The next day.
“What a great weather we have today… Maybe it’s because I haven’t gone out in a while, but somehow it’s really bright.” [Reinhart]
The rays of the sun during broad daylight fell on us as we walked that short distance from the entry hall of the duke’s residence to the carriage. Seeing how Reinhart-san found that unpleasant and yet continued to enjoy himself, I could just imagine how busy he must be normally.
But…
“Is this really alright? I’m really grateful, but it’s your rare day off. Wouldn’t it be a waste to use that to accompany me?” [Ryouma]
“It’s fine. Actually, I’ve recently been unable to calm down even during my rest days. When Elia was around, I would spend the time playing with her or teaching her something, but she’s at school now. So I have nothing to do on my rest days and I just end up working more.” [Reinhart]
“Reinhart-san… I guess that makes two of us then…” [Ryouma]
“Yes… When you put it that way, I guess I do understand a little of how you feel.” [Reinhart]
So, Elia leaving for the academy is having an influence even here. Before departing, Elia was asked if she would be okay, but looking at it now, I think the ones who needed worrying the most were the parents.
I would want nothing more than to be able to help keep Reinhart-san from becoming a workaholic, so I can only be grateful if he wants to accompany me, but…
“By the way, is the store we’re going to today dangerous?” [Ryouma]
“Oh, no. Not at all. It’s just that I’m a bit scared of what others might think if I were to let you go alone… I know I introduced the store, but still…” [Serge]
“The store itself is fine. But the representative of the store is a bit, yeah…” [Pioro]
It wasn’t just Reinhart-san accompanying me today, but Serge-san and Pioro-san too. Fei-san was also with us. Our destination was the Moulton Slave Company that I was introduced to before. We talked about various things last night as well, and since I wouldn’t be working until afternoon, I decided to use the time until then to visit it.
When I told the others about my plans, these three strongly insisted on coming along. If they just needed an adult to accompany me, then Fei-san, who was currently seating at the back, should have been enough.
When I asked about it, it turns out that even Serge-san who introduced the store to me, told Carm-san ‘if you’re going to use it, make sure to use a safe store’. Apparently, he didn’t really recommend using the store here… To be more frank, it seems that there’s something he’s concerned about. For some reason, though, he can’t quite bring himself to say what that something is.
“Is there something wrong with the representative?” [Ryouma]
“You bet there is. You won’t have to worry about being scammed, though. The representative is a trustworthy and serious partner when it comes to business. Yes. When it comes to business…” [Pioro]
“It’s been a few years since the new representative inherited the business from his predecessor, and has even taken strides in improving things while following the precedents set. As such, you wouldn’t be wrong to say that he’s a brilliant manager. Especially, his ability to ‘see people’. In that regard, he’s even a step above us. Although that might have something to do with his line of work. If it’s just that one point, he could even contest the guild master.” [Serge]
The figure of the old woman that worked as the guild master of the Gimuru Merchant Guild flashed through my mind.
“That sounds like a very capable person.” [Ryouma]
“Capable. Yes. But it’s precisely because he’s capable…” [Pioro]
“It is said that geniuses are sometimes difficult for the common man to understand. Putting it briefly, he’s an eccentric.” [Serge]
“And if I may add one thing, I’d say that he’s actions are suspicious. As much as possible, I don’t want Elia to meet him.” [Reinhart]
Elia? Don’t want to let her meet him? Actions are suspicious? Could he be a lolicon? No, I better stop. I shouldn’t think such rude things toward someone I’ve yet to meet.
“Excuse me.” [Driver]
The man driving the carriage informed us that we were almost at our destination. As we passed through a large gate, the carriage slowed down.
“This is…” [Ryouma]
It may be lacking when compared to the duke’s family, but the size of the lot, the size of the buildings, and the exterior appearance. No matter how you put it, this is clearly the beautiful residence of a noble. As we got off the carriage at the stop, a store employee dressed like that of a butler immediately came to greet us.
At the same time, a troubled look appeared on the faces of the three adults. They couldn’t hide that look if they tried.
“If it isn’t His Grace. And Serge-sama of the Morgan Company and even Pioro-sama of the Saionji Company. Welcome.” [Butler?]
“It’s only been a few days, Orest.” [Reinhart]
“Why is the president himself here? Don’t you have work to do?” [Pioro]
“How cold of you. But while it’s important to do my work as the president, I’m sure you understand full well how equally important it is to see the actual state of each post.” [Orest]