Chapter 295

Connie = Lychee
The fruit Pores called "Connie" was unmistakably lychee.
I had to try it immediately and confirm its taste!

“Pores, may I have one to sample?”

“Of course, but the taste seems to have deteriorated.”

“Oh, it’s because it’s dried out. How long does it take to travel from Count Galette’s domain to Vardmoi?”

“By carriage, about a month. I brought it here, but selling it might be difficult.”

Transporting it such a long distance is indeed a challenge.
I tried one, and as Pores mentioned, it was dried out and lacked sweetness, making it less appealing.
At this rate, selling it in Vardmoi won’t work.

Still, I wanted to try a fresh Connie.

“Alizée, how long would it take to transport this from Count Galette’s domain to Vardmoi using high-speed magic vehicles?”

“About two weeks. However, the roads around Galette’s territory are poorly maintained, so even high-speed vehicles can’t travel efficiently. Are you planning to buy this fruit now?”

“This fruit, Connie, was called lychee in my homeland. It’s a fruit that’s in season around early summer.”

Hearing my explanation, Pores nodded enthusiastically.
Apparently, Connie is almost identical to lychee.
If so, it could become a regional specialty.
However, fresh Connies don't fare well in long-distance transportation.
That means freezing might be the answer.

Time to consult the goddess’s book again.

The book suggested that rapid freezing was key to preserving Connies.
Keeping the skin on while freezing helps retain moisture.
That seemed promising enough to propose.

“Rapid freezing, you say? That’s quite a challenge.”

“Do you lack the necessary equipment?”

“Yes. Count Galette’s domain doesn’t have the required freezing equipment. Even if we wanted to procure it, obtaining the funds would be difficult.”

I see. Since the lord refuses to cooperate, they can’t borrow funds under the lord’s name.
And merchants lack the credit to secure a loan collectively.

But I really want to eat fresh Connies.

“Here’s an idea! I’ll lend the funds for the freezing equipment. In return, grant me the priority purchasing rights for Connies.”

“Are you sure that’s acceptable?”

“Yes! I just really want to eat fresh Connies!”

Alizée sighed in exasperation, but I was determined.
My personal funds—mostly amassed from selling unneeded items found in dungeons—were sitting idle, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to put them to use.

I asked Alizée to prepare a loan agreement and contact Marquis Vardmoi for approval.
Meanwhile, I requested Pores to quickly relay the proposal to Count Galette’s domain using bird messengers if necessary.

Since the loan was coming from me, I required an appropriate guarantor, and I specifically named Coniette for this role.

If this endeavor succeeds, it will bring significant funds to Coniette, enabling her to start revitalizing Count Galette’s domain.
Of course, we’d need Marquis Vardmoi’s permission before proceeding, but honestly, I just really want to eat fresh Connies!

What do you think about this chapter?