Chapter 35
Chapter 35
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: War Clouds (4)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Several months passed after that.
One winter day, when even monster invasions had ceased due to the cold.
A grand banquet was held at Meursault Castle.
It was the party commemorating the founding of the trading company.
"Let us toast."
Soleil, the patriarch of the Meursault House, raised a silver goblet filled with wine.
Countless people raised their glasses in response.
"Glory to Meursault!"
The cheers of the guests made the candles atop the chandeliers flicker.
The feast began in earnest.
The excited laughter of the people echoed off the walls adorned with ancient murals.
Attendants bustled across the polished marble floors.
Gentlemen and ladies in fine attire savored the sweet music flowing throughout the hall as they engaged in lively conversation.
Dishes were constantly brought to the long tables.
Roasted meats and bread, along with massive fish freshly caught from the icy northern seas, were carried in.
The wine sparkled like liquid rubies.
The faces of the guests clinking glasses in toasts were filled with unmistakable anticipation.
They were all investors in the Meursault trading company.
"If Meursault enters commerce in earnest, they'll reap tremendous profits."
"Of course. They've absorbed all of House Levarb's power."
"If they keep up this dominant momentum, they might turn a profit as early as next month."
"I'm so glad I could invest here. If I'd been even a little late, I might have missed out. That was a close one."
They recalled the moment when the Meursault House first announced the formation of the trading company.
'This is a sure thing.'
Everyone had thought the same.
In the past, they would have scoffed at such news from Meursault, but things were different now.
Meursault had eradicated all corruption in the territory and expanded its army, becoming the hegemon of the north in one fell swoop.
Even those who had initially clicked their tongues, predicting a backlash, were now utterly captivated by Meursault's bold and dominant actions.
"Patriarch Soleil made a bold decision."
"I've recognized the power of House Meursault for a long time."
"And Lady Cardina is so remarkably intelligent, isn't she? Heh heh heh."
"They're of Meursault blood. Of course they're all geniuses or prodigies."
The murmurs soon fixed on one topic.
"By the way, have you heard the rumors?"
"Shall I guess what you're about to say, Chairman?"
"I can guess too. It has to be that person, right?"
"The hidden dragon of House Meursault. The fifteen-year-old boy hero who's been biding his time in silence!"
These days, in Meursault territory, whenever three or more people gathered, they talked about this figure.
"Young Master Federback."
"He's the number one contributor who raised House Meursault single-handedly, isn't he?"
"Do you know why Young Master Federback endured the insults of wastrel, coward, brat, and useless noble all this time?"
"Hahaha. Is there anyone in this territory who doesn't? It was to keep his enemies from suspecting his genius. A thorough disguise. The mind of a true hero is deep and profound. No one knew."
In truth, the nobles gathered at this party had little interest in the trading company's founding ceremony itself.
They had already invested, so they could just sit back and wait for the dividends.
Strictly speaking, they had no real reason to attend the party.
Yet these dignified old gentlemen had shown up anyway because...
"Ahem. I've been watching Young Master Federback closely for a while now. He's tall and handsome, and at fifteen, he's just perfect."
"Perfect for what?"
"What do you mean? My youngest daughter just turned fifteen. She's of marriageable age. Wouldn't he and she make a beautiful picture together?"
"Oh, come on. Young Master Federback would suit my eldest daughter better. Not to brag, but all my daughters are exceptionally beautiful."
"What? Are you saying my youngest isn't?"
"No, I'm saying my eldest is more fitting."
...Most of them wanted to recommend their own daughters as Federback's bride.
'I must make House Meursault my in-laws no matter what!'
That's why the fathers from families of any note in the area—those with daughters—had dressed to the nines, brought lavish gifts, and attended the banquet.
Soon, amid the focused attention of all, one person took the stage.
"Greetings. I am Federback, who has been appointed as the inaugural trading company manager."
White hair and red eyes.
A boy with such a delicate appearance that he could be mistaken for a girl stood under the chandelier lights.
Federback.
The fifteen-year-old boy with beautiful, fragile features.
The key figure of Meursault who would soon assume the role of the trading company's top administrator.
But no one among the gathered crowd doubted Federback's abilities.
They had witnessed firsthand the changes in House Meursault since he stepped to the forefront.
"Th-that's Young Master Federback."
"His nickname is 'Blood Lily,' right?"
"What a chilling name. Why's that?"
"Because he executed so many criminals that the lilies at the execution grounds bloomed red."
Blood Lily.
A nickname meaning lilies that should have been born white bloomed red with blood.
It suited Federback's white hair and red eyes perfectly.
Soon, Federback drew the white sword "Byakurin" from his waist.
"I will now perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony."
Since it was the launch of the trading company, formalities were necessary.
Federback raised the white sword and gazed at the red ribbon before him.
Cutting it with the sword would proclaim the official opening of the new trading company.
...Snip!
As Federback severed the ribbon, thunderous applause erupted from all around.
Soon, countless people swarmed toward Federback.
"Young Master Federback! My daughter is your biggest fan, so..."
"If you could spare a moment to have tea with my daughter, it would be our family's greatest honor..."
"The reason people call our house a 'daughter-rich estate' is because we have six beautiful daughters..."
All sorts of old gentlemen and noble ladies approached, touting their daughters.
Even seasoned fortune-tellers wouldn't dare speak up amid the parents' fervent zeal.
However.
"I'm terribly sorry, everyone."
Federback drew a firm line.
"I must leave immediately."
"What!? Why?!"
Disappointed murmurs leaked from the crowd.
Federback replied in a mechanical, businesslike tone.
"Because I must return to work even a second sooner. Any delay on my part means the trading company's launch is postponed. That, in turn, reduces the dividends you all will receive."
It was irrefutable logic.
Every moment before the trading company set out on its voyages was money.
Fodder for the draft animals, wages for the workforce, depreciating goods over time, storage fees for those goods... A stationary trading company was no different from a money-devouring monster.
Federback continued.
"I am committed to delivering maximum profits to you all. I cannot waste even a single second. I will return to the front lines of work and fulfill my duties. To give you dividends exceeding what I promised by year's end, I must put my body on the line starting now."
In short, 'I will work hard to earn money for you.'
With Federback declaring this first, no one could block his path.
"Then, if you'll excuse me."
With a polite bow, Federback completely exited the banquet hall.
"......"
"......"
"......"
"......"
The mothers and fathers of marriageable daughters watched him go, sharing the same thought.
'One day, I will make him my son-in-law.'
Federback headed straight to Rorschach's bedroom.
...Bang!
As the door opened, Rorschach, who had been changing clothes in front of her bed, turned her head.
"Ah. I was just in the middle of changing my undergarments."
"Finish changing. Have you contacted the magic tower?"
"Yes."
The situation might be awkward between a man and a woman, but neither Federback nor Rorschach paid it any mind.
Well, Rorschach seemed a bit conscious of it, as the tips of her ears were slightly red... but that was hardly important to Federback.
Rorschach finished putting on her clothes and replied.
"As you instructed, I posted the notice for the 'Frozen Forest' on the outskirts of Baikal City."
"And?"
"No applicants, but..."
At Federback's question, Rorschach searched her memory.
"There were a few reports. Sightings of some 'independent mage.'"
"Eccentrics always defy expectations."
Federback's demeanor relaxed, pleased with Rorschach's response.
Suddenly, Rorschach asked an unexpected question.
"I've posted the notice as you said and gathered all the reports, so... no reward?"
"......"
Federback fell silent.
Then.
"Good work."
Federback gently stroked Rorschach's tousled hair.
Rorschach seemed to enjoy his touch like a cat.
A few seconds later, Federback withdrew his hand.
Rorschach hurriedly spoke.
"Why? Why so short today? It's usually about ten seconds... That was less than three."
"Aren't you busy?"
Federback said curtly.
This trading venture bore the family name.
Over five hundred investors, and more than a hundred and fifty merchants directly participating—the scale was massive.
"You'll be managing them all from now on. Work diligently until the deadline. I recommend reviewing one more document instead of changing undergarments."
"I only change these every week. I don't even have time to bathe properly—I wipe down with a wet towel. My body smells like well-fermented cheese."
"I haven't bathed once since returning from the abyss until attending the banquet."
"When did you last change yours?"
"I don't wear any."
"......"
Rorschach furrowed her brow in dissatisfaction.
She soon confronted Federback.
"Is this why you pulled me up from the abyss?"
"I told you from the start. Haven't I paid you accordingly?"
"Looking back, handing out beer was too cheap."
"Tell me whatever you want. I'll grant anything within my authority."
"......I'll remember that."
Only then did Rorschach's narrowed eyes return to normal.
Soon, she asked what had been on her mind.
"By the way, if I'm managing the trading company, what will you do now, Young Master?"
"Conquer."
The answer came all too easily.
Rorschach tilted her head.
"Conquer? Where?"
"The foothills of Meurso Mountain, the abandoned mining district. I'll reclaim it."
"......Isn't that a restricted zone? The Empire designated it a no-human-survival area."
"Whether survival is possible isn't decided by the Empire."
"Then who decides?"
"Me."
At Federback's confident reply, Rorschach's mouth fell half-open.