Noble

The Duke arrived at the Abme Corporation headquarters after a brief carriage ride. He was cordially greeted by the CFO, Kate, who had requested his presence to discuss the expansion of the luxury store. Kate and the Duke examined a map of the country and after some discussion, they reached a consensus to open the first franchise in the capital city of Sapphire.

As they were concluding their discussion, Kate introduced another venture that the company was planning to invest in. "My lord, I wanted to inform you that in addition to our luxury store, we are also planning to open grocery stores. One of the challenges our country faces is the difficulty in obtaining fresh fish and other products if you live inland. We have developed a method that will keep products fully refrigerated, so we will be able to offer products not locally available at an affordable rate. We intend to offer these products to both common folk and nobility, enabling everyone to have access to them. We will be able to turn a profit while also giving back to the communities and helping to build a stronger country. We are starting grocery stores in Gehen, Whelo, and Sapphire for now."

The Duke was impressed with Kate's plan to help the common folk and saw the potential for this venture to be successful. "Kate, I think this is a remarkable idea. It's crucial to provide affordable and accessible food to everyone in the country, not just the affluent. I wholeheartedly support this venture, and I'm eager to see how it will impact our communities. Please let me know how I can be of assistance."

Kate smiled, grateful for the Duke's support. "Thank you, my lord. Your unwavering support means a lot to me and to the company. We will ensure to keep you updated on our progress."

The Duke nodded and took his leave, feeling optimistic about the future of the Abme Corporation and the country at large.

A month had passed, and Abme Corporation had opened its new headquarters in Sapphire, the capital city. Additionally, the company had opened its first grocery store and second luxury store in the country of Sapphirous."

As Lady Lily and Kate continued their conversation, they heard a knock on the door. "Come in," Lady Lily called out.

The door opened, and in walked a tall, imposing figure. It was Lord Arthur, one of the most powerful nobles in the country. Lady Lily and Kate exchanged a quick glance, wondering what he wanted.

"Greetings, Lady Lily," Lord Arthur said, bowing slightly. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Lady Lily forced a smile, trying to hide her apprehension. "Of course not, Lord Arthur. What brings you here today?"

"I came to discuss a matter of great importance," Lord Arthur said, looking at Kate. "I understand that you're the CFO of the Abme Corporation, is that correct?"

Kate nodded, feeling a bit uneasy. "Yes, that's correct."

Lord Arthur's eyes narrowed. "I've heard some disturbing rumors about your company, Miss Kate. Specifically, that you're planning to cater to all walks of life, including the beast people. It must be true, even your CFO is a beast person, disgusting!"

Kate hesitated, wondering how to respond. Lady Lily stepped forward, coming to her defense. "Yes, it's true. We believe that everyone, regardless of their race or background, should have access to quality goods and services. It's a fundamental principle of our company."

Lord Arthur scoffed. "That's a noble sentiment, Lady Lily, but it's also naive. The beast people are not like us. They're savages, incapable of civilized behavior. They belong in the fields, not in our stores."

Lady Lily bristled, feeling her anger rise. "That's a gross generalization, Lord Arthur. The beast people are just as intelligent and capable as any human. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not as second-class citizens."

Lord Arthur laughed, shaking his head. "You're a fool, Lady Lily. You and your little corporation will never change the way things are. The aristocracy will always hold the power, and the beast people will always be our slaves."

With that, Lord Arthur turned on his heel and walked out of the room, leaving Lady Lily and Kate to stare after him, feeling a mix of anger and frustration.

After Lord Arthur left the room, Kate turned to Lady Lily with a look of concern. "We can't just let this go, Lady Lily. We have to do something to help the beast people."

Lady Lily nodded, her expression serious. "I agree. But what can we do? We can't change the entire system overnight."

Kate thought for a moment, then spoke up. "What if we buy out the contracts of the beast people who work for Lord Arthur? We could give them an apartment building where they could all live and work for us, doing the transportation of goods to and from the capital for our grocery store. That way, they wouldn't be slaves anymore, and they would have a chance to build a better life for themselves."

Lady Lily's eyes widened in surprise. "That's...a brilliant idea, Kate. But do you think we could afford it?"

Kate shrugged. "It would be expensive, but we could make it work. And think of the good it would do. We could change the lives of hundreds of people, and set an example for others to follow."

Lady Lily smiled, feeling a sense of hope. "You're right, Kate. Let's do it. Let's make a difference."

Lady Lily looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "I think that's a good plan, Kate. We can't change the entire system overnight, but we can start by creating opportunities for the people who need them most. And by building up our economic power, we can eventually make our voices heard in the halls of the queen."

Kate smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her friend. "Exactly. We have to start somewhere, and this is as good a place as any. We'll show the world what we're capable of, and we'll make a difference in the lives of hundreds, even thousands of people."

Lady Lily nodded, feeling a sense of hope. "Yes, we will. And we'll do it together."

Kate smiled, feeling a sense of pride in her friend. "Together. That's the only way we can make a real difference." Stephanie walks into the room.

Steph smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. "You got it, Lily. I'll get in touch with Sam and make sure the supplies are on their way. And Kate, I'll come with you to the construction company. We'll make sure they get started right away."

Kate nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "Let's get this done. The sooner we start, the sooner we can make a difference."

Lady Lily grinned, feeling a sense of pride in her team. "You're all amazing. Together, we can change this country." She turned and headed for the door, feeling a sense of purpose. "We will see you soon. And good luck with freeing the beast people. We're all counting on you." Kate and Stephanie said in unison.

Steph smiled at Lady Lily, feeling a sense of responsibility. "Don't worry, Lily. I won't let you down. I'll do everything in my power to house the beast people."

Kate and Steph left the room, heading towards the construction company. Along the way, Kate felt a sense of excitement. "I can't believe we're actually doing this. We're going to build apartment complexes for the enslaved beast folk. It's amazing."

Steph nodded, feeling a sense of pride. "Yes, it is. And we're going to make sure they're built quickly and efficiently. We'll get the best builders in the capital to work on them."

Kate smiled, feeling a sense of determination. "We'll make sure they're perfect. And we'll make sure these people have everything they need."

Steph nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility. "Yes, we will. And we'll make sure they're treated with respect and dignity. They deserve nothing less."

Kate and Steph reached the construction company, and they got to work immediately. They made sure the builders had everything they needed, and they oversaw the construction process every step of the way. It was hard work, but they knew it was worth it.

Meanwhile, Lady Lily went to buy out all of the slave contracts. It was a difficult task, but she was determined to see it through. She knew that freeing the slaves was the right thing to do, and she wouldn't rest until it was done.

Lady Lily walked into the slave warehouse, feeling a sense of disgust. She couldn't believe that people were treated this way. She looked around, feeling a sense of sadness. The slaves were all malnourished and sickly, and they looked like they had given up hope.

Lord Arthur walked up to her, feeling a sense of greed. "Lady Lily, what brings you here? Are you interested in buying some of my slaves?"

Lady Lily glared at him, feeling a sense of anger. "No, I'm not. I'm here to buy all of your slaves. I want to free them all."

Lord Arthur laughed, feeling a sense of amusement. "You can't be serious. That would cost you a fortune. And what would you do with them once they're free? They have no skills, no education, and no place in society."

Lady Lily shook her head, feeling a sense of determination. "I don't care. They deserve to be free, and I'm going to make sure they are. Now, how much do you want for all of your slave contracts?"

Lord Arthur thought for a moment, feeling a sense of greed. "I want 30,000 per slave. That's a fair price."

Lady Lily shook her head, feeling a sense of disgust. "That's outrageous. I'll give you 40,000 per slave, but with one condition. You're not allowed to sell any new slaves. And if you come across any beast people in the slave markets, you're to save them and have them sent to me. I'll pay you for the good deed. And I'll throw in a contract fee of 300,000 on top of the slave fees."

Lord Arthur fell to his knees, succumbed by his guilty pleasure. "Yes, my lady. I promise to do just that. What a great bargain indeed!"

Lady Lily watched as the slave gates opened, feeling a sense of joy. She couldn't believe that she had finally done it. She had freed all of the slaves, and they were now walking out of their cages, free at last.

"Hello, friends," she said, feeling a sense of happiness. "From this day onward, you are all free people. No one will take your freedom away from you ever again. My name is Lily, and I would like to offer all of you a home, a job, and an education for your children. Don't worry, food will be provided until you all start earning your pay. All of you were freed, and each of you cost me 40,000. I'm bringing that up because you are all worth so much more than that. I will be paying you all very well, as well as giving you my support. Follow me outside. I have enough carriages waiting for us to be able to get us to your new home."

Lady Lily led the way outside, feeling a sense of pride. She had arranged for the builders to construct and furnish the first apartment complex for the beast people. She had made sure that they had everything they needed to start their new lives.

The newly freed people followed her, feeling a sense of gratitude. They couldn't believe that someone had done this for them. They had been treated like animals for so long, and now they were free.

As they walked outside, Lady Lily saw the carriages waiting for them, feeling a sense of satisfaction. She had done it. She had given them their freedom, and now they could start their new lives.