Chapter 314: Capture Complete
As I opened the door to the office, Soleil greeted me with a smile, standing against the backdrop of a large window.
“…”
But suddenly, her expression faltered, and she staggered over to a leather chair, plopping down with a thud.
“I said I would bring a normal person. No, it’s my fault for forgetting that this person’s ‘normal’ isn’t really normal and getting my hopes up…”
She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk, her hands clasped together as she muttered to herself.
“Soleil-sama… Our guest seems bewildered,” Faramia gently pointed out to Soleil.
“…My apologies. Lord Paorul Haynes, it is a pleasure to meet you. I believe you have come to this island to consider the management of the ‘Spirit’s Branch’?”
Soleil stood up, her face shifting into a business smile.
So, the old man’s full name is Paorul Haynes. He actually has a surname.
“It is an honor to meet you, Soleil-sama. I have heard much about you—though I was brought here by Nii-sama this time, I had planned to visit later. However, I wonder if I am truly qualified to manage the branch, having lost my faith and abandoned the place I once served…”
Come on, old man, you need to show some enthusiasm in this interview!
“If Lord Paorul lacks qualifications, then nearly everyone would be unfit to be a manager,” Soleil replied, and the old man bowed his head in silence.
“This branch seems to have quite a unique personality. What kind of actions do you wish for it to take, and what blessings does it bestow?”
“It desires cleanliness and calls forth spirits—before we discuss details, let’s finalize the contract. Donations will go towards the maintenance of the ‘Spirit’s Branch,’ but forty percent will go to Lord Paorul. Additionally, a fixed monthly amount will be delivered. Please manage hiring personnel within that budget. Details are in this document.”
Soleil gestured for him to take a seat while providing a concise explanation.
“Forty percent is quite a lot. It says here that I can freely use the spirit’s water—while that might be fine for an independent temple, if the branch is genuine, it belongs to the town. Shouldn’t it be under the lord’s jurisdiction?”
The old man scanned the document as he spoke.
Sorry, but even if I draw the stable income source of water from the nearby waterway, the effect probably won’t change.
“We have restrictions on entering the island. To be honest, we can’t expect the same income as other towns or Naruadeid. Given this environment, I wouldn’t say it’s modest, but if Lord Paorul is here, I could increase it by ten percent,” Soleil said with a smile.
Before I knew it, tea had been prepared, and the old man and Orlando were reviewing the documents and conditions. Meanwhile, Soleil was elegantly glossing over the truth about the branch.
I watched while sipping my tea. It was somewhat amusing to see Auro and Kiel standing at the door with serious expressions.
“If you plan to bring your companions, they can join as well.”
As it came time to sign the contract, Faramia prepared the document on the desk and stepped back.
Satisfied with the conditions, the old man signed the contract, followed by Orlando.
“Alright! Secured!” I cheered, throwing my fist into the air.
“Huh?” Orlando let out a bewildered sound.
Auro had somehow approached and placed the signed documents and writing instruments in front of me.
“Eh!?” Orlando’s eyes widened as he looked at me.
“Isn’t the contracting party Soleil-sama, but rather Nii-sama? I thought you held an important position, but are you a deputy or a steward…?”
“Wha—what!? To have the lord here and yet the contracting party be someone else, what an insult to Lord Haynes!” Orlando fumed.
“No, the contractor is indeed the lord of this island. He is my lord,” Auro said cheerfully.
“Sorry, I might be a bit dizzy, but I’m the lord, Soleil Nii. Wait, is it Nii Soleil?”
“You can’t just add a surname later and expect it to make sense,” Kiel said, who had been standing with a respectful demeanor in the room until now.
“I usually stand in as the lord’s representative, but I only manage operations. Everything on this island, including the Spirit’s Branch, belongs to Nii-sama. There are many changelings here, but the contractor is still Nii-sama,” Soleil explained with a sigh.
“Wh—what!? I haven’t heard anything like that! What kind of information control is going on here?!” Orlando shouted.
“The fact that I am a representative is stated in the contract, you know? But for some reason, even when I deny it, everyone immediately goes back to thinking of me as the lord! I understand that having the same name can be confusing, but even the heads of the Merchant Guild and Shipping Guild!? It’s ridiculous!?” Soleil yelled.
Looks like I’ve got a fellow shouter already on the job.
“Oh, about the wishes that the Spirit’s Branch should protect, there aren’t any in particular. And the only effect it has on the town is attracting spirits. There’s no demon beast repellent, so keep that in mind,” I said, handing the signed contract to Auro.
“Huh!? That’s absurd! There’s no way such a branch exists! Where did you get it from?!”
“Such branches do exist. Just give up,” I said, trying to calm the agitated Orlando.
“What is the purpose of the branch?!”
“A decoration to ward off temples.”
“That can’t be true!”
“…Ah, what a very ordinary opinion.”
Soleil seemed to be moved, her eyes glistening with tears.
I’m glad to see she’s satisfied, but it’s getting a bit noisy.