As it turned out, back when Angel had "raised funds" from various sources and entrusted Shermane with buying factories in the East Borough and farms and livestock ranches nearby, Audrey, who had been searching everywhere for food supplies, had already noticed the Black Bear Food Company's rapid expansion during the war.
But at the time, prices within Loen had not yet risen beyond tolerable levels, and Audrey could still gather enough food from various sources. She had merely made a mental note of its four-fingered black bear paw emblem without investigating further.
Now, however, food prices in Backlund had risen to more than four times their prewar levels, and there was nothing to buy even at those prices. Not even the relief stations established by the government and various charities could guarantee basic food supplies. After seeking help from nobles and merchants she knew to no avail, Audrey had finally turned her attention to the factories in the East Borough that could still operate despite the shortage of raw materials and seemed to have their own supply channels.
Thus, after her father and eldest brother refused her final request that evening to release the family's grain reserves, her first visit had been to the Black Bear Cannery, which belonged to Shermane on paper but was actually owned by Angel.
"So you came to unite the East Borough factories that need food ingredients and pressure the royal family and Parliament into stabilizing prices, mobilizing the nobles and wealthy people hoarding grain to release their supplies, and meeting the needs of Backlund, or even the entire country?"
After listening to Audrey's explanation, Angel posed the question with one last shred of hope.
Under her earnest gaze, Audrey flushed slightly, lowered her head, and answered softly:
"No. I actually wanted to plant a