The moment Katherine stepped into her elegant chambers, she grabbed the nearest scrap of parchment and a piece of charcoal like a woman possessed.
Her brain was buzzing—ideas flying around so fast that if she didn't pin them down, they'd scatter like startled pigeons.
She plopped onto her cushioned chair and scribbled her first question:
What do people need most?
"Food, obviously," she muttered, tapping the charcoal against her chin. "Even rich people have to eat. And if there's one thing I know, it's that good food makes people open their wallets. Or purses. Or... whatever nobles keep their money in. Gold-threaded pouches? Bejeweled money boxes? Do they have tiny coin butlers?"
She shook her head. Focus, Katherine.
Her chat with the old woman earlier had given her insight into how the food supply worked here—farmers, traders, and merchants all playing their roles. But she had noticed gaps, inefficiencies that could be fixed.
Her knowledge from her past life could be a game-changer.
Salt preservation, drying, fermentation—all things that existed here, sure, but probably not in their most efficient forms.
If she could introduce new methods, she'd have a competitive edge.
She grinned. "Step one: revolutionize the food industry. Step two: ??? Step three: profit."
She tapped her charcoal thoughtfully. But how do I actually start?
Her excitement deflated slightly. "Oh. Right. Money. Investors. Ugh."
She sighed dramatically and flopped back against the chair. "Alright, let's think. Who has money and might actually listen to me?"
A smirk tugged at her lips. "Oh, right. Aunt Yevon."
Her aunt, the ever-graceful and terrifyingly competent marchioness, was well-connected and influential. Would she be willing to fund such an endeavor?
Katherine wasn't sure how her aunt felt about business, but it was worth a shot. If nothing else, Yevon might introduce her to merchants or potential investors.
Then another thought struck her, and she shot up so fast she nearly knocked her inkwell over.
Parties.
Of course! If nobles loved anything more than hoarding wealth, it was showing off their wealth.
She twirled the charcoal between her fingers. "If I attend more social gatherings, I can rub elbows with the right people. Get them interested in trade, innovation—maybe even make them think it was their idea all along."
A devious grin spread across her face. Manipulating the aristocracy through strategic flattery and food? Yes. This is my destiny.
She glanced at her parchment, now a chaotic mess of scribbles, underlined words, and what was possibly a very aggressive doodle of a bread loaf.
"Alright, Katherine. Step one: convince Aunt Yevon. Step two: network like my life depends on it. Step three: profit. Somewhere in there, I should probably figure out what I'm actually selling. Minor detail."
Just then, a knock at the door startled her.
She scrambled to shove her parchment aside—because for some reason, no one ever looks at hastily scribbled notes and thinks 'oh yes, this is the work of a sane person.'
Taking a deep breath, she stood and opened the door.
A maid bowed respectfully. "My lady, the marchioness wishes to see you in her office."
Katherine straightened her gown, smoothing out the fabric. "Well, speak of the devil," she murmured under her breath.
Then, with a bright smile, she nodded. "Thank you. I'll be there shortly."
As the maid departed, Katherine cast one last glance at her chaotic notes.
She had a vision, a direction—but if she wanted to succeed, she needed support.
Would her aunt be her first investor? Or would she need to charm her way into the right circles?
Either way, she was ready.
With her mind set, she gathered her notes and strode out of her chambers.
This was her chance to turn ideas into reality.
And if that meant playing the noble social game?
Well.
She'd just have to win.
***
When Katherine entered the drawing room, she found her aunt Yevon seated gracefully on an upholstered chair, sipping tea from the most delicate porcelain cup. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Everything about the scene screamed effortless nobility.
Katherine, meanwhile, was about to introduce capitalism.
The marchioness raised an elegant eyebrow as Katherine approached. "How are you, my dear?" she said, setting her cup down with a soft clink.
Katherine took a deep breath. Confidence. Charm. Business mode.
"Aunt Yevon, I was hoping to discuss something important with you," she said, sitting across from her. "I want to start a business. And I'd like to ask for your support."
Yevon's head tilted slightly, her golden eyes gleaming with interest. "A business?" she repeated, as if tasting the word. A pause. Then, to Katherine's delight, a slow, approving smile. "How intriguing. Tell me more."
Katherine grinned. That was easier than expected.
"I've been observing how trade works here, especially with food," she explained. "There's so much untapped potential. I have ideas—ideas that could make a fortune. But I need an investor." She leaned in slightly. "And who better than my brilliant and influential aunt?"
Yevon let out a soft laugh, her fingers elegantly intertwining. "Flattery will indeed get you far, my dear." She tapped one manicured nail against the armrest. "I assume you've thought this through?"
Katherine nodded eagerly. "Completely. This isn't just a whim—I know what I'm doing. Back in my—" she caught herself, "before, I had experience with trade. I understand the risks, but I also see the rewards."
Yevon studied her, assessing her with quiet amusement. Then, with a graceful wave of her hand, she said, "Very well. I shall fund it."
Katherine blinked. "Wait. Just like that?"
The marchioness arched a brow. "Would you rather I make you grovel?"
Katherine resisted the urge to fist-pump. "I mean, no! I just thought I'd have to convince you more."
Yevon chuckled, lifting her teacup. "My dear, ambition is a rare and precious thing. Especially in someone of your station. I would be a fool not to encourage it." She took a sip, then added, "Besides, having a business-minded niece could be quite useful."
Katherine grinned, feeling an almost ridiculous amount of pride. "Then I won't disappoint you!"
"I trust that you won't," Yevon said, setting her cup down. "Now, how much do you need?"
Katherine straightened. "To start, I need funding for supplies, a space to operate, and—if possible—introductions to a few key merchants and nobles. Having your name attached to this gives me credibility."
"Ah, now we come to the heart of it," Yevon murmured, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Connections are not given, Katherine. They are cultivated."
"I was planning to do that!" Katherine assured her. "I'll attend gatherings, build relationships, and make sure the right people are interested. But your support gives me the push I need to get started."
Yevon hummed thoughtfully. Then, with a decisive nod, she said, "Consider it done. I will provide the necessary funds and arrange introductions to some well-placed individuals. However—" her eyes sparkled, "—I expect results."
Katherine could barely contain her excitement. "You will get results. Thank you, Aunt Yevon!"
Yevon smirked. "We shall see." Then, ever the noblewoman, she shifted topics effortlessly. "Now, tell me—what will you wear to the next soirée?"
Katherine groaned dramatically. "Ugh. Can't I just show up in a sensible outfit and let my brilliance do the talking?"
Yevon's amused chuckle was both elegant and slightly terrifying. "First impressions, my dear. You must look the part before anyone cares to listen."
Katherine sighed but relented. If dressing up was the price of business success, so be it.
As their conversation continued, excitement buzzed beneath her skin. She had taken the first step—and with Yevon's support, the road ahead was looking much smoother.
Now all she had to do was execute her plan.
And, of course, charm the nobles while she was at it.