Kays Translations

Chapter 124: Reboot

"I've done it..."

In the carriage on the way back from the House of Marquis Eldenberger, Claudia was clutching her head and groaning. Despite negotiations with the Marquis going almost according to plan, she had made a colossal oversight.

She had intended to profit from participating in trade between the Marquis and the Allied Nations, but it was completely unexpected that the trade itself was not going well. No, she should have expected it.

The neighboring country was engulfed in civil unrest following an assassination that led to a change in regime. Claudia had one strategy in mind: expanding her fields aggressively and selling food that would surely be in high demand due to the instability. However, she failed to consider the possibility that the turmoil might extend to hinder trade itself. She should have contemplated factors like whether there were insufficient people, a lack of goods to sell, or an inability to distribute what they purchased within their own country.

Her investigation had been inadequate. The reason for this failure traced back solely to her carelessness. She had no contacts among merchants since she was away from her base, and this borderland hardly had any reliable merchants.

"Your Highness, I apologize. I am just a woman with a big butt..."

With a dejected expression, Claudia offered an apology to Listille, who seemed troubled by such an explanation. However, even Listille was at a loss about how to respond. She was flustered and waving her hands in an attempt to console Claudia.

"Claud, a failure that can be recovered from isn't a failure at all."

Lutz, who had been watching silently until now, spoke up. Since he had maintained a more detached position from the business discussion, Claudia looked up at him with a slightly surprised expression.

"No one has died. You haven't lost money or trust. Just one of many strategies didn't work out. Can you really call that a failure?"

It seemed this man's criteria boiled down to life or death, yes or no, a hundred or zero. If someone wasn't dead, then it was okay, according to him.

Although he was absolutely not cut out to be a merchant, Claudia found his way of thinking heartening in this moment.

"Well, you might be right. I might have been getting a bit ahead of myself, thinking everything would go smoothly. It's embarrassing how, even though I'm over twenty, I acted like a genius strategist. Maybe I should have prepared a hundred plans and be content even if one of them worked out."

With a nod, Claudia managed to change her mindset and recover her spirits.

"The time for reflection is over. Let's think about what to do from now on. We should decide whether to continue with the form of trade or start something completely different..."

"Claudia-sama," Listille interjected.

"Given that the village is situated at the border, it might be unavoidable for us to engage with Marquis Eldenberger and the Allied Nations."

"Should we choose the path of mutual development?"

"Exactly."

Listille said firmly. Whenever Claudia glimpsed this side of the princess, she felt an urge to be of assistance somehow.

"Um, I'm sorry. I shouldn't act so presumptuous when I'm not the one taking action..."

Muttering apologetically, Listille lowered her head while shrinking in size. It appeared that her aura of authority had quickly diminished.

"No, no, that's perfectly fine. The leader's role is to set the direction and allocate tasks to capable individuals. So, from here on out, leave it to me."

"Rather than acting presumptuous, you're actually quite remarkable, considering you're a princess."

In response to Claudia and Lutz's support, Listille nodded in agreement, deciding that belittling herself any further would be rude.

"Now then, for the trade to succeed, we must ensure its success. To do that, we need to help, but first, we need to figure out why it's not going well in the first place..."

Claudia glanced at Lutz for a moment. It was like a signal that she was about to bring up something troublesome.

"We might need to enter the territory of the Allied Nations and, if necessary, speak to their trade representatives."

"But Claudia, we don't really have any contacts within the Allied Nations, do we? If anything, it might just be Guen-san."

Previously, he had been asked by a knight from the Allied Nations to create a sword. The quality of their work had impressed him greatly. He would likely be pleased to help if they reached out to him.

However, he was merely a knight, not a noble with his own territory. There remained doubts about whether involving him in discussions would raise political issues.

"But then again, it's not that simple to just dismiss him as an ordinary knight."

As Claudia spoke, she recalled the details.

"He was an aide to the former king and has continued to serve the current king since the coup. He was also involved in the execution of the troublesome third prince. People like him surprisingly have more connections than your average noble."

"It might be worth trying to talk to him."

"That's the idea."

With renewed confidence, Claudia smiled and finally seemed to be herself again, which reassured Lutz.

"...Don't worry, I'm not just considering things that are convenient for myself this time. The possibility that Guen-san might have connections is just one aspect; I'm not staking everything on it. Even if that doesn't pan out, we'll just prepare the next plan."

What was present was the face of a resolute merchant. In these moments, there was no one more dependable than Claudia.

"Then, Listille-sama, we'll return to the Count’s territory first. We'll prepare there and then head to the Allied Nations."

"Claud, wouldn't it be a good idea to stop by Marquis Eldenberger's place too?"

"Oh? Why's that?"

"We should let them know we'll be assisting with the trade. It might become a hassle if we don't say anything now and they hear about it later. Also, if we ask the Count to write a letter, he might not object."

"Oh, that's a good point. Lutz-kun, you're starting to understand the art of negotiation."

"Thanks to your guidance."

While Claudia and Lutz were getting excited, Listille watched them with a slightly lonely expression. She wished they wouldn't go, that they would stay by her side. But she couldn't say that; those were words she must never utter. After all, they were going to a distant foreign land for her sake.

Noticing Listille's demeanor, Claudia gently smiled and pulled her closer. As Listille's face was buried in Claudia's ample bosom, she seemed bewildered.

"We will definitely come back. Please take care of the village until then."

Listille nodded in agreement while still held in Claudia's embrace.

Lutz wanted to say that it was his usual spot, but he read the situation and remained silent.

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