Kays Translations

Chapter 123: Beowulf's Melancholy

In the family’s head private chamber, Beowulf Eldenberger, had finished his morning administrative duties and was now gazing at his cherished sword.

No matter how many times he looked at it, he never grew tired of it. In fact, he felt that it became more beautiful each time. This sword had wiped away the regrets of over two decades. Holding it in his hands now, he felt a sense of destiny.

The black lacquered scabbard with a dragon carving, which he had initially found plain, had now grown on him. If it was a tool he intended to use for a long time, he preferred something subtle and not too flashy.

Unspoken but true, Beowulf believed that his sword was more to his taste than the king's "Rose Garden" or the "Amaterasu" gifted to the neighboring king. 

 The situation has settled down, so perhaps I should organize another gathering of weapon enthusiasts.

If I were to showcase my beloved sword "Stone Eater" right there, the appreciation from fellow enthusiasts would undoubtedly increase even further. Informing them on the spot that the king has acquired a new sword and is quite fond of it could earn favor with the nobles. Promoting the sword could also gain favor with Count Zander.

Not a bad idea. It was a casual thought, but surprisingly, it seemed like a good plan to Beowulf as he smiled while looking at the blade.

"Master, pardon the intrusion."

Following the knock, the butler's voice could be heard. Beowulf gave permission for him to enter, knowing that this was a reliable man he had known since before he took over as head of the family.

In the butler's hand was a letter. An angelic love letter or a devil's invitation? It was likely the latter. Somehow, Beowulf had a feeling that it meant trouble.

"It's a letter from Her Highness the Princess."

"Which one is that? The woman who bedded the Empire, the one with a rotten nature, or the harbinger of misfortune?"

"Master, your words are too harsh."

"I know, and that's why I only say them to you."

With a resigned expression, the butler handed over the letter.

"It's the third one."

"I thought so."

Beowulf opened the letter, breaking the seal with a dark expression. He wanted to know what Princess Listille wanted to discuss at this time. A request for money? Or perhaps she intended to abandon her duties and leave everything to him? Either way, it wouldn't be a pleasant conversation.

Beowulf read the parchment and groaned.

It mentioned a discussion about the management of the territory. That alone didn't reveal much, but there was one more thing that caught his attention: Lutz and Claudia would be present.

Beowulf felt a dull, self-aware emotion stirring in his heart. It was a slight irritation, something akin to diluted jealousy.

... Did Lutz, who had refused my invitation, decide to act for the princess now?

When Beowulf had Lutz create the beloved sword "Stone Eater," he had tried to recruit him, but Lutz had turned him down. He was an official blacksmith for Count Zander’s family, so it couldn't be helped.

Beowulf had even considered adopting Lutz. Of course, he wouldn't be granted the right of succession, but Beowulf wanted to place him in a position to lead the blacksmiths' guild in the Eldenberger territory. It was partly to atone for his inability to do anything when Lutz's father, Rufus, was exiled.

"We're keeping the messenger waiting. What shall we do?"

Awakening from his thoughts at the butler's words, Beowulf answered lazily.

"Tell him I’m ready to meet. No need to write a reply; a verbal response will do."

The butler bowed and left. Beowulf once again drew his sword and gazed at the blade.

He couldn't afford to let this sword end up as a mere coincidence in his possession.

---

A few days later, Listille, Lutz, and Claudia arrived at the Eldenberger estate together. They were led to a reception room. Officially, the reason for choosing this room was that it was more spacious for the group, but in truth, Beowulf didn't want to bring untrusted individuals into his private chamber.

"It's been a while, Beowulf-sama."

"Listille-sama, you appear to be in good health. Now, what is the purpose of your visit today?"

The greetings were purely formal, devoid of any genuine warmth.

Claudia, who had judged that even with elaborate manners, the impression wouldn't improve, signaled to Listille that she would take the lead. Is it alright if I proceed? Listille nodded deeply.

"I am Claudia, wife of Lutz, the blacksmith in the service of Count Zander. We would like to discuss a business proposal to assist you with the trade you are promoting. May I proceed?"

Beowulf was familiar with Claudia. He had mixed feelings about her - a sense of reassurance that she could handle the conversation smoothly but also an unease that this woman might seize control.

There was no other choice. Even with a princess before him, he couldn't say things like "Don't interfere, woman." Moreover, saying such things would likely create a negative impression with the man he intended to make his son.

Very well, Beowulf reluctantly nodded, albeit with a somewhat dissatisfied expression.

"I'll get straight to the point. I would like to offer my assistance in facilitating the trade relations that Your Excellency is currently advocating with the Allied Nations."

"Be direct. Are you here to make a profit from this?"

"In a sense, yes."

Claudia assessed that Beowulf seemed even more impatient than expected. He might be trying to wrap up the conversation quickly since they weren't particularly welcomed. Regardless, it wouldn't be wise to drag it out. They needed to present the benefits promptly.

"It seems he's more impatient than I anticipated," Claudia thought. She realized that he might be hurrying to end the conversation due to their unwelcome status. In any case, prolonging the discussion wouldn't be beneficial. They needed to present the merits quickly.

"Are you planning to interfere with a deal I've worked so hard to establish by crossing over?"

"If it's a proposition that benefits Your Excellency..."

Claudia proceeded to propose plans for security and road maintenance after the trade had stabilized. Throughout her explanation, Beowulf wore a bored expression, yet his eyes darted around restlessly, betraying his true interest. Claudia saw through his feigned disinterest. Confident in her assessment, she pressed further.

"Having skilled fighters and individuals experienced in construction near the trading post is advantageous. It's much more secure and cost-effective compared to importing a large number of people from the Marquis territory."

"And to add, these are people who have no other place to go, so there's no need to worry about betrayal."

Listille's expression soured at Beowulf's remark that seemed to belittle the returning soldiers. Claudia lightly tapped her back to calm her. After all, provocation was part of negotiation.

"We will undoubtedly be of assistance to Your Excellency."

Claudia responded with an enchanting yet somewhat icy smile.

Beowulf contemplated deeply. Should he accept this proposition? There weren't any significant downsides; the only notable concern was that it might seem like he was dependent on the Third Princess. He had wanted to keep his distance, but since they were both operating in neighboring borderlands, he couldn't simply stay uninvolved.

On the other hand, there were clear benefits. Soldiers were a costly expenditure even just existing, and if he were to dispatch a knight order from his domain, they would take away most of the profits. Hiring soldiers with combat experience and having them nearby for a lower cost was certainly a favorable option.

"Very well, let's proceed with this proposition."

"Oh-Thank you!"

Listille was the first to bow deeply and express gratitude. She truly was sincere, maybe too much so. It was both her charm and vulnerability. Beowulf turned to Claudia.

"However, there's a problem. This proposal assumes the trade will flourish..."

"What is the issue?"

"For now, the trade is quite limited. We only exchange goods equivalent to one wagonload once a month. It's a small-scale operation just to keep the relations alive. To be honest, it's in the red."

"Wha...?"

Just as Claudia had thought they had reached an agreement, the foundation of the entire discussion was overturned. Even Claudia was momentarily at a loss for words.

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