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Ascendance of a Bookworm (LN) - Volume 1.2 - Chapter SS1




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Corinna’s Married Life 

“Welcome home, Lady Corinna.” 

After meeting with Baron Blon’s daughter and discussing what outfit she would like to wear for the upcoming Starbind Ceremony, I returned to the store and found Mark waiting for me. 

“I have indeed returned, Mark. Did anything happen while I was gone?” 

“Myne and Lutz arrived to sell the hairpins we spoke of. Shall I give a full report once you’ve settled in?” 

Although my older brother Benno was managing the Gilberta Company, I was the true future heir of the store and thus received regular reports on its business through Mark. 

“Would you be a dear and bring the hairpins with you?” I left it at that and went to my home on the third floor before changing clothes. I then headed to the room I still had on the second floor, which was my brother’s home. My old room had become my office now that I was married and lived on the third floor with Otto. 

“Please excuse me, Corinna. Here are the hairpins we purchased. They account for all the orders we received from various young ladies who have their baptism ceremony this winter or spring.” 

I immediately took a close look at the hairpins Mark had brought up. They were made of small flowers diligently sewn from thin thread of various colors. Each hairpin looked like a splendid bouquet of flowers, and I knew that there were many girls born in winter or spring who would die to have one, as throughout the winter and at the beginning of spring it was hard to acquire flowers for decoration. 

“They are made from different colors, such that a customer can pick their favorite and potentially choose one that matches their hair. Additionally, at Myne’s fervent request to make them as cheap as possible, Benno settled on selling them for three large coppers each.” 

It seemed that Myne, as a lowborn child of a poor family, wanted the hairpins to be priced so that even her neighbors could afford one. I was quite impressed that my brother agreed to sell them for such a low price. To think that a girl as young as Myne would have such a firm will and influence. 

“Hmm. Were the hairpins she sold to the guildmaster earlier quite like these?” 

“No, it would be fair to say that they were completely different products. The thread was of the highest possible quality and the flowers were much larger.” 

Myne had sold the special hairpins she made for the guildmaster’s granddaughter right after showing them to Benno, robbing me of the opportunity to see them. What a terrible shame. 

“...Still, though. How in the world did Myne divine how to sew these?” I had seen the daughters of nobles wear real flowers frozen in time through magic, but never flowers sewn from thread like these. Those who lived in the southern part of the city were generally poor, and only on rare occasions dressed up at all. I found it extremely odd that Myne would know how to sew these despite being born and raised in such an environment. 

Mark heard my murmur and shrugged with a small smile. “Neither I nor Benno know that. It seems, however, that he has chosen not to think about the origin of Myne’s products and where her knowledge comes from. He would rather use his time and effort to maximize profit than to seek answers to fruitless questions.” 

In other words, as long as he profited, it didn’t matter. I smiled at my brother’s bold decision, then let out a sigh. “I don’t believe I can do the same, I’m afraid.” It was beyond me to trust, fund, support, and embrace as an apprentice a poor young girl solely to produce paper made from plants, a product entirely unrelated to the Gilberta Company clothing line. The Gilberta Company began when a woman made clothes in her workshop and her husband began selling them, which is why I was the heir of the store, but I knew for sure that the store would grow larger and faster with my brother at the helm. 

Mark smiled at my weak confession and shook his head. “I am always surprised by Benno’s instincts and decisive nature, but I do not believe your instincts are anything to scoff at.” 

“You think so?” 

“A bolder decision was never made than your choice to marry Otto,” said Mark, which made me remember the time Otto first courted me. I couldn’t help but break out in a smile. 

“To this day, I consider that one of my bolder choices.” 

 

I met Otto for the first time six months before I reached adulthood, a quite busy period of time in my life. 

The details varied by guild, but generally one had to complete certain tasks to be recognized as the head of a workshop. Such was the case for my guild, the Tailors’ Guild. Their tasks were to receive over five orders for clothes within a single year, and on top of that, to have a member of the nobility as a customer. 

These tasks could not be completed by a minor. However, Benno had promised to entrust me with our late mother’s workshop if I were to complete them. Thus, even in childhood I strived with desperation to master my crafts, in hopes of becoming the head of the workshop my mother left behind. 

“At third bell today, Mr. Otto will come for a visit.” At breakfast, Mark was listing out our plans for today. My brother ate breakfast while listening to him in what had become a familiar morning sight for our family. 

“What store does this Otto own? I don’t believe I’m familiar with that name.” 

“Otto’s not from this city. He’s a traveling merchant. Still pretty young, just reached adulthood not too long ago, but he’s got an eye for products and takes after his parents. Though it sounds like he’s gonna be quitting and settling down.” 

Otto’s parents had finally saved enough money to buy citizenship in a city near Frobetag and start a stable store. He could buy his own citizenship for half-price there since his parents lived there. He had saved up plenty of money himself, and planned to follow their example. 

As he would likely never visit Ehrenfest again, he visited the store the other day to do business one last time and say his farewells, but Benno had been absent. He was returning today to give a proper farewell. 

“I would like to meet a traveling merchant myself. I can only imagine what tales of the road he would have to offer.” 

“You can bring tea and say hello, but be mindful that Otto’s a busy man.” 

I had never left the city before, so I found myself interested in one who had. Out of curiosity, I decided to bring tea and visit him. 

Third bell rang. Otto arrived soon after and upon being informed of this by Mark, I took a tray of tea to Benno’s office on the first floor. 

“I’d like to buy a store in Ehrenfest and settle down here, but just buying my citizenship would take all I have. Wouldn’t be able to buy a store afterward.” 

“Yeah, everything is expensive here in Ehrenfest since the local lord lives here. Citizenship, investing in opening a store, registering with the Merchants’ Guild... Yeah, that’d take a lot of money. You always brought good thread with you and it’ll be a shame to lose a good supplier like you, but good luck to you, friend.” 

I opened the door smoothly as I listened to their conversation. The young man talking to my brother was unmistakably Otto. He had olive-brown hair and light-brown eyes. Maybe due to his history of traveling, he looked more muscular than the merchants I was used to seeing. More muscular than the merchants, but still more slender than the guards at the gate. He looked like a sincere fellow, but he was a merchant favored by my brother, so there was no doubting that he had a dark side to him. 

“I have brought tea.” I put on my politest smile and carried the tea inside. Otto replied “Thanks” and looked up, then froze with shock in his eyes after seeing me. 

“Otto, this is my little sister, Corinna. She insisted on dropping by to see you. Something about wanting to hear stories of your... Otto? You there?” My brother waved his hands in front of Otto’s eyes. 

Otto snapped back to reality and shook his head, blinking rapidly. His brown eyes then started shining as if he had found the world’s greatest treasure and an oddly sweet smile formed on his face. “Corinna? That’s a pretty name. I think it’s perfect for a sophisticated, graceful girl like you.” 

“Th-Thank you very much.” He was... a strange man. It wasn’t rare for men to compliment me on a first meeting, but his complete change in attitude from moments prior felt a little uncomfortable. His eyes were almost feverish, and I didn’t quite like it. 

“Benno, I’ve fallen in love with your sister. Please allow me to marry Corinna!” His sudden proposal stunned me. I had no idea what this man was thinking. 

A merchant usually pursued marriage by hearing about the various benefits and lifestyles that marriage with certain women would entail from their parents, then selecting one of those women. The parents of the two would then discuss marriage, and once everyone was on the same page, the woman would be informed of the proposal. 

The two would date for a season, deepening their bond and in the process learning whether the rumors about the other were true, whether they would uphold their promises, whether they were honest, and so on. If there were no problems, they would prepare for marriage. I had never heard of a merchant proposing directly to a woman with no prior discussion. 

“...Otto, Corinna is still a minor. She’s not old enough to get married. Are you having a laugh?” My brother glared at Otto with his dark-red eyes. That was also an important fact: Only adults could get married. Minors could not be courted. 

However, Otto did not bend beneath my brother’s glare and merely shook his head. “No, I’m completely serious. I won’t be coming back to this city, so now is my only time to court her. I’ll be fine with just an engagement. I’ll come get her as soon as she’s old enough!” Otto’s eyes were deadly serious, leaving no doubt that he was being absolutely sincere. If he waited to do this until he had returned to his parents’ home and set up his new shop, there was the chance that I would reach adulthood and be courted by other men. He hoped to establish an engagement before then. 

“No. Corinna isn’t leaving Ehrenfest.” 

“But why?!” 


My brother frowned bitterly. It wasn’t known to the public, but the Gilberta Company belonged to the female side of the family. Benno was managing it now since our parents had passed away and I was underage, but I was still its heir. But even if I weren’t, I was in the middle of working to become a workshop head here. I had no intention of leaving my store behind to live in another city. 

“Um, forgive my rudeness good Otto, but my work is in Ehrenfest and I plan to own a workshop here. I seek a marriage partner that lives in this city and will not interfere with my work.” 

“No way...” Otto’s face clouded with despair, and I felt as if I had said something quite cruel. He was so depressed that my heart hurt, even for a stranger. But my position would not change. 

“That’s how it is. Too bad, maybe you’ll find a girl you like in your parents’ city.” 

“No girl will be as perfect as Corinna is! I’ve seen the world as a traveling merchant and this is the first time I’ve ever seen my ideal woman!” 

It was to my knowledge the first time a man had fallen for me, and I admit that my heart fluttered at his stunningly direct proposal, but I shook my head and turned him down. “I appreciate your words, but I cannot marry you.” 

“I understand...” Otto slumped his shoulders and left. Once the door shut behind him, Benno and I looked at each other at the same time. 

“I’ve never seen Otto act like that before in my life. You sure you should’ve turned him down? Might’ve been the chance of a lifetime.” My brother grinned teasingly, then continued on in a murmur, “Though I don’t intend to let anyone take you out of the city.” 

“And I don’t intend to leave the city.” 

Then came the next day. Otto visited the Gilberta Company once again. With his brown eyes shining, he was smiling a bright smile that made his depression yesterday seem like a dream. 

“I bought citizenship here yesterday. I’m now a member of the city. Benno, please allow me to marry Corinna!” 

“...What?” 

“...Huh?” 

Both Benno and I froze at his unexpected declaration. Ehrenfest citizenship was exorbitantly expensive. It wasn’t something you bought on a whim. 

Benno’s eyes, which had been shut tightly in frustration, shot open, and he abandoned the polite smile he wore for business partners. “You bought citizenship here? Didn’t you say you were going to use that money to buy citizenship in your parents’ city and open a shop there?! Do you not think before you act, fool?!” 

“I’m fine being a fool! What’s the point of citizenship and a store there if I’m not married to Corinna?! If you ask me which one’s more important, I won’t even hesitate to answer!” 

...Unbelievable. Considering my family, my employees, and my standing in the Merchants’ Guild, it would be unthinkable for me to marry a traveling merchant. Citizenship or not, marriage was out of the question. 

“Otto... You aiming to steal my store?” 

“No. If Corinna can’t leave this city, then I have no choice but to live here myself. That’s all there is to it.” 

“Hate to break it to you, but my store’s not gonna hire a traveling merchant. How are you gonna support yourself now that you’ve spent all your money on citizenship? You think I’m going to hire you? Or are you just gonna try to live off Corinna?” 

What future did a former traveling merchant have in a city where he had nothing to his name but citizenship? Without an introduction from an associate, he would have nowhere to work. Marriage would be the least of his worries. 

“...I’ll be back.” Gritting his teeth and clenching his fists with frustration, Otto turned his back and left. I watched him go with my brother, feeling even worse than I did yesterday about shooting down his sincere feelings for me. 

“Well, Corinna? Looks like a weirdo’s obsessed with you now.” 

“I will marry the man I see most fit to inherit this store with me.” 

“Alright then.” Benno’s expression hardened and he jerked his head toward the table. I understood that as a sign to sit for a serious discussion, and so I did. 

Benno took out a board with a thoroughly displeased expression and held it out to me. It was a letter from the guildmaster requesting a meeting to discuss a marriage proposal. 

“...Turns out the guildmaster heard about all this. His youngest son proposed to you this morning.” I knew the son to whom Benno referred. In the past he persistently courted my elder sister. 

...I’d rather not marry him. Those were my sincere thoughts. The guildmaster was a petty man who proposed to my mother in the immediate wake of my father’s death, and upon being refused, began harassing us in small but infuriating ways. To make matters worse, when my Benno’s lover died, he proposed a marriage with one of his own daughters. My brother refused, furious of course, and the guildmaster proceeded to propose a marriage between his son and my elder sister. As one might expect from the prior events, she was quite firm in turning him down. 

“You can avoid marrying the guildmaster’s son by marrying someone else, but you’ll have a hard time finding any merchant that’ll risk getting on the guildmaster’s bad side over this. But you already know all that.” 

My elder sister would not budge on her refusal to marry the guildmaster’s son and ultimately had no choice but to wed in another city. But I was the heir of a store; I could not leave the town. If no one would propose to me for fear of the guildmaster’s wrath, then I truly would be forced to marry his son. 

The next day came, and I was depressed for obvious reasons. Eventually, Otto came visiting again with an unrepentant smile and enthusiastic waving. He was not wearing his merchant’s clothes from the day before and instead was dressed in the uniform of the city guard. 

“I asked an associate of mine for a work introduction and joined the city guard, gate watch. Now will you believe that I’m after Corinna and not the store? Please permit me to marry her.” He had found a job in a mere day. 

Naturally, Benno could only look at Otto with a stunned exasperation. “Otto, how would you even pay for the marriage at this point?” 

“Corinna is still a minor. I’ll just make the money before she reaches adulthood. Shouldn’t be a problem.” 

“Good Otto, have you considered the possibility of giving up on my hand in marriage?” 

“Not once, not ever.” He looked at me with utterly sincere eyes. I couldn’t help but laugh. 

“If you were to marry me, your life as a merchant would be over forever. I would have to decline a proposal from the guildmaster’s son, earning you his ire. You will never be able to join the Gilberta Company, nor will you be able to start a store of your own, I imagine.” I could see Otto looking at me with surprise and my brother, eyes open wide, trying to stop me. I held up a hand to restrain my dear brother and continued. “Your entire life up until now will become wasted. Does this not give you pause?” 

“It won’t be wasted. It’s because I lived as a traveling merchant that I got to meet you, Corinna. I might be afraid of the guildmaster’s authority if I had been raised a merchant in this city, but I’m not bound by any lands. I’m not afraid of him. Though I might be afraid of putting your store in a bad situation with him,” added Otto. 

However, our persistent rejection of his marriage proposals had already put us on his bad side, so there was little need to worry about that. 

“...You are truly a helpless fellow, I see. In which case, I do request that you prepare savings for when I come of age. And rather soon, I might add, such that I do not end up wed to the guildmaster’s son.” 

“What?! Does that mean... A-Alright. I’ll save up the money, no matter what!” Otto clenched his fist with a joyous expression, and after giving me a light kiss on the cheek, burst out of the room. It was hard to imagine he had been leaving with slumped shoulders just yesterday. 

Surprised at his sudden behavior, I watched him go with a hand pressed against my cheek, and soon heard my brother call my name in a low voice. I turned to him with a calm business smile. Not even his harsh glare could put a frown on my face. 

“Brother, I will marry Otto if he saves up enough money for the wedding and such. It may seem that he has cornered himself by buying citizenship with his savings, but in truth he has prepared a job for himself while working as a traveling merchant. He has a greedy enough nature to do anything to obtain what he wants, the ability to make decisions that make use of all his resources in the blink of an eye, and the confidence to earn a large quantity of money in a short period of time. I imagine these are not traits you dislike?” I said with a bright smile, causing my brother to click his tongue rudely. It seemed that he was indeed fond of Otto. 

“...Not to mention, I find it hard to imagine that another man would pursue me so rigorously in spite of the guildmaster’s influence.” I shrugged, and my brother’s harsh expression softened. With a grin that suggested he had given up interfering, he silently ruffled my hair. 

 

“I chose Otto on that day because he was the better choice when compared to the guildmaster’s son. I truly believe that was the correct choice. And to this day, I regret that I closed the doors on Otto’s life as a merchant.” 

“...As of late, Benno has become increasingly busy, and in turn I have more often seen Otto visiting the store to take care of miscellaneous tasks. I believe that in the near future, your fears may be proven unnecessary,” Mark replied. I truly felt as if his words had brightened my heart and my world. If he was correct, my joy would be indescribable. “I recall that my brother said that he would think about marriage after I was wed. I do believe it is about time for him to make good on those words.” 

“I feel that Benno will only get busier as Myne introduces new products to him, so marriage might be out of the question for some time,” said Mark with a laugh. 

“If my brother cannot find a wife due to this, perhaps I shall have Myne take responsibility?” I suggested with laughter of my own. 

Mark briefly fell into thought with a serious expression, then replied, “I cannot recommend that considering Myne’s poor health.” 



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