Chapter 55 Unlit Fireworks Some things can only be done with your loved one…
Lilith received the letter in late June informing her that Cecilia and Aunt Elena were returning from Rome together.
On the first Monday of July, she stood on the dock herself, holding an umbrella, waiting for the ship to enter the harbor, accompanied by a newly hired maid. Heinrich and Tata were both too busy with the core work of the bank to spare the time, so she had to entrust the more replaceable job of bodyguard and attendant to the newcomer.
The summer sun was incredibly bright, turning the shimmering water into a dazzling gold. Although Venice is right next to the sea, and the sea breeze prevents it from being unbearably hot, people still changed into light-colored, breathable clothing.
Lilith adhered to the six-month mourning period custom, wearing a black dress, only her long red hair was styled into a bun, and her black veil was now shorter. Rome is located in central Italy, and is said to be even hotter than Venice in the north; she wondered if Cecilia could adapt. Nearly three months had passed since their last parting at the dock, and Lilith was now a completely different person from the one she was three months ago.
When Mrs. Bianchi came to repay the principal and interest she had borrowed from Lilith in March, Lilith could hardly remember ever running such a small business with single-digit profits in ducats. Now, her daily balance sheet was filled with transactions in the thousands, even tens of thousands of ducats, while the five gold coins of interest that Mrs. Bianchi was repaying seemed like a negligible amount, as insignificant as a drop of water in the ocean.
She waited a while longer and saw a ship approaching on the distant horizon, its masts bearing a flag with the coat of arms of the Knarro family. She quickly pulled a small mirror from her purse to tidy her makeup and hair, and checked that she had prepared the gifts for Elena and Cecilia. She had commissioned a high-quality pearl necklace for Elena, and for Cecilia, a kingfisher feather hair ornament specially purchased from an Eastern merchant.
As soon as the ship docked, she saw a woman in an orange-red dress come out of the deck. She knew it was Aunt Elena, so she quickly opened her arms and hugged Elena to greet her.
"Auntie, how are you? You must have had a long trip." Although she had already described the bank's recent achievements in her letter, Lilith couldn't help but reveal some of the nervousness and awkwardness a child might have when meeting Elena, yet she also carried a sense of pride and satisfaction at having achieved good results. "This is a gift I prepared for you."
“You’ve worked hard too, Lily. Thank you for the gift.” Elena smiled and patted her hair. “It’s been so long, our Lily is now an excellent banker.”
"Not at all, it's all thanks to Aunt's guidance and support along the way." Lilith blushed shyly. "Hey, where's Cecilia? I haven't seen her."
"Don't worry, Cecilia will have to stay in Rome for a while. She's currently the branch manager of our Rome branch. But don't fret, I know you two have a deep bond, we'll call her back after she's gained some more experience."
"I see..." Lilith felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, she was pleased that Elena had taken a liking to Cecilia and was willing to focus on nurturing her, but on the other hand, she couldn't help feeling disappointed.
Cecilia was, after all, the first slave she bought after becoming independent from her family, and also her closest and longest-lasting friend. Although she knew it was only a temporary separation, Lilith couldn't help but feel sad, and could only try her best to suppress her emotions and not let her feelings show.
"This is probably the only 'bad news' I've brought back for you this time; the rest is all good news. The establishment of the Rome branch was a great success, and the amount of funds we raised was no less than what you raised in Zurich. Most importantly, our cause has gained the appreciation of a cardinal."
“My God,” Lilith exclaimed. Surprise and joy immediately swept over her, quickly dispelling the bitterness of having to part with Cecilia.
"It's too hot outside. I'll go home and rest first, and then come to your place tonight to talk in detail. I'm still waiting for you to explain to me in detail what this 'future contract' you mentioned is all about."
"Okay! Okay, then I won't bother you any longer! I'll be waiting for you at home."
After saying goodbye to her aunt, Lilith walked back to the bank, silently processing the immense amount of information conveyed in Elena's seemingly casual words. What did it mean to have gained the Cardinal's favor? Did it mean he was going to become their client, or that he would grant them a reprieve, clearing the bankers of their "lender" status?
Just over three months ago, she was accused of witchcraft by her own brother and had to rely on leverage against the bishop to obtain a business license; and now, the bank she built has already established a connection with a cardinal in Rome. It's almost unbelievable, like a dream. The sunlight made Lilith dizzy and somewhat lightheaded.
She folded her umbrella and returned to the bank, where she saw Heinrich working methodically with several newly hired employees, Tata compiling the latest commodity price list for the day, William busy with calculations, and Sister Clara showing several girls from the convent school around their bank.
After her substitute teaching assignment ends, Clara will soon return to the convent school to continue teaching. However, Lilith welcomes her to come back and visit often, and she can also bring the little girls from the school to learn and tour.
Those were all girls, barely fourteen or fifteen years old, already of marriageable age. Lilith was only three or four years older than them, yet she always felt incredibly distant from them. Those who had the opportunity to be sent to such schools were mostly daughters of prestigious families. For girls born into such circumstances, working was considered extremely undignified; finding a suitable husband of equal social standing was the ideal outcome in the eyes of their parents.
Although they might receive a large dowry when they get married, just like Lilith did, this money would become their only private property for the rest of their lives, and it would often be devoured by their husband's family, with no possibility of ever appreciating in value.
But Lilith's work changed everything. She gave these girls the opportunity to safeguard their wealth and create more value through diverse investment portfolios. She taught them about asset management and double-entry bookkeeping, ensuring they wouldn't be misled after marriage. She also showed them another possibility—a life where women didn't have to be wives and mothers, or rely on men, but could live independently. If they had the courage to strive and fight for it, perhaps they too could achieve such a life.
After all, Lilith wasn't the only one living like this. Not long after, Lilith arrived at Venice's largest dock once again, where she met a dear friend she had repeatedly invited to visit Venice in her letters: Countess Isolde Althae.
Over the next few days, aside from dealing with ever-increasing accounts, countless gold coins, letters, and the time spent calculating, Lilith spent her time enjoying cream cakes, white wine, seafood platters, skirts, and ballet shoes.
To celebrate Isolde's arrival, she borrowed the Knaror family's palace and hosted three grand balls, introducing Isolde to Sophia and some of her school friends. Isolde, in turn, brought Lilith many of her newly developed skincare products and lotions, as well as the local cheese that Lilith had been longing to try.
After the ball, Isolde stayed at Lilith's house. Since Cecilia's room was empty, Lilith had Ivanka tidy it up and add some new furniture to make it Isolde's temporary bedroom. However, because the two often lay in bed chatting until late at night, Isolde didn't go back to her own room very often.
“You must wait until after the third Sunday of July before you leave.” Lilith yawned, hugging her pillow, and lazily played with Isolde’s long, silvery-white hair. “On that day, the night sky over Venice will be filled with so many fireworks; it will be absolutely beautiful. I also donated some this year, so consider it…”
"What does that count as?"
“Consider it a birthday gift for Heinrich.” Lilith buried her face in the pillow a little shyly. “But it’s not the Heinrich you know! July 31st is my husband’s birthday, although it’s not on the same day as the celebration… but I donated the fireworks in the name of mourning my husband.”
“Oh, I see.” Isolde chuckled as if she had discovered something extraordinary, and asked, “You gave your husband and slave the same name?”
"No, I've never actually met my husband. I just thought the name sounded nice."
“It’s a nice name, and it’s quite popular in Germany. There’s a family that’s been friends with my mother’s family for generations, and all the male members in that family have been named Heinrich.” Isolde chuckled and rolled over. “So, you two really aren’t that kind of relationship? Don’t worry, now that I’m your friend, I definitely won’t try to steal you away.”
"No. They are really just an ordinary master and servant."
“You care about him a lot.” Isolde gently poked Lilith’s forehead with her long fingernail. “There’s no denying it. Anyone with eyes can see it. Besides, at your age, enjoying love isn’t a terrible thing.”
"No, I'm too busy with work. I also need to make time to hang out with my friends. I don't have time to think about those other things."
“Friendship and love aren’t mutually exclusive.” Isolde smiled meaningfully, pulling the blanket over Lilith. “Besides, some pleasurable things can only be done with a lover. Lilith, haven’t you ever thought about that?”
“Never…” Lilith’s face was already flushed red. “But isn’t that kind of thing all about making men happy? Women serve them like slaves and get hurt.”
“Of course not.” Isolde gave a cryptic smile. “It can be enjoyable for both of you, and if the other person is skilled, it won’t hurt… Well, give it a try, you’ll understand someday. Just be careful.”
After telling her all this, Isolde hugged her blanket, turned over, and fell asleep, but Lilith didn't sleep well all night. Her dreams were interspersed with some enchanting scenes.
She dreamt of embracing Heinrich—which was nothing unusual, as she embraced him almost every day; they kissed, they even did more intimate things—what would that feel like? She couldn't imagine.
After waking up, Lilith became even more curious, even somewhat eager to try it out. Perhaps after Isolde left, she could find an opportunity to try it with Heinrich? If it were him, perhaps he could make her feel comfortable?
Lilith didn't think "chastity" was anything special, and "widowhood" was just a facade in front of others. Why should a woman's first time be given such a supreme value, while men have no concept of chastity at all? This is simply unfair.
If such things could truly bring her pleasure as Isolde described, she wouldn't mind giving it a try, but it couldn't interfere with her work; work was more important. So, she'd think about it later…
The day of the celebration was fast approaching. Because Lilith had donated a considerable amount of fireworks in the name of the Cunardo Bank, the Venice Ten Committee specially sent a letter inviting her and her family to the balcony of the Doge's Palace to enjoy the magnificent colors blooming in the night sky from the best vantage point.
Since Aunt Elena and Sister Clara disliked such gatherings, Lilith invited her two friends, Sophia and Isolde, to accompany her, along with Heinrich and Tata. Ivanka styled her hair in an exceptionally gorgeous updo, the black veil adorned with black velvet roses inlaid with pearls and diamonds. Her long black silk dress was light yet elegant.
To show respect, Lilith arrived at the Doge's Palace early for the welcoming reception, exchanging pleasantries with the powerful men of the Republic. The spacious, bright hall was resplendent in gold, with exquisite murals adorning the walls and ceiling. The Council of Ten was the highest governing body of the Venetian Republic. Lilith had met some of these uncles and aunts before at aristocratic balls, but these high-ranking figures, who had previously disregarded the illegitimate daughter of a fallen noble family, now had to lower their heads and re-evaluate this quirky little girl.
Initially, Lilith took the initiative to strike up conversations, holding a wine glass. Gradually, more and more strangers spontaneously gathered around her, praising her talent and beauty. Lilith had finally gotten used to dealing with sarcasm and veiled criticism in social situations, and now she was caught off guard by the unanimous fawning and flattery.
More than these pointless social interactions, she longed to see the fireworks as soon as possible, so she made an excuse to slip away from the crowd and climbed the stairs to the balcony reserved for her. Sophia and Isolde were sitting at a small round table, eating snacks and chatting, while Tata leaned against the railing, admiring the beautiful sunset over the sea and sky. But Heinrich was nowhere to be seen.
“What about Heinrich?” Lilith asked.
"I'm back." Heinrich followed Lilith, panting as he ran up, his expression serious and grave. "The waiter just called me away, saying there was an urgent message."
"What happened?"
"The fireworks display portion of the celebration has been cancelled; the performances after nightfall will proceed directly with song, dance, drama, and chorus."
"What?! What am I going to do with the fireworks I bought?" Lilith exclaimed in disbelief.
"The fireworks you donated will be requisitioned for use in the Venetian arsenal to make explosives. Madam, the ten-member committee has just received the news. The old nobles of Padua have rebelled and have joined forces with the Duchy of Milan to wage war against Venice."
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Author's note: Isolde's inner monologue: How dare you say that I named my Stand Tristan because I'm love-struck?
The summer celebration here is actually a parody of Venice's Redemption Festival. The fireworks scene was designed a long time ago, but I later found out that the Redemption Festival only began to be celebrated in the 16th century, while Lilith and her friends lived in the 15th century... Anyway, it's a fictional story!
I've collected all 350, thank you everyone! However, the VIP button isn't lit up yet, meaning the effective collection limit isn't reached, so I'll probably have to wait a while longer. I'll continue updating with the rankings this week! The next update will be on Sunday. Actually, I haven't fully figured out how to become a VIP yet, but I hope everything goes smoothly [facepalm emoji].
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