Chapter 98

Well, I've taken care of all the matters at the guild.

Thanks to the guild run by Karim, it has become possible to pass through the border with the usual customs rate.

For other guilds, by entrusting transportation to Karim's guild, they can achieve cost cuts through reduced escort and labor expenses.

Karim's guild also benefits from this.

It's truly a win-win relationship for everyone.

To be honest, the negotiations with the lord of the territory that raised the customs rate this time haven't gone well.

I suspect that the Second Queen is interfering.

The tax rate is generally at the discretion of each lord, so even if I ask them to lower it because the excommunication was unjust, they could simply say, "That's good to hear. However, we are raising the tax rate across the board. This is our territory's policy," and that would be the end of it.

I can't help but feel that the tax rate around the Arminia territory was raised all at once, which seems very deliberate.

Even if I complain, the Second Queen is waiting at the top.

I'm bound to be crushed.

Even if Father is the Chancellor, he doesn't have the authority to command the lords.

Only the King has the authority to command the lords, but the King is bedridden due to illness.

Well... in any case, the fact that the tax rate is at the lords' discretion remains unchanged.

In peacetime, the King does not exercise his command authority to interfere with the lords' discretion.

This is a deadlock.

...Anyway, I've achieved my goal, so I might as well return to the territory. Even if Sebastian is excellent, the workload must be getting overwhelming by now.

Ah... but if Dean were here, things would probably work out.

While thinking about this, I was tidying up the documents.

"Tanya, I think I'll return to the territory soon."

"I think that's a good idea. I'll adjust the schedule immediately."

Well... there are still various greetings and follow-up tasks, so it will probably take a few more days.

"Thanks."

Ah, I miss the territory.

Even though I haven't been away from the territory for a year or two like when I was a student, it feels like I haven't returned in a long time.

It must have been such an intense period.

"Miss, you have a letter from Mimosa."

I took it from Tanya, opened it with a paper knife, and read the letter.

I feel like my speed reading has improved even more recently.

After reading through it, I closed it and put it back in the envelope.

"...It sounds like she's having a tough time."

The content of the letter was a response to the apology for the previous dance.

Mimosa's kind reply said that there was no need to worry, and she would feel lonely if she wasn't invited in the future.

However, it gradually turned into a discussion about marriage.

It seems she is having a hard time finding a fiancé.

After all, Mimosa's family is neutral... so they are extra cautious.

But I can also sense a growing urgency from Mimosa, as she can't afford to take her time anymore.

For the children of nobility, the connection with the other family is crucial, so it's important to determine which faction the other family belongs to or is trying to join.

I understand that the status of the other family is also very important.

However, time passes equally while making these determinations.

...The marriage age for nobles is much younger compared to Japan.

Given the different social background and values, it's understandable, but comparing it to Iris's memories, I can somewhat understand the urgency.

But I'm not saying I "understand" it, just that I "somewhat understand" it.

I'm not married either... and I no longer dream about marriage.

It's better to wait calmly and patiently. I wrote a reply to that effect.

It's important to assess the other party, including their family... when I write this, it feels weighty, and I can't help but be self-deprecating.

"By the way, are Lyle and Dida okay?"

Lyle and Dida have been taken by Grandfather for the past two days.

They are my guards... but since the documents related to the transactions with Kyle's guild have piled up and I have no plans to go out, it's fine.

"Two people like them will be fine even if they are taken every day. They have undergone years of training under Gazelle."

"...That's true."

While talking with Tanya, I heard a knock on the door.

Tanya opened the door and responded.

As she talked with the servant, her expression became increasingly stern.

"...Please send them away immediately."

"But..."

Her cold voice was quite intimidating, but the servant, though hesitant, did not back down.

"It's fine. I'll go."

She said this as if no further words were needed.

However, the servant's expression changed to one of relief at Tanya's words.

Such a person must be here... I wonder who it is.

"...Tanya."

"Excuse me. I will handle this immediately."

From Tanya's reaction, it seems she doesn't want me to know... she wants to handle it internally.

"Wait a moment. Tanya, who is here?"

"Miss, you don't need to worry. I will handle everything."

"...Tanya."

Calling her name again, Tanya looked troubled.

"Van Lutasha is here to see you."

"...Van...?"

The unexpected name made me involuntarily flustered.

"Since Lyle and Dida are not here, it's better not to make contact. We can't predict what they are planning or what they might do. ...Besides, it's extremely rude to visit without prior notice."

Well, that's true. After all, I have nothing to talk about with them. Why should I listen to them when they didn't even listen to me?

"...You're right. Please handle it, Tanya."

"As you wish."