Kays Translations

Chapter 275: Lunch Together

I had expected the goods in a commoners' general store to be inferior to those sold to nobles, but their quality was even poorer than I had imagined.

“Nero, how do these goods compare with those sold in the royal capital?”

“There seems to be a much higher proportion of low-quality merchandise here.”

Nero compared the tips of several dip pens as he answered. The best goods were evidently sent to the royal capital, leaving the territorial capital with lower-grade stock.

The feather pens were made from geese found in nearby forests, so their quality remained acceptable. Most metal goods, however, seemed to come from the royal capital.

Did the territorial capital lack manufacturing workshops of its own? I would ask Brother Alex when we returned. If necessary, House Heine might establish local production for metalwork, paper and ink.

Brother Alex already had an enormous workload as the future head of the family. He truly was admirable. I had no intention of helping, of course. I lacked the management ability to sell products or supervise businesses and would only get in the way.

“Lord Julius, are you devising another scheme?”

“How rude. I was merely considering which troublesome matters to entrust to Brother Alex.”

“Is that really all right?”

“Nero, I have not caused any trouble.”

Nero fell silent beneath my serious gaze. I had not caused any trouble—although Brother Alex's burden would probably increase.

There was no reason to worry. Brother Alex had Sister-in-law Daniela beside him, and Father and Mother were still active. Everything would work out.

“Brother Alex must have a great deal to manage.”

Lady Fabienne frowned thoughtfully. Oh no. Did she think that marrying me would bring nothing but trouble? I needed to assure her that our future would be peaceful.

“You need not worry, Lady Fabienne. Brother Alex is exceptionally capable and can handle matters like these with ease. There will be nothing for me to do.”

“I see. Brother Alex truly is remarkable.”

Lady Fabienne clapped with a relieved expression. Good. It seemed I had avoided that danger.

Visiting the commoners' shop had been worthwhile. The territorial capital still had considerable room for development.

“Lord Julius, it is nearly time for us to leave.”

“Already? Time passes remarkably quickly when I am with you, Lady Fabienne.”

“I feel the same way, Lord Julius.”

We returned to the carriage and travelled to our next destination. It was nearly noon, and Brother Alex had recommended a popular restaurant in the territorial capital that served bread filled with various ingredients—in other words, sandwiches.

People had long eaten bread with other foods, but selling prepared sandwiches as a distinct product was apparently a recent development. The idea may have seemed too ordinary for anyone to commercialise before.

“There is quite a queue.”

“Yes, but a table should have been reserved for us.”

Nero went inside to announce our arrival and soon returned.

“Lord Julius, a table has been prepared on the second-floor terrace.”

“Thank you. Let us go, Lady Fabienne.”

I offered Lady Fabienne my hand as she stepped down from the carriage. Brother Alex had taught me always to escort a lady properly. Thanks to his advice, my movements had become smoother, and Lady Fabienne seemed increasingly comfortable with them.

The second-floor terrace overlooked the main street. From above, we could see numerous carts carrying firewood through the town as preparations for winter accelerated.

“What an interesting view.”

“There are far more people than I realised. The street did not look this crowded from the carriage.”

“We can see much farther from here. But despite sitting outside, it is not cold.”

“You are right. There is a cold-and-warm-air blower magic tool over there—and another beside us.”

Lady Fabienne sounded delighted. She knew that I had developed the cold-and-warm-air blower magic tool. Perhaps she was pleased to see something I had made being used successfully. If so, that made me happy too.

The running cost of the magic stones must still have been considerable, which probably explained the terrace's higher prices. Since the blower could cool the air in summer as well as warm it in winter, the restaurant could use it throughout the year.

As we drank the hot tea brought to us, our sandwiches arrived. Each was held together by a skewer and stacked in three substantial layers; without the skewer, the contents would probably have collapsed.

“That is impressive.”

“It certainly is. One sandwich looks filling enough for an entire meal.”

Large sandwiches were also delivered to Nero, Giles and Christopher at the neighbouring table. Their expressions mixed surprise and excitement, and I suspected mine looked much the same.

“How are we supposed to eat it?”

“The other customers are lifting off each layer and eating it with their hands.”

Everyone around us was eating by hand. It was informal by noble standards, but I saw no reason to object and picked up the first layer.

“Lord Julius…”

“It is delicious. Would you like to try it, Lady Fabienne? We rarely have an opportunity like this.”

Lady Fabienne hesitated, then followed my example and lifted the sandwich with her hands.

“It is delicious—and rather fun. It feels a little mischievous.”

“I am glad. Some things can only be understood by trying them. I am certain Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela ate theirs the same way.”

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