I’ll be Taking One
In the evening, I met with Uncle Davit at the dining hall. This uncle of mine always appears so suddenly.
“Rienhardt, you’re causing trouble again. Don’t you ever try to restrain yourself even a little?”
Oh? Is this the start of a scolding session?
I wanted to argue that I wasn’t doing it because I wanted to, but since I’ve been heavily indebted to him, I just said, “I’m sorry for the trouble.”
That was the end of it during dinner, but once we moved to the reception room for family only—
“Rienhardt, are you trying to work me to death?”
That was a real punch right out the gate, Uncle Davit.
“Brother-in-law, I understand why you’d feel that way, but...”
Father, you’re not going to defend me?
“Hardt isn’t doing this to be a bother.”
The only one siding with me here is Brother Chris.
“If all I do is throw in some sarcasm, it’s not that serious, right? So what’s this new mess involving Duke Clondale? You even had Chrisford take time off from the academy.”
“You already know? The new business proposal was just yesterday evening,” Father said.
“Well, I was asked to cooperate with the teabag project, the information bulletin, and the protection of beastkin. Considering what Westland has contributed, I think I have the right to be informed about this new project too.”
Father then explained about the curry powder brought in by the beastkin, how they discovered that the spices used in curry powder grow in the dungeon owned by Duke Clondale, and how this new business would revolve around that. He also explained that instead of saying the beastkin brought the curry powder, they would say it was found in the dungeon, and they are currently verifying whether beastkin blessed by the Plant God can cultivate the spices.
When Uncle Davit said he wanted to try a dish using that curry powder now, I ended up being the one to take the curry powder to the head chef and ask them to urgently prepare curry soup and meat skewers.
I was about to suggest we do it tomorrow, but then he said, “At least grant me this small selfish request, Rienhardt,” making it so I couldn’t argue.
So I gave in and obediently went to the kitchen.
Back in the reception room after I left—
“This new project with Duke Clondale has become a hot topic within the royal palace. They don’t know the details, but since it’s a joint project with the currently talked-about Westland, there are plenty of people trying to get in on the action.”
“To that extent?”
“Yeah. Until now, Westland only made proposals, never joint ventures. And yet, even your proposals were innovative and brought economic benefits. But this time, it’s a collaboration. There’s no way it won’t be profitable.”
“Even if you say collaboration, Duke Clondale is the one actually doing the work. We’re just lending our name, more or less.”
“That doesn’t matter. Everyone knows the idea came from Westland. That’s why more people are thinking that if they get close to Westland now, it could benefit them in the future.”
–
I bowed my head to the head chef, who was busy preparing for tomorrow, and asked them to make some curry dishes. It smelled really good, and they seemed interested, so I told them they could eat any leftovers. Then I left the kitchen.
I brought enough curry dishes to the reception room for everyone.
“This is definitely going to be a hit. So this is the curry powder, huh?” said Uncle Davit as he ate the curry and held a jar of the curry powder.
“I’ll be taking this jar. You’re not selling it yet, right? Consider this a little perk.”
Ahh… now I’m down to four jars of curry powder. I was planning to give one to Brother Chris, so I’m left with three. I also wanted to give some to Captain Kyle and the knights… I hope I can get it back safely.
I received a letter from Brigitte Carlton: “It’s sad being left out while the two of you are doing something interesting together.” She’s as well-informed as ever.
She also wrote that she has something to talk about and wants to visit tomorrow, even if it’s sudden.
I handed a reply letter of acceptance to the Carlton family’s butler who was waiting for an answer.
The next day, Brigitte came not alone, but with a man. Her brother?
“Nice to meet you, cousin. I’m Isaac Northstrad. Brigitte’s fiancé as well.”
Huh? Cousin? Fiancé?
Panicking, I hurriedly greeted them and told them to call Brother Chris, who happened to be at the mansion today because the academy was off.
“Hehe, surprised, weren’t you?” said Brigitte with a smile.
“What’s going on, Isaac? So sudden,” said Brother Chris as he entered, clearly unaware of the situation.
Cousin Isaac is one year younger than Brother Chris. Brother Hubert is the same age as Brother Gerald, right? I’m a little envious they’re so close in age.
“I thought you were engaged to the eldest daughter of Marquis Carlton’s family,” said Brother Chris.
The eldest daughter of the Carlton family is studying abroad in the Empire, and apparently the second son of an imperial duke fell in love with her at first sight and pursued her. She gently declined, saying she had a fiancé, but the second son wouldn’t give up and persuaded his parents to ask for a new engagement between the Northstrads and the Carltons.
“My sister didn’t seem completely against the idea either. He may be the second son of a duke, but he’s set to inherit his mother’s family’s marquisate, so forming ties with the Empire isn’t a bad thing for our family.”
When I looked at Isaac, he smiled wryly and said,
“Since I’ve been busy with the family business, I hardly saw her even after our engagement was decided. And she’s studying abroad. So I didn’t have any particular feelings for her. But after talking with Brigitte, I felt she suited our family better, so I agreed. It strengthens our ties with the Empire, so it’s not a bad match for us either.”
“I enjoy talking with Isaac too, and he treats me like a real lady even though I’m so much younger. Some men see my personality as cheeky, so I didn’t want to let this chance slip away.”
You say that right in front of your fiancé? Well, it does sound like a bragging couple.
“So, as an engagement gift, give me some curry powder. You gave some to Lord Davit, so you’ve got more, right?”
“If it’s an engagement gift, get it from Raphael. The ducal family has plenty. No need to take it from our limited supply.”
“Come on, I know you’ve got it. Don’t be stingy—we’re going to be relatives now. And anyway, Isaac’s been so busy lately because of Westland’s projects despite just starting school.”
Brother Chris and Brother Isaac exchanged wry smiles while watching us argue.
Having lost the verbal battle, I handed over a jar of curry powder. Now I’m down to two.
“Thanks, Rienhardt. I had some curry soup, but when I asked Uncle Davit for more curry powder, he said no because there wasn’t enough to go around. When I told Brigitte that, she said, ‘Let’s go get an engagement gift,’” Isaac explained with a smile.
I’ll have to beg Raphael for more curry powder. Maybe I’ll include a note about Brigitte’s engagement in the letter too.
What do you think about this chapter?
