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TL: ALT
Chapter 41 – Big News
“This seems important, but first, please have this. Since it’s already ground, William-san, you should drink it.”
After leading Wataru and the others to a private room, Wataru presented William with the new coffee beans as a gift.
Seeing the freshly ground beans, William’s expression visibly brightened.
He looked extremely pleased.
Wataru knew that, as this kindhearted merchant expanded his coffee sales to the nobility, he had become quite the caffeine addict, drinking cup after cup.
“Oh, thank you! Lately, it’s become a habit to have a cup first thing in the morning.”
“It does help wake you up, after all. Try not to drink it too late at night, though. But if you absolutely must pull an all-nighter, it’s fine to drink it then.”
“Well, I can’t drink that many cups anyway.”
This product requires gold coins to be sold.
The conditions are different from those of Wataru, who can get coffee for a single coin.
“I’m currently considering whether we can increase cultivation.”
“Hoho. Increased production would be a great help.”
“That said, it seems to be a plant with quite demanding growing conditions, so we’re selecting suitable locations. I’ll report back if there’s any progress.”
How will coffee trees cultivated in this different world change?
It would be ideal if they adapted to this climate and developed new flavors.
That said, this plan has yet to show any progress whatsoever.
Meet Mariel’s parents and visit the old territory.
Given that neither of these goals has been achieved yet, they will have to be patient.
After waiting for William’s subordinate to brew the coffee, they returned to their original topic.
“So, what’s this big news?”
“Yes, actually, the person governing this land has changed. Until now, it was governed as a royal territory by a magistrate, but it seems it has been granted to Baron Moye.”
“Baron Moye? That Baron Moye?”
“Yes, Wataru-sama knew him personally. Apparently, the king took a keen interest in the Baron’s extremely valuable collection of transforming pictures. The Baron was unexpectedly promoted to Vice-Chancellor and was given Southern Ship Town as an additional fief.”
Wataru couldn’t hide his bewilderment at this turn of events.
His cheek involuntarily twitched, but William wouldn’t miss that fleeting reaction.
A sharp question flew out.
“Do you know something?”
“No, I only met him in the capital last month. I had no idea such a thing had happened. I’m worried now. Perhaps I should have sent him my congratulations?”
“That should be fine. It was just last month, after all. Actually, we just heard about it ourselves.”
The words “transforming pictures” and “kaleidoscope” seemed inextricably linked.
Although it was done to obtain the treasured sword passed down among Aire’s clan, Wataru shuddered at the thought that it might have changed his entire life, considering the magnitude of its impact.
He nodded to William, who offered a reassuring smile. He took a sip of coffee, maintaining his composure.
“With the ruler changing, I’m naturally concerned about maintaining connections and securing favors.”
“So that’s what it was about.”
“Yes, Baron Moye is renowned as a collector. It’s a real headache trying to figure out what gift might meet his discerning eye.”
Come to think of it, when Oda Nobunaga entered Kyoto after installing the shogun, didn’t merchants from Sakai present him with a teapot from Matsushima and Jōō’s eggplants*? [T/N: I’m not sure, but it’s probably an eggplant-shaped tea caddy associated with Takeno Jōō, a famous tea master from the Sengoku period. (1467–1600). Hence, Jō’ō’s eggplants.]
It seems that people’s thoughts don’t change much, regardless of the era or world.
After finishing his coffee, William ordered tea from this world. Meanwhile, Wataru spoke in a low voice to Mariel and the others.
(What do you think?)
(Judging by the sound of the name, it’s almost certainly the kaleidoscope the Master gave him. It’s causing quite a stir, more than I expected.)
(Master… I’m sorry about this.)
(No, there’s absolutely no need for you to apologize, Aire. In fact, it’s good that we’ve established a connection with the Baron now.)
(That’s true. As vice chancellor, his authority will increase significantly. Having another reliable contact when things get tough is beneficial.)
Cloche couldn’t join the conversation, so she listened silently.
Once William returned after delivering the message, they returned to the main topic.
“Well, the tricky part is whether we can even meet him. The chance will be when Moye-sama comes to inspect Southern Ship Town.”
“When I was there, I received a letter of introduction from Maso-san, the slave trader. Can’t we use the same method? Since I owe him a favor, I could write the letter myself.”
“Hmm. Asking Wataru-sama might work, but would we actually get an audience?”
“Oh, did I not mention? I’ve been recognized as an official merchant.”
“Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!? An official merchant? W-what?! What on earth does that mean? I hadn’t heard! Why didn’t you tell me something so important?”
William’s eyes widened, and he nearly lunged forward as he shouted in shock.
It was the first time they had ever seen him lose his composure like this.
But why hadn’t Wataru told anyone?
Reporting the whole situation to William seemed like a good idea, since he had been so kind about Aire’s matter.
As he pondered this, Mariel gently offered her support.
“I believe the conversation shifted to the topic of low sugar stocks during the report. We had no intention of hiding it.”
“I see. My apologies. But if Wataru-sama is an official merchant, that makes things much simpler. I would very much like you to introduce us.”
“Understood. If I’m present when Baron Moye visits Southern Ship Town, I’ll introduce you. Otherwise, I’ll write a letter of introduction. Mariel, would you write it for me?”
“Understood.”
“Thank you so much. I’ll repay this favor through my future work.”
“I look forward to it. The harder William-san works, the more I profit, after all.”
Has this allowed him to repay even a fraction of the kindness he has received?
He wanted to be useful to William, who trusted him despite his lack of knowledge and connections.
“Master, shouldn’t we also discuss our purpose?”
“Ah, I forgot.”
“My apologies. I realize I haven’t asked about the reason for your visit today.”
“I wish to purchase some personal items for this Cloche and have some clothes tailored so that I won’t be embarrassed when meeting nobility. Do you know of any skilled artisans or sources for rare fabrics?”
“I see. If that’s the nature of your request, I shouldn’t have any trouble assisting you.”
William nodded confidently.
Oh, this looks promising.
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