A New Business Opportunity
Using my holiday, I returned home with Lucina and Connie in tow.
However, since this trip was prompted by Father’s summons, I couldn’t say I was particularly looking forward to it.
Calling me back specifically by letter—what sort of trouble could have come up?
The only thing that came to mind was the incident with Craig, but that was already resolved with the Beckart family’s decision to expel him.
With no clear idea of what to expect, I arrived at the mansion and headed straight to Father’s study, where he was waiting.
“You’ve come, my son.”
“Receiving a sudden letter like this—did something happen?”
“Indeed. But first... who is this young lady?”
Father’s gaze landed on Connie.
Realizing this, she straightened her back and gave a deep bow.
“N-Nice to meet you! I am Connie Lyle, a classmate of Y-young M-ma-ster L-lake!”
She fumbled her words at the end.
Though Father raised an eyebrow at my bringing a classmate, my explanation of the circumstances soon satisfied him.
“I see. I’ve heard about the Beckart incident—it even reached me here. The family head sent word, asking me to pass along his regards to you.”
Apparently, while I was unaware, ties between my family and the upper ranks of the Magic Corps, including the Beckart family, had grown closer.
“So, does this summons have something to do with that?”
“No, that’s just a side note. There’s another matter.”
Father’s eyes sharpened. It was the look he had when negotiating—a sign he was serious.
“You know of the town of Ganos, don’t you?”
“Of course. It’s an essential trading hub for our country.”
Any merchant worth their salt would know of Ganos.
That town is indispensable—a key economic hub and one of the largest in the nation.
With canals running through it, even foreign ships can dock there, making it a place where one can find nearly anything.
For merchants, opening a store in Ganos is a dream.
However, the high taxes make it a bold venture.
“Our trading company already has several shops in Ganos, but I’ve decided to entrust one of them to you.”
“R-Really!?”
“I don’t joke about such things. Moreover... according to Lucina’s reports, your plan has finally been approved by the academy, hasn’t it?”
“...!”
I was genuinely shocked.
Not only had Father remembered my plan, but he had also secured cooperation in Ganos, a major city, to support it.
Such decisive action was uncharacteristic of him, who usually played it safe.
“A-Are you sure about this?”
“Of course. Seeing your recent accomplishments convinced me. You have the qualities of an excellent merchant. Initially, I considered starting you off in a small town, but that no longer seems necessary.”
Father appeared to hold me in very high regard.
This wasn’t a bad development. It was yet another pleasant surprise.
Though I had been frustrated about losing leverage in the Craig incident, having a store in Ganos more than made up for it.
Moreover, this would provide a strong tailwind for the plan I was implementing at the academy.
“Ganos isn’t far from here. Why not visit today? The staff there know who you are and can arrange accommodations if it gets late.”
“Good idea. Since I’m here, I might as well take a look.”
The last time I visited Ganos was years ago, as a child, accompanied by Father.
Even though it was a distant memory, the lively and vibrant atmosphere of the town was still etched in my mind.
However, that was when I was a child. Many things must have changed over the years. Seeing it with my own eyes again was certainly worthwhile.
“Ganos, huh… I’ve never been there before,” Connie said wistfully.
“I’ve been there a few times for work,” Lucina added.
Though I had grown accustomed to seeing her in a maid’s uniform, I was reminded that Lucina was originally a blacksmith.
It was a time when her serene smile suited her well.
Now, however, she’s formidable enough to single-handedly take down an entire underground fighting ring.
What do you think about this chapter?
