Chapter 385

Viscount Juneb
After leaving Viscount Agri’s domain, the next three locations were settled smoothly, and now we were heading to the tenth household.
The family name was Juneb.
This house seems to promote agriculture, but it apparently hasn’t been going very well.
According to Marquis Vardmoi, the soil is poor.
I wonder if the Kiblinki Saltas can do something about it?
Well, we won’t know until we go.

We were shown into the reception room of Viscount Juneb’s house, and before long, Viscount Juneb appeared.
It didn’t seem to be a wealthy family—he was a thin, frail-looking man.

“Welcome, Marquis Vardmoi, to the Juneb family. Is that young lady over there the tamer for this occasion?”

“She’s Lily. You’re still as impatient as ever.”

“My apologies. It’s just my nature, I’m afraid.”

“I’m Lily. Pleased to meet you.”

“There’s no need to humble yourself so. Lady Lily, you’re a Silver-ranked merchant. That gives you greater authority than a mere viscount like me.”

“That and this are different matters. I think it’s best to speak with mutual respect when meeting someone for the first time.”

Upon hearing that, Viscount Juneb grew emotional and even teared up.
Did I say something strange?

“I’d love to have our house’s official merchant hear those words. He’s a Silver-ranked merchant too, but he throws his weight around and acts all high and mighty…”

“Lily’s thinking is different from that of your typical merchant, but she knows her manners. Sometimes she’ll suddenly say outrageous things, but if you get used to that, she’s an excellent merchant.”

Suddenly saying outrageous things… yeah, that sounds familiar.
Alright, just gonna let that one slide without reacting.
Too many memories to unpack.

“So, I hear the monsters you’re lending us this time are agricultural professionals?”

“That’s right. They’re far more knowledgeable than your average farmer. Where did you hear that from?”

“From Baron Degusal. Also, I received a letter of recommendation from Baron Corst. If that warrior Baron Corst gives them his seal of approval, then they’re worth trusting.”

So Baron Corst is trusted all over the place, huh.
He always seemed like a musclehead uncle to me, but I guess he’s actually amazing.
I’ve definitely had the wrong image of him.

“Then you’ll agree to accept them, Viscount Juneb?”

“Of course. However…”

“However?”

“... We don’t have much money to pay. Also, the spiders were supposed to be paid in vegetables, but we don’t have much in storage for that either.”

“I see. Lily, what do you think?”

“We can discount the fee for lending Kiblinki Saltas, or even allow for installment payments once you’re more financially stable. As for the vegetables they’d receive as payment, if you give them land, seeds, and seedlings, they’ll grow their own crops and take that as their compensation. How does that sound?”

“That’s a very attractive offer, but… the land in my territory is poor…”

“Let’s have Kiblinki Saltas look into that too. For today, we’re short on time, so is it alright if they begin tomorrow morning?”

“By all means. Thank you very much.”

Viscount Juneb really is humble.
Maybe he could use a bit more dignity.
Anyway, I’ll aim to boost his confidence by helping increase crop yields.

What do you think about this chapter?