Chapter 34

I'm Not interested
I thought I could laze around until the month-long wait to visit the World Tree, but then Mother called me.
“Hardt, your Uncle Davit will be arriving here in two days.”

Mother’s older brother, Count Davit Northtrad, is the second son and a highly skilled court count who manages all trade dealings with the Empire.

He constantly receives offers from the country to take on positions such as Minister of Foreign Affairs, yet he remains in his current role.
Despite his gentle tone, he is known both domestically and internationally for his ability to use logic to completely outmaneuver his opponents.
His contributions to the country are significant, and he was promoted from a viscount to a count in recognition of his service.

And now, that very man is coming here?
“The official reason is that he heard about the large supply of Skeleton Flower petals and wants to purchase them, as well as bring a present for your eighth birthday. But in reality, he probably wants to see Atre and Ripka and check out what’s been happening here lately. Hardt, you’d better be prepared.”

No way—! The one person from the Northtrad family that Mother says you can never let your guard down around is coming? I seriously hate this...

I give up. If he’s coming after gathering information and making his predictions, there’s no way to escape.
Mother, do something!
No? "That’s why I told you to restrain yourself," she says...

“How many years has it been since I’ve had such an exciting purchase trip? Even at my age, I couldn’t help but get hyped up.”

I’ve heard he’s in his forties, but he only looks like he’s in his early thirties, just like Mother.
And with that well-toned physique, he must train regularly.

Yesterday, he arrived in the early afternoon, brought loads of gifts, greeted everyone, then immediately went out for his purchasing spree and didn’t even return for dinner.
Today, he left right after breakfast and only just made it back in time for dinner.

Apparently, there were far more Skeleton Flower petals than expected, and he bought out everything that couldn’t be sold domestically.
He said he could sell them to other countries and would take as many as possible.
Ironing tools, hair dryers, pet name charms, decorative glass ornaments—he really seems to have bought everything.

“Well then, let’s get to the main topic. Since it’s just family here, I’ll ask directly—if Reinhardt is interested in business, I can take him under my wing.”

I quickly shake my head.
Absolutely not! I have zero interest in business.

“Brother Davit, this child has no interest in business whatsoever.” Mother stepped in to support me.
That’s right. I nod my head vigorously in agreement.

“You say that, but you’ve developed so many products.”

“I only ever chat casually with craftsmen about things that would be useful or fun to have, and somehow, all of those ideas ended up becoming actual products.”

“Haha… That’s hilarious. I didn’t expect this at all. But I was right in thinking the person to come up with those ideas was Reinhardt.”

He said he was fairly confident about it, but since I’m still only seven, he had his doubts.
If I had been interested in business, he had been planning to take me back with him and train me.
No, thank you! I’m all about my lazy lifestyle.

“Now, about the Sea of Trees—what exactly is going on there? The fact that the three Westland brothers managed to form magic beast contracts—isn’t that related?”

Father prefaced his explanation by saying it was something only the royal family knew.
Then, he told him that a White Dragon had apparently taken up residence in the forest and that the World Tree was real but had been withering.
Thanks to Hardt’s idea, however, it was now in the process of recovering.

“I had already caught wind of the White Dragon, but I didn’t know about the World Tree. And I take it the regeneration potion is also related to the World Tree?”

Father didn’t outright deny it, so Uncle Davit seemed to accept the answer.

“I was able to make an excellent purchase this time, so if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.”

“I want to minimize any arranged marriage talks regarding my sons—even from the royal family.” Father said.

“So you don’t want it decided by royal decree? The outsiders will make noise, but it should be fine. The Westland family’s curse is well-known. I’ll subtly spread the word.”

The Westland family’s curse? What’s that?

Apparently, members of the Westland family who enter into arranged marriages tend to die young due to illness, accidents, or other reasons.
If the eldest son marries a woman of low status, he is removed from the line of succession due to noble society’s customs, but strangely enough, they almost always end up marrying someone of suitable status anyway.
Yes! No arranged marriages for me!

“Back to business—about that carrying bag Chrisford was using? I looked everywhere, but no one knew about it. Which store carries it?” Uncle Davit asked.

“Brother Davit, that was made by one of our maids, so it’s not sold in stores.”

“It’s really useful for traveling with pets. That will sell well. Apply for a patent and let me handle the sales.”

He even knows about the carrying bag…
This uncle’s information network is seriously impressive.