Chapter 80: Count Malin Bisseling

In an unexpected turn of events, Team Matsumoto was once again on an expedition. However, before that, there was a visit that Isamu needed to prioritize—the Bisseling territory, which is the foster family of the Klaufeldt Viscount household.

When Isamu came here, the head of the household, Count Malin Bisseling, was also among those that came to welcome the lost person. Therefore, after providing protection, there were no direct meetings. Reports were submitted in writing, and Viscount Selfers, the head of the Klaufeldt family, visited for a report only once.

Although there is a certain hierarchical relationship in foster parent/foster child relationships, it is not a master-servant relationship. Especially when the foster child also has their own territory, the tendency is more pronounced, so there is no particular need for formality.

Also, Isamu have not met with Count Bissering himself until now because he had heard directly from him that there is no need to meet him urgently.

However, now that Isamu is becoming the head of a trading company and introducing new magic tools, he is finally stepping into the spotlight. To secure a backing, it would be wise to visit and exchange greetings once again.

“What kind of person is Count Bisseling?”

On the carriage heading to the capital of the Bisseling territory, Bisselhen, Isamu asked Selfers.

Since returning from the territory of Count Kalenberg, both of them had been busy every day, and Isamu hadn’t had the chance to ask until the day of the visit.

“Well… He is the lord of the central part of the kingdom, calm and flexible. He doesn’t speak much, so he tends to be seen as cold, but he’s a very devoted husband and a kind person.”

The Bisseling family is an ancient and prestigious Count family that has had territory in the central part of the kingdom for a long time. It was a family that had been there since the founding of the kingdom, cutting through the forests and mountains that were the only things in the northern part of the kingdom at the time, creating roads and towns, and being rewarded with the land they opened up.

Originally, the territory developed through the forestry industry utilizing abundant forests. However, for the past 200 years, with the land created by logging, they have been actively engaged in livestock grazing, making it a major producer of dairy products and woolen textiles.

Mimilia, who made the sacred object of the Orihime, is also from the Bisseling territory.

“I see. How much can I talk about my ability skills?”

This is the most concerning thing for Isamu.

“I think it’s better to ask for the cooperation of Malin-sama after telling him everything. From now on, the support of upper-class nobles will definitely be necessary. However, it doesn’t mean that any noble would be suitable. In that regard, you can assert that Malin-sama will not exploit us foster children.”

“Understood. Then, I will prepare to discuss it.”

Since coming here, it will be the first time for Isamu to disclose his true ability skills. With a nervous expression, Isamu gave his answer.

On the second afternoon after leaving Klaufendam, they entered the Bisseling territory.

After a while, a vast grazing land on a gently sloping hill, presumably cleared of forests, came into view. It was similar to the grazing land Isamu had seen in Hokkaido, but what stood out was the impression that it was surrounded by sturdy-looking fences.

“Are those fences for protection against monsters?”

Curious, Isamu asked Selfers.

“Yeah. Although the forest has been properly cleared, and there are patrols by soldiers, monsters still appear. They seem to be using reinforced magic tools to make sure they can’t be easily broken.”

“Oh, magic tools too. It’s not going to be easy, after all.”

In Japan, damage to agriculture caused by wild boars, monkeys, and deer was a problem, but if monsters were the opponents, the damage would be even more serious.

While thinking about that, Isamu noticed that in an area with particularly good sunlight, there were low trees planted, and there were people harvesting.

“Oh? Are those leaves similar to grapes? And why is the ground in that area white?”

Looking closely, he could see leaves shaped like the palm of a hand, and he could see figures harvesting. 

“Oh, those are Leathern trees. They are fruits that are the raw material for wine. It’s a hidden specialty of the Bisseling territory.”

As Isamu watched with interest, Selfers explained.

If it’s a fruit that becomes wine, it’s almost certainly a plant similar to grapes.

“In that case, is that white area limestone or something? I’ve heard that wine made in places with limestone or chalky soil is delicious.”

Thinking vaguely about such things with vague knowledge, the carriage continued to advance. And by the time the setting sun was sinking and beautifully coloring the basin-like scenery, they arrived at Bisselhen, the capital of the Bisseling territory.

Originally, as the forestry industry was thriving, the buildings used plenty of wood, and the town was a beautiful townscape with many buildings with white stucco-like plaster.

On the afternoon of the next day, Selfers, accompanied by Isamu, visited the count’s mansion.

The arrival time had already been conveyed, so they were smoothly guided to the reception room by the head butler.

After waiting for a while, there was a knock on the door.

“Excuse me. I have brought the master.”

The head butler announces the Count’s visit from behind the door.

“Please, come in.”

After waiting for Selfers’ response, the door opened, and a man entered with the head butler.

A middle-aged man with slightly wavy dark blonde hair that was carefully combed. He had sharp eyes that had been neatly combed back, and he was probably Count Malin Bisseling himself.

Wearing a luxurious but not flashy navy blue waistcoat and just kohl with intricate embroidery, he exuded an elegant dignity.

“Good to see you, Selfers. I heard you got involved in troublesome matters due to the young man from Balladale, but I’m glad you’re well.”

In a well-modulated voice, Malin spoke as he gestured for them to sit, and he sat down on the sofa himself.

“It’s been a while, Your excellency Malin. I’m grateful for your guidance which is what has led me to this point.”

After a quick bow, Selfers answered.

“Hmph, You’re still a very good talker. So, is it true that today you wanted to introduce the wanderer Matsumoto once again?”

Malin lightly laughed, urged them to sit, and then broached the main topic.

“Yes. This time, Matsumoto-dono has established his own trading company and has started selling new magic tools, which you have also purchased. Until now, we have been trying to behave inconspicuously, but now we are finally stepping onto the main stage. With this opportunity, we would like to ask your excellency for your support as a patron.”

“Bisseling-sama, nice to meet you. I am Isamu Matsumoto, a wanderer. Thanks to the kindness of Selfers-san and others, I am indebted to the Klaufeldt family. I apologize for the delayed greeting.”

In response to Selfers’ signal, Isamu bowed deeply and introduced himself.

“Matsumoto-dono, I didn’t even greet you in the wanderer’s quarters. Malin Bisseling here. I’ll leave it to you.”

After a light bow and greetings, Malin continued and inquired.

“In the wanderer’s quarters as well, Matsumoto-dono seems to be calm. When Selfers first came to meet me, it was quite severe…”

“Your excellency, I’d like to ask you to refrain from mentioning that story…”

In a hurry, Selfers tried to gently stop Malin.

“I’m just kidding. So, you said you want my support, but isn’t it unnecessary for a wanderer who is promised a certain status among the wanderers, like a semi-noble? I don’t think you need my support…”

The gentle atmosphere from earlier disappeared, and Malin asked sharply.

“Yes, of course. However…”

“However?”

Malin frowned at Isamu overly secretive way of speaking.

“Now that I’ve explained, it seems inevitable that you’ll become my supporter. Is that okay with you?”

“…… Hahaha, hahaha! I see, you’ve come to that. Fufu, you really have a strong will, even more so than Selfers. I like it. Very well. In the name of Count Malin Bisseling, I hereby swear to support Isamu Matsumoto.”

In response to Isamu’s unexpected statement, Malin declared in high spirits. Next to Isamu, Selfers had a relieved expression and was patting his chest.

“Thank you very much. The reason is related to my ability skills.”

“Ability skills… If I recall correctly, it was called Magic Debugger, right? Samuel said that it was a magic manipulation type…?”

While recalling events during the wanderer summoning, Malin muttered.

“Yes. It’s not too far off the mark, and officially, my skill is described as ‘efficient use of magic.’ While this is not incorrect, it’s not the essence of my ability skill.”

“Continue.”

“The Magic Debugger allows me to visualize the flow of magic when it is activated, visible only to my eyes.”

“The flow when magic is activated… Is that different from seeing the flow of magic through magic manipulation?”

Unable to fully grasp the difference, Malin asked.

“There are similarities, but the crucial difference is that the Magic Debugger visualizes what that flow is. For example, I can clearly understand what type of magic attribute is being used, and I can also understand the contents of the magic incantation…”

“What!? You mean you can understand the meaning of magic incantation!!? If that’s true…”

In response to Isamu’s calm explanation, Malin exclaimed.

“…It is true. I can use magic that appears to be ancient magic.”

Isamu looks at Malin and declares flatly.

“What…?”

“Your Excellency, I have confirmed this with my own eyes, and when I used magic after grasping the meaning of the chant that Isamu-dono taught me, I experienced for myself that it was more than 1.5 times more powerful than normal.”

In response to Malin’s expression of disbelief, Selfers gave his stamp of approval.

“That’s not all. To some extent, I can ‘read’ the content of magic circles used in magic tools.”

“What in the world!?”

With another bombshell statement from Isamu, Malin finally screamed.

“For example, the magic stove you purchased is also based on a deciphered magic circle, which I used to create an original magic circle. Besides that… Selfers-san, do you mind if I borrow your felis type 1?”

While continuing the explanation, Isamu received a homemade magic sword from Selfers and showed it to Malin.

“This is also a magic sword with enhanced sharpness, developed based on a deciphered magic circle. Due to the significant impact, I haven’t registered or sold the magic circle yet…”

Malin stared at the sword handed to him for a while, then touched the magic stone on the pommel to activate Felis Type 1 Enhanced.

“Oh.”

With a unique startup sound and a faintly glowing magic sword, Malin couldn’t help but sigh in admiration and signaled to the head butler.

“Matsumoto-dono, may I try a test cut?”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

After confirming with Isamu, Malin unsheathed the sword and took a stance facing the chair brought by the head butler.

Then, lifting the sword overhead in a downward motion, he swung it toward the chair in a diagonal motion.

With a hard sound, the cleanly severed chair rolled onto the floor of the reception room.

“This much, huh… Indeed, it can be called a magic sword…”

While examining the cut, Malin muttered.

After deactivating Felis Type 1 and returning it to the scabbard, he once again dropped heavily onto the sofa.

“Sigh, for my skin to tingle at this age…”

Despite shaking his head, Malin sighed grandly, but his face looked very pleased. Then, he looked directly at Isamu again.

“Matsumoto-dono, thank you for sharing this with me. Haha, indeed, it’s unthinkable not to support you after hearing this. I can only feel embarrassed about doubting even a little earlier. I apologize.”

Saying this, Malin lowered his head.

“Ah! P-Please raise your head! It’s strange not to doubt when suddenly told something like that!”

When the Count suddenly lowered his head, Isamu hurriedly tried to reassure him.

“Haha, but certainly, this is something that can’t be casually mentioned to others. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the world would be turned upside down…”

Unusually talkative, Malin’s expression surprised not only Selfers but even the head butler, who were all watching the situation.

“Understood. I promise to do what I can to help. It’s not much in return, but if there’s any information you can disclose, I would appreciate it if you could share it.”

“Yes. I don’t have any unrealistic expectations like getting support for free. For now, let me explain some ancient magic that might be useful. I saw it when I came here, and I think it could be useful for dealing with magic beasts in the grazing fields.”

“Oh, really! That would be appreciated. Due to the wide range, we’ve been having trouble with magic beast countermeasures.”

“I’m glad to be of help. Oh, and…”

“And?”

“Please call me Isamu. Somehow, when I’m addressed with an honorific by someone higher up, it makes my back itch…”

With an embarrassed expression, Isamu made the request while scratching his head.

“………… Hahaha, haa haa haa! Despite having an incredible ability skill, you’re quite humble. I like you more and more. Alright, from now on, let’s go with Isamu. In return, Isamu, call me Malin, okay?”

While accepting Isamu’s offer, Malin attached an outrageous condition. His expression was that of a mischievous child.

“…Understood. Malin-san, nice to meet you.”

With a wry smile, Isamu responded.

“Well then, that’s fine. It will be a demonstration of our close relationship and serve as a restraint. Right, Selfers?”

In high spirits, Malin asked Selfers.

“…As you wish.”

With a wry smile, Selfers replied.

And so, Isamu successfully gained the support of Malin Bisseling, a prestigious noble representing the central part of the kingdom.

※…Limestone soil is generally said to have a good balance of water retention and drainage, making it suitable for wine grapes (with exceptions). Some famous examples are Bordeaux and Chablis, which are produced in vineyards with limestone soil.

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