Chapter 301

Inquiry With the McFarlane Dukedom
It seems that the Vardmoi Marquisate cannot simply stay silent about the current issue.
However, since the Galette’s Household belongs to a different faction, it was necessary to take this matter up with the leader of their faction—Duke McFarlane.

Given the urgency of the matter, Marquis Vardmoi sent a message via bird courier.
However, the reply came three days later, and it was remarkably dismissive: "Do as you wish."

"... Is that really acceptable?"

"Why not? The McFarlane’s Household has given their approval to handle it as we see fit."

Even the Marquis seemed somewhat indifferent.
It made our earnest efforts feel utterly foolish.
Furthermore, there is a possibility that this matter has not even reached the Duke McFarlane himself, as the response bore the signature of Crown Prince Sharon.

"Prince Sharon tends to focus solely on the senior members of his faction. He likely has no concern for lower-ranking families like Count Galette."

"... Is that really okay?"

"It's not ideal, but it is an official document from the McFarlane’s Household. We'll have to deal with it ourselves."

How troublesome.
Yet, since the decree allows us to "do as we wish," that means I can freely purchase all the Connie trees in the Galette County.
I can't shake the feeling this will lead to more trouble.
Yes, I brought up “trouble” twice because it’s important.

"By the way, Lily, do you have enough funds to buy all the Connie trees?"

"If we go by the amount Young lady Conniette proposed, it’s not a particularly expensive purchase compared to my assets."

"That confidence is reassuring. Conniette, is that acceptable for you as well?"

"Yes, the amount I proposed is sufficient. I have no objections."

"Very well. Then we’ll purchase the Connie trees for twice the proposed price. The cost will be split equally between Lily and my family."

Wait, the Vardmoi Marquisate is contributing funds as well?
I was a bit surprised, but the Marquis explained his reasoning.

If the purchase were made solely under my name, it could complicate matters if the head of the Galette Household were to intervene directly.
As a silver-ranked merchant, my status is roughly equivalent to that of a count, and in such cases, the common solution is for the count household to repurchase the trees to avoid conflict.

However, some counts have been known to default on payments, which could lead to disputes with the Trade Guild.
Should this happen, the Galette Household, already in financial straits, would likely collapse if they lost the guild's support.

To prevent this, Marquis proposed a joint purchase under both our names.
This would mean the Connie trees belong not just to me but also to the Vardmoi Marquisate.
A lower-ranked noble household would not dare to seize property jointly held by a higher-ranking household.
Doing so would risk an economic war, one in which the Count Galette would undoubtedly lose.

For these reasons, Marquis Vardmoi decided to contribute financially.
While this reduces my profit from the Connie trees, I’m mostly in it for my own enjoyment, so as long as I don’t end up in the red, I don’t mind.

What do you think about this chapter?