“It’s frustrating to be outdone by that old hag, but knowing the sake was crafted by Toma for me eases my irritation.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased. By the way, about the matter I mentioned in the letter…”
“Yes, I’ve thought it through carefully.”
Grandfather pulled a parchment from his coat and held it up for Father and me to see.
- Medicinal Sake for Fatigue Recovery: Chomeishu
- Medicinal Sake for Blood Circulation: Reihashu
There were no objections, so the decision was made immediately. These would be sold bearing the crests of the Bayerlein and Roxfall families. Each would come in 750ml bottles, accompanied by 20ml cups, priced at 6,000G per bottle due to the high cost of the medicinal ingredients used.
Although distilled alcohol from the Maoh (King of Horses) was used, the alcohol content of these medicinal sakes was notably low—perhaps because the focus was on their medicinal properties, not their role as alcohol.
“Ha-ha-ha! This puts me ahead of that old hag!”
“‘Ahead?'”
“She only has her Affelpopp, but I have Chomeishu and Reihashu. That’s two to one! I win! Ahahaha!”
Grandfather, there’s no need to compete over this… You’re so playful.
Having completed and named the two medicinal sakes, Grandfather was in the best mood ever. Together with my parents, Ziegwald, and Grandfather, I headed to Axel territory.
To our surprise, Grandmother came out to greet us at the entrance.
“Grandma!”
Little Ziegwald, held by Mother, stretched out his arms toward Grandmother.
“Oh my, Sieg-chan. Let Grandma hold you.”
“Daa!”
Then, Grandmother rose from her wheelchair and began to walk.
“Wh-what!?”
Grandmother was walking. Father, Mother, and I were stunned into silence.
“Thanks to you, Toma , I can walk like this now. Thank you.”
“I’m so glad you’re able to walk again, Grandmother!”
“I must have worried everyone,” she said with a smile, while tears streamed down Grandfather’s face. He must have known already, yet he was overwhelmed. The servants, too, were visibly moved.
Through her persistence in rehabilitation, Grandmother had regained enough strength to take a few steps.
“Madam,” Sebastian brought the wheelchair, and Grandfather helped Grandmother sit down. Ziegwald climbed onto her lap, and she cradled him with a warm smile.
“Just a little more time, and I’ll be able to take Sieg-chan for a walk. Wait for me, okay?”
“Daa-daa.”
Our visit to Axel territory wasn’t just to see Grandmother.
Previously, on my way to Axel, I had been attacked by soldiers of the Marquis of Lightstar.
As a knight-baron, Father wouldn’t be taken seriously in directly questioning the Marquis. So Grandfather took it upon himself to make inquiries. The response had arrived.
“The individual in question was once affiliated with our house but is no longer connected to us. Therefore, their actions bear no relation to our house.”
It was a blatant attempt to wash their hands of the matter. Despite this, the attackers vehemently claimed to have acted under orders from the Marquis.
I couldn’t help but wonder why they trusted someone like the Marquis of Lightstar. Surely, they knew they would be betrayed. Perhaps their families were taken hostage.
“That bastard! Not only did he target Toma , but he also dared to insult me. How should I deal with him?”
Grandfather’s fury was like a storm.
“I’ll destroy the Lightstar family. The very thought of them being noble equals in this kingdom disgusts me!”
I had my own grievances against them—anger and a desire for revenge. But surprisingly, I found myself less enraged than I was with that so-called divine emissary, Tiraia.
Reflecting on this, I realized it was because my previous life’s parents were far worse. Nothing compares to that.
“Lord Rob, it will take time, but I promise to deliver justice to that family. Please be patient.”
“I understand this won’t be easy. But when the time comes, I want to lead the charge.”
“Well said! When the time comes, I’ll count on you.”
“Thank you.”
“Toma , bear with it for a little longer.”
“I leave it all to you, Grandfather.”
While I could potentially mobilize the temple to act now, I had no intention of doing so.
I simply couldn’t trust a temple that venerates a false deity like Tiraia. Though taking over and using the temple might be an option.
Back in the Ashud Territory, I immediately taught Jin and Ram how to make the medicinal sakes.
The brewery had been expanded, and additional workers were hired. The Ashud Territory was becoming a major hub for sake production.
The income from Maoh alone surpassed the territory’s tax revenue, funding harbor construction and internal development.
The progress of Ashud Territory’s growth was a blessing. I hoped it would continue smoothly.
“Lord Toma , I hear a new type of sake has been introduced in the east,” said Lord Dardale, who had come to check on me under the pretense of a social call.
I had expected stolen sake yeast to eventually appear in a new product, so I had alerted the temple to monitor for any suspicious developments. Now, there was talk of a new sake emerging.
“It’s said to rival the taste of Maoh.”
“I’m glad to hear of more excellent sake, considering Maoh can’t meet all the demand.”
Despite increased production, demand for Maoh far outstripped supply. Having other high-quality options was not a bad thing.
“Where is it being made?”
“In Viscount Fiatt’s Bettanbams Territory, I believe.”
“The name sounds familiar…”
“He’s a relative of the Marquis of Lightstar.”
“Ah, of course!”
A blood relation to that family… Given the connection, it was highly likely that stolen yeast was involved.
“Lord Dardale, this sake may be fine in moderation but could cause health issues if consumed excessively. Please keep it under observation.”
“Understood. I’ll monitor the situation closely.”
If skilled brewers used that yeast, they could make decent sake. However, the yeast, when used outside of the altitude of our brewery, would mutate.
Sake made with the altered yeast could cause temporary health issues—blurred vision, joint pain, and fatigue. Such a product on the market would have serious consequences.
Of course, it’s possible the yeast wasn’t used, and I wanted to believe not all relatives of the Lightstar family were malicious.
