Chapter 305

Policy Against the Galette Family
Honestly, I’m utterly dumbfounded by how little understanding of noble power dynamics this action displays.
Young lady Conniette looked deeply pained, while Marquis Vardmoi’s expression seemed to scream of an impending headache.
Even I can’t begin to imagine what reasoning could have led to such behavior.
What on earth were they thinking?

“There’s no point in dwelling on our disbelief. We need to determine our policy toward Count Galette’s household moving forward.”

Marquis Vardmoi declared this, regaining composure, though traces of exhaustion lingered on his face.
It must have been an act of sheer recklessness to warrant this level of concern.

“First, our primary objective is to recover the stolen Connie trees. My subordinates will handle this operation, but speed is crucial. Therefore, we will conduct an assault using bird couriers.”

An assault via bird courier?
Isn’t that something requiring the Guild’s approval?
When I inquired about it, he assured me the Guild had already granted their consent.
As expected, he’s always thorough in his preparations.

“This time, Count Galette Modwoir not only stole the Connie trees jointly owned by Lily and me but also made demands for assets within the Trade Guild, including the rapid freezer and Conniette’s resources. Thus, the Vardmoi Marquisate will deploy troops in response to the Guild’s request for reinforcements.”

I see. The script has already been written, making it straightforward to launch an offensive.

“Excuse me, but isn’t the Galette family a vassal of Duke McFarlane? Wouldn’t this put you, Marquis Vardmoi, at a disadvantage if you attacked them?”

Young lady Conniette asked with a worried expression.
So that’s what’s been troubling her—being caught between the Galette family and the Vardmoi Marquisate.

“There’s no need for concern. I’ve already secured permission from Duke McFarlane household to ‘do as I see fit.’ Despite this, the Galette family seized Vardmoi assets. Furthermore, this is a deployment in support of the Trade Guild, not a territorial war between domains.”

Ah, he’s smooth-talking.
A lord couldn’t survive without such eloquence.

“Additionally, I’ll personally visit the McFarlane Dukedom to explain the situation. I’ll depart immediately, but preparations for the deployment will proceed concurrently, and once ready, the troops will be dispatched.”

“Understood. So, why was I summoned?”

“I called you, Lily, to explain the situation and request the borrowing of the Kiblinki Saltas. For the bird courier assault, we only managed to secure ten birds, meaning we can only deploy thirty armed soldiers. Hence, we wish to borrow the Kiblinki Saltas as reinforcements.”

He wants to borrow the Kiblinki Saltas as soldiers?
Hmm, it depends on them, but will they be motivated to help?

“I’ll consult with them, but I can’t guarantee they’ll act. Instead, how about I join the operation myself?”

The moment I said I would join, a fist landed on my head.
It hurt—a lot.

“Lily, do you not understand that your role is to be protected?”

“Ah, Plum, that’s…”

“I suspected you might try to involve yourself, knowing your nature, but to actually hear you declare it…”

“Well, uh…”

“Fine. You are a subject of Vardmoi and a merchant directly affected by this incident. If you go with a proper escort, I’ll allow it.”

“Thank you!”

Thus, we arranged to borrow two of the bird couriers.
One will carry Plum, Talat, and me, while the other will transport the Kiblinki Saltas, should they agree to participate.
Marquis Vardmoi seemed to consider Talat’s involvement excessive, but that can’t be helped.
They shouldn’t have messed with my Connies.

We depart the morning after tomorrow.
Whether or not there’s much to prepare, I’m determined to recover what was stolen.

What do you think about this chapter?