TLDOWN 22

CHAPTER 22:

 A Heaven-Sent Opportunity

“The orphanage facilities themselves aren’t the problem—it’s that the funding’s suddenly been cut off. And with food hoarding going on, even a single bottle of drinking water has shot up to 10 donghwa. On top of that, the director got scammed by some street thugs while out trying to get supplies… We’re in real trouble. I’m doing everything I can to find some funding, but it’s not easy. Lea, I’m really sorry… but could you send us some money for now? I know you already send quite a bit to the orphanage every month. If you could just help us cover the bare minimum for living expenses, I’d be so grateful. —Theo”

Akkia slowly set the letter down, then turned to look at Lea, who was sleeping uncomfortably, her breath shallow and uneven.

“So she needed emergency money… to send to the orphanage.”

He had heard about the flood that hit the Trenn region—it was unexpected and devastating.

Likely, those who usually supported the orphanage were also struggling, leading them to cut back or stop their donations.

The nobles in the capital should’ve stepped in, but they were never the type. They only cared about lining their own pockets.

“Of course. Typical.”

Even while barely getting by herself, she was still sending money to the orphanage. Akkia’s gaze toward Lea became slightly more complex.

At that moment, voices and the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears.

— “Do you think the apothecary’s in right now?”

— “I heard she’s been working all night making supplements, probably still in the apothecary’s office.”

The maids’ voices grew closer as they approached.

— “Thank goodness. It was too crowded earlier with everyone in there—I didn’t even get to see her, let alone get treated.”

— “Same here. That’s why I came now. Everyone runs straight to the apothecary for anything these days. She’s famous for being good.”

Soon they were right outside the door and knocked.

“Apothecary, are you in there?”

As soon as she felt their presence, Akkia quickly turned off the light and held his breath.

— Click, clack!

The doorknob turned, but the door didn’t open—thanks to Akkia locking it in time.

— “See? I told you we came too late!”

— “That’s weird. I’m sure she was just in there.”

After knocking a few more times, the two finally gave up and left. When enough time had passed, Akkia turned the light back on and stepped toward Lea.

“They’re coming for treatment at this hour?”

It was a time when most people would be asleep. Yet people were still showing up in the dead of night for care.

It gave him a glimpse of just how busy Lea’s life was.

His eyes shifted to the supplements scattered across the table.

“Oh, and the effects of the supplements seem to be better than expected. Word’s already spreading in the village—people keep asking where to buy them.”

“Supplements, huh…”

Akkia picked up one of the yellowish potions Lea had made and examined it.

What could possibly be so amazing about this little bottle?

Then, without even realizing he was doing it, he found himself just watching Lea sleep, unaware of his presence.

Early the next morning, Lea rubbed her stiff neck.

“Must be from not sleeping properly… My whole body feels sore.”

She had dark circles from countless sleepless nights, and her once smooth skin had lost its glow.

“Maybe I should take a few days off…”

She seriously considered taking a break, worried she might collapse from exhaustion at this rate.

Just then, a maid approached her.

“Apothecary, you have a visitor.”

“A visitor? Who is it?”

“They say they’re from the Magnolia Trading Company.”

“Pardon? Magnolia Trading Company?”

Lea tilted her head in confusion—she had no connection to them.

“Why would Magnolia want to see me?”

No matter how she thought about it, nothing came to mind.

When she arrived where the maid directed, a middle-aged man was waiting.

“Good morning. I’m Baron from the Magnolia Trading Company. Are you Miss Lea, the apothecary working at the Hydern Duke’s estate?”

“Yes, I am. But… why is Magnolia looking for me?”

The man, who seemed more like a friendly next-door neighbor than a merchant, dropped a bombshell.

“I’ll get straight to the point, as I know your time is valuable. Our Magnolia Trading Company would like to acquire exclusive distribution rights to your supplements.”

“You want to distribute… my supplements?”

Lea blinked rapidly, unsure if she heard that correctly.

“Yes. We’ve recently been expanding into pharmaceuticals. And by chance, we learned about your supplements. We were amazed. Until now, medicines have focused on treatment—but yours are for prevention. That’s a completely new concept. We saw the future of medicine in your health supplements.”

Lea gave a sheepish smile, feeling as if she’d somehow invented a groundbreaking product.

“Well, they’re not really for prevention, but… they are health supplements, I guess.”

“So, Miss Lea, we’d like exclusive rights to sell your supplements. Right now, you’re just selling to the estate and nearby villagers, but if you sign with us, your supplements will be available across the empire.”

“Across the empire?”

Baron’s words conjured up the image of a massive sum of money in Lea’s mind.

Magnolia was a rising powerhouse in international trade, not just within the empire.

To be their supplier? She tried to stay composed, but her heart was racing.

“All the contract details are here. Please take your time reviewing and contact us when—”

“I’ll do it.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ll take the deal!”

There was nothing to think about—this was a gift from the heavens!

After the Magnolia representative left, Lea couldn’t stop smiling all day.

She’d heard the contract’s advance payment alone was a hefty sum—enough to support the orphanage and still have some left over.

Maybe that’s why she didn’t even mind waking up early to brew sour jujube tea.

“Turns out peace of mind really does come from a full purse. I’m this tired but I feel totally fine.”

Despite being constantly swarmed by people seeking her help, she wasn’t tired.

Even now, on her way to bring the tea to the duke, several servants and maids had called out to her.

She finally arrived at the duke’s bedroom.

A wave of fatigue briefly clouded her face but quickly disappeared. Once she handed over the tea and finished morning rounds, she’d have a short break.

“I’ll nap for a bit in my room.”

She placed the steaming teacup in front of Akkia.

“Your Grace, here’s your tea.”

Akkia glanced at Lea, who looked unusually cheerful today. She was smiling like she’d lost a screw, probably just thinking about taking a nap.

“What’s she so happy about?”

Her face looked absolutely exhausted, but she was still smiling like a fool. Akkia’s brow furrowed.

“Drink it before it gets cold,” she said.

At her urging, he unfolded his crossed arms and lifted the cup—only to set it back down without taking a single sip.

“You seem busy these days.”

“…”

“Even with all that work, something good must’ve happened. You’ve been grinning all day.”

He must’ve heard about how often people were looking for her.

“Me? Oh… was it that obvious?”

“Yeah. You look simple-minded.”

“Oh, come on, Your Grace. Don’t joke around. Hahaha.”

Normally, she would’ve snapped at being called simple, but today, she just giggled.

“Well, he’s not wrong. I am in a good mood.”

It wasn’t just good news—it was incredible news. She’d had enough of the duke’s veiled threats: “Depending on how you perform, you might get your advance.”

“Not to mention, he’s broke.”

If he had that kind of money, the mansion wouldn’t be this shabby. Now that she’d landed a deal that would rake in profits, she could just pay the penalty fee and quit.

“This miserable grind is almost over!”

She’d be back in her hometown, living it up, before long—and she couldn’t stop smiling at the thought.

“You’re not joking? Those dark circles are halfway to your chin. You look like death, and that smile’s just making it worse.”

Lea’s smile froze.

“I look that terrible?”

She touched her dry, tired face with both hands. Ever since Magnolia visited, she’d practically been living in the apothecary.

She had to fulfill previous orders early to start supplying Magnolia, so she was rushing production.

“Well, I did pull an all-nighter yesterday.”

She just needed to get through the morning shift, then she could rest.

She glanced at the now-empty teacup and turned toward the door—there was a commotion outside.

— “Is the apothecary in there?”

— “Yeah, it’s the duke’s check-up time. You feeling sick?”

— “My stomach’s been off since earlier… Do you know when she’ll be done?”

No need to check—Lea could already tell someone was waiting for her.

“Guess I’m not getting that nap today.”

She hadn’t expected anyone to come find her in the duke’s bedroom.

“Hope this doesn’t get me in trouble.”

The duke already looked displeased whenever she nodded off while brewing in the annex.

Lea stole a glance at his expression.

“Your Grace, since you’ve finished your tea, I’ll be on my way.”

Best to leave before he said anything. She quickly started tidying up.

Akkia’s brow furrowed again—he must’ve sensed her urgency as she grabbed her bag.

Just as she reached the door—

“Wait.”

His voice stopped her in her tracks.