Chapter 48

"Well, I'll have the contract money delivered to you tomorrow."

"Contract money, you say?"

"That's the form we use when we have a continuous relationship with a specific guild."

"I see."

As I was wondering, the princess explained from the side.

I nodded in agreement.

I thought for a moment and then turned my gaze back to the countess.

"More than the contract money, there's something I'd like to ask for."

"What is it? Please go ahead and say it."

"I'd like you to introduce me to a supplier for the dragons' meals."

"Meals?"

I had seen the young Ladon that the countess kept.

Its complexion was visibly good from the first time I saw it.

For both humans and dragons, appearance, such as complexion, is largely influenced by diet.

It's easy to imagine that this young Ladon is usually fed good food.

"Is that all right?"

"Yes, please do."

"In that case, I'll have the regular supplier visit here soon."

"Thank you."

I bowed deeply.

The conversation ended there, and the countess, with a satisfied look, approached the young Ladon.

She approached, reached out, and stroked it.

Satisfied with its flight, the young Ladon allowed itself to be stroked calmly.

The princess came up beside me and whispered to me as I watched.

"Sir Cyril, why did you ask the lady for that?"

"If my impression is correct, nobles should give their pets quite luxurious food. Even more so if they dote on them."

"That might be true..."

The princess nodded ambiguously.

"If I can get an introduction to the supplier and the food suits everyone, I might prepare it for them in the future. The taste of the food is important."

"...Ah, Sir Cyril, about your own meals?"

"Yes."

I nodded.

As the princess, who was startled, realized.

With the dragon transformation, I now require an incomparable amount of energy compared to before.

I have to eat a lot, but eating a lot of bad food—this is what I've been thinking about for the past few days.

Just like me, everyone else would prefer to eat delicious food.

I haven't found a solution for myself yet, but it seems that the others' issues can be easily resolved.

I felt a bit satisfied with this.

"..."

"Hmm? What's wrong, Ja—Princess, why are you staring at me?"

"Even here, you're still dragon-first. Impressive."

"Is that so? Isn't it normal?"

I smiled slightly.

I don't mind being praised by the princess.

But for something like this,

I wish it was so common to take care of dragons that it's not even praiseworthy. I thought to myself.

☆

The next day, in the town of Bovalcel, at the town hall.

I was called in and sat facing Rose in the usual reception room.

It was just the two of us.

The princess and the dragons were not with us today.

"Sorry to call you in so suddenly."

"It's fine. Is something up?"

"Nothing major. Just some minor things."

"Minor things?"

"Yes, Dragon First has received a request. A direct one, at that."

"Really?"

That's a bit exciting.

Like any other business, the Dragon Knight Guild can get repeat customers if the client is satisfied, and word-of-mouth can lead to direct requests.

Since this means our efforts have been recognized, I felt a bit happy when I heard Rose's words.

"That's great news."

"It seems you've become the go-to expert. I'm quite proud of it."

"You said it was a minor thing, but does that mean there are multiple requests?"

"Yes."

"Then, tell me about them."

I said to Rose.

I decided to hear the details of the requests and decide whether to accept them and how to handle them.

It would be good to complete these requests properly, further enhance our reputation, and increase repeat customers.

That's what I thought.

"Wait a moment, I'll read out the list now."

"Wait, a list?"

"Yes."

"A list of what?"

"A list of the requests that have come in?"

Rose tilted her head in confusion.

"A list of requests? ...How many have come in?"

"Yes, I can get that right away."

Rose stood up and took a piece of paper from under the table between us.

She looked at the paper and began to read.

"46 requests for extermination, 97 for collection, and then—"

"Wait. 46? 97?"

"Yes."

"What does that mean?"

"Didn't you expect this?"

I looked at Rose with a "What does that mean?" face.

Rose explained to me with a slightly exasperated look.

"You took the business from Linthvurm with the countess."

"Ah, I see."

"That rumor is spreading everywhere. If you're more reliable than Linthvurm, then they'll entrust their work to Dragon First."

"I see."

When explained, it was a simple and understandable situation.

In other words, thanks to the countess, the business that used to go to Linthvurm is now flowing to us.

The move made by the princess had brought about an additional effect far beyond my imagination.