Chapter 333

The Discussion About the Investment Has Concluded
I returned to Vardmoi, putting the investment in the development of Galette County on hold. The investments for the adventurer training institution and the artisan training institution had been formalized with written certificates on-site, so construction should already be underway.

Upon returning to Vardmoi and visiting Melanie, I learned that preparations for an adventurer training institution were also beginning there. Given that the Marquis Vardmoi appears to be quite wealthy, it's only fair that he takes on this responsibility.

Then, a few days later, I was invited to the mansion of the Marquis Vardmoi.

Why?

"You did well regarding the matter of Galette County."

"Oh, it was nothing. Thanks to Alizée's thorough preparations, all I had to do was decide whether to approve the investment."

"That's exactly it. You should seriously consider investing in the development of Galette County."

"Eh?"

What is the Marquis Vardmoi suddenly talking about?

After listening more closely, I learned that he had already heard about this from Alizée. The territory two regions away from Galette County belongs to a faction that is on bad terms with the Marquis’s faction, and he sees this as an opportunity to gain economic dominance.

I really don’t want to get dragged into noble conflicts...

"There are no nobles left who could meddle with you now. However, it's always best to be cautious. I'll assign more covert guards than before. Will that be acceptable?"

"Hmm... But will my investment funds actually return to me?"

"In ten or twenty years, it will be difficult. But in fifty years, it's a certainty. You're still a young elf, aren’t you? Living that long shouldn't be a problem."

Well, that's true.

But I do want to help Conniette, who is struggling.

Hmm... I should consult with Alizée.

"You don't have to decide here and now. I just want you to inform your financial representative that I have decided to invest in Galette County."

"The Marquis Vardmoi himself?"

"That territory has been unimpressive until now, but it has the potential for a transformation. You even sent the Kiblinki Saltas over there, didn’t you?"

"Well, yes. They were eager to search for new crops."

The ones who went were the Kiblinki Saltas that had remained in the mountains. I sent them via bird courier, leaving behind the minimum needed for farm management. At first, their arrival caused surprise, but since they can communicate through telepathy and have friendly personalities, they quickly blended in.

Those spiders are capable of anything.

"If they discover new crops, that will provide the basis for further investments. And you do like delicious food, don’t you, Lily?"

… In Marquis Vardmoi's mind, I've completely become a gluttonous character.

I mean, he’s not wrong!

Of course, I want to try tasty food!

"Well, everything is uncertain now, but that’s exactly why it’s wise to invest while the opportunity is untapped."

"I see."

"Please consider it seriously. Also, one more thing—I want an artisan training institution established in this city as well."

… Wait, can’t Marquis just do that himself?

That’s what I thought, but apparently, his perspective is different.

He explained that such institutions should emerge organically from the citizens rather than be imposed by nobles.

"Naturally, I will also persuade the various guilds. However, it is preferable for the business entity to be a merchant or an artisan like yourself rather than a noble like me. In this city, the guilds can be made to contribute their fair share of the costs."

Apparently, if the guilds don’t contribute, it would be a matter of pride for them.

For me, having my investment reduced is a good thing, but politics is so complicated.

Besides, if an artisan training institution is established here, I can also negotiate to have orphans from the orphanage taken in little by little.

It’s all beneficial, so I’ll accept the proposal.

… Wait, but won’t this overshadow the accomplishments of the adventurer training institution?

Oh well, since it was Prince Sharon’s idea, I guess it’s fine.

What do you think about this chapter?