Chapter 110: Doug Brings the Bridal Sedan

The next few places they visited didn't compare to the one in Eastville. Prime locations had high rents, but stable income, making it difficult for Pruden to relinquish the opportunity for Clark. After considering the options, Clark finally said, “I’ll take the one in Eastville.”

“Good,” Pruden replied gently. “Whichever you want, your grandmother will give it to you.”

“Thank you,” Clark said, feeling a deep sense of desolation.

“What are you planning to do with the store?” Pruden asked.

Clark had originally intended to open a fabric store, but the location was so remote that it was unlikely anyone would find it without a notable reputation. How could a new store immediately establish such a name?

“I’m not sure yet,” he asked, “Do you have any suggestions, Grandmother?”

Pruden thought for a moment. “The store is large. You could sell daily essentials—pottery, pots, pans, things like that. You don’t have much capital, so this would be a good option.”

“Yes,” Clark replied quietly. He didn’t have much money. His monthly allowance was three thousand, and after spending a portion, he only had twenty thousand left. The sense of emptiness grew stronger. The situation was worse than he’d imagined.

After thinking for a while, he said, “If I sell daily goods, I think it’s a waste of such a large store. I’m thinking of setting up a stall instead.”

“That’s not an option. You’re from Duke’s estate. How could you set up a stall? There’s a store right here; why not use it? I’ve never held anything against you,” Pruden said, clearly displeased.

Clark fell silent before replying, “Alright, then. Thank you.”

Perhaps realizing she had made him feel neglected, Pruden added, “If you do well, I have other stores. You can pick whichever one you want later.”

“Yes.”

Clark didn’t go home. Instead, he went to Isolde’s silk store to meet Collin and Vincenzo. Though he had done business before, he knew he wasn’t as skilled as Collin and wanted advice.

Collin listened to his plan and said, “To be honest, setting up a stall would be more practical. The area around the store is poor, and people there are used to buying things at stalls because they’re cheaper without added rent costs. In the long run, who doesn’t want a cheaper option?”

“What if I don’t want to sell daily essentials? Do you have any other good ideas?” Clark asked.

“Grain stores,” Collin answered promptly.

“Grain stores?”

“Yes, the locals can’t live without food, and there are hardly any stalls selling grains. It’s a business mostly focused on local people. Though the profit margin is low, it’s stable. And as for the area you mentioned, I’ve walked around a few times, and there aren’t many grain stores there.”

“However, if we do grains, the initial investment will be high,” he added hesitantly.

“How much capital do you have?” Vincenzo asked.

Clark hesitated, then sheepishly raised two fingers.

“Two hundred thousand?” Collin mused. “If you’re stocking and running a store, two hundred thousand is a bit tight. But it’s workable, at least for a first go. It would mean lower profit initially, but it could work if the cash flow is quick.”

Clark’s face fell. “Twenty thousand.”

Collin and Vincenzo stared at him, exchanging glances, speechless.

Clark awkwardly muttered, “Never mind, I was just asking.”

Collin, after thinking, advised, “Even if you’re selling daily items, twenty thousand is really not enough. The store will need renovation, shelves, employees… and don’t forget things like carts. This amount really won’t cut it.”

Clark felt even more hopeless.

Vincenzo, looking at him, said, “Last night I went to Duke’s estate to see Isolde. She said Lord Becker wanted you to join the Parliamentary Library, but you didn’t go. Why? It’s such a good opportunity.”

Clark laughed bitterly. “Grandmother said it was a bad idea.”

“Did you think it was a bad idea?” Collin asked.

Clark shook his head. “I don’t know.”

Collin patted him on the shoulder. “Whether it’s a good idea or not, you know best. Do you want to stay under someone else’s thumb your whole life, or do you want to be in control? You can be filial, but don’t be foolish. Go to the Parliamentary Library—your future will be bright. If your family truly cares about you, they’ll support you, not oppose you. If they don’t care, then why bother considering their opinion?”

“Foolish,” Vincenzo added bluntly.

“And you’re not just going to be a dog yourself, but you’ll drag your future children into the same life, watching their every move? Are you okay with that? Think about Geoffrey. He was in your position, but he didn’t give up. Did he ever turn down an opportunity?” Collin continued.

Clark had wanted to go all along but hesitated because of Pruden. After spending the day with her, he felt drained and cold. Now, hearing Collin’s direct words, his heart swelled with passion. He nearly wanted to rush straight to Lord Becker.

Seeing the change in his face, Collin smiled slightly. “If you’re really going to the Parliamentary Library, then let’s talk about that store in Eastville.”

Vincenzo shook his head with a wry smile. Collin was truly relentless.

That night, Clark returned and told Pruden he would take the store.

Pruden was pleased, handing him ten thousand silver to support his business and giving him the store lease. Clark took the lease and went to see Isolde. She accepted the lease and said, “I’ll go to the government office tomorrow to change it into official red-sealed deeds in your name. Since you and I share the same mother, her dowry belongs to you too. Rent out the store to Collin, and you can keep the rent.”

“That’s not necessary; it’s yours. You can keep it,” Clark said gratefully. “Tomorrow, I’ll go to find Mr. Becker and tell him. After I join the Parliamentary Library, I’ll explain everything to Grandmother.”

“Smart,” Isolde smiled, clearly pleased. It seemed Collin had given him a good nudge in the right direction.

“If you’re afraid of Grandmother’s wrath, just tell her I forced you,” Isolde added.

Clark shook his head. “No need. I can’t hide forever. Thank you, Isolde.”

Isolde smiled. “Alright then. I’ll talk to Lord Becker and make sure they guide you.”

“That’s not necessary. Once I’m in the Parliamentary Library, it will depend on my abilities. If I have no real skills or knowledge, I’d be ashamed to stay,” Clark said firmly.

Isolde felt relieved, seeing the determination in his eyes. He should have fought back earlier.

“By the way, do you know which of the contracts Grandmother has changed into official red-sealed deeds?” Isolde asked.

Clark shook his head. “I don’t think any of them. Grandmother says it’s not worth the tax fees to do that.”

“Good,” Isolde smiled, her mind calculating.

The next day, before Clark could go see Doug, he heard loud drumming and cheering outside. Someone said that Lord Becker from Southern Watch had arrived—carrying a bridal sedan.