Chapter 294

Reforming Count Galette’s Domain
To intervene in Count Galette’s affairs, permission from Duke McFarlane is required.
However, even if granted, it’s unlikely the other vassals would be pleased about it.
It seems like quite a deadlock.

“Plum, what should we do? This problem seems deeply rooted, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed, it is. That Shami girl’s concerns stem from the uncertain future of her homeland. I overheard Marquis Vardmoi’s account, and with that eldest son inheriting, there’s no hope for the domain.”

I sought Plum’s opinion later that evening after hearing from Marquis Vardmoi.
If even Plum feels this way, the most viable solution seems to be removing the eldest son and having the younger daughter inherit the title.
But could that even be possible?

When I asked Plum about this, she said it depends on the country and wasn’t entirely sure.
There must be some way, though.

“Lily, why not consult Alizée from the Trade Guild?”

“Alizée? Why her?”

“There might be things the Trade Guild can accomplish that we cannot. They may also possess information known only to merchants.”

I see, exclusive knowledge from the world of merchants.
That might indeed help.

The next day, I visited the Trade Guild to meet Alizée.
Coincidentally, a merchant from Count Galette’s domain was also present, so I decided to speak with them too.
According to Alizée, the merchant had brought fruit from Count Galette’s territory, but the guild had little information about it and was struggling to promote it.

What kind of fruit would even stump the merchant guild?

“Lady Lily, the merchant is waiting for you in this meeting room.”

Alizée led me to a modest meeting room, several ranks below the ones I usually used.
It seems I’m considered a high-ranking client.
But more importantly, it’s time to meet this merchant.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes… A child?”

“Allow me to introduce you. This is Silver-Rank Merchant Lady Lily.”

“A Silver-Rank Merchant!? My apologies! I’m Pores, a Green Merchant.”

“I’m Lily. It’s nice to meet you. Shall we sit and begin?”

“Y-Yes. So, what would you like to ask me?”

“Could you tell me about the situation in Count Galette’s domain?”

We took our seats and sipped tea as Pores shared what he knew.
As expected, the economy of Count Galette’s domain wasn’t in great shape.
The roads, in particular, were poorly maintained, and repeated petitions to Count Galette have been ignored.

Interestingly, it’s Count Galette’s younger daughter, Coniette, who has been mediating with the merchants.
She’s proposed numerous measures, some of which have been implemented, leading to slight economic improvement.

However, there’s opposition.
The biggest troublemaker is the heir and her older brother, Modwar.
He sees Coniette as his rival and has even employed thugs to sabotage her efforts.

When these thugs get caught and handed over to the guards, Modwar escapes punishment due to a lack of evidence.
As a result, Coniette’s reforms falter, and the people’s lives fail to improve.

What a disgrace of a nobleman.

“That’s all I can tell you. Was it helpful?”

“Yes, it was very informative. By the way, I heard you came to Vardmoi to sell fruit. What kind of fruit is it?”

“Oh, that. It’s this fruit here. Young lady Coniette discovered it, so we call it ‘Connie.’”

Pores pulled a fruit with deep red skin from a bag.

This is... lychee!

So, they exist in this world too!

What do you think about this chapter?