Back at the flower shop, Guy came in to report on recent developments.
He and Kiel had met several times and had tentatively finalized the delivery schedule and quantity for the first batch of elemental cards.
At the same time, Kiel had also submitted some ideas about the elemental cards and proposed several promotional plans.
With a few days remaining before the ritual ceremony, all the sisters from the Church of the Goddess of Harvest were busy with preparations. Of course, Ron couldn't possibly order them to go farm for him right now.
Plus, he hadn't officially become the Divine Representative yet, so technically, he didn't even have the authority to command them.
Although the Archbishop clearly had his back, Ron still felt awkward bringing up the idea of having nuns grow Chameleon Radishes. He just couldn't bring himself to say that aloud to the Archbishop's face.
Thanks to his status as the Chosen One, the Archbishop clearly held Ron in high regard. As long as it didn't harm the interests of the Church, he would go to great lengths to fulfill Ron's requests.
But Ron knew well that Ulysses was hoping he'd return to the Royal Capital and strive for the throne.
Unfortunately, Ron had no interest in becoming an emperor. So he could only politely disappoint the Archbishop's expectations.
If he had the chance and capability in the future, he'd repay the Church of Harvest in other ways.
As for the marketing proposals Kiel had submitted, Ron had skimmed through them but hadn't made a decision yet.
There was still time before the elemental cards were ready for production, so there was no rush.
Knock knock knock.
As Ron was lost in thought, someone knocked on the study door.
"Come in."
Nora poked her little head in and whispered, "Boss, there are two people here to see you. One of them says she's your sister."
"My sister?" Ron turned, surprised, a question mark practically floating over his head.
"Mhm." Nora nodded. "There's also a squad of soldiers outside on the street."
Ron got up and headed downstairs, thinking as he walked.
Emperor André III had eight children. The first seven were all boys.
The youngest—and only girl—was the Human Empire's sole princess: Mia André.
From what Ron remembered, Mia was very much doted on by Emperor André III and got along well with all her brothers.
Back when Ron—the original Ron—still lived in the palace, Mia was one of the few people who treated him normally.
Their relationship wasn't especially close, but it wasn't bad either.
Still, it was surprising that Princess Mia had come to see him personally.
Perplexed, Ron quickly made his way downstairs.
Flower Shop, First Floor.
Two girls were seated by the coffee table.
One of them had long, pale golden hair and wore a cream-colored ruffled dress. She looked around the shop with wide, curious eyes.
"Eileen, Eileen! That circle of glass pillars in the middle of the store looks so nice! But there's nothing in them—it feels kinda empty."
"Eileen, Eileen! Look at the price list—one Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum is only 30 gold coins! That's super cheap! I think the orange-red color is really pretty!"
"Eileen, Eile—"
"Princess Mia…" The other girl, with wine-red hair, let out a helpless sigh. While maintaining a proper posture, she gently reminded, "You're in public. Please maintain your image—no yelling. Hands on your knees. Sit up straight."
"Oh…" Mia pouted but obediently adjusted her posture—hands neatly placed on her lap, back straightened.
Her sitting posture radiated a composed, noble aura that completely clashed with the playful expressions on her face.
"Ahem... Princess Mia, your expression," Eileen reminded again.
Mia turned to give Eileen a pitiful look but ultimately composed herself, putting on a graceful smile.
And just like that, the image of a refined, gentle princess was perfectly set.
Just then, Ron came down the stairs and approached with a smile. "Mia, long time no see."
Mia and Eileen rose from their seats and performed a courtly bow.
"Greetings, Brother."
"Greetings, Your Highness Ron."
Ron returned the gesture from memory and then gestured for them to sit. "Let's talk while seated."
The girl with the pale golden hair was indeed Princess Mia, Ron's half-sister. She looked about fifteen or sixteen—roughly the same age as Nora.
The girl beside her was Eileen, Mia's etiquette tutor and also the granddaughter of Duke Christine. She was already seventeen.
They had grown up together, so Ron knew them both.
"What brings you to Chaos City? Don't tell me you came here just to visit me?" Ron joked with a smile.
Nora, ever the diligent assistant, quietly served tea to the three of them, then slipped away to the counter.
"Of course we did!" Mia blinked and nodded earnestly. "It's been forever since we last saw you after you left the capital!"
"Ahem…" Eileen added, as if offhandedly, "Princess Mia is here on official orders to attend the Church of Harvest's upcoming ritual. Since you're now the Goddess's Chosen One, strictly speaking, yes, Princess Mia is here specifically to see you."
"Eileen! You're so mean!" Mia pouted and gave Eileen's shoulder a light smack, a hint of embarrassment on her face.
What Eileen meant, of course, was that Mia had only stopped by to see Ron because she happened to be in town for the ritual—not because she came all this way just to visit him.
Ron chuckled at the two of them, not taking it to heart, and changed the subject. "How's Father doing?"
"Mm-hmm." Mia nodded. "The Northern Winter War is starting again, so he's been really busy lately."
"And how about you? How've you been?"
"Me…" Mia tilted her head with a troubled expression. "Same as always. A bunch of noble brats keep trying to win me over. If Eileen weren't around, I'd be going crazy."
Eileen gave her a side glance. "Princess, you only meet with one noble suitor a week. I handle all the others for you."
Mia pouted and shot her a glare, grumbling but saying nothing.
Ron couldn't help laughing. His little sister really was pretty adorable.
"Do you two have dinner plans yet? If not, let me treat you to dinner."
"Yes, yes!" Mia nodded enthusiastically.
"...Princess, you were scheduled to visit Countess Walton tonight," Eileen frowned.
"Hmm~~~" Mia suddenly latched onto Eileen's arm, her soft cheeks rubbing against Eileen's chest. "We haven't notified the countess yet anyway! We'll just go tomorrow instead, okay? Pretty please~?"
Eileen's expression didn't change.
Mia continued rubbing: "Pretty please~? Pretty please~?"
Eileen sighed in resignation and turned to Ron. "Your Highness Ron, we'll take you up on that dinner invitation, then."
Ron laughed, watching the two girls banter. "It's my honor."