Chapter 382

Viscount Cusia
After safely handing over Kiblinki Saltas to the Count Polisia’s household, our next stop was Cusia Viscounty.
This was another household to which I had delivered a dress.
If I remember correctly, I also sent clothes for the younger brother.
I wonder if those children are doing well.

According to the information Marquis Vardmoi gave me in advance, Viscount Cusia’s family is neither particularly wealthy nor poor.
They don't have any notable specialty products, but the land is fairly fertile, so they don’t have trouble getting food.
However, they seem to be struggling with handling a Chaos Vortex— a place powerful monsters emerge from.
I guess I’ll find out what kind of land it really is once we arrive.

"Welcome, Marquis Vardmoi."

"Hmm. I’m glad to see you looking well, Viscount Cusia."

"Yes, all thanks to you. Please, come inside."

At a glance, Viscount Cusia just looks like an ordinary middle-aged man.
He doesn’t appear particularly martial or intelligent.
I suppose you don’t know what someone’s like until you speak to them.

As I followed Marquis Vardmoi and was about to enter the reception room, Viscount Cusia stopped me.
What was that about?

"That's far enough. From here on, it will be a discussion between nobles. Adventurer guards are unnecessary."

"Eh? But I’m..."

"I won’t hear objections. Wait outside."

He said only that, then closed the door.
How rude.

"Lily, what should we do?"

"Let’s go back, Plum. Kiblinki, Saltas, that okay with you?"

(Indeed. We have no intention of serving under someone so discourteous. I feel sorry for the people of this land, but they’ll have to accept that their commander is incompetent.)

(Agreed. I would’ve liked to meet the child Lily made clothes for, though.)

"I wanted to meet them too, but it can’t be helped. Let’s go."

We left the mansion and returned to our vehicle.
I explained the situation to Kiblinki Saltas, who had been waiting outside, and asked them to wait until we headed for the next location.
Hmm, looks like we’ll still have Kiblinki Saltas with us for one more place.
I guess I’ll have them help with security and development in Vardmoi.

"Hey, Lily. Got a minute?"

While I was waiting in the car, Young lady Kou came over.
When I asked what was up, she told me that Viscount Cusia had learned my true identity and now wished to apologize.
That has nothing to do with me, though.

"Got it. Then I’ll report that to Father."

"Thanks, Young lady Kou."

"Don’t worry about it. It was Viscount Cusia’s fault for doing something so foolish — kicking out a guest with a guard, without even confirming their identity. Besides, as a Silver-ranked Merchant, you actually outrank him."

Oh, that’s right.
I never thought about it or used it as leverage, but a Silver-ranked Merchant does outrank a viscount.
… Well, it’s over now, so it doesn’t really matter.

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