Chapter 88

Waking up in the morning, I ate breakfast at the inn. The meal consisted of bread, soup, salad, and sausages. It was simple but there was enough quantity, so there was no problem.

When leaving, I tried to remember the inn's name by looking at the sign, which read "Sun and Earth Pavilion." I discreetly noted it down on my smartphone.

There was still time before my appointment with Norwe. We were told that the general store where the tent we had asked for yesterday was located was nearby, so we all headed there.

Upon arrival, I was surprised. Although it was called a general store, it was on a different scale from the village stores. It had a spacious lot with a two-story building.

The items available ranged from daily necessities to fairly large items. There were even barbecue grills.

If we were traveling by carriage, I wondered if it would be fine to load such items. The pile of convenient gadgets, which I hadn't seen since Japan, made my heart soar.

The tent we were looking for was available in a considerable number. There were high-end models, but Lot told me that they weren't necessary.

There were also large tents and yurts, but they were expensive and had many parts. If we were setting up a base, they would make sense, but for short-term travel, the setup would be difficult and the equipment heavy.

We looked at the recommended level of tents. There were ones made from felt-like processed wool fibers and ones similar to canvas.

I had the impression that soap water was used in the production of felt, so I asked Lot, but it seemed there was no soap-like substance. Not only was it not a daily item, but it was also something he had never handled as a merchant.

Hmm. Since cheese has been developed, I decided to accept that a pattern using whey might exist.

I was looking at the water-repellent processed items, but it took me a while to understand by their appearance and feel. This is waxed. Of course, since beeswax and animal fat candles are daily items, it's easy to see their properties.

Wax repels water, which is noticeable when a candle is placed in a dish of water for fire prevention.

"Is it good at first, but does water start to leak through after a long period of use?"

"I hear that. However, they are consumables. If handled roughly, they tend to leak water sooner."

Well, if handled properly along the folds, they should last longer. It's not always raining, after all.

The fabric woven like canvas left a nostalgic impression. When I asked the others, they had no objections. The equipment wasn't that heavy to carry.

The shape was triangular, and it was fixed by a frame and ropes. It was a two-person tent, and a set cost 110,000 wyr. Since it would be used every night, I thought it was quite cheap. It would be tragic if it broke easily.

The shape reminded me of the tent I went camping with my grandfather when I was a child. I wondered if the evolution of tents in this world was more advanced.

We decided on a set that included a cotton-filled blanket to lay underneath and entered into price negotiations. In the end, we got a small hammer for fixing the stakes included, and the price was reduced to 210,000 wyr.

The clerk was friendly and explained the setup and usage even after the price negotiation. I thought I might come back if there was anything else.

We paid from the party's funds.

Since we used time for negotiations and explanations, I decided to have the others look for items that would be convenient for camping and adventuring. It was unclear how long the conversation with the viscount would take.

We agreed to meet at the inn because I was unfamiliar with the town's geography. I told them to eat if I didn't return by nightfall.

First, we headed for lunch, walking towards the restaurant district.

I thought it was a bit early, but I decided to go to the lord's mansion rather than keep them waiting.

At the front of the lord's mansion, I informed the gate guard of my purpose and waited a little. I was then guided to the entrance and led to the waiting room I had visited before, accompanied by the butler.

I felt a gaze but saw no one. When I activated "Alert," I noticed someone in the adjacent room whose presence I didn't remember.

Is this surveillance? I thought while enjoying tea, waiting for a while. I decided to be polite.

When I finished my tea, the butler appeared and guided me to the office.

The butler knocked on the door and announced my visit. In response to Norwe's answer, he opened the door. I then headed to where Norwe was standing next to the desk.

"It's been a while, Lord Norwe. Thank you for seeing me today. Has there been any change in your health since then?"

"It's been a while. I don't think it's been that long because we've been exchanging letters. However, that greeting sounds more like a merchant."

Laughing, he moved to the sofa. After I sat down, Norwe signaled for tea to be prepared.

"First, I want to express my gratitude for accepting the discussion about my ennoblement as a baron."

"That's a kind word. I will do my best, despite my lack of talent."

"Ah, a more casual expression is fine. You will be a foster child. It would be bad to be too humble. We are the same age, but I consider you family, my child. There is no pretense in that."

"I understand. I will make an effort in that regard."

"Sure, that's enough. From now on, we will work together for the peace and prosperity of the kingdom and the development of our territory. Think of us as colleagues."

While thinking that there's always a hidden evaluation sheet behind such talk from a superior, I decided to be humble to a degree that wouldn't offend.

"As mentioned in your letter, there are a few matters I would like to discuss?"

When I said that, excerpts from the kingdom's laws concerning nobility and three consent forms were prepared.

The excerpts were in the form of specific articles and points. As I read through them, they gave a strong impression of being more like corporate positions than nobility.

Additionally, the wording was quite simple and could be interpreted arbitrarily. When I looked puzzled, Norwe chuckled and explained.

In essence, if one interprets the laws selfishly, warnings and penalties from the gods who govern would follow, so the simplicity was not a problem.

Moreover, the warnings would be communicated to others as examples, making it difficult to act carelessly.

The consent forms were to be kept by the individual, foster parent, and the state. I should put them in a frame or something to keep them clean.

I signed and handed two of them to Norwe. At that point, Norwe's shoulders relaxed, and he showed a relieved expression.

"No, really, I'm grateful. Finding capable people is really difficult. Moreover, there are very few people with the courage to serve as nobility."

"Whether I am capable will be judged by the results I produce. Thank you for your efforts regarding the duke's matter."

"Don't worry about that. There are various circumstances."

Somehow, his behavior was a bit suspicious. The presence I felt earlier was still in the adjacent room. I had a vague idea of what was going on.

"So, I have some questions about the actual territory."

I frankly asked about the priority of the iron ore deposit. The conclusion was that, from the kingdom's perspective, it wasn't a high priority. However, it was introduced as a solid investment.

In that case, I expressed my desire to expand the territory towards the sea and prioritize its development.

"By the sea... The self-sufficiency rate of food through fishing is high, but it's not suitable for grain production. I think it would be difficult for a novice to get involved?"

"Don't worry about that. I originally lived near the sea, so I have a few profitable ideas."

I didn't clearly state the content of the ideas, and the viscount didn't pry. Well, I might as well provide some service.

"By the way, are you aware of the estimated reserves and potential profits of rock salt?"

"I have reviewed the materials that have been submitted. It's a matter of life and death for the citizens. The reserves are sufficient for 10 to 20 years based on the current population trend. We are also exploring other mining sites."

We both took a sip of tea.

"Regarding the profits, the salt guild's profits are quite poor. The god of commerce, who oversees matters of life and death, is somewhat lenient but is pushing the limits."

He frowned, showing his discomfort.

"By the sea... Salt... Are you targeting sea salt? It's of poor quality. I think it would be difficult to compete with the salt guild's products?"

"Don't worry about that. In the place where I lived, the processing of sea salt was advanced. If possible, I would appreciate your help in preventing the salt guild's interference when the products are ready."

"The salt guild is large. I doubt I can do much on my own."

"Considering that, I have requested a meeting with the duke. Here is a gift for the duke, a bit early."

I took out a set of Reversi pieces wrapped in beautiful fabric from my luggage.

"What is this?"

"It's a board game."

It bore the duke's simplified coat of arms. I carefully placed it on the table, ensuring the coat of arms was visible to Norwe's side.

We divided the pieces between us.

The viscount examined the board and pieces, impressed.

"It's simple but beautiful."

"I am honored by your praise. The rules are simple."

I explained the rules of Reversi. It's not difficult if you understand that pieces are flipped when surrounded.

I explained in detail that pieces can only be placed in surrounding positions and that a pass is only allowed when no moves are possible. If you could pass freely, the game wouldn't work.

The mysterious presence was still listening, pressed against the wall.

"Since it's your first time, I'll give you a handicap of one stone."

I placed a black stone in the upper left corner.

Since it was a handicap match, I placed my white stone first. Then we took turns placing stones.

I'm not particularly good at Reversi, but I have experience. I can win using methods that a beginner with a handicap can't counter.

In the first game, I let the score be close, with me slightly ahead.

"Then, we count the number of pieces of our color. In this case, I have 34 and you have 30, so I win."

Norwe looked stunned and then burst into loud laughter.

"Interesting. This is very interesting. I thought it was something else, but it's simple yet deep."

"Let's play again without the handicap."

"Sure. I'll do better next time. This is a good exercise for the mind."

Without the handicap, I could easily turn the tide by making key moves, even if I held back. The challenge was to win big without being noticed.

"I'm sorry, but with no handicap, I have the advantage of being more experienced."

There were many pieces that didn't fit in the case.

"No, no. That's to be expected. I see the pattern. Let's play one more game."

We divided the pieces again and slowly continued the game.

I noticed that the mysterious presence had moved closer to my back.

When I turned around, a man in his 60s with a face similar to Norwe's stood there.

I thought for a moment who it could be, but it was obvious—it was the duke.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Duke."

I quickly stood and bowed.

"No, no. I'm sorry. I was listening to Norwe and wanted to see what kind of person you were. I was drawn in by the interesting game you were playing. I'm sorry for surprising you."

Despite his grandfatherly appearance, the duke is the top of the nobility, equivalent to a company director. I couldn't afford to make a mistake.

"I was just about to start the budget planning for next year. I wanted to discuss things with Norwe. I heard a new baron was coming, so I was looking forward to it. My name is Rossti. I look forward to working with you."

He spoke with a smile.

"So, what is this...?"

"It's a board game called Reversi."

"Is that my simplified coat of arms?"

"I will explain that as well."

I explained the advantages of Reversi.

First, this world lacks such sophisticated board games. Discussions often start abruptly, and inserting a game to ease and lubricate the conversation is one point.

Second, the pieces are currently black and white, but adding artwork to the white side would increase their artistic value as gifts.

Third, using the duke's simplified coat of arms would prevent counterfeiting and demonstrate the duke's sophistication and ability to indulge in cultured entertainment.

Fourth, the serial numbers on the pieces allow for tracking of who received them. If a gift ends up somewhere, the duke's faction can verify the recipient, revealing hidden relationships.

"I believe these advantages make it a significant benefit for the duke."

"Hmm. I thought it was a simple and interesting game, but as you say, it has depth. It's well thought out as a political strategy. Norwe said you seem like a merchant, but you have the eye of a ruler as well. Interesting."

Rossti's smile grew even wider.

"Since you are a foster child of a foster child, you are like a grandchild. Norwe and the others don't have children. It's nice to have a grandchild at this age. You can call me Rossti casually."

"Then, I will call you Rossti-sama."

"Sure, sure."

Rossti nodded happily.

"Let's put the game aside for now and have a discussion."

Rossti declared, and Norwe called the butler to guide us to a larger conference room.

So far, there have been no major mistakes.

Phew, the real game starts now.