Guided by the head of the guild, Benedict, Noein entered the building’s reception room with only Yuri, his attendant and bodyguard.
After seating himself on an expensive-looking sofa with Yuri standing behind him, Benedict sat across from Noein, with a table between them.
When a young employee served tea to the two and left the room, the discussion began. Though the number of items and the transaction were minimal, it was Noein’s first business negotiation in his life.
“Thank you for visiting our guild today, Lord Earlkvist.”
“Thank you for having me. Despite only being able to bring fur and magic stones obtained from the forest, I appreciate your hospitality, Guildmaster Miles.”
“Please, call me Benedict. If there’s anything our guild can assist you with in the future, do not hesitate to ask.”
It seemed Benedict intended to maintain a good relationship with him, Noein thought.
If Noein succeeded in his endeavors as a pioneering noble, the Miles Guild, having cultivated a good relationship early on, would profit. If Noein failed, they could easily sever ties. For Benedict, it was a win-win situation.
Benedict was not foolish enough to miss out on the opportunity to connect with a young noble with potential, even if it meant purchasing a few furs and magic stones at a higher price.
Noein, anticipating this, had approached this reputable guild.
“Regarding the items you’ve brought today, we have one Plumpdeer fur, eight Gluttony Rabbit furs, and their respective magic stones. How does a total of 5800 Rebros sound?”
The offered price was slightly higher than Noein had expected.
“That would be wonderful. I appreciate the generous offer.”
“I hope to maintain a close relationship with you, hence my generosity.”
“Thank you. I look forward to working with you, Benedict.”
Benedict responded with a friendly smile, and Noein returned the gesture.
…
“Phew, that was nerve-wracking.”
“Yeah right, you looked as laid-back as ever,” Yuri retorted, seeing Noein’s usual nonchalant expression.
“No, really. I’ve never done a proper business negotiation before, so I was trying hard not to be seen as a foolish youngster. The guildmaster seemed like a reasonable merchant, so we’ll likely have a long-term relationship. Even a simple greeting like this can’t be messed up.”
“You seemed to handle it just fine. At least you didn’t come off as an idiot.”
From Yuri’s perspective, Noein was quite sharp for his age, though his upbringing had made him somewhat cynical.
“That’s good to hear. Now, we just need to negotiate the purchase of dried meat and food supplies at Eliza’s store before heading back.”
…
While Noein and the others were out for business in Retvik, Mathilda and Mai were handling chores back at the settlement.
“So, all that’s left is washing the pots and dishes and doing the laundry, right?”
“Yes,” Mathilda replied briefly, not initiating much conversation herself.
“Don’t you trust us yet? Sure, we had a rough start, but we’re working hard here now.”
In reality, Mai and the other five had been diligently working on the settlement’s development every day for the past two weeks without rest.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you. I do believe you mean no harm anymore. It’s just…”
“Just what?”
“I don’t know how to interact or what to talk about with anyone besides Lord Noein. I haven’t had proper conversations with anyone else for the past six years.”
Though Mathilda’s expression remained stoic, there was a hint of regret in her face.
“…Pfft.”
“Why are you laughing?”
“I thought you still hated us, but it turns out you’re just shy. You’ve got a cute side behind that cold exterior.”
“C-Cute?”
Mai replied to the flustered Mathilda.
“So, you’ve been in a world with just Lord Noein, totally dependent on him, right? You love him and can’t see anyone else?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Oh my, your cheeks are turning red.”
“…!”
As Mathilda’s face turned slightly red despite her efforts to stay calm, she turned away in embarrassment.
“Depending on Lord Noein for everything is one form of love, and that’s fine. But you should also get used to talking to others, don’t you think?”
“…”
“If Lord Noein’s domain prospers, more people will come here. If you want to be useful to him, you should be able to talk to others.”
“You’re right. I agree.”
“You can practice with me. Let’s be friends, as fellow women.”
“…I’ll try.”
With a determined look, Mathilda agreed to Mai’s suggestion, making Mai smile wryly.
