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TL: ALT
Chapter 30 – Whereabouts
“Could you please tell me the results?”
“I-I understand.”
The official began reporting the results of the investigation to Wataru and the others. His whole body was tense.
His hands, which held the documents, trembled slightly.
In a feudal society, it was extremely unwise to upset a powerful nobleman.
Even though he was a central government official, if he was low-ranking and without much power, he could be demoted and never see the light of day again.
Wataru had no intention of filing unnecessary reports, and even if he did, it would be pointless to take on unnecessary trouble.
However, the official had no way of knowing what Wataru was thinking, so he was overcome with intense tension.
“I-it took some time, and I apologize for that.”
“Did something happen?”
“Yes… I will explain everything in order. First, the former head of the Hanover family and his wife relinquished their territory at the beginning of this year.”
“Was that accepted?”
“Yes, and as a result, the debt repayment for the territory was canceled.”
“What happens to the debt? Will it not be collected?”
If the debt were canceled by a “debt forgiveness decree,” the lender would suffer a huge loss.
The official must have understood this immediately.
His answer was clear.
“The state assumed responsibility for repayment. However, only the principal is repaid, with no interest. The noble title remains intact, and they receive a pension of ten gold coins per year.”
While nobles do not always own land, there are some exceptions.
Lower-ranking nobles, such as barons and knights, often did not own land.
Aire and Cloche’s family is an exception in this world, holding the title of wandering knight.
During the Edo period in Japan, the imperial family did not own land and received a stipend for their livelihood.
Mariel’s parents must have been in that exceptional position.
Ten gold coins are twice the annual income of an average craftsman.
While it may seem like a lot, it’s barely enough to maintain the required noble lifestyle.
This is because even the smallest details, such as clothing, housing, and possessions, must meet a minimum standard of formality.
Nevertheless, it’s far better than ending up a slave or a criminal.
In any case, Mariel was relieved to know that they could still live as nobles.
The grip on Wataru’s hand loosened.
“That’s good,” he said with his eyes, and Mariel nodded happily.
Then came a series of blows that shattered Wataru and Mariel’s hopes.
“However, we are not sure where they will be assigned. We have not been able to find their contact information or their place of residence. It has taken some time to investigate.”
“What…?”
“What do you mean? Did you miss something?”
“The procedures were followed correctly and approved. We have the official seal, so it must be a political decision.”
“F-Father, Mother…”
“Mariel, are you okay? Stay strong.”
Political considerations could be interpreted very negatively.
Mariel’s face drained of color, and she put her hand to her head as if she were about to faint.
She looked as if she were about to collapse.
Wataru supported her.
He understood why the official had been so nervous and reluctant to speak.
Aside from being worried about Moye, the report contained information that was difficult to convey.
“This is not an official response from the government, but if you don’t mind, I can give you my personal opinion.”
“Is that okay?”
“Yes… Baron Moye emphasized this to me as well. However, this is only my personal opinion, so please take it as a reference. Is that all right?”
“That would be helpful. Mariel, is that okay?”
“Yes, please tell us.”
The official blushed as the beautiful woman stared at him.
He cleared his throat.
“I understand. I think the couple is probably investigating the state of governance in their territories. You might call it an internal audit.”
“Why would they do that?”
“There’s no concrete evidence, but if they’re affiliated with the Inspectorate, it wouldn’t be unusual for them to conceal their affiliation. Plus, it’s convenient for nobles to travel around the country.”
“How should we go about making contact?”
“That’s exactly what we do in the General Affairs Bureau. We’ll take the documents and arrange for them to be delivered.”
As the clue that had been lost began to reappear, Mariel regained some of her composure.
Wataru and the others wrote a letter asking to meet in the capital in a month or in February if that was impossible. They handed the letter to the official.
As long as Mariel’s parents returned to the capital, the official would deliver the letter and make the necessary arrangements. Perhaps they would receive a reply.
“Thank you for your trouble.”
“Please tell Baron Moye that I, August, was of some assistance.”
“Understood. I will remember your name.”
After receiving a name tag from August, Wataru put it in his bag and bowed his head.
“By the way, what kind of products do you deal in, Wataru-san?”
“Mainly foreign foods, starting with sugar. We also have a few rare trade items from time to time.”
“Sugar? Could that be the white sugar that’s been the talk of the royal capital lately?”
“We only have a little bit. The Welcome Trading Company is mainly in charge of that.”
“I see.”
August’s expression showed understanding.
He still couldn’t figure out why Wataru was on such good terms with Baron Moye, though.
Wataru bowed his head to avoid revealing any more information and left the General Affairs Bureau.
The day he would finally meet Mariel’s parents was approaching.
He was looking forward to it.
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You idiot, you are making yourself a target by giving up info that you are responsible for the dam sugar. Jeez
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He didn’t say that he supplied the whole sugar business there. He implied that he was acting as a middleman between the Welcome Trading Company and some of its small scale clients. Reselling it, in short.
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Yes, but every little piece of information out there brings him issues. Nobles want to know the source and now he is one more person to question and he isn’t strong enough to deal with those circumstances. No poker face.
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Thanks for the treat.
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