Chapter 7
Chloe, in her heart, wanted to lower the price of the refrigerator as much as possible so that even the homes of commoners or the slums could have one, but realistically, she suggested a price that seemed feasible.
The Duke was surprised that Chloe had such thoughtful intentions and readily agreed.
“Already thinking about the circumstances of the people in the territory? My daughter is truly brilliant!”
In place of the still-young Chloe, the Duke took the lead in mass-producing and selling the refrigerators.
Chloe watched the business she had started with her invention, feeling firsthand how it impacted her family, the territory, and the people.
“Thanks to the refrigerator, ingredients can be kept fresh, and there’s no more food wasted from spoiling.”
“When we placed refrigerators in the orphanage and the clinic, as per your father’s orders, the number of children and patients falling ill has decreased significantly!”
Chloe had only done it because she didn’t like eating tasteless food, but she was surprised that her actions had such a great influence.
And one thought firmly took root in her mind.
‘There are so many people living in conditions worse than in my previous life.’
Even in the Garnet Duchy, where the land was fertile and the situation relatively better, that was the case.
There were countless people who couldn’t eat the foods Chloe avoided because they were bland.
Her work had begun simply to enjoy delicious food, but she realized it could also help others.
‘Let’s continue like this. I can eat delicious food, make my parents happy, develop the territory, and help people at the same time.’
Even without magical items like refrigerators, improving crops or developing recipes could be enough to turn into a business.
The territory would become wealthier, and Chloe could focus more on research into ingredients and recipes.
This was the moment Chloe’s goal evolved from “making delicious food for myself” to “using the memories from my past life to develop the territory.”
“Really? From the Imperial Palace?”
At dinner, the Duke brought Chloe shocking news.
Out of nowhere, a letter from the royal family had arrived at the Duke’s residence, addressed specifically to Chloe.
“Yes. It’s a personal letter sent directly by Her Majesty the Empress.”
It was sealed with the Empress’s personal seal, not the royal family’s official one.
With the death of Shuel’s mother, the Empress, the position was vacant, making the Empress the highest-ranking person in the royal family aside from the Emperor.
Taking a deep breath, Chloe opened the letter with a paper knife.
In summary, it said: “I heard that a young lady created an invention called a refrigerator. I am impressed with your insight and would like to invite you to the palace.”
Chloe could not hide her stunned expression and spoke blankly.
“Why would Her Majesty the Empress invite me…?”
“Probably because Prince Shuel Cyclamen attended the banquet at that time and spoke well of you to the royal family.”
No, Shuel Cyclamen! Why would he do something unasked!
Chloe silently cried out. She had thought they had parted cleanly and casually at that time.
‘Talking about me at the Imperial Palace?’
Chloe felt a wave of dread.
The Imperial Palace had the original story’s male lead, the Empress, and countless other characters…
“I-I shouldn’t go, right…?”
“Hoho, don’t say that. You must prepare quickly.”
The Duchess laughed off Chloe’s desire to decline the Empress’s invitation, but Chloe could not join in.
Only Chloe was invited to the palace; even if the Duke and Duchess accompanied her, they could not enter together.
Of course, the Duke could apply for an audience with the Empress, but without a pre-arranged date, they would have to wait a long time, and by the time the audience concluded, Chloe would already be done.
So the Duchess would accompany her on the way, but Chloe had to enter the palace alone.
‘I have to enter the Imperial Palace alone.’
Chloe remembered that many events in the original story took place in the palace. That meant many characters would be present.
The ones she wanted to avoid most were Shuel and Shuria, but she also didn’t want to meet the other characters.
And as usual, Chloe could not refuse, even if she wanted to.
“Be careful, Chloe. You too, take care.”
“I will, Father.”
“Don’t worry, dear.”
The Duke looked regretful that he was too busy to accompany her.
Chloe left the carriage and, with her mother, headed toward the Imperial Palace.
“Her Majesty the Empress, Lady Chloe Garnet requests an audience.”
“Let her enter.”
Chloe parted from the Duchess at the palace gates and entered alone.
A footman, already informed, came to greet Chloe and guided her to the audience chamber.
When the doors opened, two people were already inside.
‘Her Majesty the Empress and… Shuel?!’
Chloe almost froze but quickly regained her composure. She lifted her dress and bowed to the Empress.
“Lady Chloe Garnet of the Garnet Duchy pays her first respects to Your Majesty.”
“Sit, then. You know Prince Shuel, don’t you?”
“Yes. It is a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness.”
Shuel gave a slightly reluctant nod, looking less friendly than when they had met before. Chloe carefully took the seat the Empress indicated.
The Empress sat at the head of the long table, with Shuel to her right. Across from Shuel was Chloe’s seat.
Swallowing nervously, Chloe observed the Empress closely.
“Yes, I’ve heard that the Garnet family has developed and sold something called a refrigerator, and that you created it yourself.”
“I only thought it would be useful, and there was a magician who helped me.”
“Someone who thinks of what others cannot is a wise person. Truly brilliant for someone so young.”
Chloe had no idea why the Empress was suddenly praising her.
While she was unsure, the Empress abruptly shifted her target.
“The Prince, son of His Majesty the Emperor, cannot even come up with what this young lady has.”
…Suddenly?
Chloe was taken aback that the praise directed at her was being used to demean Shuel.
The Empress glared at Shuel, who bowed deeply under her cold gaze.
“Excluding status, is there even one way in which the Prince is better than this Duke’s daughter?”
Chloe’s mouth dropped open.
She knew it was impolite, but this was… too much.
‘It’s fine to praise me, but why belittle the male lead!’
The blunt comparison made Chloe break out in a cold sweat.
This would naturally instill resentment toward the future Crown Prince, regardless of Chloe’s intentions.
‘I tried to avoid the villainess route in the original story, but now am I being forced into it? Is this right?’
Moreover, the Empress’s harsh words were not proper etiquette.
No matter her status or age, according to royal hierarchy, she was not above the Prince.
The Empress’s son was a royal by blood, but still ranked below the Empress’s son in succession.
Even though the Empress was not of royal blood herself, her authority surpassed none. Yet her arrogance continued.
With the death of the Empress, the Crown Prince could not hold his position, and the Empress’s power rose unchecked.
Chloe was bewildered by the chaotic hierarchy, but the Empress continued her tirade.
“I truly cannot understand. How is it that a person inferior to a mere young lady is the sole legitimate Crown Prince of this country?”
Clicking her tongue, the Empress added with a snake-like smile,
“Because the Prince is so incompetent, His Majesty the Emperor hesitates to appoint him as Crown Prince.”
