12 Chapter 12: Hero’s Chronicle, Rica Reform Plan (2/2)
'Deacon had trained them well' Glass thought ”As everyone already knows, my engagement with Prince Jared has been annulled, and I'll be in the position of Feudal Lord Representative here in Rica in place of my Father.
The moment they heard 'Jared' name all three of them twitched and carried a confused expression.
”That man has poor eyesight,” Ryle said
”Thank you. However, this matter has already been settled. Now back to the matter I am this province acting lord. I trust you can accompany me.”
”I humbly accept,” Ryle said as Rain nodded his head with tired eyes.
”I as well,” Fest said
”Fest you will be doing something different for the time being. As a former librarian who had a temporary job in the Ferlin's Magic Academy, I would need to borrow your knowledge. I have an inspection scheduled to take place in two days.
Please take care of the preparation.”
”I understand.”
”Sara get in contact with Eda?”
”Eda, you say?” Sara said
”If I'm not mistaken, she's currently working for the Commerce Guild?” Fest
The Commerce Guild is, as what the name implies, an organization that assembles stores. Rica is the only province under the Hall family that has one established. Eda is someone who Glass supported, she showed remarkable skills in management even though she is a commoner.
Glass always had plans to join the guild and her Company together; Using Eda was the first step.
”Yes, she's currently in charge of accounts… I can get in contact with him instead.”
”Then, Ryle. I'm counting on you to contact him. If possible, I'd like to have an appointment with him soon.”
”I understand.”
After Glass broke down the details of the agenda during the inspection, the three people left. With perfect timing, Sebastian arrived with the documents she requested for earlier and started reading them.
”…My lady. It's already time for lunch.”
Glass nodded as Sara placed a freshly made sandwich on the desk accompanied by some tea.
Within two days, Glass finished reading all the documents right in time before the inspection. Not just the big towns, but even those rural villages. The primary goal is to visit the south where tax revenue has fallen in recent times, and the east where tax revenue is unusually high.
Like that, almost one month had gone by… and it was finally time for the appointment with Eda.
Glass was led to the Commerce Guild's drawing room. Unlike drawing rooms of aristocrats, the interior design of the Commerce Guild's drawing room was calming and profound instead of wasteful and luxurious. It's probably because different people value things differently.
”It's been a long time since we've met, My Lady” Eda said
”It's been a long time, Eda. Do not stand on ceremony. Because I'm traveling incognito today.”
”No, this is just my way of doing things.”
”Is that so.”
”And so, how may I help you?”
”you are, of course, aware of my movements?”
”Well… That's about right.”
A bitter smile floated across Eda's face. It is a characteristic of a Merchant to gather information as quickly as possible. It will be a big problem to do business without understanding the current happenings. In other words, they naturally know the movements of aristocrats and where they spend their money.
”As you know, because of what had recently occurred, I have returned to the territory. By the way, Eda. How has the guild been doing these days?”
”That is also going well.”
”Hmm, is that so? Even though the commerce in the Royal City have decreased?”
With a snap, the peaceful expression she had until now froze.
”Well, that's no good. If what you're thinking reflects too much on your face, you will immediately be seen through by your business partner.”
”Eda, I was only asking questions to trick you. However, as I've said earlier, the commerce conducted in the Royal City have indeed decreased.”
As for why it's probably because the political situation in the Royal City is unstable. Now that the political situation has become more and more difficult to predict, it is inevitable to be extra cautious compared to before…
”…I've been done in. For reference, how did you come to that conclusion?”
”If you look at the present political situation, you'll naturally come to understand it. That said, Eda. I didn't come all the way here to be cruel to you.”
”And so, how can I help you?”
”Eda. I was wondering if you'd like to be in charge of a larger amount of money.”
”A larger amount of money, you say? Are you trying to employ me for the House of the Duke?”
”Yes. However, I do not want to you serve the Hall House, but rather, the Duke's territory.”
”…That, exactly what to do you mean by that?”
”As you know the Duke's territory has been undergoing a reform. These past years and so the administration of our House has been divided between different people. To put it I would like you to manage the budget of this territory.”
”Why, did you choose me? I'm sure that the Duke's House will are not lacking talented people.”
”It's because you're already familiar with the field. In addition, this reform will be carried out medium to long term for this province just like the Blur and Salver provinces. Because we will be pushing towards fundamental reform… knowledge is unnecessary right now. Although the basics are necessary to some extent… but for someone who is the current Vice Chief of Accounts, I'm sure you'll do simply fine. Above all, it's because I know I can trust you. Trust, meaning that you will not be moved even when you're bribed with money.”
”Hahaha, it has surprisingly turned into a deep conversation. If what you say is true, I'm looking forward to what lies in the future territory of the Duke. …However, excuse me for being impolite, but do you have the authority to appoint people?”
Glass showed him the Letter of Appointment. This was something her father had handed to her before she left for the province. She was surprised
Originally this was something her younger brother was to do. However,
because he gave her this position of authority, he's declaring that he is unsatisfied with Breton becoming his successor. So she is not going to make a habit of doing this.
”I will accept the offer with pleasure,” Eda said as he returned the latter to her
”Oh, you sure made your decision quite quickly. I thought you would take some time to think about it.”
”It is important for a merchant to have the ability to make quick decisions.”
”Regardless, I am thankful. Now then, I would like to talk about future plans in detail… I wonder, when will you have the time to visit me?”
”Please give me three days. Because I need to hand over all the work I have presently.”
”That suits me simply fine. Then, in three days, please come to the Mansion.”
”Certainly.”