Chapter 72

"Lord Rosalimonde, please don't stray too far."

"Lady Reisha, there's no need to be afraid. It's just a one-day promise to observe the lives of the people, so we must approach it with enthusiasm."

Currently, my husband is in a meeting with the person who oversees the northern villages. This is the person my husband appointed after the illegal coal mining operation led to his downfall. It was quite a struggle for him.

My husband has made a one-day promise to bring only Michelle to observe the lives of the people. Of course, there are hidden guards, but this is a small coal mining village. There are few people, and having too many would only make us look suspicious. After all, everyone here knows each other.

"First, we need to gather information. In a place like this, that means going to a place where people drink."

"But it's daytime... Is it really okay to go at night?"

"People who drink during the day are usually those who don't have jobs. I think we should talk to them."

Michelle seems to be at a loss and is following along. I won't say anything either.

"Perhaps it's not as dangerous as at night."

Michelle mumbled. After all, Michelle will be protecting us in the shop. I'm counting on you.

"Then, let's go."

Lady Rosalimonde walks in confidently. Despite not being used to it, she enters the shop as if she were a regular. As soon as we enter, Michelle steps in front of me. The place is almost full, and it's mostly burly men. There are some young men as well, but everyone seems to have a gloomy atmosphere. For two women and a small, cute-faced man like Michelle to enter such a place, it's quite out of place. Since we're not familiar faces, everyone's gaze immediately focuses on us. With their sharp eyes, I can't help but whisper to Michelle.

"Didn't you say it was less dangerous than at night?"

"Most people would think so, wouldn't they?"

Yeah... I didn't expect there to be so many people in a bar during the day.

"But the atmosphere seems strange."

I thought they would be drinking during the day, but there's hardly any smell of alcohol. It seems they were having a serious conversation. Perhaps this place was chosen because it's a large space where many people can gather. After all, a bar is a place where men can easily gather for socializing.

"The atmosphere suggests there might be trouble."

Don't say that, Michelle! It might actually happen! And, Lady Rosalimonde, please don't say anything unnecessary.

I'm trying to pull her sleeve, but Lady Rosalimonde is frowning at the people and the atmosphere in the shop. My inner voice probably isn't reaching her. She looks around the shop and heads to the owner. Everyone is watching us in silence, and some of the men seem irritated by our intrusion.

After all, even if men are enjoying a drink, women intruding into a male social space are not well-received. The same goes the other way around. Lady Rosalimonde doesn't seem to understand this psychology. I'm trembling inside, and Michelle is on guard as we follow Lady Rosalimonde, who asks the owner a question without any consideration for lowering her voice.

"What's going on here? Is it a day off?"

In the originally quiet space, Lady Rosalimonde's voice echoes clearly. A few people stand up, clearly not pleased with our intrusion.

"Lord Rosalimonde!"

Michelle tries to hold her back, but she doesn't stop.

"Let go. I'm just asking a question. There's no reason to stop me."

"Lord Rosalimonde, let's go out! I think it will be difficult to talk to everyone here!"

In a place where all the men who live in the coal mining village are gathered, I don't want her to say anything more. I understand why they are here. I desperately want to pull Lady Rosalimonde away. Michelle seems to be thinking the same thing, judging that what Lady Rosalimonde might say would not be favorable to them. They are probably...

"If it's a day off, that's one thing, but if not, you shouldn't be here. Or are you on a break?"

Michelle covers her face with her hand. I'm sorry, Michelle! I should have stopped her earlier...

She really doesn't know anything. The gloomy atmosphere suddenly changes.

"Hey, what do you mean by that?"

The suppressed anger in his voice is heavy and low. His still somewhat youthful voice sounds even more youthful among the men here.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Are you saying we're just playing around?"

"No!"

Even though she denies it immediately, it's too late. They are not slacking off or playing around. They can't work even if they want to.

After all, the person who oversaw this place is gone, and the leader who incited them and enjoyed the benefits with the overseer will probably flee when the lord of the land comes near. They understand the crimes they committed. Without a leader, this place is in chaos. The miners are just people who dig coal and have no knowledge of the sales channels for the coal they dig. Without the upper management, they won't be paid properly and can't work. In such a small village, this fact would spread quickly.

The people here have worked diligently, even if they were deceived and unknowingly committed crimes. Lady Rosalimonde's words only provoke their anger.

"Then what?"

"That... is..."

The young man shouting is about my age. He's probably speaking for everyone here.

"An... inspection..."

"Huh? An inspection?"

The tone clearly shows he doesn't believe it.

"Yes. Our lord is concerned about the current situation here! That's why we were ordered to conduct an inspection!"

It's not true, but it's not a complete lie. If we start a business here, an inspection is necessary, and understanding the current situation is essential. However, that's not happening now, and my husband is scheduled to come here tomorrow to conduct it officially.

"We want to observe the work of the women... and we've brought a few men as well! The others are waiting outside. We also want to learn about the coal mine, so if someone could show us around, it would be very helpful!"

"Lady Reisha... I..."

"Please, I beg you! I want to experience how harsh the coal mine is!"

I cut in to finish Lady Rosalimonde's words. The atmosphere is tense, and I'm sweating. If a riot breaks out here, it will not only disrupt the business but also create bad feelings for future negotiations, especially in this closed-off small village.

"Alright... fine."

A quiet voice comes from behind. I turn around to see the owner looking at us.

"I don't know if it's true or not, but at least you're not just talking. You're not the kind of people who say digging holes is an easy job. Just understanding that the work in the coal mine is harsh is a step in the right direction."

His eyes exude a calm intelligence. No one contradicts or stops him, confirming that he is the central figure among everyone here. The young man who was shouting looks sulky but is silent. I feel that he might be the central figure not only among the men but also in the entire village.

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