Chapter 74

As the new year began, the logistics that had been stagnant gradually returned to normal, and carts began to visit the ancient city once again.

Most of the goods loaded on the carts were food.

Even if the people of the ancient city had each stored food, their basements had limits, and sometimes their estimates were off. Most of them, however, had only enough supplies to last through the winter.

Taking advantage of such customers, grain merchants would build small warehouses around the city and bring in wheat and other goods at the start of the new year, a tradition that had been repeated every year. Some merchants even bought goods with the approval of distant cities, but this was quite rare.

If they succeeded, the profits would be substantial. If they could secure ample working capital before spring, their business for the year would be much easier. However, if they failed, it would hinder their spring purchases, and they might not even be able to get the goods.

This year, the Eisen Schmidt Company was supposed to be one of the rare success stories.

"What do we do with this?"

Ignatz asked his brother-in-law Camille, his expression indeterminate, as if he were angry or on the verge of tears.

The warehouse was filled with an enormous number of bags of rice.

"We have to do something with it."

Camille sighed as he examined the parchment documents and their copies.

Three times the amount of rice that was supposed to come from the Holy Kingdom of Kurvaldia was piled up before them. No, the amount matched what they had ordered. The problem was the quantity.

"I had heard that the rice harvest in the Holy Kingdom was bountiful..."

"But I didn't expect the price to drop to a third of what it was..."

According to reports from the region, the Holy Kingdom had a record-breaking rice harvest, and the granaries were overflowing. The rats that ate the rice had grown as fat as cats. While this might be an exaggeration, the fact that they had managed to buy three times the expected amount suggested that not everything was a lie.

"Do you think we can sell this much?"

"We have to find a way to sell it. We need to empty this warehouse by spring."

"But..."

In the ancient city, the custom of eating rice was almost non-existent.

It had only been seen occasionally during the brief popularity of eel bento, but even that had disappeared recently.

They had thought that a third of this amount could be sold to address the food shortage during the winter, but the sheer volume made them hesitate. On the other hand, if they sold it all, they could make a huge profit, but they had no idea how to do it.

As merchants, they had no intention of discarding the goods, but they had no idea how to sell them.

"What's the matter, you two? You look so gloomy at the start of the new year."

Suddenly, the tax collector Geaunot entered the warehouse.

A member of the ancient city's council, he was not well-liked due to his strict tax collection methods. Ignatz and Camille had heard rumors that he had become more approachable recently, but they found it hard to believe. A person's character doesn't change that quickly.

"Ah, Mr. Geaunot. You seem to be in high spirits at the start of the new year. But it's a problem for us if you enter the warehouse without permission."

Ignatz's mild reprimand was met with indifference as the tax collector took out a handkerchief from his chest and began to clean his monocle.

"If it bothers you, you should have someone posted outside. I called out three times at the entrance of your company. No one came out. If someone had collapsed inside, it would have been a serious matter. I only came in because I was worried."

It was a backhanded compliment. This was why Geaunot was disliked.

The tax collector was responsible for tax collection on behalf of the ancient city's council. He could keep all the extra taxes he collected, which often led to ruthless methods. Geaunot was known as the worst of them.

This led to a heated exchange. Camille stepped forward to protect Ignatz, who began to argue aggressively.

"Thank you for your concern. As you can see, we are both fine, so please leave. We can discuss taxes another day."

"Discussing taxes can wait. You can't pay now anyway. I was just making the rounds to greet people for the new year, so please don't be so formal."

"We have no reason to be greeted. As they say, the poor have no leisure. Come, now that you know we're both fine, please leave. The exit is that way."

But Geaunot ignored the direction Ignatz pointed and stared intently at the mountain of rice bags.

"Is there something else you need?"

"Is this rice from the Holy Kingdom? Sasarika rice, I see. You've acquired some rare goods."

He had noticed. It was inevitable with the walls lined with similar bags. It would have been impossible not to notice.

Was this related to tax assessment? If the large quantity of rice led to higher taxes, they would not only lose profit but also suffer a significant loss.

"Do you know about rice?"

"My hometown is in the southern part of the empire, bordering the Holy Kingdom. As a child, I ate not only pasta but also rice occasionally. Risotto was delicious."

If he knew something about cooking rice, it might be useful.

A faint hope flickered in Ignatz's heart but quickly died. What was he thinking? The tax collector was a heartless man. He wouldn't do anything to help them.

"That must be nostalgic. How about a bag? I'll give you one."

He meant it as a joke, but Geaunot's expression darkened.

"Ignatz, you know I'm a tax collector. I take pride in my work. If I were to accept a favor from a taxpayer, it could be seen as a bribe. I appreciate your kindness, but..."

"But?"

"Can you really sell this much rice in the ancient city?"

He had hit a sore spot. As a tax collector who dealt with various people, he must have some knowledge of goods.

"Why do you care about that?"

Camille, who had been called "Cowardly Camille" but had recently shed that nickname, spoke from behind Ignatz.

"Of course, it's for tax collection. If you can't sell this much, it will cause problems. If I can't collect taxes from the Eisen Schmidt Company, it will be a big problem for me."

Indeed, it was about taxes. Ignatz thought about spitting at him but held back. Arguing here would be pointless. What mattered now was what to do with the rice.

"I have an idea."

"A tax collector suggesting an idea to a taxpayer? That's not very peaceful. Are you trying to get us into trouble?"

He meant it as a backhanded compliment, but Geaunot didn't seem to care.

"There's a tavern called Nobu. Let's seek their help."

"We know that place..."

Ignatz and Camille had decided to buy rice after eating kaisendon there. They had hoped to sell a few bags to the tavern, but the amount they had was far too much.

One tavern couldn't use that much.

"Even if the regulars there are big eaters, I don't think they can handle this much, Mr. Geaunot."

As he answered, Ignatz realized how foolish it was to hope. Geaunot's monocle glinted suspiciously.

"The eel bento with rice originated there. If we can create a new trend, it might work."