Two days after the major cleaning of the sake brewery, Father returned.
“So that’s what happened. It was my mistake not to assign guards. I’m sorry, Toma .”
“No, we hadn’t anticipated anything like that, so it couldn’t be helped.”
In a small village where everyone knew each other, we never expected something like this to happen. In hindsight, perhaps we had grown complacent in our peace. I, too, reflected on my lack of vigilance.
Jin had noticed three adventurer-like men loitering near the sake brewery, but with the increase in population and adventurers, we didn’t pay them much mind. The three men disappeared from the territory the same day the thieves broke in. They are likely the culprits, so we drew sketches of them to aid in the search.
“We sent soldiers to pursue the thieves, but it seems they’ve already left the territory, and their trail has gone cold.”
“That can’t be helped. The best we can do now is distribute wanted posters with their sketches to neighboring territories.”
Father remarked that if those three were just henchmen, the mastermind who obtained the sake malt might have already killed them.
“From now on, let’s tighten security around the sake brewery.”
“I think we should also keep an eye on the cheese production.”
“What do you mean? Weren’t they only after the sake malt?”
“I haven’t told anyone else, but the thieves laced the stolen sake malt with poison.”
“What!? Is that true?”
“Yes, I discovered it thanks to the blessings of Deuro-sama.”
“Poison, huh…”
It wasn’t a lie that Deuro-sama’s blessings helped me, but was he not believing me too easily…?
While I appreciated the trust he had in me, the guilt weighed heavily.
Someday, I’d tell Father and Mother the truth. But for now, I wasn’t ready.
“I’ve disposed of all the horse malt in the brewery. We’ve also thoroughly cleaned the barrels, equipment, and the brewery itself. There’s no poison left.”
“Well done. I’m glad you took care of things in my absence, Toma .”
“No, I failed to act while you were away. It’s my fault for letting this happen.”
“That’s not true. Even if I were here, the thieves likely would have still struck. Considering they went as far as poisoning the malt, it’s clear someone is trying to sabotage our production of ‘Horse King’ and tarnish its reputation.”
Father and I then discussed not only the sake brewery but also security measures across the territory.
“With the population increasing, perhaps we should expand the territorial army.”
“That’s a good idea. Strength lies in numbers.”
“And we should also hire more workers for the brewery.”
“May I ask why?”
“Several nobles who gathered at the Bayerlein Ducal House complained that there isn’t enough ‘Horse King.’ Right now, it’s only popular in the southern region, but eventually, it will spread throughout the entire kingdom. We should prepare for mass production now.”
“I see… How many workers do you think we’ll need?”
“To achieve at least five times the current production, we’ll need about ten more workers.”
Father’s foresight was sound. Moreover, spreading Deuro-sama’s name—through ‘Horse King’—beyond the kingdom to other countries was a goal I wholeheartedly supported. Recruiting more people was a step in the right direction.
Now, we had the honor of hosting some distinguished guests—a high-ranking priest from the temple’s main headquarters had arrived.
Father, Mother, I, and Daigo, the priest in charge of the Ashud Territory temple, greeted them.
The leader was Cardinal Michelle Dardel, a nearly 70-year-old woman with white hair. She leaned on a staff and appeared frail, but there was an air about her that warned against underestimating her.
The entourage included 20 temple knights, three lady attendants to care for Cardinal Dardel, a handful of coachmen, and other staff.
“Greetings, everyone. I am Michelle Dardel, a Cardinal of the Nirgnid faith. I look forward to your acquaintance.”
“Thank you for your gracious introduction. I am Rob Ashud Rocksfall, the lord of this territory. My title is Knight Baron.”
While nobility outranked clergy in status, Cardinal Dardel was a significant figure in the Nirgnid faith, the national religion of the Kurdia Kingdom. Protocol demanded that we treat her with utmost respect.
After Father, Daigo, and Mother introduced themselves, it was my turn.
“I am Toma , son of Rob Ashud Rocksfall.”
I introduced myself with my right hand over my chest and bowed at a 45-degree angle in the most formal noble gesture.
“We don’t have much to offer, but please, this way.”
Father led Cardinal Dardel to the reception room, accompanied by one of her lady attendants and four temple knights.
Our mansion, which usually felt spacious, seemed suddenly small with the presence of Cardinal Dardel and her entourage.
Inside the reception room, it was Father, Daigo, and I who entertained our guests. Mother was busy overseeing the evening banquet preparations with the village women, working tirelessly to prepare the feast.
I sat across from Cardinal Dardel, with Father between us. Daigo stood behind me, while the temple knights and lady attendant stood behind the Cardinal.
Our butler, Johnson, served herbal tea, which Father offered to Cardinal Dardel. This tea, made from a local herb called “Umyaa,” was known for its fatigue-relieving properties—perfect for an elderly traveler.
“Oh my, this tea is delightful,” she said.
“It’s made from a local herb called Umyaa. I’m glad you like it,” Father replied.
It seemed we were off to a good start.
