Chapter 44
(Kyle Calendar
Year 504: Age 11)
Takuhir's
Wisdom
Translator : PolterGlast
"Takuhir, the
second son of Baron Solis, your prompt delivery of the crossbows ordered this
time was truly commendable."
Margrave Hastburg, in
high spirits, granted me an audience upon my arrival with the delivery.
※
At the regular meeting
after returning from the inspection, the agreement with Father was finalized,
and there were four new things I handled.
First, I requested an
expedited delivery of the 100 crossbows that had been ordered.
Then, I placed an
additional order for 5 units with particular attention to materials,
decorations, and designs. (One of these was a special request for the highest
quality craftsmanship.)
In addition, I placed
a new order for 5 high-end custom-made Estol bows.
Finally, I requested
the expansion of the ironworks in the town of Fran and the preparation of an
ore storage facility.
Regarding the last
point, the town of Fran was something I couldn't handle on my own authority, so
I worked through Raymond-san to get the knight who governed the town on board
and handled it.
The iron ore produced
in the Teigun mine was originally planned to be processed entirely in the town
of Teigun, from mining to ironmaking, and even some product manufacturing
through blacksmiths, but at this stage, nothing could be done.
Therefore, for the
time being, we would rely on the town of Fran, and even after the system was
established in Teigun, we planned to continue using a part of Fran's
facilities.
If the town of Fran continued
to benefit, we could maintain a cooperative relationship in the future. I had
been making these arrangements and laying the groundwork.
With this background,
the delivery date, which I had asked for with some difficulty, was moved up,
and the additional ordered items were completed before the end of the year,
allowing for the smooth delivery to the Margrave.
I was very grateful to
Workshop Head Geld-san and Foreman Karl-san for completing the request with
such a rush job.
※
"Apart from the order
we received, we have also prepared five specially made crossbows as
commemorative gifts for everyone, and five new types of crossbows (Estol bows)
to present to you."
"What! These are
magnificent!"
First, upon seeing the
special-specification crossbow, a masterpiece lavishly decorated with the
finest materials, the Margrave exclaimed in surprise.
"Since it was a
special occasion, we have prepared one special item for Margrave-sama, and four
others for your family and close attendants."
Satisfied with the
Margrave's reaction, I pressed on.
"And this is what
I have brought as a token of the Solis baronial family's loyalty."
As a final touch, I
also presented the Estol bow, a valuable secret weapon.
"A token of
loyalty, eh...? Hmm, the loyalty of the Solis baronial family, no, your
loyalty, I have certainly received it!"
Not only was he
pleased with the beautifully decorated crossbows, but Margrave Hastburg was
also in high spirits at receiving the Estol bows, which he hadn't even ordered
out of consideration for the baronial family.
"Within my
territory as well, I shall keep this new type of crossbow secret. Only my
family will use it for hunting and such."
"By the way, this
matter, it was your doing, wasn't it? Even for someone skilled in business, a
roughneck like the Baron couldn't have such thoughtfulness."
The Margrave was
smiling.
"Since you were
kind enough to give us gifts, although it may have been inappropriate, I felt
compelled to send a gift in return and gave it some thought."
Having been previously
advised, I deliberately spoke in straightforward words befitting my age.
"I must also
reward you. If you have any wishes, you should not hesitate to state
them."
"We have already
received excessive kindness. Therefore, there is no need for further
consideration."
"Hoh, a
commendable spirit. In that case, even more so, I must do something, or the
weight of the cauldron will be questioned. You should not hesitate to state
your wish."
"Then, if I may
take your kind words to heart, I have one request."
"You should not
hesitate to state it."
"Thank you very
much. I have one proposal of my own. Would it be possible to receive permission
to discuss it here as my reward?"
"Hmm? Just listening
is enough? That is your reward?"
"Yes, I will
leave the judgment after you have heard it. In the first place, this
presumptuous unsolicited proposal, just listening to it would be an excessive
reward..."
"Understood! You
may speak your mind without reservation!"
"Thank you very
much. I am grateful for your kind consideration."
I bowed deeply and
continued.
"What I would
like to discuss today is a proposal for investment in the strengthening of the
Solis baronial family's military power, to Margrave Hastburg-sama."
Now, this was the real
deal.
I presented my
long-held theory, looking logical and composed, but in reality, I had been
practicing my speech until late last night.
"Recently, a new
and promising iron ore mine has been discovered in the frontier area of the
Solis baronial territory.
Accordingly, we plan
to proceed with the development of this mine and the adjacent settlement to
strive for the development of our territory.
In the future, we plan
to develop this newly developed town so that it can also provide about 100
soldiers.
My proposal concerns
investment in this development project."
I proceeded to explain
the conditions and other aspects.
(Investment
Conditions)
This mine will be used
as collateral, with annual dividends and repayments.
Dividends will be paid
according to the investment amount, with a repayment period of 10 years
envisioned.
In the event of a
repayment default, the rights to the mine will be transferred.
"Through this
development, we will establish a new town and recruit citizens.
Through this, we hope
to contribute to the strengthening of the Solis baronial family's military
power."
It was a win-win
situation for Margrave Hastburg.
If he had surplus gold
coins for the initial investment, he would receive annual profits.
"Hmm, Takuhir of
Wisdom, your proposal is splendid, befitting your name.
The elevation of the
Baron to a viscountcy is also something I have in mind. As I said before, I
intend to spare no effort in assisting."
At that point, the
Margrave pondered for a moment.
"Your proposal
aligns with my intentions. Therefore, I shall invest 10,000 gold coins.
Separately from that,
I shall invest an additional 10,000 gold coins. This will have no repayment
period and no interest."
"This is a very
generous offer, but is it alright?"
"Yeah, the first
10,000 coins are based on my duty as a public figure and to ensure fairness.
The latter 10,000 coins are from my personal feelings.
This time, I was drawn
in by your gifts."
So saying, the
Margrave laughed heartily.
"Thank you very
much. I promise to exert even greater diligence in service of your
kindness."
"What, your
wisdom, which lives up to the rumors, has made me want to invest as well.
When you successfully
complete the development and become a pillar of the Solis barony, I shall grant
you the title of Baronet, the same as your elder brother Darek, at my
discretion.
Strive even
harder."
"Your excessive
consideration is truly appreciated. I will be sure to demonstrate my gratitude
through my actions."
I prostrated myself
and thanked the Margrave.
In the end, I had
managed to borrow twice the planned amount, 20,000 gold coins, as an
investment.
I thought that was
already more than the Solis baronial family's annual income.
This would work out
somehow.
I was so happy I could
have jumped for joy.
Double the planned
amount, Father shouldn't complain about this.
It wasn't confirmed,
but even the possibility of becoming a baronet was mentioned, which was a bit
of pressure.
I had to return to the
town of Est quickly and finalize the plans.
And as soon as
possible, I had to move to Teigun not as an inspector but as the lord, and
hurry the start of construction.
My heart was filled
with eagerness.
"Anne, this is
finally starting!"
"Yes. Teigun will
be reborn and will surely become the ideal town."
Anne looked even
happier than I was.
Finally, I had a
prospect for the base from which I would fight in [this world], which was
different from the [previous history].
And comrades to fight
alongside me were gathering.
From now on, I had to
prepare for the battle against history and nurture the ideal [town] – it was
still at the [village] level for now – to accumulate power.
Less than two years
remained until the next disaster.
And five years until
the one after that.
From now on, it would
be a battle against time.
We hurried our return
to the town of Est, where the family we had to protect and the comrades we
would fight alongside awaited us.
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