Chapter 9

"Father, the Clouren family has arrived."

"Hmm, is that so? I'll be right there."

While contemplating what seeds to plant in the field, Bix, out of breath, ran in. Come to think of it, today was the day for the joint exercise meeting.

For our territory, which relies on agricultural production, pest control is a significant concern. The perimeter of the territory is an environment suitable for cultivating fruit trees, but it is also a dangerous area where many monsters spread. I have pondered whether we could coexist with them, but if left unchecked, the damage would extend not just to the fruit but to the farmers as well, leaving me no choice but to give up. Moreover, the idea of my carefully cultivated crops being ravaged was unbearable for me.

The Clouren family is known for its martial prowess, and I am looking forward to their strength being put to good use in this exercise. It would be good to deepen our relationship with our neighbors, with whom we have had little interaction, through this opportunity.

To be honest, they are a newly risen noble family without a long history, while we are more like a large-scale farming household than a noble family. Perhaps we can have a down-to-earth relationship.

Well, I shouldn't keep people waiting.

I washed my dirty hands with the spring water in the yard and moistened my throat.

"Go ahead, I can't go out in this attire. By the way, the verves should be ripe and in good condition this season. Please offer them chilled."

"Good idea, I'll do that. Please hurry."

With that, my son ran off busily. He's not very composed for his age. If he could just have a bit more presence, I could pass on the position of head of the household.

It will take some time before he can step down from his position as the defense captain.

—

Knowing that the meeting was about to start, I was quite seriously considering whether to have my brother, Jit, step aside.

And I started thinking that it might be better for their eldest son to step aside as well.

It's good that the head of the household hasn't appeared yet. It's normal for people in higher positions to take their time with their preparations.

The problem is that the two men, after a brief greeting, are greedily devouring the fruits laid out on the round table.

"Hey, aren't you eating?"

"No, no, I am eating."

He is eating. I did wonder if it was okay to eat before the important people arrived, but since he strongly encouraged me, I am eating. And I do think it's delicious.

I'm just being overwhelmed by the momentum of the two in front of me.

The fruits piled high on the large plate are quickly diminishing. When they are about to run out, a servant adds a new plate. Before Captain Gragas and I can finish the first plate, they are already on their fourth?

It feels like a competitive eating show I saw before my reincarnation is happening right in front of me. Did I just misremember that there was a banquet today?

Normally, it would be rude to point out, but since Lord Bix is leading this situation, it's out of my hands. Rather, he is happily watching Jit's eating with a full smile on his face.

"Do you like it? This year's verves are particularly good."

"Ah, yes, it's been a while since I've had them, but they are really delicious. They seem great after some physical activity."

While laughing, they keep shoving verves into their mouths. Despite being strangers, Lord Bix and Jit seem very familiar.

Well, it's beneficial that the defense captains of both families get along well.

As I watch them, I resign myself to the fact that there's nothing I can do until the count arrives. I idly think about how to use the verves in cooking. They are sweet and tart with plenty of juice... there are many possibilities. I feel like making something.

Perhaps because I was silent, Lord Bix looks at me with concern.

"Are you bored, Lord Felis? I'm sorry, I can't entertain you properly in this manner."

"That's not the case, I'm enjoying the fruits. ...Actually, one of my hobbies is cooking. I was thinking about the possibilities of the verves."

"Ah, that's wonderful! What do you have in mind?"

"Well, I have a few ideas..."

Just as I was about to mention one of my half-formed ideas, there was a knock on the door. I stopped mid-sentence and looked over to see a middle-aged man with a thick build enter with a cheerful smile.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Are you enjoying yourselves?"

His friendly and charming demeanor. But in reality, he is the head of the prestigious family that has long supported the kingdom's food supply, Count Baskar Mizugar himself.

He is a genuine noble, far more seasoned than someone like me.

I glanced at Jit out of the corner of my eye, wondering what to do. He had stuffed his mouth with verves and couldn't speak.

This guy is useless.

I inwardly sighed but kept my expression composed.

"I am enjoying it. The fruits of your territory are always excellent."

"Hmm, I don't think our crops are widely available in the Clouren family."

That's right. The Clouren family, which is relatively new, hasn't established a large-scale contract with the count's family. However, there are no restrictions on people's movements or trade, so it's entirely possible to obtain them.

"I have personal connections. A friend occasionally sends them to me as a gift."

"I see, it's a pleasure to hear that you enjoy our territory's pride. If you want anything, just let the servant know. It's the harvest season now, so we can probably share some with you."

"I appreciate your offer."

Is this a good starting point for conversation? I haven't been in social settings much, so I'm not sure about the proper way to interact with my superiors. Still, I believe it's better than just eating the fruits without saying anything.

I gave Captain Gragas a slight nod and moved the conversation forward.

"I apologize for the delay. I am Felis Clouren, the second son of the Clouren viscount family. This is my brother and the defense captain, Jit Clouren, and the magic captain, Gragas MacLaur. They will be the responsible parties for this exercise."

By doing this, they will likely assume I am a civil official. According to what I've heard, the second son of the Clouren family is known to be an ordinary person, so it shouldn't seem unnatural.

After all, once this meeting is over, Jit will be the one to handle the actual exercise by cutting down all the enemies. The less impression I leave, the better.

"I have heard of the fame of Lord Jit and Lord Gragas. The famous 'Sword Saint' and 'Iron Wall' might find this a boring hunt, but I hope for your cooperation. After all, they are numerous, even though each one isn't much of a threat."

"Hmm, what is troubling you, Count Baskar?"

It turns out that the target this time is a creature called a beak, similar to a small dog from my previous life. They are known for their agility, strong breeding capabilities, and the intelligence to move in groups and use decoys.

Most importantly, they target low-growing crops, taking only a bite of the best parts before fleeing, making them highly detested.

I see, they are indeed troublesome and annoying.

The Mizugar territory's military strength is biased towards martial arts, so they are seeking the cooperation of the magic team, which can suppress the area, for this request.

While trying to appear as accommodating as possible, I think the reasonable deployment would be about 30% of the magic team and 10% of the martial team. Even if the Clouren family is attacked by someone during the expedition, as long as we can buy time until Sister Mil arrives, there should be no problem. The Clouren family's strength lies in its deep layer of military officials.

"Understood. We will need to discuss the details back in our territory, but we will try to mobilize as many members of the magic team as possible. Removing obstacles for the people is also a duty of a noble."

Even as I say these polite words, I feel a chill. If the people on the ground heard this, they would probably punch me from behind. Still, to wrap up the conversation, I need to show my sincerity.

While there are formalities in matters, I realize again that I am not suited to be a noble.

As I wait for his reaction, Count Baskar looks at me with a mischievous gaze.

"Hmm, it seems Lord Felis is not good at flattery?"

...I was clumsy, and he saw through me.

I have heard enough flattery from young people. My pretentious words were probably too light.

Swallowing my nervousness, I respond.

"Don't worry about it. I'm not as good at flattery as you, but... first, let's hear what you want. I can't make a judgment if I don't know the content."

I hesitate. I can't clearly articulate what I should say, and I can't rely on Jit or Captain Gragas at this point, so I decide to be honest.

"If possible, I would like to establish a direct contract with the Clouren family for fruits and other delicacies in the future."

"That depends on the quantity and price. If it's a fair deal, there's no reason to refuse."

"The quantity won't be too much. However, I would like to receive a variety of seasonal items regularly and at a reasonable price."

In reality, I don't intend to buy enough to make a business out of it. What I'm looking for is a more modest, small-scale arrangement.

Count Baskar tilts his head at my wry smile.

"What is your aim?"

"It's not complicated. ...Women like sweet things."

Yes, for example, our head of the household.

After a moment, Count Baskar bursts into laughter.

"Haha, I see, I see. If you come to collect them, we don't mind. You can take enough for the workers and some as gifts for your relatives for free."

Relief washes over me at his generous offer, and I bow deeply.

This world is lacking in entertainment. Anyone would be excited to hear about delicious food.

...The Clouren family, including the defense team, has a lot of people who like sweets, but there are few sweets in the territory. We don't have the agricultural knowledge or technology of the Mizugar territory to grow fruits ourselves. So, we wanted to create an environment where we could obtain the highly regarded crops of the Mizugar territory.

However, Mizugar-branded crops are symbols of rarity, luxury, and deliciousness, and some are worth a month's income for a commoner. It's not something a person of lower status can casually request.

So, Sister Mil accepted the exercise as a way to create an opportunity. She hoped to advance the trade of delicacies favorably.

Now, what is the result?

The quantity wasn't secured, or rather, it wasn't the focus. However, we can train the troops in the nearby area and receive rewards on the way back.

While I am concerned about setting a price for the territory's military strength without being a responsible party, I believe the goal has been achieved.

"Thank you. ...If there are too many participants for the exercise, please bear with us."

"No problem, in that case, we'll just have them hunt them all."

A thick hand extends toward me. I hesitate for a moment before shaking it.

I'm still unsure if it was appropriate for me, a semi-outsider, to make such a decision. However, Count Baskar adjusted the situation to our benefit. I won't retract my words out of politeness.

With no complaints from either side, the contract is established.

I will leave the rest to the responsible parties.

That's it for this time.

Ah, the backlog I wrote on my day off is running out...