Chapter 95

3/3

Marquis Rudolph is one of the nobles aligned with the Second Prince.

For some reason, after attending that National Foundation Day celebration party, he sent me an invitation to a party he was hosting. I remember clearly that both Mother and I declined, citing his alignment with the Second Prince.

...Now, here’s the question. Why does he react so strongly to the name of Marquis Rudolph?

The answer is simple. It’s because he wanted to keep his connection to Marquis Rudolph a secret.

“...Excuse me, but why do you mention the name of His Excellency Marquis Rudolph?”

“Surely, you must be on very good terms? To the extent that you can ask for a favor from ‘Lord Edward.’”

“...!”

Vurdo opened his mouth in shock. Ah, he’s reacting just as I expected.

I hid my smile behind a fan and silently observed him.

“...Let’s move on to the main topic.”

“The main topic?”

“Yes, that’s right. This time, it’s about the business cooperation between our Bannel Chamber of Commerce and the Azuta Chamber of Commerce.”

“I believe we were to provide funds in exchange for taking over several locations and personnel that the Bannel Chamber of Commerce holds in the capital and elsewhere.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“...Unfortunately, I cannot accept that.”

“...What!”

“Indeed, we are short on personnel and in need of locations. However, these can be supplemented from other sources. ...I don’t think it’s worth paying the amount of funds you propose.”

“That may be true. However, if I may say so, Miss Iris, it seems that the Azuta Chamber of Commerce wants a connection to Prince Edward?”

There it is. Using the connection to Lord Edward as a shield and a spear to extract favorable terms.

But I have no intention of accepting their terms.

Because the amount they proposed is unrealistically high. I was amazed at how much debt they managed to accumulate.

When I first saw the amount, I thought they were trying to take advantage of us.

“Yes, as you say, Lord Vurdo, the Azuta Chamber of Commerce does want a connection to Lord Edward in the capital. ...However, upon further consideration, it’s not necessary to provide such a large amount of funds. We could approach others, just as your chamber approached Marquis Rudolph.”

“Why did you...!”

He no longer tried to hide his surprise, speaking it outright.

“Fufufu, our chamber has many ears. Even if an employee is turned down and starts complaining in a tavern, the news spreads quickly. I recommend being more cautious about your surroundings.”

The reason I praised Tanya is this. Her information-gathering ability is truly remarkable.

“Grr...!”

“We’ve strayed from the topic. After going to such lengths to secure a connection to Lord Edward through a ‘favor’ and obtain personnel from the Azuta Chamber of Commerce, the internal situation of the chamber is now dire. It’s like a candle in the wind... If I refuse today, we’ll have to close the shop tomorrow.”

The ‘favor’ means getting Lord Edward to take notice. In other words, to get Lord Edward to protect us so that we can poach personnel from us.

If that happens, I, who don’t want to cross Lord Edward... or the royal family, will find it difficult to complain.

Well... I’m not the only one who doesn’t want to cross them; the same goes for other merchants.

So, not only can I suppress my own complaints, but I can also suppress the grievances of the commercial guild.

There’s nothing to fear.

Normally, if they openly poached employees, we could lodge a complaint through the commercial guild.

But we couldn’t do that because of the previous expulsion incident and because they were under the protection of the royal family.

As a result, all our complaints were suppressed.

Of course, he wouldn’t want me to know.

Let’s get back to the topic.

For Marquis Rudolph, it was a good deal. Just by mediating between the merchant and Lord Edward, his coffers were filled.

Given that the relationship was based on ‘profit,’ it’s only natural that he would cut ties once the chamber’s business deteriorated so much.

“...”

The man in front of me was visibly flustered.

“...If things continue like this, you’ll be unable to pay your debts. You can either end the business and commit suicide with the chamber, or cut ties with the chamber and the debts and start anew. Those are your only options.”

He glares at me with hatred. Well, it’s only natural.

To him, I am not a savior but someone who takes everything away.

He opens his mouth several times to speak but stops, then suddenly his expression calms as if he has realized something.

...What did he realize?

“...In other words, will my resignation be acceptable as your condition?”

“Yes. In exchange for providing funds to this chamber, you will have no further involvement with it. That is my condition.”

Vurdo sighs and smiles, as if he has come to terms with it. His expression is clear and refreshing.

But seeing that, I think...

It’s all a facade.

I really think he should peel off a layer of his skin and stick it on.

The clear smile doesn’t match the gleam in his eyes.

It’s obvious that he is still calculating how to benefit himself at this stage.

“...I understand. Then, I will accept those terms.”

Thank you very much for your kind words.

I have made significant additions to the book and written new SS for Animate and Toranoana. If you come across it, please take a look.

11/11 Addendum

I apologize.

There are some typographical errors in the currently available book.

Specifically, the names of Ryle and Dida in the first illustration are reversed.

It is said that this will be corrected in the next printing.

I am reporting this here as soon as possible. I will also include this message when I upload the next chapter.

I apologize to those who have already purchased the book.