Chapter 29

"This is the town where the nobles live."

I am experiencing my first journey in life.

To be sure, it’s not as far as the trips I used to take in my previous life.

However, it took much longer than I expected.

Of course, without means of transportation like cars or bullet trains, it’s only natural.

We rode in a cart pulled by a serval beast, advancing on a bumpy road.

I doubt we made much progress even after a few days of travel.

The village where I was born and raised is near a vast forest, and three days to the south lies the town where the nobles live.

On a slightly elevated hill, there is the noble’s residence, and the town is centered around it.

The town is surrounded by brick walls.

It seems to be a walled city.

"Quite bustling, isn't it?"

"Yeah, take a look over there."

The merchant pointed in a direction.

All I could see was a wall.

However, the wall looked relatively new.

"Didn't you say there's a high demand for bricks right now? That's the reason."

According to the merchant, they are renovating part of the wall surrounding the town.

They are demolishing parts of it to expand the town and build new walls.

While some bricks are being reused, there is still a significant shortage.

To make up for the shortfall, they are purchasing bricks, which is the reason for the high demand.

"From the looks of it, the high demand might continue for a while, right?"

"Yeah. But, bricks can be made around here. After a while, transporting bricks from far away won't be profitable anymore."

I see.

That means it will be harder to make a profit from bricks in the future.

Then, I need to make sure this negotiation with the noble goes well.

I looked at the wall and rekindled my determination.

※ ※ ※

"I am Raymond, the steward of the Fontana family. Nice to meet you."

The next day, I came to present the serval beasts to the noble family, the Fontanas.

I arrived near the center of the town to achieve my goal.

However, contrary to my expectations, I didn’t get to see the noble’s residence.

I was in a square in front of the stables, far from the noble’s mansion.

Well, come to think of it, it makes sense.

The horse-like serval beasts are large.

It’s unlikely they would let such creatures into the noble’s residence.

Furthermore, I didn’t get to meet the head of the noble family.

There was no need for him to meet us, mere peasants and merchants.

It seems Mr. Raymond, one of the head’s subordinates, would handle us.

The merchants also didn’t necessarily want to meet the noble directly; they just wanted to establish connections with the noble family.

I glanced at the merchant, who looked tense but had a slight smile on his lips.

"Hmm. Indeed, as I heard beforehand, this serval beast seems suitable for riding."

"Yes, that’s correct. It has a strong build and can carry armor without any issues. We have come here with these beasts to offer them to the Fontana family."

"Hmm. One of them looks like a child..."

"Yes. Actually, this Ars is the one who raised this serval beast. The one standing next to him is his father."

"I see. If that’s true, you can continue producing these serval beasts for a long time."

"Yes. This serval beast is called Valkyrie. We would like to request permission to produce and sell Valkyrie."

I was listening to the conversation between Mr. Raymond and the merchant while kneeling on the ground.

However, I almost interrupted.

Valkyrie is the name of the firstborn, not a species name.

But the merchant introduced Valkyrie as the name of the serval beast I raised to Mr. Raymond.

Incidentally, the real Valkyrie is staying in the village.

She is my partner, so I can’t sell her.

This time, I brought three young Valkyries to present to the town.

Well, it’s fine.

It might get a bit complicated, but only in my mind.

It shouldn’t be a big problem.

I was thinking this while listening to the conversation when—

"Alright, it’s fine. I’ll issue the permit later and inform the Fontana family."

"Thank you very much."

"Good. Make sure to work hard in the future."

"Yes, I understand."

"But, this Valkyrie might not be suitable for battle."

"Eh? What do you mean by that?"

"The horns on its head are in the way. It would hinder the use of weapons. Hey, is anyone around?"

"Yes."

"Cut off the horns of this serval beast."

"Yes, sir."

No, wait a moment.

What is this?

Are they going to damage the serval beast I presented?

I was speechless as I watched the horns, the most distinctive feature of the serval beast I raised, being cut off.

I could only watch in silence.

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