Kays Translations

Chapter 16: A Deal is Reached

The distribution of profits was decided, and the contract regarding the glassworks was signed.

“This completes the contract.”

“Yes. Then we will disclose all the relevant information.”

“Before that—tell me, can you help until the glassworks are up and running? Of course, you will be paid.”

“…Yes. I will help until then.”

If the glassworks didn’t begin operation, none of us would see any returns. Helping was not only reasonable; with extra pay on top, there was no reason to refuse.

“Also, while you’re in the domain capital, you should stay at the manor.”

“Is that all right?”

“I want to hear your and the dwarf’s opinions as the plan progresses. If you go back to the village, it’ll be hard to consult with you easily. Besides, you came here for protection, did you not?”

“Heh—thank you, Your Excellency.”

I didn’t think our presence at the inn had been discovered yet, but that was probably only a matter of time. Once word spread, we could be attacked at any moment. If we could stay at the baron’s residence, however, our personal safety would be assured.

With that, the purpose for my coming here was fulfilled.

Then they opened up everything: how to make clear glass, how to craft lenses from it, and the ways the lenses could be used.

To get the glassworks running they would need a glassblower who could produce truly transparent glass, and an alchemist capable of crafting precise, delicate lenses.

“First, we’ll look for a glassblower and an alchemist at the slave traders.”

“At the slave traders… do you think we’ll find them?”

“The odds are low, but if they exist we should secure them.”

“I see. Then leave the personnel recruitment to us.”

Many alchemists tended to look down on artisans, so it wasn’t certain they’d be willing to work alongside a glassblower. Regardless of bloodline, a slave could not refuse the orders of their master, so if we could secure an alchemist who was a slave that would make things convenient.

“Rugena will check the glass workshop’s furnace.”

“That would be a help. We’ll supply the materials and manpower needed for repairs—compile it into a document and submit it.”

“Understood. What about the alchemical tools?”

“I’ll leave that decision to the alchemist.”

“Very well. Then we’ll prepare the tools after the glassblower and alchemist arrive. For now, at least get ready to run a basic test of the glass furnace.”

“Agreed. I’ll have them prepare the materials and fuel.”

My mother and Tounis took the lead while Tobias wrote down the details.

I watched them work, sipping my tea and thinking, They’re busy, aren’t they, when a small sound—kyuru—came from behind me. I turned quietly and found Rugena blushing, one hand pressed against her stomach.

“It’s about time for dinner,” she said, sheepish.

Tounis must have heard the rumbling, because he began talking about supper.

“Tobias, tell Julianna to prepare a room and a meal. Ah, and send the maid to fetch the luggage at the inn, will you?”

“Thank you for taking care of everything.”

“Tobias.”

“Understood. I’ll give those instructions.”

Tobias left the room at Tounis’s command. Watching him go, Tounis turned to my mother and continued with a serious expression.

“I can’t be involved in this matter forever. From now on I want Tobias to be the main person in charge—do you object?”

“Tobias?”

“Yes. If this succeeds, it will bolster Tobias’s confidence.”

A title doesn’t require deeds to be inherited, but having achievements improves how others view you and gives the holder something to rely on emotionally. As a civil official, Tobias had few opportunities to distinguish himself; by contrast, Rosanne’s martial exploits were more numerous, and there were whispers that Tobias was merely “the husband’s bonus,” even though he would be the next head. If Tobias could make the glassworks a success, those jibes would stop.

“Of course. I’ll assign Sebience to assist him so there are no mistakes.”

Sebience was the baronial steward, Tounis’s usual aide. He coordinated the household. This time he would act like a mentor to Tobias.

“Very well. Then we’ll decide the details with Tobias.”

I worried a little—Tobias could be careless—but with Sebience at his side I thought he’d manage.

“To secure personnel, we’ll summon the slave traders tomorrow morning. We’ll also arrange Stefana’s transfer then.”

“Understood.”

“I don’t know if we’ll find them, but alchemists and glassblowers—the technical core—are easier to obtain that way than to recruit.”

Tounis explained that alchemists were often closely tied to the nobility; even if you asked them to come, they would probably refuse. The baronial household already employed an alchemist, but he was occupied with potion-making and could not be spared. Searching among slaves, therefore, was more efficient.

“In the afternoon tomorrow, we’ll visit the Opsidio Trading Company and, while we’re at it, inspect the glass workshop.”

“Hmm. In that case, I’ll assign Diederick as your escort.”

“Is that necessary?”

“If anything happens to you, it will be troublesome for us as well.”

Diederick was one of the baron’s three guard-knights. His position differed from the local garrison; he served the lord directly. His strength, they said, was equivalent to an A-rank adventurer.

“Thank you.”

“If the trading company refuses to back down, I will handle it.”

“In that case… Al, you should lead tomorrow’s discussions.”

Mother suddenly turned to me and spoke.

“—Hm? You want me to speak?” I asked, startled.

“This is also part of your experience,” she said gently, her voice calm and steady. “Even if the negotiation doesn’t go perfectly, I will be there with you. And in the worst case, His Excellency himself will lend assistance. Do not overthink it—just do your duty.”

“…Right. I’ll do my best,” I replied, trying to steady my nerves.

Indeed, this could be a rare opportunity, a chance to gain experience I couldn’t get anywhere else. And with both Mother and Tounis-san supporting me, it would be foolish to refuse.

“Al, I have some matters to discuss with His Excellency. You should step out for now,” Mother said.

“? …Yes. So, may I go outside?”

I wasn’t sure what they were discussing, but it was clear they didn’t want me overhearing. So I decided to wait in the garden pavilion until dinner, letting the gentle breeze and faint scent of flowers occupy my mind.

―[Meluestat – Baron Merlot Residence, Reception Room – SIDE: Martine]―

“I did not expect you to let a child handle negotiations. He’s what… five years old? Is that really wise?”

“Yes, it is perfectly fine. I want him to experience as much as possible from now, considering his future,” Martine replied, her tone composed yet tinged with an unspoken sorrow.

Even though he lacked a magical attribute, the boy possessed an extraordinary control over magic and an enormous reservoir of mana. Were he to have an attribute, he might well be called a sage.

But the reality weighed heavily on a child who could not yet wield magic. As his mother, it was her duty—no, her atonement—to provide every possible lesson and experience.

…No. It was the penance for having brought Arthur into this world in an imperfect state.

“Do not push him too hard,” the man warned softly.

“Heh… thank you. But he will be fine. He is very clever,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Yes. He was clever. He had already mastered the materialization of mana on his own and could even make it visible—things many adults could not achieve. On top of that, he experimented with alchemy beyond conventional understanding.

Perhaps, someday, even without a natural attribute, he might be able to wield magic as if it were second nature.

“And now… what did you wish to discuss?”

Ah, yes. They had digressed—but the matter at hand was of a different kind.

“As yesterday, I cannot help but feel that the mansion has been unusually restless,” Martine began, her brow slightly furrowed. “If there is some problem occurring, could you inform me?”

Since yesterday, the atmosphere in the mansion had felt off. And with Lady Rosanne absent, the unease was all the more noticeable.

“…This is not mere curiosity, then?”

“No, this matter concerns a sort of business partnership with His Excellency,” she explained carefully. “If the Baron household encounters any trouble, we too would be affected. Ideally, I should have asked before signing any agreement, but I trust His Excellency and chose to postpone it.”

He was a prudent man, unlikely to take on irresponsible debts, but there was still the chance that the glassworks he had started might be seized, so confirmation was necessary.

“…Very well. It will become known eventually, so I should tell you now. …Furnendorp has been annihilated by a horde of monsters.”

“—?! Annihilated?”

“Yes. That is why Rosanne has gone with the troops to exterminate the monsters,” he replied gravely.

Furnendorp was a village that had been under development for several years, established as a strategic point to create a road through the forest.

“The attackers were goblins and ogres—demonic species. The village’s fortifications were incomplete, so it could not withstand them.”

Goblins and ogres were carnivorous demons, and goblins were particularly despised because they used women as breeding stock.

With the village destroyed, it was likely that men had been devoured and women taken for breeding. Swift action was necessary, hence Lady Rosanne’s deployment. She was formidable, nearly equivalent to the royal guard, so there was no fear she would be defeated by ogres.

“I have also sent a few adventurer parties. They are more adept in the forest,” he added.

“I see… so that explains why funds are currently lacking,” Martine said with a measured sigh.

“Yes. The extermination of the monsters and the rebuilding of the village require vast sums. But unless the village is reconstructed, the road cannot be completed.”

It was unfortunate that the village had been destroyed, but the reason for the lack of funds was understandable.

So yesterday, the reason we could not purchase the gem treasures was simply because there was no money available. I had unknowingly imposed an undue burden.

“Understood. In that case, we will begin preparations to restart the new glassworks as soon as possible.”

“Yes… thank you. I appreciate it.”

As long as the shortage was not due to debt, there was no serious problem.

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