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TL: ALT
Chapter 56 – Compensation and Reflection
After discussing the matter with Lord Moye’s subordinates, they decided to accept payment in kind rather than in cash.
Since money would continue to come in regularly in the form of sugar, obtaining high-quality, hard-to-find goods from the Moye domain was a higher priority.
The goods wouldn’t be available immediately, but the Moye subordinates agreed to deliver them in bulk at a later date. A contract was signed.
With the tense negotiations concluded, Wataru and the others headed toward the warehouse, smiling with satisfaction.
Dealing with nobility meant that one wrong move could cause major trouble, forcing everyone to remain on edge.
Still, compared to their first meeting, things had gone somewhat better.
“Well, I was confident, but it really went smoothly.”
“I was surprised Lord Moye laughed so heartily.”
“He’s quite eccentric…”
“A-and you’re the one who says that, Onee-sama?”
“Why? I’m perfectly normal. My only quirk is being particular about weapons. I don’t laugh like that, either.”
“Hahaha… Setting aside whether Aire has normal sensibilities, getting so many hard-to-find enchanted items is huge.”
Starting with the “Fatigue Resistance” that Wataru had acquired earlier, they now had access to a wide variety of enchanted items. These ranged from physical enhancements, such as “Strength Boost” and “Agility Enhancement,” to effects like “Silencing,” “Deodorization,” and “Target Hardening.”
Compared to the enchanted products circulating on the market, it seemed they were prioritizing items with superior effect levels.
Lord Moye himself likely held these items to be used in various negotiations.
Mariel’s suggestion led them to enter the warehouse afterward.
They decided to check the inventory while they were there.
Since they had been focusing on activities in Japan lately, the sugar stock probably needed to be replenished.
The base was performing its role adequately.
The year’s rent paid upfront hadn’t been wasted thus far.
Once they were all seated in the small lounge area of the warehouse, Mariel bowed deeply.
“Master, first of all, thank you so much for arranging for my parents to be assigned to Southern Ship Town.”
“Ah, that. I’d been meaning to meet them anyway, so it’s fine.”
“No, ordinarily one wouldn’t go to such lengths for a slave. I’m truly grateful you care so much.”
Mariel blushed and lowered her gaze.
Ah, how lovely. So adorable.
“Maybe Mariel’s parents wanted to keep traveling?”
“No, that couldn’t be possible. They aren’t those kinds of people.”
“I see. Well, if you say so, Mariel is their daughter. Could you tell me more next time we meet?”
“Of course. But meeting my master face-to-face is a bit embarrassing…”
Are you getting flustered about talking to your parents? That’s how a daughter usually reacts before getting married.
“Ah, I’d like to meet my father and mother, too,” said Cloche.
“A visit home? I’d like to grant it, but the distance is a problem.”
“If the gate happens to lead westward, would you allow it?”
“I don’t mind. But explaining how you ran off searching for Aire, got into a reckless fight, and ended up a slave would be quite a story.”
“Ugh, if they found out, I’d be killed before I could die!”
“No, I wouldn’t allow that since you’re my slave.”
“Ah, Master…!? U-uu. I’ve foolishly found myself flustered!”
Where exactly was the flustering point?
Wataru couldn’t understand Cloche’s reaction. If she was pleased, though, there was no need to be rude.
He’d wanted to open up to Cloche properly soon anyway.
Lately, she’d wake up with her face flushed and act flustered, which made it hard to talk to her.
Maybe making a move would be a good way to get it over with.
“But I was surprised by your attitude, Master. I never imagined you’d be so bold in the face of Lord Moye’s probing.”
“Probing…? Did something happen?”
“You didn’t notice?”
Mariel looked exasperated.
“I-I don’t know,” Wataru said.
When and where exactly had he been probed?
Mariel sighed.
His dignity as a master…
“That spy who came from the capital is probably the same person we met in the night, in the craftsmen’s district. I think they were investigating where the smuggled goods—the sugar, the previous kaleidoscopes, and this time, the cut glass—were sourced and brought into town.”
“Seriously…? I didn’t notice at all.”
“After Lord Moye burst out laughing, he suddenly asked a sharp question, and I was so nervous about how to answer. But seeing how you can get through it without flinching, I thought you had incredible nerve…”
“I’m useless… I mean, passing through the gate to get goods was normal for me! We even have official merchant passage permits now. I never thought it would be such a big deal.”
Wataru’s mood plummeted. His shoulders slumped. Moments before, he had been in high spirits from the successful deal.
“Come on, come on. Master reacted well in the end, right? Then it’s okay, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, you’re right. Aire said something good. I think so too.”
“Indeed. All’s well that ends well. But wouldn’t it be better to be more careful? If it was just luck this time, you might draw the short straw next time a similar opportunity comes up.”
“I’ll be careful…”
It had been a close call, and he could easily have been treated like a criminal.
He definitely needed to be more careful.
“Alright, alright. The sugar’s getting pretty low. Should we restock?”
Wataru said, trying to change the subject.
That night, Wataru’s grandfather sent word that the medicinal herbs were growing well.
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