They Get Along Well
After the Westland father and son left, the remaining six people shared their thoughts.
“Well, most of what he said was likely true. Though, I suspect he’s hiding something.”
“At eight years old, he spoke to His Majesty and us without any fear, answering confidently. He’s too intelligent.”
“The recent prosperity of the Westland family can be attributed to him.”
“His mana capacity must be considerable. And he has silver hair…”
“I’d love to recruit him into the Royal Court Mage Corps.”
“No, that would be difficult. Based on his choice of reward, it’s clear he has no interest in status, honor, or power.”
“So, it’s unlikely? Princess shared the same opinion as you, Chancellor. Even when she spoke to him, he kept their conversations to a minimum and was always on guard. She said it was obvious on his face that he hated the idea of being used.”
“People like him contribute to the country if left to their own devices. In fact, his family and the Northtrad family seem to be guiding him well. But if we interfere too much, he might leave the country. Well, given how close he seems to his parents and siblings, that probably won’t happen.”
“I see. Then, as Chancellor said, let’s just observe Westland for now. Even if you’re eager to talk to him, avoid any unnecessary contact.”
○o。. ○o。. ○o。. ○o。. ○o。. ○o。. ○o。. ○o。. ○o。.
“Do you remember us, Reinhardt?” My maternal Grandmother asked.
Today, my maternal grandparents and cousin came to visit our house.
Since we could only meet when they traveled all the way to Westland, they decided to come while they had the chance. They hadn’t originally planned to visit the capital, but they wanted to wish me a happy eighth birthday, so they made the trip.
The cousin who came with them was Hubert Northtrad, the same age as Brother Gerald. He is the second son of the current head of the family. Since both he and Brother Gerald are second sons, they get along well and often meet when they’re in the capital. Hubert has an older sister and an older brother.
After chatting a little, my grandparents left to talk with Mother in another room until lunch.
Now, it was just Brother Gerald, Hubert, and me.
“Atre and Ripka are adorable. They don’t look like Fenrir and Fiamma yet.” Hubert said. “It’s a shame I can’t see Brother Chris and Bianca.”
Brother Chris and Bianca were at the academy, so they weren’t at the estate.
“If you’re staying in the capital for a while, you should visit our house.” Brother Gerald suggested.
“If I have time.” Apparently, his father told him to help with the tea bag business, so his schedule was uncertain. Since he might get too busy to meet later, he decided to come with our grandparents today.
“You’re already helping with the family business?”
“You’re helping too, aren’t you? Going to the Great Forest and dungeons.”
“Well, yeah. I guess we’re both in the same boat.”
They really do seem close.
“By the way, Hubert, have you decided what to major in at the academy? You were struggling with that, right?”
“I’m still undecided. I have water and earth magic, so I want to make use of them, but that doesn’t really align with the family business, so I can’t decide…”
Water and earth, huh…
“Reinhardt, do you have any ideas? A solution?”
“Brother Gerald, you say that so casually, but solutions don’t just pop up so easily.”
“But you always come up with something, don’t you?”
Tea bag business and earth and water magic… Tea cultivation?
Tea leaves are the same as green tea, right? And oolong tea too…
“If you change the fermentation process of tea leaves, the flavor changes.”
“You thought of something?” Brother Gerald leaned in. Hubert also looked at me expectantly.
I explained that if the fermentation of tea leaves is stopped halfway (which is how oolong tea is made), or if the fermentation process is altered, the taste of the tea changes. I think I read that somewhere (in my past life’s knowledge).
Also, if tea leaves are steamed instead of fermented, then dried at a mild temperature and kneaded before they dry completely, it becomes green tea.
If there are more types of tea, the tea bag business could expand.
“But would any noble help me with product development and agricultural improvements?” Hubert asked hesitantly.
I suggested the Garuda family—Diane’s family.
Since her father (the acting count) caused problems, they’d likely put effort into new businesses to rebuild the house. Diane wouldn’t have decision-making power, so they’d have to get approval from either a representative or the royal family, but they probably wouldn’t oppose it.
“Hubert, this could expand the tea bag business even further. Your father probably wouldn’t object. It’s worth discussing.”
“You’re right. It’s something I can work on before entering the academy, and it might help me decide my future path. Thanks, Reinhardt.”
After lunch, Hubert left with our grandparents.
I barely spoke to Grandfather. He talks about business, but otherwise, he’s apparently a quiet person.
What do you think about this chapter?
