17. Raymond and Grace

“So… what is it?”

I start a conversation with Grace Vermillion, sweating coldly inside. The rumored knight named Vigna is standing beside him with an arrogant smile peculiar to the royal family. Is this a warning that she’ll kill me if I try to solve this problem roughly? In fact, she has a sword in her hand and she’s radiating a murderous intent. The person next to her, wearing a hood and carrying a large sack was also creepy, a person called Galatea. I can’t even see her face, so I don’t even know how old she is, but is she skilled in some way?

“I’m sorry I’ve neglected you so many times in my letters. I just happened to be in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d come by and discuss business with you. I brought you a souvenir. Would you mind buying it right now?”

“A business meeting? Thank you for that. What exactly did you bring me?”

I wondered as I put on a sales smile in response to his unexpected words. A business meeting at this time? I wondered if he had found out that I had attacked the village, but was today’s visit really a coincidence?　　

When my guard relaxed a little,

“Oh, I definitely want the adventurer here to see it. I’m certain you’re familiar with monster materials from your line of work. I want you to take a look at the quality. Galatea, please.”

“Yes, Master. Leave it to me.”

With those words, the contents of the bag that the girl called Galatea was carrying were spread out on the desk and when I saw it, I was dismayed and the adventurer’s face was soaked in rage.

“Grace-sama, this is …….”

“Oh, those stupid wyverns that attacked our village but didn’t achieve anything. Because the Azul Chamber of Commerce was kind enough to give me a quote on monster materials when I visited them earlier. Since you’re so good at handling this kind of thing, I’d like you to buy this from me.”

Looking at his words and the goods he had laid out, I realized again the horror of the man in front of me. There were the skins of the wyverns that the adventurer had probably used to attack the village. He even mentions that we estimated the cost of the material for the fire dragon scales, as if he hasn’t forgotten.

No doubt, Prince Grace considers us to be his enemies.

“Yes, of course, we will take it at the asking price.”

He replied with a sarcastic smile as I nervously replied inwardly.

“No, it doesn’t matter what the market price is. I’ve heard that one adventurer has a skill that allows him to use monsters. If you, red-haired one, know of him, can you tell him I’ll kill him without mercy the next time?”

“You! …… I understand.”

Just as the red-haired adventurer was about to rise from his seat at Grace’s words, Vigna’s strangely shaped sword was thrust at his throat. The adventurer replies to Grace, his face twisted in frustration.

Seeing him in such a panic, Prince Grace laughed happily. What stupid prince? He’s a very bad and troublesome man.

“That’s all I have to say. If the monsters attack again, I will consult with you. Well, if the monsters don’t attack, there’s nothing for us to do, so don’t worry. You know what I mean.”

After saying that, they left. I was completely beaten…. They said what they wanted to say and left before we could get into position…….　

In short, if you interfere with us again, we won’t show any mercy, but if you don’t interfere, we won’t do anything to you. But with this, the possibility of having a proper business meeting with them has completely disappeared. On the other hand, if we left the situation as it was, the profits of our trading company would only decrease. In any case, we’re doomed.

“Raymond-san?”

“What the hell, I’m busy right now!”

“I received a letter from… Prince Kyle…”

That one word makes me feel like I’ve found a ship in distress at sea. Oh, yes, I have Prince Kyle, I’m certain I can count on him to help me out…

****

“Hooh. I was so nervous. Did I come off as arrogant?”

“Yeah, it’s okay. I think you were annoying them with your usual rotten prince shit.”

“What do you mean, “usual”? I’m a gentle lord! You’re the one who suddenly pulled out your sword. I was so surprised I laughed so hard!!”

After I went to the Azul chamber of commerce for business talks, the tension in the carriage was broken and when I made a comment, Vigna spit venom as usual.

Damn, my feeling calm in this exchange makes me feel like I’m being trained.

“But I sensed fear and impatience from the merchants of the Azul chamber of commerce. Master’s plan seems to be a success.”

“That’s right, Galatea’s really great. Thank you for finding out the enemy’s base.”

“Ehehe, I’m glad, Master.”

I stroke her head and she smiles happily. It’s soothing after all!　

“But is it okay to provoke them like that? Won’t they do everything in their power to destroy our village?”

“If I didn’t give this warning, they’d try to take advantage of me on a regular basis. It would be nice if the other party could just quit as it is but if we’re attacked, I would have to fight thoroughly this time. However even if they have the strength, it will take some time to gather their forces. I’ve asked Edward to check on the movements of the Azul Chamber of Commerce and we’ll just proceed with the development of the mine.”

“Well, that’s fine, but mine development isn’t something an amateur can do. Sure, there are craftsmen, but do you think they can do it so smoothly?”

“I’ve already taken some steps. That’s why I’m going to go talk to Edward-san about it.”

And so we drove the carriage to the Harrison chamber of commerce.

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