Evil Schemes
“Merchants from another country, huh…”
That alone doesn’t mean anything shady is going on.
In fact, we’ve benefitted from them—getting rare spices or mana ores not available within our own kingdom.
Of course, to avoid harming our domestic economy, foreign merchants are subject to tariffs and regulations, and for now, they’re not considered a major issue.
… But something about this bothers me.
The Glaberson family has reportedly raised complaints about the mana mines within Tryon lands, but if foreign merchants are involved behind the scenes, that changes the context significantly.
“Amira, do you remember what kind of things those merchants talked about with your father?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t really know the details…”
“No, that’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
It’s only natural—they probably wouldn’t discuss that kind of thing in front of a child.
… Still, it’s something worth investigating.
I should get this information to Vice-Commander Bellows as soon as possible.
“Did you notice anything else? Even something small?”
“Umm… I do remember once walking past while the two of them were talking. I think they were discussing trade.”
“Trade?”
That puts it into the realm of national affairs.
But… the conversation took place within the estate, just between the merchant and her father? That’s strange.
Important matters like that are typically discussed behind closed doors in castles or formal government chambers, with officials like foreign ministers or trade experts present.
From what Amira described, it sounds more like plotting than diplomacy.
At that moment, I noticed Amira watching me closely.
“What’s wrong?”
“Umm, it’s just… ever since you got back from the capital, you’ve been asking a lot about my family, so I thought maybe something happened.”
Yikes.
I may have overdone it.
Still, thanks to her, I got some very valuable information.
But I mustn’t make her anxious.
I gently patted her head to reassure her.
“There’s nothing to worry about, Amira. I promise.”
“R-Really…?”
“Of course. Oh, and—haven’t washed your hands since coming back, have you?”
“Oh, you’re right!”
With a patter of little feet, she hurried off toward the washroom.
Just then, Elina called out behind me.
“You’ve really gotten good at handling kids.”
“At this point, I’m ready to be a father.”
“… May I take that as a proposal?”
“Quit messing around—we should probably start prepping dinner.”
“Boo, you’re no fun.”
I’ve gotten used to this kind of banter.
Anyway, it’s time to report all this to Lord Doyle.
What do you think about this chapter?
