Chapter 31

Following the notification from the city council that arrived the previous evening, Shizukanae prepared to welcome the visitors from early morning.

The notification was quite elaborate, sealed with melted wax on the envelope, and the parchment inside was of high quality.

At the bottom were the signatures of Backeshof and Geharnot, indicating that this was an official document with legal force.

"What wasn't written in it?"

Shinnosuke muttered to himself. Today, neither Eifa nor Helmina had been called. Shizukanae and Shinnosuke stood side by side in front of the cleaned shop. The idea was that if something happened, the two of them could handle it.

"That's what's strange," Shizukanae said.

"Preventing escape?"

Shizukanae thought that was a very plausible line of thought. Shinnosuke, on the other hand, might have been imagining a criminal confessing to a crime and fleeing to the cliff.

"Will they read out the charges and then arrest us?"

"I don't want that."

"I hope they only grill bacon."

According to Nicolaus, the maximum penalty for smuggling lager was death, and that by burning. However, such a severe punishment was only for those who leaked the lager-making method or planned large-scale smuggling abroad. Nicolaus predicted that if Shizukanae and Shinnosuke were caught, they would likely face a fine and imprisonment.

"Ah, you've come."

Shinnosuke squinted. The sound of horse hooves grew closer to the shop. It was unclear if it was the same carriage that came on the stormy night, but it was a grand, roofed carriage with the city council's emblem. The carriage, pulled by two horses, slowed down and quietly stopped in front of the shop.

"To think you waited without running away, that's quite commendable."

Damian was the first to get out, muttering. Geharnot and Backeshof followed, and it seemed they hadn't brought any guards. Shizukanae tried to meet Geharnot's gaze, but he skillfully avoided it, his expression stern.

"Well, standing in front of the shop isn't appropriate."

Shinnosuke opened the glass door, and everyone followed. The air inside the shop was tense, making it a bit suffocating. Shizukanae thought about preparing tea, but Geharnot stopped her with a look and a cough. They were probably about to discuss something serious.

"Let's begin, shall we?"

Backeshof's words prompted everyone to take their seats. Backeshof and Geharnot sat on the side near the entrance, while Shizukanae and Shinnosuke sat on the opposite side. Damian's position by the glass door suggested he was there to prevent escape.

"Geharnot, let's get started quickly. We have a council meeting this afternoon."

"Indeed. There are many things to decide today."

"Yes, the conference is approaching. For the honor of the ancient city, we must ensure it proceeds smoothly."

The conference was likely about the Northern Three Territories. According to Deacon Etvin, the ancient city was chosen for the conference because it was considered a relatively neutral city.

"It would be a problem if it were known that there was handling of contraband in the ancient city before such an important conference. We must clean up the situation in advance, for the sake of Backeshof's name."

"I completely agree with the chairman, Geharnot said."

Geharnot's attitude clearly showed he was on their side. Shizukanae felt a bit of sadness, knowing this from his job as a tax collector.

"Then, I will present the results of the investigation."

A sheet of parchment was slid onto the table, densely covered with fine text. Shizukanae, who only knew a little of the imperial language, couldn't understand what was written.

"This is the material obtained from the Chief Brewer of the capital. The investigation took time because we had to communicate with the Chief Brewer, who has all the authority over lager."

"Chief Brewer, I see. However, even with strict surveillance, it's possible to slip through, isn't it?"

"That's a possibility, so we requested a thorough investigation. As a result, it was found that a considerable amount of lager was being smuggled."

"Indeed, I see."

The situation looked ominous. Even if the smuggled lager wasn't actually sold at Shizukanae's izakaya, they might still be blamed. Shinnosuke hung his head.

"The Chief Brewer was very angry about this incident and conducted a full investigation with all the staff. This is the result."

"That's a lot of work. But it's helpful for us. If the investigation by the Chief Brewer reveals any wrongdoing, it saves us the trouble."

Backeshof took the parchment, but his expression changed as he read it.

"...Geharnot, what does this mean? You said a considerable amount was smuggled, right?"

"That's correct."

"Then, what does it mean that the total amount smuggled is thirty-seven barrels!"

"Thirty-seven barrels of lager that absolutely should not have been circulated have leaked out. That is a considerable amount."

Thirty-seven barrels was indeed a significant amount, but in absolute terms, it was small.

"Moreover, the destination of thirty barrels is known, right?"

"Yes. It seems the regent of the Eastern Kingdom secretly bought them for a banquet. It's unacceptable."

"However, the destination of the remaining seven barrels is unknown, right? Does that mean they were sold at this izakaya?"

Backeshof's words made Geharnot shake his head slightly.

"Shizukanae's izakaya has been in the ancient city for half a year. If lager was sold during that time, it couldn't have been just seven barrels, don't you think?"

"It's a mixture! They mixed lager with ale. That's the only explanation!"

"Indeed, that's a possibility. However, it's impossible."

Backeshof's face turned from red with anger to a dark shade as he read the next parchment.

"Of the remaining seven barrels, six were traced to the south of the empire and across the border. They likely ended up in the Holy Kingdom. It would be unnatural for lager that crossed the border to return to the capital."

"B-but, Geharnot, one barrel is still left, right?"

"Yes, but just one barrel. If this one barrel was used as a mixture as you suggested... would the taste of lager be noticeable enough for you to recognize it, Backeshof?"

"Ugh."

Geharnot was on Shizukanae's side. Shizukanae felt ashamed for doubting him even for a moment. Backeshof's expression twisted, not only because his plan to take over the shop had failed but also because he had embarrassed himself by involving the city council.

"...By the way, Backeshof, I have a question."

"What is it, Geharnot? I have no intention of answering trivial questions."

"It's not a trivial question. It's a very important one. ...Why do you know the taste of lager?"

Instantly, Backeshof's expression froze.

"Well, that's because... I was invited to a noble's banquet when I was still in the capital, and the lager served there..."

"Which noble's banquet was it, and in which month and year? If lager, which is only available to a select few, was served, that noble might also be in serious violation."

"A, no, that's not it. It's... um..."

Geharnot cleared his throat and took out another parchment.

"Actually, we have a rough idea of the destination of the last barrel. It's in the ancient city."

"Oh, I see. Then everything is resolved. That barrel must have been at this izakaya..."

"Is that so?"

Suddenly, Backeshof stood up.

"That's it! Miss, bring a mug. Serve Geharnot the same thing. Triaeznamama. That will clear everything up."

"No, I must decline."

Backeshof, grabbing Geharnot's collar, almost shouted in a near-scream.

"Why not! You'll know if you drink it!"

"Why? I've never tasted the contraband lager in my life. Besides..."

"Besides?"

"I'm on duty."

Geharnot, straightening his collar, answered, and Backeshof slumped back into his chair.

"Backeshof, please listen to the end. We know it was delivered to the Backeshof Trading Company. What we don't know is who drank it."

Backeshof looked up at the ceiling with a pale face. Shizukanae couldn't understand what was happening in front of her. The only thing she grasped was that Backeshof seemed to be the one smuggling lager.

Suddenly, the glass door was pulled open.

"Damian!"

Backeshof's shout made Shizukanae look towards the door, but Damian was gone, having fled without his master. However, Geharnot remained calm.

"Let the small fry go. Shinnosuke, can you go to the guard post and arrange for some people? We need to take the smuggler into custody."

Shinnosuke nodded and ran outside.

"Today will be busy. There are many things to decide at the meeting, including the successor to Chairman Backeshof."