Chapter 114 – 11. Frozen Land Can’t Dry (4)
A smile bloomed on the face of Pablo Cervantes, a genius notorious for being an eccentric.
With short, wavy hair, he was a scholar with outstanding ability despite his filthy appearance. He must have had great pride as a writer to the extent that even the reputation he earned as an architect was troublesome, but he deserved it unlike any other idiot.
“Three Gallian gold coins every month, complete tax reduction in the territory in addition to providing a home.”
“… Baron? Just bring the contract and writing utensils right away.”
Of course, from the perspective of the Lucerne store, which had helped him to the point of death and exile, it was absolutely crazy. It was because all the efforts went in vain, putting up with the temperament of a picky man and treating him with utmost care.
“The more talent, the better. If Mr. Cervantes recommends someone who will be of help to our estate, I will skip all the formalities and meet him in person.”
“I see what you mean. I don’t get close to anyone because of my original personality, but I know a few people who made a mark in their homeland. If you don’t mind, I will tell them about my treatment and offer them asylum.”
“Excellent. I hope to have a good relationship in the future.”
It was the era of war. In a trend where martial artists are treated more favorably than writers, such an unflattering brainchild had no choice but to be treated unfairly in many ways. Especially if he is bold enough to speak directly to the mad king Albenis Aragorn.
“I know that there are several government offices in the fortress town. It may need some cleaning since it hasn’t been used in a long time, but it’s still usable. I’ll attach two soldiers with some strength, so take them with you. Quite a few items should be available at Dean’s Merchant.”
Rome, who glanced at Marion, immediately summoned two men under Antoine. After asking them to take care of Pablo’s convenience today, they let them go. Unlike the first time, I was looking at the genius who greeted me with a very polite attitude.
“Maid, please tell Marcel Poincaré of the Lucerne store later.”
“Yes, what should I say?”
“It is said that it is not easy to convince Mr. Cervantes because he is so stubborn. For the time being, they are planning to enshrine them in the official residence of the fortress and entertain them to win favor. I think I can tell you to proceed as scheduled with other matters.”
It is true that Aragorn’s eccentric genius is a valuable talent. However, the position of general manager of the Northern Gaul branch of a large trading company like Lucerne was not very leisurely. In the end, Marcel was destined to go back satisfied with Rome’s message and forget him completely.
For at least a few days.
And when you think about it again, you will realize that the situation has already progressed irreversibly. As long as the contract with Pablo Cervantes’ handprint and signature is clearly in the hands of the baron like this.
“Who’s next?”
“This is Mr. Ian Winchester, the blacksmith recommended by the Britannia Trading Company.”
Rome silently motioned to let them in. All craftsmen are said to be stubborn, and the generous engineer who succeeded Pablo was no exception.
“Are you going to be Baron Romuald?”
“Oh, Mr. Winchester?”
The first impression was that of a pot-bellied old man. He was a man with a large, solid build, even at his fairly old age. His thick body his seemed to have more muscle than flesh, so it was easy to see that he was engaged in a job that requires strength, even if he is not a warrior.
“Welcome. Nice to see you.”
A man who is said to be skilled not only in creating something, but also in all kinds of mines and digging.
“Nice to meet you. As you may already know, the villain is Ian Winchester from Britannia. Although I am from an island country, I am also the representative of a blacksmith group that would be second to the continent. I don’t know how to talk in detail and I don’t like it, so I’ll get right to the point.”
The letter of recommendation, which was stamped with the seal of the Britannia Trading Company, had a large record stating that he had been honored to be on par with nobles from all over the continent. Similar to how the invincible knight of Lumiere earned his title in a continental swordsmanship contest.
“We should receive thirty Gallic silver coins per head every month. That is the condition for stepping into this Marquis Decree. As long as the wages come in on time, I will definitely take care of the work until it is finished.”
“Oh, I thought Mr. Winchester was worth even two Gallic gold coins every month.”
“Under! Do you see the small man as a vessel to throw away his colleagues so that he can eat some money alone?”
“The other three blacksmiths were considering one coin a month.”
An angry Ian snorted. At least his baronet ended up at this level, and he would have stomped his feet or grown menacingly in any other position.
“Thirty per head! One coin is barely enough money to hire an apprentice or two!”
“Hmm, even the green salary a courtier receives from the royal family won’t be 30 gold coins.”
“What kind of absurdity… !”
Ian, who had raised his voice abruptly, closed his mouth before finishing his words. As he was about to continue the conversation, he realized that something was wrong, and he muttered blankly.
“Did you say gold coins?”
“Yes, but.”
“… !”
“Two coins for the boss, one coin for his companions.”
It felt like I had been hit in the head with a hammer. Before I knew it, Ian, who had put his hands together politely, asked in a much more cautious voice.
“Where can I sign?”
“Ah, I see.”
“Yep.”
I was very impressed with the delicate handwriting that did not go well with the bulging muscles. Rom immediately retrieved the contract handed out to him and added an explanation. It was because the atmosphere was at such a dramatic turning point that some important conditions could not be announced.
“Good. With this, Mr. Winchester and his colleagues have become the official Mining Directors of our Marquis of Lemoyn. In addition, we are considering performance bonuses, so we look forward to seeing many performances.”
The place to stay, like Pablo Cervantes, was one of the official residences that had been neglected for a long time in the fortified town. Rome called all but one soldier waiting in the hallway and ordered them to help Ian’s group relocate.
“Everyone follow Mr. Winchester here and make arrangements for him. Maid Marion will explain the details. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the middle of a long time, so there’s a lot to organize. I will lend a hand, so please forgive me for that.”
“Is there any?”
“It’s good that the words are well communicated because he’s a hot-tempered person.”
“It is an honor. It’s an old lady’s insignificant skill, but if it’s for the Marquis Command, I’ll dedicate my whole body.”
The blacksmith bowed his head and left the office before long. He felt as if a storm had come. Perhaps it was thanks to the generous offer of the fee, but it was better that he changed his attitude like flipping his palm.
“… The maid?”
“Yes, Baron.”
“It’s a new impression, but money is a gangster after all, right?”
“Even though money is not all-powerful, there is no doubt that it is versatile.”
Marion replied calmly. However, as she had met several nobles throughout her life, she felt that the really great thing was not money. She was someone who knew how to use it wisely. Like the phrase of a proverb, the glittering gold kept getting further and further away from those who followed me.
There are idiots who squander a thousand gold coins before long, while there are also pioneers who stand up with their bare bodies aloof and grab billions of dollars.
Baron Romuald was definitely the latter.
“Next is Mr. Ernst Möller, a stonemason recommended by the Brühllin Commercial Guild.”
Anyway, it was the last recommendation. She opened the door for Marion to the man waiting outside her. She led her to Rom, who was ready to conciliate as before, and she quietly stood at the entrance and silently watched the negotiations.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Möller.”
“Hello, Baron? Greetings from Ernst Möller, a young mason with a family to support in his country. Although I am younger and less experienced than the other two adults waiting outside, I am Master’s apprentice, a stone craftsman with a local skeleton, who is second to none when it comes to handling bricks…”
“The government office provided support for the cost of relocating relatives, and the wages were one gold Gallic coin per month for all.”
“… What should I do first?”
Honestly, it wasn’t that long.
* * *
Mayor of Saint Bourse, Georges Garrel.
Lucerne Chamber of Commerce, Marcel Poincaré.
Brühllin Commercial Association, Eugen Bank.
Britannia Trading Company, Thomas Gillen.
The morning has passed. In the afternoon, after noon, we were able to welcome half of the backlogs. It was a busy time without proper meals, but it was a rewarding time if it was worth it.
“Maid, could you please reorganize the rest of the schedule?”
Said Rom, who packed up the three contracts and put them in the drawer. In the midst of his busy schedule, he found a kettle on the desk, probably feeling thirsty, and immediately gulped down the cold water. Although he did not look very suitable for the status of a baron in the frozen land, he did not look so frivolous in Marion’s eyes her.
“Mayor Garel and his merchants are all gone. All of the technicians must have arrived at the mission by now and are unpacking. All that remains is a meeting with Mr. Edward Dean, who will be brought by Antoine Captain, the neighboring lords who are confronting outside, knights led by Sir Mattier Peltier, and finally a seat with the courtier, His Excellency Renoir.”
“There’s a lot left over.”
“If I dare to say something, I think it would be karma.”
“… Well, what will change if you regret it now? When Edward arrives, let me know. If you don’t mind, go to your room and see if the three of you are getting a good rest.”
Marion smiled and nodded. Even with her words her, her baron had done nothing wrong. She had only once been Oriane’s nanny, and as a woman she cared for like her own mother, she only cracked jokes about her.
“Oh, and I really want to tell you this.”
“What is it?”
“When I’m alone with the mistress, I call her mistress her…”
Like the impression I got when I first met him, he really suited me well as a man of a precious woman like my daughter.
“If your mistress conceives, I hope you will let this Marion take care of your children.”
Even if it’s a little promiscuous, I know that it’s also a love that meets his wife’s wishes.
“Because it seems that the two of you’s tendencies are somewhat harmful to a child who is growing up.”
“I cannot deny it. But two of you?”
“Oh, you don’t have to wrap it up. When the mistress was young, I was scolded dozens of times for secretly reading explicit, sensual novels.”
Nanny really knows nothing about her.
