Inheriting the Novel

Chapter 74 : Those Who Gather (2)

Those Who Gather (2)

"I would prefer to help with the merchant guild's work."

Maria spoke in a calm tone.

In a way, it was an obvious answer.

Since Maria had always helped the merchant guild, it would have been hard to accept any other suggestion.

Although Rutia surely understood Maria's feelings, her eyes were tinged with regret.

"But it's also true that I want to help the count."

"... Then?"

"If the count permits it, staying at the mansion as Mother suggested would be fine with me."

Maria said that, then turned to me with a gentle smile.

"Above all, it seems you need my abilities, Count."

"Ahem."

As expected, Maria was very perceptive.

She must have noticed the subtle look of disappointment on my face at the thought of her leaving.

"After going through this recent incident, I realized something. Count, you know things I am not aware of. I am certain you have a greater cause, and that you intend to grow stronger as quickly as possible to achieve it."

Her perception was slightly off, but she had grasped the essence quite keenly.

She was a clever child, after all; perhaps she had found her own reasons. And in fact, it wasn't that different from the truth.

"So, as someone who owes you a great debt, I will gladly stay if you need me."

With that, Maria lifted the sides of her skirt in her dress and gave a formal curtsy.

"Then, I look forward to serving you for the time being, Count."

Just as the conversation was about to come to an end—

Grancesia, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up.

[But what are you going to tell the lizard girl?]

'Don't worry.'

I planned to leave that to Rutia, whose smile was now overflowing with joy.

* * *

I worried that Maria's situation might cause a bit of a commotion, but to my surprise, Riya readily agreed.

She said she was not the type to constrain others.

She added that since we weren't anything in particular yet, she didn't have the right anyway.

'True enough... That's true, but...'

It felt strange to hear that from Riya.

[Sounds like someone gave her that advice.]

'I think the same.'

Whoever gave the advice—whether it was Monet or Rutia—I didn't know for sure.

At the very least, it was clear that Riya deeply trusted someone's words.

'Listening to others is a virtue of a ruler, they say.'

[Does this count as that?]

Either way, Riya was the princess of the Asktalin Empire.

She could have brushed off advice from Rutia or Monet, but if she considered it counsel, she would accept it.

It may have seemed trivial, but it revealed how open-minded she truly was.

'Anyway, it'll probably take Maria a few days to pack her things...'

In the meantime, after dealing with the piled-up affairs of the domain, I planned to visit Damian.

Now that I had achieved the minimum requirements for learning the Moon Severing Divine Sword's technique, all I needed to do was to be taught.

Knock, knock.

While I was deep in thought in my room, someone knocked and entered.

"Young master, the merchant guildmaster of Timmons Trading Company is here to see you."

"Ravin? Tell him to come in."

Was he here because of Maria? If not for that, I couldn't think of any other reason.

While waiting and sipping the tea Dorian had served, soon enough, Ravin entered the room.

"Greetings, Count. Seeing you healthy finally brings me relief."

"I was fortunate."

"I heard from Maria. She told me you managed to escape several crises with your wit. Truly befitting of the hero of the Founding Festival."

Hero of the Founding Festival.

It was the most common phrase I'd heard in the domain lately.

Before leaving for Eintban, it hadn't spread that much, but now, whenever I passed by, everyone would call me a 'hero' without hesitation.

"Ahem, anyway, what brings you here?"

"It is about the House of the Count Bellen."

"... House of Bellen?"

I had expected Ravin to bring up Maria's matter, so this topic caught me off guard.

"Yes. It seems the House of Bellen has incurred a large debt recently. Their finances are quite shaken."

"Ah, I see. It's already come to that, then."

Come to think of it, the timing did make sense.

I'd forgotten about the House of Bellen while at Eintban, but as Ravin said, this was about the time they would be reeling from a failed investment and heavy debt.

"So, what about it?"

"They are trying to raise money from everywhere... but the House of Count Deoric is obstructing them."

"Deoric?"

I knew the fall of the House of Bellen was inevitable, but I hadn't expected Deoric to be involved.

'Well, even if they incurred debt, the House of Bellen wouldn't collapse so easily.'

If the House of Count Deoric was blocking them, it was not surprising.

"Let me know as soon as the situation changes."

"Understood. And..."

"And?"

"Something appeared in the mine we took back from the House of Bellen."

I shot to my feet at those words.

It's finally here!

"Mana stone?"

"Yes. I believe mining will begin as early as next week."

I couldn't help but smile at that.

Mithril was nice, but nothing compared to a mana stone mine. Mana stones had no substitutes.

The reason the House of Bellen had been able to clear their debts and become wealthy was solely because of those mana stones.

Demand always exceeded supply, and each one fetched a high price.

'Now, all that's left is to gather them.'

I no longer needed to agonize over the domain's budget.

That alone made me feel so happy I could almost cry.

* * *

"They say Clay Vanhart has returned."

"That bastard? Where in the world did he disappear for a month, only to suddenly reappear?"

"That... I do not know."

"Tsk."

A middle-aged man with half-white hair leaned back in his chair and clicked his tongue.

'How am I supposed to restore the family's tarnished honor because of that brat?'

Logan Deoric, the head of House Deoric, was lost in thought.

Lately, hearing Clay's name put him in a foul mood.

'Baian, why did you do something like that?'

He never expected Baian to become a traitor and betray his own country.

Logan had tried his best to keep matters regarding Baian quiet, but as House Deoric had been investigated for a while by the kingdom's inspector, it had become almost impossible for the kingdom not to know.

'We should have had the title of war hero...'

Not just the war with the Kainzel Kingdom, but even the Founding Festival.

In the Talua Kingdom, there had never been anyone as distinguished as Baian in the Founding Festival.

Logan was certain there would never be another, yet even Baian had been effortlessly overshadowed by Clay.

"That upstart from a fallen house...!"

His teeth ground with frustration. It was anger at Clay, but also blame toward himself.

If he'd known this would happen, he wouldn't have cut ties with House Vanhart so unilaterally.

And now, it was difficult to be the first to reach out.

"... Leon."

"Yes, father."

"At the very least, the House of Count Bellen must be ruined. You understand why, don't you?"

"Of course."

Leon replied calmly.

But his face didn't look good.

The very fact that House Deoric was secretly working to bring down the House of Bellen troubled him.

"A family head must always put the family first. There's no place for friendship or morals."

"I understand."

Leon bowed deeply as he replied.

Logan had demonstrated that principle more than once.

He had discarded his best friend, sworn brother, Kaln Vanhart, and severed all ties with House Vanhart.

Logan's judgments had always been precise and had never been wrong.

Except when it came to matters involving House Vanhart.

'Clay.'

Leon closed his eyes tightly.

He could vividly remember Clay, who had taught him swordsmanship as a child.

'Please, don't set your sights on the House of Bellen.'

If Clay did, they might truly become enemies this time.

* * *

"Lately, there sure have been a lot of people coming into the domain."

The people of Vanhart territory gazed with curiosity at all the new faces passing through their lands these days.

It was a sight they hadn't seen since the decline of House Vanhart under the former lord, Kaln Vanhart.

"I noticed they've been paving new roads and refurbishing the streets lately."

"That's not all. I heard they're even building a sewer system."

"A sewer system?"

"They say they're receiving aid from the empire."

Of course, some were worried about these sudden changes.

Knowing how poor the domain had been, many wondered if they were overreaching with such projects.

"Still, the count's son is truly something. Did you hear about the Founding Festival—?"

"Of course! But here's the real secret—apparently, he's quite close with the imperial princess from Asktalin."

"What?! Is that true?!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down. Why else would the empire send aid?"

Some welcomed the changes, others were worried—but one thing was certain:

The domain was definitely more vibrant than before.

"Young master, it's a relief. The people are accepting the changes."

"Indeed. Change doesn't always turn out for the better, after all."

I was conversing with Monet among the townsfolk.

Since I was lightly disguised unlike usual, nobody recognized me.

Monet seemed amused by my new look, smiling brightly.

"But is it true the empire is giving us aid?"

"... That was Riya acting on her own. What could I say to her?"

"You seemed pretty close, considering."

"I've just gotten used to her."

After returning from Eintban, I was surprised by how many people from the empire filled the domain.

When I asked Riya, she said she had just invested a bit for fun.

'She's not planning to settle down here, is she?'

Indeed, Riya was helpful to have around—but she also brought her own set of burdens.

Of course, it didn't mean I disliked her. It was the first time in my life a woman had taken the initiative to follow me.

'Thanks to her, things in the domain are stabilizing quickly.'

Riya Asktalin, called the Jewel of the Empire, was exceptionally capable in many areas.

She had even managed a part of the imperial government before. Handling this small domain must be child's play for her.

She even had a workaholic streak—constantly asking if there was anything she could do.

[Maybe she just wanted to feel like the lady of the house.]

'... There's probably some truth to that.'

Lately, I noticed Riya seemed much more relaxed here than in the empire.

Whether it was because she had fewer worries, or didn't have to wear the mask of a princess—I wasn't sure.

Still, seeing her like this made me happy.

[By the way, when are you visiting Damian?]

'Soon. I've surveyed the domain enough now.'

I'd recruited more soldiers, and sent an official notice, with Duke Gale's help, to recruit knights for House Vanhart.

In a few months, I could expect some responses.

'Now it's truly the final stretch.'

Thanks to Riya's help, the backlog was being handled smoothly.

Once Maria arrived at the mansion, things would become even easier.

[Things will run fine even without you, thanks to those two girls.]

'... I can't deny it.'

If Maria handled finances and Riya oversaw administration, it seemed I truly wouldn't be needed.

"That's why I must do the things only I can."

"Pardon?"

"It's nothing."

To gain the strength to overcome a calamity.

At the very least, to surpass the protagonist, Fabian.

That remained my top priority.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=

The novel feels like it's leaning to the harem route...

I don't really like harem, but I like this novel enough to not drop it...

I hope the ending is open ended where readers can choose who to pick...

I'm leaning on dragon waifu still.

【(⩌_⩌ )】