How to Use the Usage Fees
While the first floor buzzed with activity, I was guided by Myrau to the Guildmaster’s office on the second floor. The same young woman from before brought tea and now sat directly across from me, with Myrau beside her. It’s really a feast for the eyes to have such a handsome man and beautiful woman right in front of me.
“Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Myrau, the Guildmaster here. I’ve been stationed here for five years, but I truly appreciate the many patent applications you’ve had approved, Joan. This is my secretary and receptionist, Lydia.”
“I’m Lydia. I apologize for earlier.”
“Ah, no, it’s my fault. I didn’t know, so I failed to visit properly. I am Joan Lampail, eldest daughter of the Lampail family.”
“Um… Joan, you didn’t know about the patent applications?”
Myrau asked, surprised, while Lydia’s eyes went wide as well.
I explained that it was my parents who filed the patents and that I hadn’t known they were being filed, then told them how I found out.
At first, they were shocked, but they understood that, to me, the patents weren’t a big deal.
“In other words… Joan, you’re extraordinary.”
“Ugh…”
It had been a while since someone called me that, but hearing it with such a warm smile from a handsome man left me speechless.
“So, what brings you here today?”
“Ah… it’s a bit embarrassing to ask, but I was wondering… how much are the usage fees?”
“I see. Let’s check the current fees. Lydia?”
“Yes, please wait a moment.”
Lydia left the office.
“Umm… may I ask something… Mister Myrau, are you a mister elf?”
“Bwah… Mister Elf? That’s the first time someone added mister to my species name. Hahaha, yes, I am an elf. Kukuku, unusual, isn’t it?”
“No, I have a half-elf friend, so I know elves are often handsome and beautiful.”
“Ahahaha, I see. Kukuku, we don’t see it that way ourselves, but… well, I suppose.”
As I chatted casually with the surprisingly cheerful Myrau, Lydia returned.
“Thank you for waiting. Here are the details…”
“Huh? That much?”
The usage fee savings written on the paper totaled 6,000,000G.
“Recently, we’ve also received applications from the capital and other territories… So, will you be withdrawing this now?”
“No, no, it’s fine as it is. I was just curious this time.”
“Really? Even if you wanted to withdraw it all at once, that would be difficult for us, too. Ahahaha.”
“Ah… yes, of course. I’ll make sure to notify you in advance next time.”
“Ahahaha, yes, please, sincerely. Ahahaha…”
“Joan, sorry. Once the Guildmaster starts laughing, he can’t stop… sigh.”
“That’s okay.”
Lydia seemed to have her hands full, too. Maybe I should give her something sweet later.
“But it’s not just the patents we’re grateful for, Joan.”
After laughing for a while, Myrau suddenly became serious.
“Huh? Why?”
“It’s because of you that the Jo Company was established, the inns and restaurants in the territories received the recipes, and even Nikki’s shop and Gandarl’s store—all of this exists because of you. Well, to be honest, my original reason for coming to General was for the cuisine, too. Lydia, wasn’t it the same for you?”
“For me, it wasn’t the cuisine, but the ‘Glossy Butterfly.’”
Both of them originally lived in other territories, but having heard of General’s reputation, they requested a transfer. With perfect timing, their predecessor had retired, so they were assigned here.
＊＊＊＊＊
Leaving the Merchants’ Guild, I wandered through the streets with Meteor and Pearl.
“Ah… what should I do now?”
(What’s up, Big Sis?)
“Hmm… I didn’t expect the usage fees to be so high.”
(But isn’t it natural that people are happy when they have money?)
“I guess it depends. Money earned through sweat has meaning, though…”
(Well, think about it some more.)
“Yeah…”
We headed back toward Jo Company for the first time in a while.
Clang, clang! “Welcome! Joan! Long time no see!”
“Yes, congratulations on your debut! You’ve grown into such a wonderful young woman!”
Inside, Michelle and Grace greeted me with smiles.
“Thank you.”
“The manager and assistant manager have been on leave since yesterday, at Fantasmo. They were hoping to see you.”
“Oh, Nancy mentioned that. They took the kids along, right?”
Greg and Kate had gone to Phantasmo yesterday to show their grandchildren to Sebastian, the steward, and Rottenmeyer, the head maid. Nancy said they wouldn’t return for three weeks.
Looking around Jo Company, I could see that the terrace benches, tables, the counter, and the shelves had all aged with use.
The second floor, formerly home to Kate and her husband, became a staff break room after their move following childbirth. It too showed signs of long use.
Alright! I’ve decided how to use the usage fees.
What do you think about this chapter?
