Chapter 525

Using Parfes for Sightseeing
In conclusion, it seems I was able to avoid becoming the “Spider-and-Cow Lady.”
However, the children who had seen me walking through the city multiple times with the Parfes were now apparently whispering about wanting to ride them again.
How did I hear about that?
From none other than Marquis Vardmoi.

“So that’s what they’re saying now.”

“Indeed. While the children who were there that day got to ride Parfes, those who weren’t didn’t get the chance. That’s why they’re now eyeing the next opportunity—or rather, pestering for it.”

“Ah, begging, huh. Well, I don’t mind doing it, but isn’t it kind of bad for someone in my position to be wandering around so freely?”

“That’s true. It hasn’t been formally announced yet, but once you're named a platinum-rank merchant, it would be strange for you to walk around the city even with guards. There are those, both domestic and foreign, who don’t find your rise amusing.”

“Domestically, I guess those are the factions that lost out because I boosted agricultural output? Who’s causing trouble abroad?”

“The Gaze Church. They've started stirring again after lying dormant for some time.”

Ah, those fanatics.
I thought they’d gone quiet after seeing Tarat’s destructive force, but I guess they’re on the move again.
That kind is always a pain—they never attack head-on, always lurking in the shadows.

“We’ve been in close communication with His Majesty to deal with the Gaze Church. They’re a poison to the country as well.”

“Thank you. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“If anything, they’d like to borrow a few Kiblinki Saltas. Things have shifted slightly while you were away on Isles of the Eight Gods.”

“I can spare a few. Our numbers are down because I’ve loaned some to the isles and some to noble households domestically, though.”

“Of course, there’s no need to weaken the defense of Vardmoi itself. I’ll leave that to your discretion. Now then, back to the matter of the Parfes.”

Ugh, we're going back to that topic.
What should I do?

“Maybe we can have Parfes and the Kiblinki Saltas make rounds regularly to entertain the children?”

“That’s fine, but wouldn’t that just attract even more of them? I hate to say it, but if a group that large starts moving through the city at Parfes’ pace, it’ll cause congestion.”

“True. So what should we do?”

“It’s a troublesome problem. Like with Kou, even adults may want to ride. If we start accommodating everyone, there’s no end to it.”

Right, Kou.
I heard she still wants to ride despite getting scolded.
She must’ve really liked it.
She should really think about her age and position, though.

“Hmm. Do you think the kids actually want to ride Parfes, or…?”

“Hm?”

“No, I mean, if the children just want to interact with Parfes, wouldn’t it be faster to invite them to the ranch instead?”

“That’s a fair point. But what if they say they want to ride around the city?”

“Good question… Ah, then how about that thing we shelved—the carriage?”

“That one? The one that ended up too heavy for horses to pull because you prioritized comfort and weight capacity?”

“Yeah. I think Parfes could pull it. They wouldn’t be riding directly on Parfes, but it’s more stable than a regular carriage. If we remodel the interior with soft seats and make the walls and ceiling transparent for sightseeing, it could work.”

“I see. That might be worth trying.”

“Then let’s give it a shot. May I have permission to modify it?”

“... Permission? You’re the one who built the prototype entirely out of your own pocket. I’m just storing it for you.”

“Well, still. Taking it without asking just feels wrong.”

“Fine. I’ll give you official permission to take it.”

Great. Now I can start modifying the carriage.
I’ll stuff it full of Talat’s silk for ultra-soft cushions.
For the walls and ceiling, I’ll use plate-like panels made from Talat’s silk—it’ll be strong, unbreakable, and still allow the kids to enjoy the view.
With that, the plan should be solid.

The only thing left is whether the kids will be happy with it.
I really hope they are.

What do you think about this chapter?