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Chapter 23 – A Gift for Lord Moye
What would be a good gift for Lord Moye?
Upon reconsidering, it’s quite a difficult question.
As a noble of such high rank that he was chosen as governor and a highly capable lord, Lord Moye can obtain rare items from his land through his own efforts.
Therefore, something from Earth would certainly be desirable.
The problem is that something rare on Earth isn’t necessarily rare in this other world.
This works both ways.
Potion is rare on Earth but commonplace in the other world.
Glass was scarce in the other world, so the kaleidoscope was well-received because of its novelty.
“Hmm, this is tricky. Glassware is probably the safe bet, right? What do you think, Mariel?”
“If we focus too much on that alone, won’t Lord Moye see us as just that kind of merchant?”
“You’re right. I thought we were diversifying with sugar, alcohol, and coffee.”
Mariel usually handles these kinds of consultations.
A former noblewoman, she doesn’t just agree; she points out problems and asks questions.
Aire might rely on intuition and say something random, while Cloche would think seriously about it, but lacks knowledge about nobles.
“What about Stella?”
“Even if you ask me, I’m still not very familiar with this world.”
“That’s true. I really should show Stella more of the town and the area.”
He had explored various places, especially with Mariel and Aire.
He wasn’t that busy, and going out with just the three of them wasn’t too much of a burden.
However, going out or eating with all five of them often caused various inconveniences because there were so many people.
Cars are mostly four-seaters, and restaurant tables are usually set for four.
Even just the four of them would draw attention because they were such a beautiful group. Having all four of them together would surely make quite an impression.
While he wished to increase their interaction, he felt that the current situation had become too large-scale.
Perhaps he should take her with him when Aire and Cloche practice or spend more time having them split up and act independently.
Time spent together as a whole group was important, but having deeper, more focused communication with each individual was equally vital.
“Well, then, I guess we’ll bring this one after all, as originally planned. Since this also serves as a thank-you for various things, I’m worried he won’t like it.”
“It’ll be fine. I’m sure he’ll like it, too. Aire and Cloche both agreed.”
“I never get tired of watching it either. It calms my heart and somehow makes me feel excited.”
“I see. Then I guess we’ll go with this one after all.”
The gift for Moye had been under consideration for some time.
Would he truly like it?
After all, he was a noble, a person of high standing and great influence.
Setting all that aside, Wataru sincerely hoped Moye would like the gift.
After all, that was probably the most important meaning of a gift.
◯◯◯
It’s only been four months since Southern Ship Town became part of Moye’s territory.
Even so, the town is bustling with activity today, and it’s clear that it’s gradually developing.
High-quality potatoes, harvested in Moye’s territory, along with other foodstuffs, are shipped out to all regions via the rivers.
Naturally, cargo flowing back and forth has increased, and riverboats have become numerous.
The main road connecting Southern Ship Town and Star-Gazing Hill seems to be expanding every day.
Day laborers were summoned from other cities and worked day and night to complete the project.
They spent their wages at inns, taverns, and brothels, which made the city’s economy increasingly prosperous.
Road construction was a costly undertaking.
This economic growth was possible precisely because Moye had the means to begin construction immediately.
Naturally, many people flocked to the lord’s residence.
Petitioners without connections might be made to wait for hours or even overnight.
Some, weary from waiting, were left dejected.
Meanwhile, Wataru and his group, being official merchants with prior appointments, entered the residence smoothly without delay.
After processing numerous documents in his office, Moye welcomed Wataru.
“Lord Governor, thank you for your continued support. I’m grateful for your mediation with General Etgar the other day. I apologize for the trouble caused by the counterfeit official merchant.”
“Raise your head. You’re the victim. There’s no need to be so deferential.”
“Yes, hearing you say that makes me feel much better.”
Having gotten the hardest part out of the way first, Wataru relaxed, letting the tension drop from his shoulders.
This eliminated any possibility of punishment.
Conversely, as if recalling something unpleasant, Moye’s expression turned displeased.
“Who would have thought some fool would dare impersonate my official merchant? The investigation is complete. Fortunately, it was still relatively soon after the crime, and it seems there weren’t too many victims.”
“That’s good to hear. One thing I’d like to ask is why the criminal tried to impersonate my position.”
“That foolish street vendor had apparently failed in his business ventures and was heavily in debt. With the deadline approaching for a sum he could never repay, he was aiming for a big reversal.”
“Even so, isn’t that a terribly poor method?”
“Foolish indeed. Poverty dulls the wits, and this is a prime example. Wataru, you’d do well to be careful.”
“Yes, thank you for your concern.”
“I’d be troubled if I lost access to rare gems like you. Is that all you wish to ask?”
“As someone involved, I’m curious what punishment he received.”
He’d like to see him receive a proper punishment.
He doubts it will happen, but impersonating someone and getting off with a minor offense just feels wrong.
Moye pondered Wataru’s question for a moment before replying.
“Well… I don’t know the details, but he’s probably being used as a test subject for new drugs by now. To verify their effects, he might be carved up and then put back together, have ten arms and legs sprout, or end up with four or five eyes. It wouldn’t be surprising. Do you have a taste for such monstrosities?”
“No, not at all! I must decline.”
“Good. I’ve ensured the victim is compensated in my name, and this matter is closed.”
“Understood.”
Since it was a subject he didn’t wish to pursue further, Moye’s statement came as a great relief.
Even so, he could tell Moye was being considerate and watching Wataru’s reaction.
Next, Moye softened his tone slightly, and a smile touched his features.
“Let’s change the subject. Mariel’s parents arrived in Southern Ship Town the other day. They seemed tired from the long journey, but they’re doing well now. I had them stay at a temporary residence. You should meet them later. My subordinates will guide you there.”
“Ah, thank you. That’s wonderful, Mariel.”
“Yes! I can finally see them.”
“Hmm. Your parents are eager to see you, too. It’s been a long time. Take your time and enjoy the reunion.”
Mariel’s eyes welled up, and her cheeks flushed as if she were overcome with emotion.
She kept her composure, but her body trembled slightly as if her emotions were about to burst forth.
Wataru had been concerned about Mariel’s parents’ whereabouts for some time.
He had never once heard her utter a complaint about the parents who sold her into slavery.
He assumed it was because she had seen how hard they worked managing their territory and that they must have loved her.
Even so, Moye was remarkably quick at his work.
While handling a massive volume of territorial settlements, he had already completed the investigation and relief efforts regarding the impostor and arranged for Mariel’s parents.
Wataru was impressed anew that Moye could amass such a vast collection precisely because he also possessed the face of a capable minister who generated immeasurable wealth.
He was not merely someone who lost himself in his collection.
“Hm. That concludes the matters requiring prior discussion. I am busy. If you have no further business, you may withdraw. Unless you have something to discuss, that is.”
No matter how capable he was, though,
Moye, clearly fascinated, kept glancing at the bag Aire held. He was exactly what Aire called a “Moye-Moye!”
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