Chapter 88

These past few days have been filled with all sorts of events.

After things settled down, the master would use his influence and sometimes threats to quietly—well, probably quietly—eliminate those who seemed to be part of the opposing forces—cutting off their heads, so to speak.

No, not physically! It's a metaphor, you know!

And as for me...

"This is way too much trouble."

"You're the owner, so you should take responsibility for them."

In the courtyard of the Duke's main residence, about ten white furry lumps were sprawled out, about the size of Leitsel.

They all seemed relaxed, but do these kids even realize how much their food costs?

"One thing, I only officially named and keep two of them, and these are just squatting here—..."

"Ah, I see... So you're saying they're pests eating away at the Duke's assets, and you should kill them and take their fur? It would probably fetch a good price. But you'd probably be hated quite a bit, too."

"That's not what I meant!"

They're just being quiet, and they're not demanding food!

However, they are wild animals. If we don't give them anything, they might start destroying the garden and looking for their own food.

There are all sorts of things they could eat.

Leitsel doesn't do it, but Rihito has been eating things in the capital without permission.

Thinking about that, we can't say these kids won't do it.

"They seem to follow Risha's orders, so you're basically their owner, right?"

"I haven't done anything!"

That's the thing.

For some reason, the kids who seem to be Rihito and Leitsel's companions think I'm their owner and follow my words.

They stay quiet in the garden because I told them to.

"Milady Risha, I think it would be easier to acknowledge it."

"Michelle, that's why I—"

"If you don't volunteer to be their owner, Claude will probably use ruthless methods to drive them out. If they only cost money and don't bring any benefits, he won't show any mercy."

I can't deny that...

"Actually, selling their fur would be much more profitable."

Michelle said this while looking down from the window.

It's already been confirmed that these are Vankuris. After all, their fur can be identified easily.

Of course, Rihito and Leitsel are also Vankuris.

Moreover, this year is a fur-cutting year, and not just Leitsel, but the others are also getting fluffier.

Their soft, fluffy fur is so comfortable that you could bury your face in it forever.

"How many of them live in the neighboring country?"

"I'm not sure, but probably around 100,000 to 150,000. It's a mountainous country, so there are many places for them to live. And for the industry to be viable, there need to be that many. The amount of fur you can get from one is limited, after all."

"They only get their fur cut every two years, too."

"They probably eat Vakui, but in the mountainous areas, there are plenty of plants for them to eat without us having to do anything."

The maintenance cost issue is related to where they live and their food situation.

In the neighboring country, they live in uninhabited areas and find their own food. So, the country doesn't spend much on them.

They only need to be wary of poachers, but the Vankuris know how to protect themselves, so it's not much of a problem.

"It's amazing, isn't it? No maintenance costs, and their fur can be sold as a luxury item. The processing might take some time, but it's not a big issue."

"True. I'd like to start such a business."

"Businesses without human intervention are too much of a gamble. Actually, Vankuris are flowing into our territory, so it's possible that more will come in the future. If they do, the damage would be significant, but we can't complain. After all, they are wild animals living freely."

That's true...

There are no businesses without human intervention. That's why we can make claims if something happens.

If wild animals just flow in, there's nothing we can do. But if we have a legitimate reason for keeping them, we can claim damages and return them.

"Anyway, we should probably cut their fur, right?"

"The fur gets tangled if it's too long."

Leitsel's fur, even when combed neatly recently, still gets tangled.

I don't know why, but the fur doesn't fall out when they walk, but a lot comes out when combed.

Maybe it's broken hair?

"But how do we do it?"

"Vankuris choose the hands that will handle them. The tools—maybe sheep shearing tools would be fine?"

"That's a bit casual, isn't it?"

"Frankly, it's not my specialty. Vankuris are animals from the neighboring country. It would be strange if I knew."

That's true. But the master is very knowledgeable, so I thought he might know if I asked?

Maybe his not telling me to look it up is a sign of kindness.

"But who should do it?"

As I was wondering if we should ask someone who cuts the fur of sheep or other animals, the master and Michelle were staring at me. The master looked slightly exasperated, and Michelle seemed to be throwing up her hands.

"What is it?"

"Did you listen to what I said?"

"I did, but..."

"Vankuris choose the hands that will handle them."

"Are you serious?"

What, seriously? Really? The master said that, but...

I had a bad feeling, and my mouth started to twitch.

"Who else but you, Milady Risha? We don't even know what kind of person Vankuris choose. I think you'll have to try your best for a while."

"Wait! Even if they're quiet, it's still a lot of hard work, right?"

"Compared to animals that don't understand human language, it's easier. If you tell them not to move, they won't."

No, no, no! That's not the issue! I've never done it before, and I might end up shaving more than just their fur!

"Well, if touching them is okay, maybe you can get some guidance while you're next to them?"

"If you're going to shear them, that's how it will be. Just in case, I'll have knights nearby. If you do it well, it can become a product, and it will reduce the food costs. I won't charge them rent, either."

"I can't do it! And it will definitely be hard!"

"You'll get used to it. Maybe start with Leitsel?"

When I glanced at Leitsel, who was sprawled out, his ears twitched, and he seemed to be somewhat reluctant. Yeah, probably. Definitely.

After all, he pushed Rihito aside.

"Apparently, start with the smaller ones."

Oh, that's terrible! There are parents who use their children as substitutes!?

Rihito, who doesn't understand anything, was playing with Leitsel.

"Anyway, please try your best."

Taking care of animals is hard.

I feel like I might cry, Master...

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