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TL: ALT
Chapter 35 – Rumors In the Royal Capital
It was an evening two months after Wataru had finished his initial negotiations with Moye.
The banquet in the royal capital was large this time, and important figures who could influence the country, such as nobles and wealthy merchants, had all gathered.
The tables were lined with a variety of elaborately prepared dishes, and the walls were covered with flowers.
Some were dancing, while others were engaged in lively conversation.
The purpose of the banquet was to bring people together, whether from the same faction or from different factions or positions.
In one corner, the nobles who were talented, well-educated, and had the same interests gathered.
When people gather, conversations naturally arise, and information is exchanged.
Recently, the royal capital was abuzz with rumors.
One day, a surprisingly refined sugar of unknown origin was suddenly unveiled, and the next day, a work of art that had never been seen before appeared.
What on earth was going on?
Everyone was straining to listen and gather information, wondering if something big was about to happen.
And the man at the center of it all that day was Baron Moye.
A handsome middle-aged man, Moye was dressed in a well-tailored suit and commanded everyone’s attention.
Everyone wanted to hear what Moye had to say, and they wanted to see something rare.
At that moment, a man was holding a kaleidoscope that had just become the talk of the capital.
He studied it intently, peered into it, and exclaimed in wonder.
Attracted by his voice, another enthusiast gathered around.
“Ooooh, is this the rumored ‘transforming picture’ that is said to be the only one in the world? How beautiful!”
“It looks so simple on the outside, but don’t you add any decorations?”
“The essence of this artwork is when you look inside. A flashy exterior would get in the way of seeing the beautiful interior.”
“I see. You’re right.”
The kaleidoscope had changed its name in the rumors, according to Moye’s explanation.
Even when looking at the same thing, the way it is explained shows the characteristics of the person.
When it spread to the royal capital, the explanation of the “transforming picture” was passed on.
For people with the same hobby, the valuable things of others that they cannot obtain are things that they cannot help but be curious about.
“Where did Baron Moye get this transforming picture? If you don’t mind, I’d like to know the merchant’s name.”
“It seems that he was a wandering merchant who happened to come to our territory on business, and he doesn’t have a base here yet. However, I’ve heard his name, so I’ll tell you. I think his name is Wataru.”
“That’s a strange-sounding name. I wonder if he’s from a faraway place.”
“Probably. He looked a little different from us.”
There is nothing more satisfying for a collector than when his collection attracts attention, and he is able to explain it.
Because they collect for their own satisfaction rather than for money, they become more particular about the value of their collection.
It was heartening to see the nobles of a higher rank than themselves agonizing over their inability to obtain rare items despite their power.
But that was only until the next moment.
The host, who had been preparing several lines of people for the banquet, finished his greeting and walked over to where Moye and the others were.
The group, who had been deep in conversation, suddenly stopped talking when they saw the person who had arrived.
“Well, may I see it too?”
“Yo-Your Majesty!?”
He was the fifth king of the Hermes Dynasty.
○○○
“(I never thought the king himself would take an interest…)”
Although Moye was a man of both courage and confidence, the difference in power was too great.
Although he would not make any mistakes, he had to think and wait for an answer, which forced him to be somewhat nervous.
The king’s name was Joseph, and he was 46 years old at the time.
He had a commanding presence that seemed to emanate from his entire body, and his reign was unshakable.
He avoided unnecessary foreign expeditions, and while he emphasized diplomacy and domestic affairs, he also reformed the legal system and worked to increase the country’s power. There is no doubt that he was a great king.
He is also blessed with an heir, and it is said that the crown prince born to his first wife is healthy and intelligent, so it seems that the royal line will be secure for generations to come.
One of the few things about Joseph that is truly rare is his love of the unusual.
“(I knew he would be interested when he heard about this. Now I wonder what value the king will place on this rare item?)”
“Your Majesty, I knew you would be interested.”
“Fufufu, ever since I heard about it, I couldn’t help but want to take a look at it. I thought about how much I wanted to get up and come over here during the story. My wife looked at me like that, so I couldn’t help but stay in my seat.”
Joseph raised his finger to his eye.
The queen was a good wife who often helped Joseph; in this case, it was probably Joseph who had the problem, but no one paid any attention.
Everyone had gathered to watch the kaleidoscope, so…
“Haha, I’m grateful that you have such high expectations. How about it? Would you like to take a look right now, Your Majesty?”
Joseph nodded at Moye’s suggestion.
He immediately picked it up and turned it over to examine it.
He must have already heard what it was because he eagerly lifted the kaleidoscope and peered into the tube.
“Hmm… this is beautiful. Indeed, its ability to change shape in any way is worthy of being called a kaleidoscope or a phantasmagoria.”
“I agree. When I saw this, I was truly surprised that there were such mysterious things in the world.”
“Hmm… I had no idea that such a wonderful thing existed…”
“Your Majesty, is something wrong?”
“I-I want it…”
“(There it is… His Majesty’s few bad habits have begun.)”
Moye had to resist the urge to frown at Joseph’s words, which he had muttered without thinking.
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