Chapter 29: A Warning
“Benno, it’s been a while.”
“Benno-san, hello!”
Upon entering the old, worn-out reception room, Benno slowly stood up, a charming smile on his face.
“Is that your pride-and-joy son next to you, Benno?”
Usually, it’s just Benno, but today he had a child of about ten years old with him. The child sat there in a daze, staring at Cornelia. Was he captivated by her? Well, Cornelia is indeed as beautiful as a fairy. I can’t say I don’t understand how he feels.
“Yes. It has been a long time, Baron Baumgarten-sama, Cornelia-ojousama. Hey, Arnaud! Stand up properly and greet them!”
“Ouch!?”
With a thwack, Benno mercilessly struck Arnaud on the head, and Arnaud shot up as if jolted, bowing his head.
“M-My apologies! I am Benno’s son, Arnaud. It is an honor beyond measure to meet Baron Baumgarten-sama and Cornelia-ojousama!”
Benno probably drilled it into him. Arnaud delivered a textbook greeting. Well, he’s only ten, so I suppose this is to be expected.
“My apologies, Baron Baumgarten-sama. I thought it might still be too early for Arnaud to meet you both, but commoners begin their apprenticeship in their parents’ trade from the age of ten, so I brought him along today.”
“Don’t worry about it. Arnaud, you must be tired from the long journey. Have you gotten used to the work?”
Perhaps not expecting me to speak to him, Arnaud blinked rapidly, looking back and forth between me and Benno.
“Arnaud, answer Baron Baumgarten-sama’s question promptly.”
Realizing he wouldn’t get any backup from his father, Arnaud opened and closed his mouth several times before finally managing to speak.
“Um, it’s all so new, I haven’t gotten used to it yet…”
“Haaah…”
Hearing Arnaud’s pathetic answer, Benno couldn’t help but sigh.
That’s right. This was a chance to show he was capable at his job. Lying isn’t good, but there’s a way to phrase things. For example, just changing it slightly to “It’s all so new, and it’s fun” would make a big difference in how it’s received.
Well, I suppose Benno will teach him those subtleties from now on. Being a merchant’s son must be tough.
“There’s no need to sigh like that, is there, Benno? He’s much better than a fool who tells lies.”
“You are right. I am grateful for your merciful words, Baron Baumgarten-sama.”
“So, if I recall, I asked for chickens last time, didn’t I? How many did you manage to gather?”
“Yes. Regarding the chickens, we were able to prepare seventeen this time. Five roosters and twelve hens. As per your instructions, Baron Baumgarten-sama, we gathered more hens.”
“You’ve done well, Benno.”
“I am honored.”
Benno bowed his head with an expression that said it was only natural, and Arnaud watched him with sparkling eyes.
My dad, dealing with a noble on equal terms, is so cool!
Something like that, I guess?
“This Benno presumes that Baron Baumgarten-sama intends to start poultry farming.”
“That’s right. That’s the plan.”
“In that case, I thought you might desire someone experienced in poultry farming, so I have prepared such a person.”
“Oh? I certainly do want one, but…”
“He is the third son of someone who runs a poultry farm, and he has thoroughly learned the trade. If you wish, I can call him immediately. Would you like to meet him?”
“You brought him today?”
“Yes.”
It’s obvious since we don’t even have chickens to begin with, but there’s no one in the Baumgarten Territory with experience in poultry farming. I vaguely thought that chickens, like the ones we raised at school in my previous life, would be easy to raise, but if there’s a reliable expert available, I definitely want them.
I had given up, thinking it would be difficult to recruit an expert, but if one is available, then hiring him is the only option.
“Call him at once.”
“Certainly. Arnaud, go call him.”
“Yes!”
As I watched Arnaud run off, I was impressed by Benno’s efficiency.
“That was a fruitful negotiation.”
“Baron Baumgarten-sama…”
“What is it?”
The negotiations had concluded, and just as we were about to disperse, Benno called out to stop me. His face looked worried as he gazed at me. Did something happen?
“I also do business with merchant guilds that are on good terms with Margrave Huebner-sama, so various rumors reach my ears… I have heard that Margrave Huebner-sama was quite angered by your attitude, Baron Baumgarten-sama. I humbly believe you should prioritize the well-being of your house…”
“Is that so…”
I had a feeling he’d probably realize it soon, but it seems Margrave Huebner has seen through my feigned illness.
He seems to be furious with me for going as far as faking an illness to refuse becoming friends with his son.
So Benno is indirectly saying that it would be better to obey Margrave Huebner’s wishes, isn’t he?
Certainly, Benno’s point is valid. It’s rare for a vassal family to defy the orders of their Guardian.
Besides, even if I told him I’m just trying to avoid him because he’s doomed in the future, he’d only think I’ve lost my mind.
I know that. To someone who doesn’t know the circumstances, it must look like I’m just being selfish.
But, if it were just me, it might be fine, but Cornelia is here too. It means I’ll be ignoring Benno’s advice, but I absolutely cannot compromise.