stopper from the bottle and, using a feather provided by Agnes, dabbed a bit of the perfume on herself.

”What is this? It smells so delightful.” Lady Margret asked, having watched Lady Isolde’s actions closely. As soon as the perfume was applied, a captivating fragrance filled the room.

The scent was refreshing and pleasant, unlike the mixed aromas of traditional incense.

Lady Isolde, who had initially been sceptical about the prince’s gift, was now pleasantly surprised. She explained to Lady Margaret. ”This is called a perfume. It’s a special fragrance Simon learned to make in Brambleford. It’s said to be much more practical than incense.”

”Perfume? I’ve never heard of such a thing. May I try it?” Lady Margaret asked.

Concubines, like all women, were always at the forefront of fashion. In modern terms, they were the trend setters of their time. Moreover, in their constant competition for the emperor’s favour, concubines were always on the lookout for something new and exciting. Lady Margret, being well-versed in such matters, immediately recognised the potential of this novel item.

Taking the perfume, Lady Margaret followed Lady Isolde’s example and dabbed some on herself. Instantly, she was enveloped in a delightful fragrance.

”Oh, this is truly wonderful! It smells amazing, and it’s so easy to use.” Lady Margret exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. She glanced at the three crates of perfume, and her eyes sparkled with interest. The prince has sent quite a lot. You’re so fortunate.”

Lady Isolde, understanding the underlying meaning of Lady Margaret’s words, said. ”Simon sent these perfumes as gifts for all the women in the palace. If you like them, please take a few bottles for yourself.”

Lady Margaret was overjoyed. ”You’re always so kind to me.” With that, she eagerly moved to select a few bottles.

At this moment, Gius spoke up. ”Your Ladyship, before I left, His Highness instructed me to mention that he forgot to include this in his letter: the three crates contain perfumes with different scents, tulip, jasmine, and agarwood. The intensity of the fragrances also varies, so each lady may choose according to her preference.”

”Oh?” Lady Margaret was even more delighted. ”Quick, bring the other two scents here.”

Gius bowed and retrieved the other two perfumes, presenting them to Lady Isolde.

After smelling the different scents, Lady Isolde and Lady Margret exchanged smiles. Lady Isolde said. ”The jasmine is light and elegant, perfect for me. The tulip is warm and intense, more suited to you.”

”You’re absolutely right. I never expected the prince to have such talent. This perfume is simply divine. I’m already in love with it.” Lady Margret said, holding the bottle of tulip perfume with glee.

”In that case, this bottle is yours.” Lady Isolde said.

Lady Margret glanced at the crates, each containing at least thirty bottles. She smiled ingratiatingly and said, ”When did you become so stingy? This bottle is so small. Why not give me a couple more?”

As she spoke, she tugged at Lady Isolde’s sleeve, pleading.

Lady Isolde laughed. ”Alright, since you insist, take two more bottles.”

Lady Margret, fearing Lady Isolde might change her mind, happily took the extra bottles and thanked her profusely before leaving.

Once Lady Margret was out of earshot, Agnes snorted softly. ”Your Ladyship, why did you give her two bottles? Lady Margret is always taking advantage of your kindness.”

Lady Isolde shot Agnes a warning look. ”You can say such things in front of me, but never outside. Be careful, or you’ll regret it.”

”Your Ladyship, Agnes is just concerned about His Highness’s perfume. After all, it was made by His Highness himself using the finest ingredients.” Gius said cautiously.

Mentioning the prince, Lady Isolde couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. ”Ah, it’s rare for him to put in so much effort. But I have my reasons. If we were to send the perfume to the Empress too eagerly, it would seem too deliberate and might backfire. Lady Margaret loves to show off. Once she starts flaunting the perfume, the Empress and the other concubines will come asking. We can bring it up then.”

”Your Ladyship is truly wise,” Gius said, bowing his head.

Lady Isolde then turned her attention to the wine jars, noticing that they were wrapped in fine paper with calligraphy on them. ”Bring one of the wine jars here.” She instructed.

Agnes stepped forward, picked up a jar, and spoke. ”Your Ladyship, there’s a poem written on it.”

Lady Isolde read the poem aloud softly:

”Brambleford’s Finest...”

She nodded slightly. ”A fine poem. I never expected such literary talent from the barren lands of Brambleford.”

Agnes barely suppressed a smile and said respectfully. ”Your Ladyship, actually, this poem was written by His Highness.”