Chapter 70

September 24, 15

Correction) Carla → Clara

September 27, 15

Correction) Several places

"Perhaps it can't be helped that there are few barrier bracelets... But can you really prepare such a quantity?"

"I will not report falsely to His Majesty. I will have everything ready and deliver it in six days."

"Lord Christoph, you have other things to make, but do you currently have that much inventory?"

Tomroski, the Minister of Military Affairs, who had been listening with his eyes closed to the list of magical items I was reading, asked for confirmation.

"Does it concern you?"

"Yes, it does. With such a number, just confirming the quantity will take time. I would like to hand over what I currently have first."

"Then, how about delivering in two batches, three days and six days from now?"

"Very well, I leave it to you."

"The terms of delivery have been settled. Then, lastly, how much will the cost be?"

Surely, you didn't come here without knowing the amount.

The figure I have is 124 million S.

If I present the exact figure, His Majesty will nod, but that would tarnish my father's reputation.

His Majesty approached this matter through my father, which is better interpreted as wanting to purchase it for my father's sake.

"124 million S."

My words slightly lowered the temperature of the room.

"However, this is the original amount. Considering the hardships of those fighting on the front lines... I will provide it free of charge."

I am a noble, but I do not receive any land or stipend.

It would be unthinkable for me to provide military supplies free of charge under normal circumstances.

"Free of charge... That would only be a burden to you..."

"Lord Christoph is speaking out of patriotism, but you should request payment."

Nobles and royalty would be wary if something is offered for free, suspecting there is a hidden agenda.

Therefore, it is better to request payment, as Tomroski, the Minister of Military Affairs, suggests.

"You are right; it is not my intention to impose a burden solely on you."

"Christoph, His Majesty also says this. You should make some request."

"…Understood. Then, ————"

I conveyed my request to His Majesty as my father suggested.

Even though they initially said it would be a significant burden on me, I do not think so.

That is why I was satisfied with this request.

"Very well, then I will provide a written document at the completion of the delivery in six days."

"Thank you."

After finalizing the details, I retired to the waiting room of the Brützels Margrave family.

The great nobles have dedicated rooms within the royal castle, where they can bring personal items and relax.

Naturally, the Brützels Margrave family is a great noble family and can use the best room, complete with Brützels Margrave family maids.

In the waiting room of the Brützels Margrave family, I sipped the tea prepared by the maid while reflecting on the matter.

I had been wondering, but the royal castle and the front-line Beldezus fortress should have a large stock of medicines.

Of course, there are limits, but before the battle, the Brütz Trading Company had released a significant amount of inventory.

"Lord Christoph, it's time."

My father is still in a meeting, but I had already heard about the preparations for the ball.

In short, I just need to show up, greet Lady Dorothy, and then leave.

The ball is a kind of collective matchmaking event for unmarried nobles, so any misstep could attract unwanted attention.

Therefore, tonight's ball is just about greeting the star, Lady Dorothy, and then leaving.

This ball is Lady Dorothy's first appearance, so the unmarried male nobles are very enthusiastic.

And the women are equally determined to catch one of these bachelors.

As for me, I have no interest in such matters and plan to leave as soon as possible.

"Hey, isn't that Christoph?"

"Hmm, oh, Clara. You're here too? Where's Pritz?"

"Pritz has a fiancé. I'm here because Mother insisted. Oh, by the way, would you dance with me? Mother is insisting I dance at least one song before I leave."

Clara, like me, probably finds this place boring.

"I'm in a similar situation. Father told me to greet Lady Dorothy and then leave. Since we have time until Lady Dorothy arrives, would you do me the honor of one dance?"

"Of course, I'd be delighted."

I danced the waltz with Clara.

The slow tempo made it a bit awkward, but I couldn't leave in the middle of the song.

"Phew, I didn't expect to dance with Christoph in such a place. Thank you, now I've completed Mother's mission."

As always, Clara does things her way. She danced one song with me and then left quickly.

Just as Clara left, Lady Dorothy appeared.

All the nobles focused their attention on Lady Dorothy.

Today, Lady Dorothy wore a light pink dress with her curled hair neatly set.

Around her neck was a large, deep blue gemstone set in platinum, with small diamonds scattered to enhance its beauty.

On her head, a tiara with diamonds set in platinum and small emeralds as accents sparkled.

Despite being adorned with so many jewels, Lady Dorothy's beauty outshone them, radiating a brilliant light.

Her face is beautiful and right up my alley, but...

If only she had a bit more in the chest department.

Oh, she's glaring at me!

But she's so beautiful, she could be in a movie.

Lady Dorothy is so beautiful that she must have a wide selection of dance partners, but the men are swarming around her, causing quite a commotion.

I want to leave quickly, so I need to greet Lady Dorothy, but this is impossible.

Lady Dorothy, please choose a partner quickly and start dancing.

Then I can slip in and greet her and leave.

...

The crowd isn't thinning at all.

I have no choice but to go to her...