Chapter 34

Nozwell looked out the window to the backyard.

In the backyard, there were people diligently supplying magic to the oatem plants in the tobacco leaf field.

Supplying magic to the oatem is hard labor.

Many people fall ill due to excessive consumption of magic.

Naturally, the Kalko family does not do such things.

Just keeping watch like Nozwell is enough.

Those with ability prepare the initial setup, and the heavy labor is done by hired help.

This is true not only in the Maaren clan’s village but in any land.

A book in the Kalko family’s possession describes such matters.

“Seems like it’s quite a tough job, huh? Dad, I don’t have to participate in that anymore, right?”

Nozwell said this with a yawn, asking his father who was sitting at the same table.

Nozwell’s father removed the kiseru from his mouth and exhaled a puff of smoke.

“Yes, that’s right. You don’t have to do that anymore. Just focus on oatem carving.”

Nozwell had helped with the magic supply to the oatem a few times.

His father had told him to at least understand the basics, but he never wanted to do it again.

“Doing that every day, day in and day out, seems a bit off, doesn’t it?”

“Don’t say that. Even that is more efficient than going hunting every day.”

“Really, is that so?”

“Yes, it’s quite a good deal. After all, I’m very kind.”

“Oh, you’re joking again.”

Nozwell smiled and negated his father’s words.

He wasn’t being confrontational. His father had also said it with the expectation of being negated.

In the backyard, a man was walking unsteadily through the tobacco leaf field.

That man is Elyseo.

Elyseo had once tried to cultivate tobacco leaves independently from the Kalko family.

He eventually gave up because the oatem kept withering, but if such people are left unchecked, others might follow.

Some form of retaliation is necessary.

...That’s the official stance. In reality, it’s more about venting frustration.

This Maaren clan’s village had few forms of entertainment.

The Kalko family, who could easily obtain supplies and had everyone under their control, sometimes wanted to try a bit of unusual fun.

Elyseo knew that his actions were disliked by the Kalko family.

For a while, he had withdrawn from the Kalko family’s oatem magic supply work, but he was pressured to return and forced to go hunting with others.

Elyseo, who had not hunted for a long time, could not hunt efficiently without companions.

Moreover, he had a family to support.

Now, Elyseo, despite being looked at with white eyes by everyone, is supplying three times the quota of magic to the oatem.

On top of that, he is given less compensation by nitpicking.

Elyseo, once called the village’s best young man, no longer bears any resemblance to that.

He shudders every time someone speaks to him.

Nozwell and his father looked at each other and laughed.

After a while, their interest in Elyseo waned.

To them, it was just a minor form of entertainment.

“Ah, by the way, Abel’s coming-of-age ceremony is tomorrow. Can I go and play a bit?”

Of course, it’s not to celebrate.

It’s meant to be a nuisance.

“Abel?”

“You know, the eldest son of the Berrek family, the oatem fanatic. The brother of Giselle, whom I recommended as a potential wife. He’s going to be my brother-in-law, so I should definitely celebrate for him.”

He said this heartlessly with a two-mari laugh and looked at his father’s face.

However, his father’s face was grim.

“...Tomorrow, I told you to take the tobacco leaves to the exchange square.”

“Yes... but couldn’t we just leave it to the Rietta family...”

“You should have some experience. Besides, tomorrow’s batch is the new model. It’s an important day for us, the Kalko family. The purpose is to circulate and promote it. You, as the heir, must take the lead!

Moreover, after selling as much as possible, burn all the perishable items you receive in exchange. You won’t be able to consume them all. Some resentment will be generated, but I don’t want to create unnecessary sparks by involving other families.”

Usually, it’s better to receive metal or cloth.

There’s already an abundance of food.

However, this time, the primary goal is to promote the new model. It’s important to make as many deals as possible.

“I’ve told the Rietta family to stop the circulation of tobacco leaves. I’m also holding back from circulating them in the exchange square. If we sell a few of the new models tomorrow, a queue will form immediately. There’s little chance of failure, but absolutely don’t make any unnecessary mistakes.”

“I understand, Dad... But if you don’t want to involve other families, does that mean I have to do it alone?”

“You have two people with you, right? That unreliable kid and the wooden stick. Using them to sell the tobacco leaves and transport the received items is fine. Just make it look like you’re getting help from friends.”

“Alright, alright. Darn, I wanted to ruin it...”

“What’s wrong, Nozwell? Do you have a complaint?”

“No, that’s not it.”

He reluctantly agreed.

The Maaren clan’s coming-of-age ceremony takes place from morning to noon.

The exchange square gets busy in the afternoon.

There’s no need to secure a spot. Just take over a suitable area.

The Kalko family has the position to do so.

Then, at least, I should show up and ruin the atmosphere... Nozwell shook his head.

Harvesting and preparation take time.

His father was probably saying that he should experience the entire process.

Nozwell suddenly put his hand to his chin.

Tomorrow is the release day of the new model. I can’t afford to fail.

With the limited supply and the Rietta family forbidden from participating, the tobacco leaves should sell like hotcakes.

For some reason, these two points were bothering him. He had a bad feeling.

He felt like he was missing something.

“Using this as a stepping stone, I will bind the tobacco leaves more strongly to our Maaren clan. And I will kick out that annoying old man and become the new clan leader...! The groundwork is already in place!”

His father said this while standing up.

Perhaps from excitement, his voice was trembling. He exhaled roughly and laughed loudly.

“Dad, you’re going to be the clan leader!?”

“Yes! The first step is for you to make an appearance! Absolutely don’t fail! There’s no reason for failure, but don’t make any major mistakes!”

“Yes, yes!”

The anxiety that had been budding in Nozwell just moments ago was swept away by this excitement.

They had no idea that a formidable rival would appear the next day.